Entrepreneur Byron Jennings is speaker for the Men’s Prayer Breakfast at St. Francis of Assisi

Entrepreneur Byron Jennings of Dallas, Texas is the speaker for the Men’s Prayer Breakfast on March 16, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church on 2000 Phillip Street in Prairie View.  Patrons are welcome to participate in the fellowship and the free breakfast and are asked to confirm attendance at stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net or call 936-857-3272.

Jennings is the founder and CEO of Next Generation Payroll, the largest Black-owned payroll, HR, and benefits provider in the country that uses its own software. The company was launched in 2017 in Dallas, Texas by Jennings who is a group health benefits broker that educates the small business community on navigating employee benefit options and services small businesses across the United States.  To celebrate six years in business, Byron has plans to partnering with major health insurance carriers (e.g. Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Allstate) to promote group health plans that are eligible for premium refunds. 

Byron comments, “We have all heard that high risk yields a high reward, and more entrepreneurs are getting on onboard with the health plans that my company, Next Generation Payroll, is promoting without hesitation.  Adding a stop loss insurance plan to the deal essentially eliminates the risk by providing resources to pay for the occasional excessive health insurance claim.”

In addition to his Senior Manager’s role with Next Generation Payroll, Byron is an HR Business Partner with Go Kleen Janitorial Services-Houston; Business Manager with Mane Concepts Hair-Dallas; Learning Manager/Recruiter-The Real Insurance Lady-Houston and Talent Acquisition Manager/Consultant with Extra Care Md-Fort Worth. His engagements include assisting the businesses to reshape and develop organizational structure and roles of the employees/owner to help facilitate revenue growth and expansion through the acquisition of local competitors; to expand a single-suite salon to a thriving multi-location women’s salon; manage and negotiate purchases of additional facilities, create infrastructure, marketing, and growth strategies for well-established branding and offer consultative services to managing partners develop the leadership skills of their department managers and implementing a robust EHR software solution.

Jennings is a 2006 graduate of Prairie View A&M University with the Bachelor of Science degree Biology and the 2010 graduate of Texas A&M University with the Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences. For those asking the question how did a scientist by education rose to the level of founding and running a business conglomerate? Byron says, “I believe that improving people, policy, process, culture, and awareness are key to creating efficiently run workspaces with high performers. The focal point of my experience revolves around helping employers construct ecosystems that are equally profitable and beneficial for the employee, manager, and stakeholder.”

The Men’s Breakfast is commemorating its 20-plus years at St. Francis of Assisi, and the current team include Donald Sowell (Coordinator), Albert Garfield, Glenn Berry, Darryl Johnson, Charles Muse, Frederick V. Roberts, Michael Sowell, William Sowell and Herbert Thomas.

For more information on Next Generation’s benefits and self-funded health insurance, visit their website at www.ngpayroll.com.

Roberts is Alpha Phi Alpha Alumni Brother of the Year

Frederick V. Roberts, a member of the Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was named Alumni Brother of the Year for the Texas District at the Texas Council of Alpha Chapters Convention in San Antonio, Texas on February 9-11, 2024.

This marks the fourth consecutive award for Roberts who was initiated at the Eta Gamma Chapter in November 1974.

The award is based on the contributions to the fraternity at the national, region and district with participation in the fraternity's national programs and projects.  Additionally the brothers contributions to the development and enhancement of the brotherhood, contributions to the community and the university, civic engagement, professional development and overall citizenship and recognition for services to the community at large.

Some of Roberts' engagement serving as the Parliamentarian for the Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapter,  the Prairie View A&M National Alumni Association, Prairie View Local Alumni, the Prairie View City Chamber of Commerce and the Prairie View Retired Teachers and School Personnel Association; Interim Communications Director, One Hundred Black Men of America, Metropolitan Houston Chapter, former Secretary Prairie View Economic Development Corporation 4B; member of Phi Delta Kappa Education Fraternity, National Association of Black MBA's and the National Association of Black Accountants.

