Maria Olivia Tabb Norman
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Photo: The Rejoicing Singers, courtesy of Sylvia Tabb-Lee
Photo Courtesy: Troy Roots
Mrs. Maria Olivia Tabb Norman
Maria Olivia Tabb Norman was born on June 23, 1951 in Williamsburg, Virginia. She began her education at the Bruton Heights School and later was one of the first students to integrate the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools during the Freedom of Choice era. She graduated from James Blair High School in 1969 following the first full year of mandatory integration.
Maria Tabb Norman began singing as a young child and has had a long career as a performer, including in the Rejoicing Singers.
Interview with Mrs. Maria Olivia Tabb Norman and Mrs. Sylvia Tabb Lee | Conducted by Amy Quark | November 9, 2021 | The Village Initiative Collection
In this oral history, Mrs. Maria Olivia Tabb Norman and her sister, Mrs. Sylvia Tabb-Lee (1956-) recall their family life and the work of their parents, Rev. James Bowden Tabb, Sr. (1926-1996) and Mrs. Edna Beatrice Green Tabb (1928-1978), during the Civil Rights era in Williamsburg. Mrs. Norman also reflects on her experiences as one of the first students to integrate the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools.
Rev. James B. Tabb, Sr. (1926-1996)
Mrs. Edna Beatrice Green Tabb (1928-1978)
The Rejoicing Singers
The Rejoicing Singers
Mrs. Maria Tabb Norman is a member of The Rejoicing Singers alongside Mrs. Sylvia Tabb-Lee, Mr. Jesse Bell, and Mr. Robert Hall. The Rejoicing Singers generously recorded the two performances below as entertainment for The Local Black Histories Project Online Launch Event in November 2021.
The Lord is Blessing Me, presented by The Rejoicing Singers, featuring Mrs. Sylvia Tabb Lee, Mrs. Maria Olivia Tabb Norman, Mr.Jesse Bell, and Mr. Robert Hall | Filmed by Mark Whitfield and Stephen Locklin, edited by Mark Whitfield | November 9, 2021 | The Village Initiative Collection
A Building Not Made by Hand, presented by The Rejoicing Singers, featuring Mrs. Sylvia Tabb Lee, Mrs. Maria Olivia Tabb Norman, Mr. Jesse Bell, and Mr. Robert Hall | Filmed by Mark Whitfield and Stephen Locklin, edited by Mark Whitfield | November 9, 2021 | The Village Initiative Collection
Members of the James Blair High School Class of 1969 attending a celebration of Maria Tabb Norman's musical accomplishments
L to R: Jonathan Jackson, Troy Roots, Gloria Bartlett Dover, Carlene Wilder, Crystal Epps Fuller, Maria Tabb Norman, Rev. Ronald Ellis, Iris Judkins
Photo courtesy: Troy Roots
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