PVAMU National Alumni Convention Huge Success

On July 21-24, all roads led to New Orleans for the 36th National Convention of Prairie View A&M University National Alumni Association. Alumni from everywhere came to participate in the four-day event, with workshops, seminars and awards ceremonies. Among the attendees were PVAMU President Dr. George C. Wright and other administrators, along with local chapters’ presidents, Lois Brown, Gloria Thompson and George H. Higgs.

The 2010 Hand Bell Camp is in full swing at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Prairie view. The camp runs July 26-30 from 7:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m., and is open to students in grades 2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. For information, call 936-857-3272. The camp is free and lunch will be provided by the Episcopal Church Women.

Kudos to Caitlyn Santee on her participation in Episcopal Choir Camp at Blinn College on July 19-24. The camp closes on July 24 with a concert at 6:00 p.m. Caitlyn is the daughter of Willie and Cheryl Santee. Van transportation is being provided by St. Francis of Assisi. Call Madolyn Reed at 936-857-3534 for information.

Congratulations to DJ Premier (Chris Martin) on the formation of his indie label, Year Round Records, with four artists set to debut this fall. Chris is the legendary producer, DJ and the former instrumental half of the duo Gang Starr, with the late MC Guru. Premier is hailed as an architect of “East Coast hip-hop” and is recognized as one of the five greatest producers in hip-hop history, by Source Magazine. In a recent Music Industry Report, Premier gave some producers wisdom and talked about the advantages of being on independent labels versus major labels. Chris has produced music for Spike Lee, Branford Marsalis and Mariah Carey, etc. Chris is the son of Dr. Edward and Pearl Martin. For more information check out DJPREMIER.ORG

Members of the HOPE A.M.E Church in Prairie View will honor their pastor, Reverend Robert E. Williams, on July 25 to mark the 10th Anniversary of his dedicated service and spiritual leadership. The event starts at 3:06 pm at the church on University Drive. The Reverend Mark W. Jackson, Pastor of East Orange A.M.E. Church, Houston is the guest speaker. For information, call 281-342-3207 or 936-857-3561.

The Prairie View Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly meeting on July 29, 2010 at 6 p.m. at George E. Higgs Prairie View National Alumni Headquarters on University Drive. All business leaders are invited to attend and join. For information, call 936-857-5817.

The Maestro Dr. Lucius Wyatt and a quartet with Larry Jones, piano, Caleb Dada, bass, and Justin McLean, drums made good on the presentation of "Rediscovering Jazz" at the recent Men's Breakfast July 17 at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church. Wyatt recounted the evolution of jazz and its influence on music and world culture with performances music by Clifford Brown and Miles Davis. The next breakfast is on August 21 and will feature Ret. Marine Captain Carlen Charleston reviewing his book – “From Baghdad to Being Dad.” Call 936-857-3272 or email stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net for information.

The countdown is on for the 4th Annual Red and White Ball of the Prairie View Volunteer Fire Fighters Inc. set for August 28, 2010. For information and sponsorship, call Elaine Jackson at 936-857-5550 or email: mejacksontx@prodigy.net.

Your prayers and encouragement are welcomed for the health of Martha Bailey, Esel and Willie J. Bell Sr., Ernestine Carreathers, Nellie Charleston, Dewayne Charleston, Redessa Coleman, Hulen and Irene Davis, B. J. Freeman, Mary Kemp, James Poindexter, Irene Reid, Otelia A. Watson and Douglas Woolfolk. May God’s peace be with you all!

A VIEW FROM THE HILL: On July 22, 2003 the TAMUS board of regents formally named Dr. George C. Wright as the 7th President Prairie View A&M University. Dr. Wright assumed the office on Aug. 15, 2003. Congratulations Dr. Wright on your seventh anniversary!