Roberts other engagements include serving as a member of the Collegiate Advisory Committee for Eta Gamma Chapter, Advisor for the Collegiate 100, Frederick Douglass Leadership Institute and United Brand Association at Prairie View A&M University.  Additionally, Roberts provide leadership and Parliamentary Training for the Top Teens of America Prairie View Chapter, the Class of 2024 and the P3 Mentoring Programs at Prairie View A&M University.  Roberts is occasionally asked to serve as speaker for various events; direct programs and activities.  For the past 40 years, Roberts as served as Co-Chairman and Producer for the Miss Old Gold and Black Scholarship Pageant, producer for the Mr. Collegiate African American Leadership Program and Pageant.  Roberts is a Journalist and frequently writes stories for Prairie View Today, the Waller County Express, Waller Times, African American News and Issues and other media outlets.

Roberts is looking forward to representing the TCAC District at the upcoming Southwest Region Convention in New Orleans in March 2024.

Prairie View Alphas Wins Fifth TCAC District Awards

The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Eta Gamma Chapter at Prairie View A&M University and Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapter in Prairie View claimed its Fifth-consecutive Charles H. Wesley Brotherhood Award at the Texas Council of Alpha Chapters District Convention on February 10, 2024 held that Western Mariott Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.

The chapters’ win was based on their participation in the organization’s national programs and special Initiatives, to include support for Project Alpha (male mentoring), A Voteless People is a Hopeless People (voter education), Go to High School, Go to College, Brother’s Keeper (service for widows/senior Alphas), Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the March of Dimes at the university and the in the community at large. Representing the Texas Council of Alpha Chapters for the fourth straight year was icing on the cake for the Brothers who also won the National Award from the General Awards Committee in 2022.

In addition to the Wesley Award, members of Eta Gamma Chapter won the Step Show, the Debate Contest and the Collegiate Scholars Bowl and will represent the District at the Southwest Regional Award in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 23.

The Alumni Brother of the Year Award went to Frederick V. Roberts for his service to the fraternity, the brotherhood and community at large.

Miss Joceyln Dorsey, from the Eta Gamma Chapter was crowned the 2024 Miss Old Gold and Black and will represent the district at the convention in New Orleans. Dorsey's win is a repeat for the chapter with Chloe Nyree Tolbert winning the title in 2023.  Miss Eniyah Watson was 4th runner-up.

 
More than 40 brothers representing the chapters attended the convention and look forward to the regional convention seeking a sixth win of the Charles H. Wesley Brotherhood Award.

Aside from the Awards, the convention provided several opportunities for brothers to enhance their leadership development, chapter management and program development in the various workshops.  The Brothers also participated in a visit to the Camp Logan to pay homage to the decease Black Soldiers who were recently interned with full military honors. They also took part in the Community Forum and other general events.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, is the first fraternity for Black college men founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

Joe Darden is president of Eta Gamma Chapter and Mark Spivey is president of Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapter.  For information on the Prairie View Chapters, visit epsilontaulambda.com

Dorsey and Watson wins 2024 Miss Old Gold and Black Scholarship Pageant

The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Eta Gamma Chapter (Prairie View A&M University) and Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapters, hosted its 39th Annual Miss Old Gold and Black Scholarship Pageant on January 26, 2024, which featured 18 of the most academically talented, ambitious and progress women at Prairie View A&M University vying for one of two crowns.

After seven-rounds of competition Miss Jocelyn Dorsey was crowned Miss Old Gold and Black - Eta Gamma Chapter and Eniyah Watson - Miss Old Gold and Black - Epilon Tau Lambda.  Both young women will represent the chapters at the Miss Old Gold and Black Pageant at the 60th Texas Conference of Alpha Chapters set for February 8-11 at the Westin Mariott in San Antonio, Texas.

The eighteen contestants selected from the field of forty-five applicants are Serina Alderson, Allonah Lee Ashworth, Christen Austin, Carrington Brice, Jocelyn Denyce Dorsey, Anaya J. Evans, Ashlei Sade Hunter, LaNiya Lawson, JaiRenee Mccoy, Amarys Royal, Teja L. Taylor, Saratha Thiam, Jyllian Walker, Eniyah Sanaa Watson, Courtnie P. Welch, Ajah White, Kennedy Janae Williams, and Ennissa Wright.

