Prairie View Today

Prairie View Today
By: Frederick V. Roberts, Esquire
01/31/08

Feb. 1 begins the celebration of Blacks in History Month 2008, a time when emphasis is placed on the achievement and success and continuing struggle of Black folks. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, affectionately known as the ‘father of Black history’, began this celebration as Negro History Week on February 7, 1926 and we’ve seen it progressed over the years. Many area organizations and Prairie View A&M University have scheduled events to commemorate this period. This year's theme: "Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism" is the guide for the university's kickoff event on Feb. 4 at 4:00 p.m., with Dr. George C. Wright, president of PVAMU, as the keynote speaker in the Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium. On Feb. 6th, the university will host the Harlem Gospel Choir in a special concert in Opal Johnson- Smith Auditorium, Tempton Memorial Student Center beginning at 7:00 pm. Wednesdays are also designated African Attire Day of the campus. The calendar of events may be viewed at www.pvamu.edu.

The folks at PVAMU are ready for the 50th Annual Minister's Conference set for Feb. 5-8 at PVAMU. This year's theme, "Preaching That Invigorates Paralyzed Paradigms," is the blueprint for the participants. Among the many activities will be the Golden Celebration Banquet at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 5 in the Joe Samuel Ratliff Life Learning Center in Houston. The conference is the continuing legacy of the Revs. Lee C. Phillips and W. Van Johnson, and tradition that has stood the test of time for black professionals making their annual trek to Prairie View.

The conference is sponsored by the executive committee of the ministers' conference and the Johnson Phillip All Faith Chapel at the university. Presiding Elder Prince E. W. Bryant Sr. of The Island Church of God in Christ, Houston, is the chair. For information on the conference, visit the website: http://pvamu.edu/ministersconference or contact the Rev. Charles Lewter or Ms. Marie Lenton at (936) 261-3590.

The members of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church will hold its celebrate the beginning of Lent with its annual Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall on 204 Dooley Street. Ash Wednesday service and the administering of the ashes will be held on Feb. 6 at 6:00 pm. in the Sanctuary. Both events are free and open to the public.

The Prairie View Retired Teachers celebrated its 40th Anniversary in grand style on January 23 in the Parish Hall of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church. The group was formed on January 28, 1968 in the home of Mrs. Anne C. Preston, and continues to serve an important role in the community. Mr. Madison Kilpatrick, a former resident of the city took the audience down memory lane, with emphasis on growing up in Prairie View and the relationship the campus played in the development of the students of the community. Yours truly, Frederick V. Roberts reflected on the contributions made by the members of the association since its inception and the commitment the group has to continue that legacy. The meeting concluded with a great feast on the sumptuous meal.

Campaign watch: This past weekend the first major democratic primary election was held in South Carolina and the Sen. Barak Obama emerged the winner with 55 percent of the votes. Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Edwards came in a distant second and third. This overwhelming victory gives Barack the most votes, the most delegates, and the most diverse coalition of supporters we've seen in a long time. The candidates continue to wage an all-out fight leading up to each respective party's convention and nomination for the presidential election this November. The race now moves to Florida for the Republicans and unfortunately the democratic votes won’t count because the state moved up its voting against party rules. Next it’s on to Super Tuesday on Feb. 5, which excludes Texas. Texans will have to wait for to make their historic vote on March 4. Last day to register to vote in the primaries is Feb. 4. We encourage all eligible voters to register and be a part of history.

The “PVAMU’s “Forever Free” Documentary will air on PBS (Channel 8 viewing area), Feb. 6 at 10:00 pm. Just in time for Black History month, the “Forever Free: African-American Legislators of Texas 1967- 2007,” documentary includes interviews from Texas luminaries such a Barbara Jordan, Royce West, Senfronia Thompson, Rodney Ellis, Sylvester Turner and Borris Miles. This advisory provides information about the celebrated documentary and an accompanying publication and exhibit; which was first unveiled in Austin, Texas to the Texas State Legislature in 2007. The production was prepared by The Texas Institute for the Preservation of History and Culture (TIPHC), housed at Prairie View A&M University.

