This morning, I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Melanye Price and Marco Robinson, director and co-director of the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), my former alma mater and the second oldest public institution of higher education in Texas, founded in 1876. Our discussion centered around the university’s rich history and its significant contributions to education and social justice.
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The Founding of Prairie View A&M University
Founded in 1876, Texas A&M University was the first university in the state; however, Black students were not allowed to attend. This exclusion led to the establishment of Prairie View A&M University, the first state college in Texas specifically created for African Americans, addressing the racial segregation prevalent in education at that time. Originally purchased as Alta Vista Plantation, the institution underwent several name changes before becoming known as Prairie View A&M University. Dr. Price explained, ‘Prairie View comes to life out of a history of racial segregation in education,’ and the university has proudly upheld its mission of educating Black students since its inception.
And as an alumnus, I feel immense pride knowing that Prairie View A&M University was founded to address the educational inequities of its time. This mission continues to resonate today, making me grateful for the opportunities it has provided to me and many other future Panthers.
Contributions to the Civil Rights Movement
As I continued the interview conversation shifted to PVAMU’s role during the civil rights movement. Dr. Price highlighted the university’s involvement in significant protests, sit-ins, and boycotts during the 1960s. However, she emphasized that perhaps its most important contribution was related to voting rights.
“Prairie View has a Supreme Court case from 1979—the only one concerning the 26th Amendment—that granted students the right to vote where they go to college,” she noted. This landmark decision helped students like me be eligible to vote today.
Learning about PVAMU’s pivotal role in securing voting rights makes me appreciate the university’s commitment to social justice and advocacy, which continues to empower students today. This allowed students to register and vote using their dormitory addresses, affirming their status as legitimate citizens within those jurisdictions.
Ongoing dialogues on race and justice
Next, I asked Dr. Marco Robinson about the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice’s mission in fostering discussions around race and social justice. He explained, “Through our programming, we aim to have constructive conversations about race and its impact.” The center engages with the community through speaker events and projects designed to address inequalities and promote collaboration.
The center’s work is a testament to PVAMU’s dedication to addressing contemporary issues with historical awareness, ensuring that dialogues on race and justice remain at the forefront of academic and community life.
Shaping current missions
As we discussed the historical significance of PVAMU, I inquired how its past influences its current mission and the experiences of today’s students. Dr. Robinson emphasized the university’s commitment to producing “productive people,” a motto that reflects its legacy of educating the first generation of African American teachers and supporting Black and brown communities through agricultural extension services. He mentioned the university’s current president, Dr. Tomikia P. Legrande, and the journey to eminence 2035,” which aligns with their ongoing community engagement.
Looking ahead
As PVAMU approaches its 150th anniversary, it allows its students to be proud to be part of a university that laid the foundation for students like me. Dr. Price shared insights into future initiatives. The university is exploring its historical roots, particularly its location on a former plantation. “We are learning more about that plantation and connecting the people who were enslaved there to their descendants,” she explained. Upcoming projects will include collecting oral histories from individuals who have played vital roles in the university’s legacy, ensuring that the voices of the past continue to resonate in the present.
In closing, both Dr. Price and Robinson expressed their enthusiasm for the students at PVAMU, describing them as well-trained and a joy to teach. Their dedication to education and community development will undoubtedly shape the future of Prairie View A&M University as it continues to be a beacon of hope and progress.