Other winners are Allonah Ashworth was named First Runner-up.  In addition to the title, Jocelyn was the winner of the Evening-wear, Onstage Interview and tied with Eniyah for second place in the Scholarship Competition; Saratha Thiam won the Personal Interview, Serina Alderson won the Projection and Talent Competitions and Kennedy Janae Williams won the Fitness and Lifestyle Competition.
 
Jocelyn is a junior Vocal Performance student from Houston, Texas.  She aspires to be a Contemporary Christian Artist, Entrepreneur and a Broadway Star.  She lives by Philippians 4:13:  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Her platform is "Let your Real light shine: Excellence, Authenticity and Community; Inspiring students and my HBCU to pursue excellence in their studies and goals while learning to be their authentic selves and paying forward to their community through service.  Some of her achievements include Tommy Tune Award Winning Best Actress, TMEA All-State Women's Choir and National Opera Association 2nd Place (first HBCU to place). She is a member of the University Concert Chorale and the PVAMU Singers.  Her civic and community engagement include volunteering at the Houston Food Bank, Congresswoman Sheila Jacksoon Lee Toys for Tots, Arts Mentorship and Vocal and Acting Coach.  Among her favorits are Chandler Moore and Beyonce' (singers); Boiled Seafood; Dreamgirls, Love & Basketball and Elementals (movies); Dogs (she owns a pup); Bible and the Book of Ruth.  When asked her reason for competing, Jocelyn stated, "I have been eagerly waiting for an opportunity such as this. Being Miss Old Gold and Black would provide me with the opportunity to inspire, cultivate and pay it forward to my community and my beloved HBCU. I want to be a voice for the voices that are overlooked and counted out, I want to provide a fresh new perspective to the student body, as well as being an active role model of what it means to walk in authenticity, excellence and grace.
 
Eniyah is a junior Pre-Nursing student from Tyler, Texas and aspires to become a registered nurse.  Her experiences in leadership positions include being a certified Medical Assistant and Cosmetologist. Her civic and community engagement finds her volunteering for Back to School Drives, Salvation Army, Wyld Life, Young Life, and the Houston Foodbank service.  At the university she is the Captain of the Panther Dolls Dance Team which provides entertainment throughout the year, particularly the half time show at the Basketball games. If she was to give a high school address, Eniyah stated that she would address the importance to never give up on your dreams, no matter if is going to college, getting a job or any sort of career. She would emphasize the point that eventhough life has its bumps you should always strive for something whether it’s a big or small goal.   When asked why she wanted to become Miss Old Gold and Black, she said, "I wish to be Miss Old Gold and Black to represent what ‘Striving Against the Odds” looks like. Being able to help, comfort, and uplift those students around me. Having the chance to be an act of service in the school and to the community while also showing who I am while also making a positive impact on others.  Miss Watson would love to invite Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King to her fantasy dinner because of the leadership, commitment to civil and equal rights and their powerful movement to help others.
 
The pageant was coproduced and directed by Frederick V. Roberts, Javari Simmons and Terrance Bolton under the theme "Visions of the Golden Reignaissance and opened to a rousing rendition of Beyonce's Renaissance.

Pagent officials expect a repeat win at the TCAC Competion, which was won by Chloe Nyree Tolbert, Miss Old Gold and Black - Eta Gamma who represented the district at the Southwest Region Convention, held in Fort Worth, Texas in March 2023.  Gabrielle Orji, Miss Old Gold and Black - Epsilon Tau Lambda.  Past chapter winners include Coy Henderson Hooey, Brandi Byers and Destiny Jefferson.

20 PVAMU Coeds vie for Miss Old Gold and Black Title

The Miss Old Gold and Black Scholarship Pageant announces that 20 Contestants will vie for the 2024 title, scholarship and the opportunity to represent the chapters. The contestants were selected from a field of 48 candidates seeking to compete in the 37th Annual event sponsored by the Eta Gamma (Prairie View A&M University) and Epsilon Tau Lambda (Prairie View) Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Prairie View A&M University set for January 26, 2024.