More than 300 students are ready for the Summer Commencement of Prairie View A&M University set for Aug. 14 at 9 a.m. in the William J. "Billy" Nicks Sr. Building. Dr. Danny Kelley, Dean of the Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences at Prairie View A&M University will address the graduates. Kelley and his wife Janice are both PVAMU Alumni. For information, contact 936-261-3180.

Congratulations to 100 students who completed the eight-week ACCESS Program at Prairie View A&M University this summer. Graduation for the class is set July 23 in the Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium. The students participated in a field trip to the state capitol in Austin and completed their service learning project in Dallas, Texas. Now it’s break time in preparation for the fall semester.

Happy July Birthday to: Brandon Thibodeaux (16), Cameron Thibodeaux (19), Carolyn Giles (20), Carven K. Kromah (20), Bernice Cummings (22), Paris Kincade (25), Gerald Ladig (25), Carol Campbell (26), Rose M. Jackson (26), Renee Calloway (27), Ashlee Davies (29), Deborah Dungey (29), Waymon Webster (29), Mary White (30), Mary Hawkins (30) and Robert Hall (31). ANNIVERSARY CONGRATULATIONS to Alvin and Redessa Coleman (23).

Until next week, seek God's guidance in all that you do and you will never be lost. Give thanks to God in all circumstances and you shall receive his grace. 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.

St. Francis Men Rediscovers Jazz with the Maestro - Dr. Lucius R. Wyatt

"Rediscovering Jazz" is the focus for the Men's Breakfast set for Saturday, July 17, 2010 at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 204 Dooley Street in Prairie View. The event features a Jazz quartet with Lucius Wyatt(trumpet), Larry Jones (piano), Caleb Dada (bass)and Justin McLean (drums). The free breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Those interested in attending should call 936-857-3272 or stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net to confirm attendance.

The countdown is on for the 36th National Convention of Prairie View A&M University National Alumni Association set for July 21-24 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alumni from everywhere are expected to attend the four-day event, featuring workshops, seminars, dance and awards ceremonies. For information, contact the National Headquarters at 936-857-5817.

Applications are still being accepted for the 2010 Vacation Bible Camp July 19-23 and the Hand Bell Camp July 26-30, all beginning 7:30 am -5:30 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church. The camps are open to students in grades Pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. For information, call 936-857-3534, 832-885-7980, 936-857-3302 or 936-857-3272. The camps are free and lunch will be provided by the Episcopal Church Women.

C. Lee Turner, the consummate director of the Charles Gilpin Players and former professor of theater arts at Prairie View A&M University is being immortalized in the Encore’s production of The Turner Classic, a presentation of scenes from five plays directed by Turner over the years. This theatrical celebration of the Turner legacy directed by Harold Haynes, E. L. Morgan, Clifton Alexander and Norma Thomas, runs July 16-18 at the Encore Theater, 8616 Cullen Blvd., Houston. For ticket information and reservation call Ezekiel 832-541-9335 or write to ezekielm@yahoo.com.

Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience, the national traveling exhibition, hosted by the American Library Association runs July 14 - Aug. 27 at Lone Star College-CyFair on 9191 Barker Cypress Road. For information, go to www.LoneStar.edu/library/prideandpassion or call 281.290.5276.

Congratulations to ReShonda Tate Billingsley on the release of her 20th title, Holy Rollers! The book is about three friends who changed from chasing pro athletes in search of love to chasing preachers! For more information on how to get the book, go to http://reshondatatebillingsley.com or http://rtbillingsley.blogspot.com/. ReShonda’s “Let the Church Say Amen!” is in movie production and will be in theaters in 2011.

The countdown is on for the 4th Annual Red and White Ball of the Prairie View Volunteer Fire Fighters Inc. set for August 28, 2010. For information and sponsorship, call Elaine Jackson at 936-857-5550 or email: mejacksontx@prodigy.net.