A VIEW FROM THE HILL: They’re playing basketball . . . they’re playing basketball . . . the new mantra for the Men and Women’s basketball of Prairie View A&M University. The Lady Panthers (11-7, 6-0 SWAC) captured their eighth consecutive victory with a 78-67 win over the Arkansas Pine-Bluff Lady Lions (4-13, 2-4 SWAC) on Jan. 26. Ladies have won ten of their last eleven games and has sole possession of first place in the SWAC. Candice Thomas and Gaati Werema were the dominant players in the game. The Lady Panthers scored another victory over the Lady Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley State on Jan 28. Conversely, the Men’s team (4-14, 2-4 SWAC) fell short 75-68 to the Arkansas Pine-Bluff Golden Lions (8-9, 4-2 SWAC) on Jan. 26 but regain a win over the Daredevils of Mississippi Valley State on Jan. 28. Both teams are on the road Feb. 2 as they take on the Bulldogs of Alabama A&M Normal, Alabama and Hornets of Alabama State on Feb. 4 in Montgomery, Alabama. The team returns home for the rival match with the Tigers of Texas Southern on Feb. 9 in the Billy Nicks Arena.

The staff of the career center is gearing up for its Spring Career Fair, set for Feb. 20-21 in the Memorial Student Center. More than 80 companies, government and non-profit agencies are expected to participate in the week-long events. For information contact Shadia Washington at (946) 261-3576.

Want to get fit for the living? Then the Fitness Aerobics Class with the foot stompin' and hand clappin’ exercises are here for you, and keep that New Year's resolution beginning Feb. 4, 2008 and continuing Monday through Thursday from 12:05 – 12:45 pm in the dance studio inside the Leroy Moore Intramural Gym. The event is open to PVAMU faculty and staff and their guests.

February is also Entrepreneurs Month for the Students In Free Enterprise Team at Prairie View A&M University and the team is gearing up for its month-long events. Among the planned activities are: How to Start a Business Seminar on Feb. 13, the 3rd Annual PVAMU Student Entrepreneurs Expo on Feb. 13. The team will also sponsor a Pre-Valentine's Club Pees and Vees salute to the Motown on Feb. 9 and the Gospel Explosion on Feb. 24. Andrew Williams, a sophomore Communications/Political Science student is the team's president.

Please continue your prayers for Mrs. Mary Kemp, Mr. Griff Kendrick, Mrs. Willie Smith and Mrs. Douglas Woolfolk, who stand in the need of prayer. May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge of God, through Jesus Christ!

Don’t forget this is Super Bowl XLII Weekend and what a weekend it’s expected to be. The New England Patriots will try to best its Superbowl wins to 4 in 7 as it takes on New York Giants in University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ on Sun. Feb 3. 2008
4:15 PM. Take time to enjoy the game and make a friend.

January Birthday Greetings to Marvin Daniels (29), Eugene Boyer (28), Larneatha Bowdre (28), Dorothy Carter Anderson (29) and Thoymmee Phillips (31). Happy Anniversary Greetings to Hulen and Irene Davis (22) and James and Jimmie Poindexter (27). HAPPY February Birthday Greetings to Delilah Battle (1), Luther V. Francis (1), George E. Higgs (1), Allen Roberts (8), E. Joahanne Thomas-Smith (8), Lee Henderson (9), Doris Williams (9), Rose M. Jackson (10), Angela McMorris (10), Frank Yepp (12), Frederick V. Roberts (14) and Karen Daniels (16).

On A Cultural Note, I am sure you knew that on Jan. 28, 1986 - The space shuttle Challenger explodes after lift-off at Cape Canaveral, Fla., killing all seven crew members; 1/29/26 - Violette Neatley Anderson is the first African American woman admitted to practice before the Supreme Court; 1/29/54 - Oprah Winfrey, the first black to host a syndicated show is born in Kosciusko, Miss.; 1/30/79 - Franklin A. Thomas becomes the first black named president of the Ford Foundation; 1/31/19-Jackie Robinson, first black in major league baseball, is born in Cairo, Ga.; 1/31/88- Doug Williams, of the Washington Redskins, is the first black quarterback to play in the Super Bowl and is named MVP and set the all time-passing and rushing record in that championship game; and on Feb. 1,1870 Jonathan Jasper Wright is the first Black elected to the South Carolina Supreme Court; 2/1/78 Harriet Tubman is featured on the first stamp of the US Postal Services Black Heritage series; and 2/2/1874 Blanche Kelso Bruce is the first black elected to the U.S. Senate from Mississippi and the first to preside over the Senate during a debate.

Until next week, take pride in who you are and what you and your ancestors have achieved and continue to affect change in the nation. Remember that Black History is a 24/7/365 phenomenon. Keep the news, achievements, and recognitions coming to prairieviewtoday@iwon.com, fax 936-857-5352, phone 936-857-3272 or P. O. Box 2906, Prairie View, Texas 77446.