The twenty contestants, the largest number for any pageant in the history of the program and the university, comes from varied backgrounds, experiences, talents, academic standing and classification, and career ambitions. The contestant's majors vary from Agriculture to Zoology with Business, Education, Engineering and Pre-medicine in between. Their future goals include educators, entrepreneurs, business and government leaders to doctors, lawyers, nurses, engineers and forever teachers.

Persons and organizations are invited to support the pageant with donations in scholarships, products or purchasing advertisement.  For information click the link.

The Producers and Staff are aggressively looking for an exciting production under the theme: VISIONS – of a Golden Reignaissance.™ Additionally, the contestants will participate in weekly sessions preparing for the big day. They will engage in personal and professional development seminars and workshops focusing on their talents, wardrobe selection, the art of the personal interview, modeling, etiquette and dining, dance, platform development and implementation and other career enhancement in addition to community service.

The pageant is a national program of the fraternity created in 1976 and hosted by its local chapters. The pageant is a source of excellence for women in character education, value clarification, economic and social empowerment, role-modeling, mentoring, commitment to service to humanity and to provide opportunities that present her in a positive way. At its 1976 convention in New York the first winner was Miss Denise Smith, representing Zeta Mu Chapter at Georgia State University. After a five-year the pageant returned in 1981 with the competition at the 1982 General Convention in Los Angeles, California.

​Since 1981, the Eta Gamma Chapter has hosted the Miss Black and Gold Pageant with the first pageant in 1982 at Prairie View A&M University. The Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapter has co-hosted the pageant since 1982 with the selection of two queens, thus becoming the first and only sustaining alumni chapter with a representative in the Texas District Pageant.

Over the years, the chapters had winners at the Texas District level with TCAC winner Coy Henderson (Epsilon Tau Lambda), Nadia Greer (Eta Gamma), Adibisi Adele (Eta Gamma), Destiny Jefferson (Epsilon Tau Lambda) and the current winner Chloe Nyr'ee Tolbert (Eta Gamma) and 2nd runner-up Gabrielle Orji (Epsilon Tau Lambda), Kiera Hooey (Epsilon Tau Lambda) - 1st Runner-up; Briana Clark (Epsilon Tau Lambda), 2nd Runner-up in 2014; Joselyn Eusery (Eta Gamma) and Christina Balthazar (Epsilon Tau Lambda) being named to top Seven; and Nakisha Francois (Eta Gamma), Moriah Cobert, (Epsilon Tau Lambda) and Z’Nae Mangum (Eta Gamma) being named 2nd Runner-up to TCAC Miss Black & Gold.

The winners and former contestants have also benefited from the experiences as they competed in other pageants, including the Miss PVAMU: Brandy Byars, Moriah Colbert, Ivy Walls and Z’Nae Mangum have all claimed the Miss PVAMU title, while others have been named runners-up to Miss PVAMU - Mya Campbell - 1st, Kala Washington - 1st and Kala Robinson - 1st; and Melanie Hollis - 2nd.

​The Miss Old Gold and Black Pageant continues to be an important activity for the students at Prairie View A&M University and the young ladies give tremendous credit to the pageant for their achievements and success as student leaders and role models for other students.

 Additional information:  missblackandgoldprairieview@gmail.com

Waller County Constable Herschel Smith is Men’s Prayer Breakfast Speaker at St. Francis of Assisi

Constable Herschel Smith, Waller County Precinct 3, is the Men’s Prayer Breakfast Speaker on October 21, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 2000 Phillip Street. All men of the community are welcome to participate in the fellowship and the free breakfast.  Please call 936-857-3732 or write: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net to confirm attendance.

 

Constable Smith was first elected in 2012 and has since been reelected in 2016 and 2020. After taking office in January 2013, Constable Smith committed himself to being a hardworking Elected Official of Waller County by laying the groundwork for community engagement and protection. He was instrumental in improving the service to the community and increased the number of deputies to 30 serving and volunteering their time along with him in the precinct.  With the help of a generous Houston businessman who donated $50,000, purchased eight (8) patrol vehicles added to the fleet of only three (3). With relentless perseverance the Precinct 3 building was renovated to accommodate the increased workload and activities in the precinct.  For the past 11 years, Constable Smith has provided Free Barbecue to the citizens of Prairie View and Waller County area commemorating the Juneteenth holiday.