Your prayers and encouragement are welcomed for the health of Martha Bailey, Esel and Willie J. Bell Sr., Ernestine Carreathers, Nellie Charleston, Dewayne Charleston, Larry Coleman, Redessa Coleman, Hulen and Irene Davis, B. J. Freeman, Mary Kemp, James Poindexter, Irene Reid, Otelia A. Watson and Douglas Woolfolk. May God’s peace be with you all!

A VIEW FROM THE HILL: The Career Services staff is busily preparing its 40th Anniversary Career Fair Celebration in September. Some of the planned events include a Golf Tournament, Director’s Luncheon and Banquet, and career readiness seminars. For information, call 936-261-3570 or visit www.pvamu.edu/careers.

Congratulations to Lawrence W. Fryer Jr., on his appointment as Chief Operations Officer of the Austin Independent School District, effective August 1. Fryer is a 1978 graduate of Prairie View A&M University. He is the current COO for the Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland and a retired Lt. Col. in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Happy July Birthday to: Milton Whiting (10), Richard D. Hayes (11), Dr. R. N. S. Rao (11), Joann Thibodeaux, (11), Imoni Williams (11), Vivian Smith [Fiscal Office] (13), Dora Jackson (15), Kebur Fantahun (15), Carolyn Giles (20), Carven K. Kromah (20), Bernice Cummings (22), Paris Kincade (25), Gerald Ladig (25), Carol Campbell (26), Rose M. Jackson (26), Renee Calloway (27), ANNIVERSARY CONGRATULATIONS to Donnie and Demetria Howard (16), and Alvin and Redessa Coleman (23).

On a cultural note, I am sure you knew that on July 13, 1965 - Appeals Court Judge Thurgood Marshall is nominated as the U.S. solicitor general, the first black to hold this office; 7/14/1972 - Former New York State Sen. Basil A. Paterson is elected vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee, the first black American to hold a national political party leadership position; 7/15/70 - James McGhee is sworn in as the first African American mayor of Dayton, Ohio; 7/16/77 - Janelle Penny Commissiong of Trinidad & Tobago is the first black to become Miss Universe; 7/17/1862 - Congress approves the rights of blacks to bear arms to fight in the Civil War and enlist in the Union Army with the Confiscation and Militia Act; 7/18/18 - Nelson Mandela, first black president of South Africa is born in Umtata, Transkei-SA; 7/19/41 President Roosevelt established a Fair Employment Practices Committee to monitor discrimination against Negroes in defense industries.

Until next week, be mindful that honesty and frankness make you vulnerable, and that the biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds, but be honest and frank, and think big anyway. 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.

PVAMU ALUMNI TO GATHER IN CRESCENT CITY

The countdown is on for the 36th National Convention of Prairie View A&M University National Alumni Association set for July 21-24 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alumni from everywhere are expected to attend the four-day event, featuring workshops, seminars, dance and awards ceremonies. For information, contact the National Headquarters at 936-857-5817.

Congratulations to Miss Elizabeth Gardner as she competes in the 2010 Miss Texas Pageant on June 28-July 2 at the University of Texas at Arlington. Gardner, Miss East Texas, is a Junior Communications student at Prairie View A&M University and International Queen for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Elizabeth is one of six African Americans in the 75-year old pageant and hopes to become the 2nd African American to win the title, Shilah Phillips won the title in 2006. Just 26 years ago, Dellenor Miles, Miss PVAMU was named 4th runner-up to Miss Texas, one of four to ever make the top ten at the time.

Sunday, July 4 marks the 234th Birthday and Independence Day of the United States of America. Amidst the celebration and fanfare, be mindful of what this day really means to the country and its impact on the world community. Happy 4th of July and enjoy it safely!

Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 Summer Vacation Bible School and 3rd Annual Hand Bell Camp at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Prairie View. The Vacation Bible runs July 19-23 and Hand Bell runs July 26-30, all beginning 7:30 am -5:30 pm. The camps are open to students in grades Pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. For information, call 936-857-3534, 832-885-7980, 936-857-3302 or 936-857-3272. The camps are free and lunch will be provided by the Episcopal Church Women. Member of St. Francis will also host a Summer Spaghetti Dinner on July 14 at the church.

