Remembering Joseph Morse, Former MCE Board Member, Executive Director, and Co-Founder
Maryland Capital Enterprises mourns the passing of Joseph Ervin Morse, who entered eternal rest on November 1, 2024, at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional. A visionary leader and champion of small businesses, Joe was not only one of MCE’s co-founders but also served as a past executive director and board member. His legacy lives on in the mission and values of our organization.
Born on November 16, 1940, in Tuskegee, Alabama, Joe was the son of the late Malachi and Cleopatra Morse. After excelling in his public-school education, he earned a scholarship to Howard University, where he pursued his passion for learning and community service. He graduated with a master’s degree in construction management technology and later earned his law degree, equipping him with the tools to make a significant impact in his career and community.
Joe’s professional journey included working with Shore-Up, Incorporated, and serving as CEO and Publisher of The African American Pride Magazine. His dedication to entrepreneurship and his community earned him numerous accolades, including the Minority Small Business Champion Award, the NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Humanitarian Service to the Community Award, and the 2015 Maryland Small Business Week Minority Business Champion Award.
Joseph Morse’s life was a testament to hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to service. At Maryland Capital Enterprises, we are profoundly grateful for his contributions to our organization and the community. His impact will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the work he helped begin.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time.