As a small-town youth Herschel have developed a sense of humility and devotion to his family and friends in the community which transcended to his life as an army vet, a Pastor, Community leader, founder and executive director of a homeless shelter. As a devoted Husband and a father of seven children he understands the needs of families and the awesome responsibility required to raise children who will one day no doubt be leaders of their communities. 

Herschel’s spirit of community has led him to work directly with people who have needs. The lessons he learned while serving proudly in the United States Army from 1978 to 1981 taught him the importance of self-discipline and taking pride in one’s country. His ability to lead earned him the rank of Sergeant and Honor Squad Leader in the First Calvary Division. After his service in the military, Smith worked as a Correctional Officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice where he saw firsthand the result of living a life of irresponsibility. It was during this time that Herschel’s vision for his community deepened and in 1988 he and his family moved from Brenham, TX to Houston where he willingly left the comforts of his home and career by choice to become homeless in order to learn and meet the needs of the homeless. His heart ached as he saw the countless number of men and women living in boxes under Interstate-45 near downtown Houston, he knew what he had to do and the inner-city ministry was born. 

As Pastor of Enlightened Chapel Ministries, his example demonstrated faith in God in a most tangible way and his community activism knew no limit. Wherever there is a need you are likely to find Herschel Smith working to empower people to find solutions to their problems. He teaches people to take responsibility for their actions and for a community to change the individual must change, leading by example is fundamental.  Smith was recognized for his community activism in 1991 when the city of Houston honored him for his ministry of love and compassion. The mayor’s office awarded him for citizenship and selfless sacrifice to his community. He also received citizen award from Anheuser Busch and the Houston Defender in 1994. In 1995 Waller County Leadership Council honored him with the humanitarian award for leadership and commitment. His efforts had also led him in 1993 to receiving a local Jefferson award and the National Award which was created by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1972 as a Nobel Prize for community service. He spoke in the US Supreme Court when he received the award. In 1999 the Forward Time in Houston, Texas honored him with minister of the decade.

At the age of 47 Herschel sought a new career and in 2008 he graduated from Houston Community College Police Academy. Most of his life he has always been a public service worker and by January 2013 he took office as Constable Precinct 3 Waller County. He has committed himself to being an hardworking Elected Official of Waller County by laying the historical groundwork for others to follow. 

Constable Herschel Smith believes in setting standards with honesty, integrity and character that are not just words but internal motivations which produces visible results. He believes young adults will respond when they see adults demonstrate by their actions rather than just words. As Constable of Waller County Precinct #3 he and his deputies are committed to the highest performance standards, ethical conduct and trustworthy in all relationships with the public.

DR. JILES, TRANSWESTERN DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IS MEN’S BREAKFAST SPEAKER AT ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

 Dr. Jodie L. Jiles, the Director of Business Development for Transwestern of Houston, Texas is the speaker for the Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church on 2000 Phillip Street om Prairie View.  All men of the community are welcome to participate in the fellowship and the free breakfast.  Please call 936-857-3732 or write: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net to confirm attendance.

Dr. Jiles holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Southern University, the Master of Professional Accountancy from The University of Texas at Austin, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Southern University.

Jodie has a remarkable career with more than 26 years of making a decisively positive impact on investment banking and has provided solid direction and expert guidance to public finance clients and municipal issuers within the State of Texas.  Since July 2012, he has enjoyed his Transwestern experience working strategically with the various Transwestern family of companies in meeting the client’s real estate needs. Some of his other positions include serving as Managing Director for RBC Capital Markets, Managing Director, Fixed Income Banking U.S. Debt Markets, First Albany Capital, Inc., Senior Vice President for Public Finance for Bear Stearns & Co., Inc. and Masterson Moreland Sauer Whisman, Inc., Vice President for Public Finance for Apex Securities and Senior Vice President for United Daniels Securities, Inc., Senior Internal Auditor for Arthur Young & Co.

Dr. Jiles finds great satisfaction in giving back to the community through involvement in public service, community partnerships, and is a committed member of various boards to include The University of Texas System Board of Regents, Texas Business Leadership Council, Greater Houston Partnership, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Texas Heart Institute Foundation Board, Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Committee, The KIPP Academy, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Southern University Foundation Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas-Houston Branch.