The folks are gearing up for the 4th Annual Red and White Ball of the Prairie View Volunteer Fire Fighters Inc. on August 28, 2010. For information and sponsorship, call Elaine Jackson at 936-857-5550 or email: mejacksontx@prodigy.net.

Congratulations to Allyn Bowdre (4th grade Jones), Kennedi Hendrix (6th grade Waller Junior), Brittney Jones (6th grade Schultz) and Brianna Jones (4th grade Jones) on making 100 on the 2010 TAKS Math exam. The students are the newest members of the 3D Mathematics Academy 100 Club in Prairie View.

Congratulations to Coaches Michael Bryant and Roy Jones of the Prairie View A&M University Football team on their selection to the 2010 NCAA Expert Coaches Football Academy in Anaheim, California held June 22-24. They are among 20 coaches selected nationally for the event. Also to Heishma Northern on his selection to attend the 2010 NCAA Champions Forum being held at the same time in Anaheim. Northern is one of 3 representatives from the Football Championship Subdivision ranks.

A Big Thank you to the participants in the 4th Annual Golden Tee Golf Tournament sponsored by the Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to support its scholarship fund. Some 72 golfers participated in the tournament.

Mayor Frank D. Jackson and Reverend Robin Willis challenged the men at the Men’s Breakfast held at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church on June 19th to unify and challenge the status quo. Jackson gave a brief account of Junteenth, its significance to the state and county, and Prairie View’s roles. Reverend Willis challenged the learned and the unlearned to work together for the common good. The men also had the chance to reflect on their involvement in helping the community. The next Men’s Breakfast on July 17th will feature Dr. Lucius Wyatt who will speak on “Rediscovering Jazz.”

Your prayers and encouragement are welcomed for the health of Martha Bailey, Esel and Willie J. Bell Sr., Ernestine Carreathers, Nellie Charleston, Dewayne Charleston, Larry Coleman, Redessa Coleman, Hulen and Irene Davis, B. J. Freeman, Mary Kemp, James Poindexter, Irene Reid, Otelia A. Watson and Douglas Woolfolk. May the peace of God be with you!

A VIEW FROM THE HILL: The PVAMU Career Services Department closes out its 26th Pre College Enrichment Program on July 2. Over the past two weeks some 120 students in grades 11-12 participated in study skills, career choices and personal development workshops and field trips. The Career staff also continues its work on events for the 40th Anniversary Celebration in September. For information, call 936-261-3570 or visit www.pvamu.edu/careers.

More than 1,600 students are taking part in other camps and programs to include the ACCESS for incoming freshmen, The Air Force Summer Academy for High School Students, the SECCS and ENRGIZE programs for middle school students in engineering and science.

Happy June Birthday wishes to: Mary Boozer (27) Jokeisha Campbell (27), Jennifer Jackson (27), James Johnson (28), Robert Smith (29), Darlene Clark (30) and Caroline Stevenson (30). HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY TO: Granville O'Brien (1), Willie Adams (1), Neal Baines (1), Alvertice Bowdre (1), Lena Boyd-Brown (1), Richard Hayes (1), Byron Henry (1), Mary B. Johnson (1), Genora Kendrick (1), R.N. Rao (1), Donald Sowell (1), Waymon Webster (1), Fata Sirleaf (2), Raymond L. Burgess (3), Mahaley Almarie Smith (3), Tempie Hayes (7), Frankie Rigsby (7), Rona Bledsoe (9), and Freddie L. Richards (9). JULY ANNIVERSARY CONGRATULATIONS to Carl and Glenda Jones (3), Brandon and Alaina Shelby (8), and Leon and Lee Gillian (10).

Until next week, in the words of Frederick Douglass, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” Keep those 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.