PVAMU Panthers are 2009 SWAC Champions

We are the Champions, We are the Champions of the SWAC . . . is the new anthem that the Prairie View A&M University Panthers and the Prairie View family are singing on the victorious 30-24 defeat of the Bulldogs of Alabama A&M University’s Bulldogs for the South Western Athletic Conference Championship on Dec. 12 at Birmingham’s Legion Field. After nearly 4 hours, 22 penalties, several replay reviews and 6 lead changes in the game of the season the Panthers emerged triumphant.

The Panthers (SWAC 9-0, 9-1), the ‘winningest’ season since 1964, drew drawn fans from around the country who weathered the elements to see the Panthers rise to glory! Coach Henry Frazier, III, in part, deserves the credit for bringing the program to this level post Coach Billy Nicks. "It's been a long time coming," said Coach Frazier. "Nobody on this staff, nobody on this team was born in 1964. This is a special time." Indeed it is, so says the alumni, students, staff and administration at the university. Congratulations coach Henry Frazier, players and staff for a super year.

The victory came for the Panthers on the heel of Final Exams and the Fall Commencement at the university, which delayed the formal celebration and recognition. Not to be undone though, the university and family is set to honor the Panthers in a special parade and ceremony on January 19 at the Blackshear Stadium, home of the Panthers. Several dignitaries including members of the 1964 Championship Team, Prairie View's Mayor, the honorable Frank D. Jackson, slated to issue the key to the city to the players; PVAMU President Dr. George Carlton Wright, Mr. Lynn Morris, President of the PVAMU National Alumni Association and other invited guests.

In other news, Monday, January 18 will mark the National Observance of the birthday of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. To honor Dr. King, world will formally celebrate what would have been his 81st birthday with parades, programs and cultural activities, etc. Dr. King, a renowned civil rights leader, was born January 15, 1929 and was assassinated April 4, 1968. Take time to pay homage to Dr. King by reflecting on his life’s work and service. Make this holiday a celebration of life and service for equality, then you would have honored the preacher from Atlanta! The members of St. Peters Baptist Church Hempstead and other organizations will host the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on January 18 at 10:00 am in Hempstead. The university will also host "A Family and Friends Day" honoring Dr. King with an exhibit and program on Jan. 22, beginning at 10:30 am in the Coleman Library and the Johnson-Phillips All Faith Chapel. For information, contact Alisha Lowe at 936-261-1360 or amlowe@pvamu.edu for information.

Congratulations to Dr. Marion Henry on his upcoming honor from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Black Heritage Committee. The award will be presented at the 17th Annual Black Heritage Western Gala, on Jan. 30, 2010 in the Reliant Center-Hall E. Dr. Henry is a Professor and Director of Teacher Certification-Prairie View A&M University. Call 713.419.4018 for more details and tickets.

The Prairie View Chapter of Delta sigma theta sorority, Inc., and the Breast Cancer Network of Strength, will hold an Education on Breast Health and free Mammograms screening for persons over 40 and who qualify- underinsured or no insurance. Screenings are by appointment only and registration closes February 4, 2010. The event is on February 13, 2010 from 9:00AM in the Owens-Franklin Health Center at PVAMU. Call 713-292-1045 Ext 8547and/or 936-857-3522 for reservations.
Please continue your prayers for Martha Bailey, Esel and Willie J. Bell Sr., Ernestine Carreathers, Nellie Charleston, Dwayne Charleston, Hulen and Irene Davis, B. J. Freeman, Mary Kemp, James Poindexter, Irene Reid, Ann Sams, Otelia A. Watson and Douglas Woolfolk. May the peace of God be with you!

The members of the Prairie View Retired Teachers Association, Ann Preston Unit, will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 204 Dooley Street. The group was founded on January 31, 1968 by Mrs. Anne C. Preston. Interested persons are invited to attend. Mrs. Gwendolyn Carter is the president . . . The Prairie View Local Alumni Chapter will hosts its meeting on January 21 at 6:00 pm in the George E. Higgs National Alumni Building. Mrs. Lois Brown is the president . . . The Prairie View Chamber of Commerce will hold its meeting on Thursday, January 28 at 6:00 pm in the George E. Higgs Alumni Headquarters. All business owners and entrepreneurial savvy capitalists are invited to attend. Mr. George Higgs is president.
A View from the Hill:

A VIEW FROM THE HILL: Congratulations to the Lady Panthers on their victory of the Lady Tigers of Texas Southern University on Jan. 10. The ladies dominated the Tigers 76-53 and are now boasting a seven-game winning streak with a 6-6 overall and 3-0 SWAC record. The team is in a rematch of last year's SWAC Championship game versus the Jackson State Lady Tigers on Jan. 16th at 3:00 pm in the Lee E. Williams Assembly Center in Jackson, Miss. The men’s team also captured its third consecutive win over the Texas Southern Tigers 65-60 and boasts an 8-6 overall and 3-0 SWAC record. The men’s team will also take on the Jackson State Tigers at 7:30 pm. Congratulations to both teams, Coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke and Coach Byron Rimm II and their staff on their continued climb to greatness.

The Career Center is gearing up for its Spring Career Festival and Fair, set for Feb. 16-18 in the Student Center. More than 70 companies and other entities are expected to participate in the week-long event.

HAPPY JANUARY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO: James Kromah (14), Gloria Holloway (14), Arie Yell (14), Eugene Armstrong (15), Gib Dungey (15), Mary Curtis (16), Madolyn Reed (17), Michelle Obama (17) and Anna James (22). HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS TO: Hulen & Irene Davis (22) and James & Jimmie Poindexter (27).

ON A CULTURAL NOTE, I am sure you knew that on: January 12, 1971-The Congressional Black Caucus organized in DC; 1/13/13-Delta Sigma Theta Sorority founded at Howard University; 1/15/29 The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is born in Atlanta, GA; 1/15/08-Alpha Kappa Alpha, first Black Greek Letter Sorority, founded at Howard University; 1/8/1836-Fannie M Jackson, educator and first Black woman college graduate in the US, was born; 1/16/1871-Jefferson Franklin Long takes oath of office as first Black Congressman from Georgia; 1/16/20-Zeta Phi Beta founded at Howard University; 1/17/2006 - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is sworn in as president of Liberia, Africa's first elected female head of state; 1/16/78-NASA names Major Frederick D. Gregory, Major Guion Bluford and Dr. Ronald McNair to its astronaut program; 1/18/49 Congressman William Dawson is elected Chairman of the House Expenditure Committee, the first African American to head a standing committee; 1/18/66 Robert Weaver is appointed as Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the first African American to officially serve in a U. S. President's Cabinet; 1/20/09 – Barak Obama is inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America, the first African American in the position.

Until next time, remember the words of the great Emperor Haile Selassie, "Until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes, there is war". Have faith! Keep those 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.