He has received numerous awards of recognition for his service and contributions to education to include Houston Community College System -Honorary Associate in Arts, Distinguished Alumnus - The Ex-Students’ Association of the University of Texas, Phillis Wheatley High School - Alumni Wall of Fame Honoree, Texas Southern University Alumnus of the Decade, Quality of Life Coalition - Houston Park Board, Red Rose Community Service Award University of Houston Downtown, Visionary Award - Scenic Houston’s, Houston’s Most Influential Leaders Award - Sheltering Arms, Bob Onstead Leadership Award, 25 Most Distinguished Leaders - Leadership Houston, The Mickey Leland Humanitarian Award -NAACP, Trail Blazer Award - Houston Independent School District, Delegate for the White House Conference on Aging, Father of the Year Award - Community Partners and President’s Award -Texas Southern University.  He also received the Transwestern’s President’s Award and National Legendary Service Award.

Dr. Jiles is a noted community servant and public speaker and enjoys assisting others in achieving their goals and objectives.

HISD Superintendent Herbert O’Neil is the Men's Breakfast speaker at St. Francis of Assisi

Mr. Herbert O’Neil, Superintendent of the Hempstead Independent School District is the speaker for the Men’s Prayer Breakfast on April 15, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 2000 Phillip and 205 Dooley Streets in Prairie View, Texas.  The Free Breakfast is hosted by the men of St. Francis.

In view of the change in concerns for the Flu, RSV and COVID-19, all attendees are encouraged to wear masks. All attendees are also asked to CONFIRM ATTENDANCE to 936-857-3272 or stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net.

O'Neil is a seasoned education leader with more than 19 years of strategic planning, organizational transformation, and education management experience for leading schools and supporting school districts. He began his career as an English teacher and coach in Waller ISD. O'Neil has served as campus principal at the intermediate, middle, and high school levels, as a central office administrator in human resources, leadership and instruction in several school districts in Corsicana, Garland, Lancaster and Red Oak and Greenville ISDs.

Since assuming the position, O’Neil has launched a communitywide literacy initiative, Hempstead Reads, a free interactive bilingual early literacy program available to all children ages 0-3rd Grade; created new ways to celebrate students, staff, and community members and building Bobcat pride across Hempstead ISD schools and the community. O’Neil’s has engaged the entire district in strategic planning work to build a district roadmap to prepare students who are engaged, collaborative problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and ready for life beyond high school.

O’Neil earned both his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and his master’s degree in educational administration from Prairie View A&M University. During and after his time at Prairie View A&M, O’Neil was a resident and active member in the Hempstead community.

A native of Hearne, O'Neil said being raised by educators inspired him to become a teacher and eventually, an educational leader. "I saw the life-changing difference a teacher could make, and I will never lose my love for being in the classroom. As superintendent, I look forward to getting to know all the educators, students and community members in Hempstead.“

One of the things that resonated with O'Neil is Hempstead ISD's commitment to student success. "That says it all. The sense of unity and focus on a common goal of success, particularly for our young people, is inspiring," he said.

O’Neil holds membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education.

Mr. O’Neil is excited to return to his home away from home and is committed to the success of each student in Hempstead ISD.

The Reverend Joann Saylors, Canon for Mission Amplification is Celebrant and Preacher at St. Francis of Assisi

The Rev. Canon Joann Saylors, Canon for Mission Amplification in the Diocese of Texas, is the celebrant and preacher for the service on August 29, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Prairie View, Texas.

 

Canon Saylors was named to the position on July 1, 2017 and is committed to the vision and mission of the Diocese of Texas.

 

Saylors, previously served as Canon for Deployment and Congregational Development in the Diocese of West Texas. Her pre-seminary background as a CPA working in project management and team leadership, combined with her ministry in a parish and experience in congregational development, “distinguished her in a supremely talented field of candidates,” Bishop Doyle stated.

 

In accepting the position, Rev. Saylors expressed her excitement about “Bishop Doyle’s vision for the future of the Church and grateful for the opportunity to help reimagine the place of the Church in the world, facilitating new and creative ways to live into God’s mission with the world.”

 

Bishop Doyle added, “Canon Saylors is the perfect fit for this critical position.  This was not an easy brief to fill, but I’m delighted that she shares our excitement for the diocesan vision and brings substantive giftedness and specific experience for the ministry that lies ahead.”

 

Bishop Suffragan the Rt. Rev. Kai Ryan, then Canon to the Ordinary and diocesan Chief Operating Officer led the yearlong search. Expressing her support for Canon Saylors, Ryan said, “Joann understands deeply the power of Christ’s love to change lives and communities and will add to Mary MacGregor’s excellent legacy, who retired after many years of service.”

 

Saylors will lead the Mission Amplification Team’s five missioners to assist leaders and congregations to plant new communities of faith, both church plants and missional communities, and to nurture congregations and their leaders. The team provides coaching and consulting, as well as assessments and programs like cultural competency training and formation events.

 

Additionally the diocesan team helps congregations strategize and engage in effective action in response to opportunities and challenges. With the arrival of the new canon, the Mission Amplification Team will be able to support more congregations to enhance and expand their ministries to have an impact on their communities.

 

Saylors has served in her West Texas role since 2012, when she and her husband Rick relocated from Church of the Redeemer, Irving, in the Diocese of Dallas. She received her M.Div. from Seminary of the Southwest in Austin in 2010. Prior to ordination, Saylors was a financial systems and project management consultant. Born in Pennsylvania and raised in Dallas, she graduated from the University of Texas as a Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Plan II Honors Program and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Honors finance and accounting. She remains a licensed CPA. She has served ex officio on a number of diocesan committees and as a member of the Board of Good Samaritan Community Services in San Antonio. She and Rick enjoy books, travel and spoiling their three dogs, as well as their quest to find the perfect breakfast taco.

 

Winners and contestants of the Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant took top honors at the 2021 Miss Prairie View A&M University Scholarship Pageant. The virtual pageant featured six dynamic and progress women with varied talent, ambition and drive. 

When the final results were read, Z'Nae Mangum (Miss Black and Gold Eta Gamma 2020) was named Miss Prairie View A&M University. Rounding out the the Miss PVAMU Court is Kala Washington First Runner up (Miss Black and Gold First Runner up) and Melanie Hollis (Miss Black and Gold Epsilon Tau Lambda) is Second Runner up.

Z'Nae won the judges top vote for her dramatic interpretive and modern dance to Maya Angelou's iconic poem "I Rise." Kala Washington performed an original dramatic personae Poem, while Melanie Hollis performed a modern Jazz Dance.

Z'Nae is a senior Pre-Med/Biology student from Houston, Texas and her career ambition is to become a Dermatologist.  Her platform is “For The Culture,” which focuses on all issues concerning minority women and men. Specifically focusing on the future of the community. Her primary focus is the culture on the campus and the importance of culture within all minorities. Her awards, achievement and membership includes the notable Black Foxes and the Marching Storm, Collegiate 100, Pre-Medical Society. 

Kala is a senior Criminal Justice student and her career ambition is to become a Civil Rights Attorney and Politician.  Her platform is "FOCUS which is centered on increasing political action in the black community. Too many young black people think that their votes do not matter. If people were made aware of their political power, we would be a strong force.  

Melanie is a junior Psychology student from Dallas, Texas. Her career ambition is to become a Cardiothoracic surgeon.  Among her awards and achievement include member of the Honors Program, Panther Aid, Impressions of Beauty, Campus Ambassador, MAPS member, NAACP member, Assistant to Miss Prairie  View A&M University.  Her platform is "I AM" which is centered around positive affirmations and proclaiming your truth and purpose. Melanie wants people to be vocal about who they are, and get involved in order to better themselves and their environment.

All three contestants kept the legacy running for the Miss Black and Gold Pageant as winners in the Miss Prairie View A&M University Pageant. In 2017 Miss Black and Gold Epsilon Tau Lambda Moriah Colbert was named Miss Prairie View A&M University with Kala Robertson as First Runner-up and in 2015 Miss Ivy Walls was named Miss Prairie View A&M University.