HBCU funding: Lawmakers calling on Gov. Abbott to address disparities at Texas historically Black colleges, universities
Following a demand letter calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to address the disparity in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) funding, Texas State Democratic leaders and legal advocates are addressing the historical inequalities in these institutions of higher learning.
Domestic violence and college students: These Houston-area universities, schools provide resources for victims
KPRC 2 reached out to several Houston-area colleges and universities to find out the resources they provide to students who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse in their relationships.
Organizers of event near PVAMU where 7 people were shot ‘failed to meet permit conditions’
Waller County Judge Trey Duhon said organizers for a trail ride in Hempstead, Texas, where seven bystanders were injured in a shooting near Prairie View A&M University Sunday didn’t meet permit conditions for the event.
PepsiCo is donating $50K to Prairie View A&M University during the college’s homecoming this Saturday: Here’s why
This week, Prairie View A&M University is celebrating educational excellence amongst alumni and current students, but the university is also receiving a big gift to address a critical need amongst institutions of higher learning across the nation.
Prairie View A&M University’s National Center for Infrastructure Transformation gets $2.5 million commitment
The Texas A&M University System will supercharge the development of Prairie View A&M University’s new National Center for Infrastructure Transformation with a $500,000 boost for the next five years.
Prairie View A&M University, Texas A&M among growing number of universities to block access to TikTok from WiFi networks
Several Houston area universities are joining the growing list of higher education institutes who are either limiting or fully restricting students, staff, and visitors from using Tik-Tok through its campus WiFi network.
ConocoPhillips donates more than $1 million to Prairie View A&M University to support engineering program
ConocoPhillips announced on Thursday a nearly $1.2 million multi-year donation, consisting of both in-kind equipment and monetary contributions, to Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) to support student development of skills in engineering and business analytics for undergraduates.
Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M to celebrate homecoming this weekend. Your guide to the HBCU experience
It’s homecoming season for most historically Black colleges and universities across the nation, and many are making plans to travel to their beloved alma maters to celebrate culture, tradition, and educational excellence (if they haven’t already).
Prairie View A&M’s Marching Storm band gets attention of singer Tems with rendition of popular hit ‘Free Mind’
Prairie View A&M University’s iconic Marching Storm Band wowed the crowd with their performance at the 2022 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands competition this past weekend and also got the attention of Grammy-nominated singer Tems.
Texas universities grapple with how to provide reproductive health care information to students amid new abortion laws
The changing legal landscape is raising questions for public colleges about how to talk to students about reproductive health care options and creating hesitancy among students about whether they can trust their universities’ health centers.
Federal judge says Waller County voting process did not discriminate against Black college students
A group of students at Prairie View A&M University sued the county, claiming it set up an election schedule in 2018 that offered students — most of them Black — fewer opportunities to vote early than the county’s white residents.
‘100 and fabulous’: Happy Birthday Mrs. Ida Mae Ellison
On Feb. 22, 1922, Congress authorized the Grant Memorial $1 coin, London issued a unilateral declaration of Egyptian independence and a baby girl, Ida Mae, was born to Elton and Lorene Porter in Gonzalez, Texas. Still as beautiful as the day she was born, a century later, this amazing woman is celebrating her 100th birthday!
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/GO3JZMC4TFCATHUO535RH5XKR4.jpg)
Texas universities urge passage of funding bill for campus construction to train more medical students after pandemic
Rep. Jim Murphy said lawmakers selected projects that would address the state’s nursing and medical professional shortages as the COVID-19 pandemic reiterated additional need for skilled workers.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BTXI7JICIBAHRE6ZBUPQNKVLHM.jpg)
PVAMU to hold in-person graduation ceremony for Spring 2021
HOUSTON – Spring 2021 graduates at Prairie View A&M University will be able to participate in an in-person graduation ceremony, the university announced Friday. The commencement is scheduled for May 15 in Panther Stadium at 8:30 a.m.PVAMU also announced an additional in-person celebration for 2020 graduates, who had virtual ceremonies because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ceremony is set for May 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the stadium. The university will require masks and social distancing at both outdoor events. For those who are unable to join, both events will be livestreamed and can be viewed at www.pvamu.edu/commencement.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-26-2021/t_98884812408644dcacfbb17924b02a4a_name_image.jpg)
Prairie View A&M University golf program receives $40,000 boost from PGA Tour star
To help alleviate some of that expense for diverse communities, rising PGA Tour star Cameron Champ donated $40,000 to the Prairie View A&M University golf program. Champ played college golf at Texas A&M and is one of the few black golfers on the PGA Tour. He was tasked with bringing the Prairie View A&M golf team back to prominence after a near 40-year conference championship drought. “I want to be the first myself.”COVID-19 holdJennings has a young team, and many of his golfers have yet to see college competition due to COVID-19 cancellations. Jennings said there’s a lot of work to do with his young team, while Latham believes the Panthers have the talent to place well in the SWAC.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/UEEIEADI5NCSVMCPUVACTZBZ5M.jpg)
Texas’ oldest Black university was built on a former plantation. Its students still fight a legacy of voter suppression.
Out in a rural stretch of Texas northwest of Houston, Waller County was born of plantations, cotton fields and slavery. More than a century ago, state lawmakers planted there the state's first public college where Black students could pursue higher education. When her grandfather was a student in the 1970s, Waller County systematically prevented Black students from registering to vote. That year, the Justice Department sued Waller County over its rejection of voter registration applications — most from Prairie View A&M students. Barnett, the Precinct 3 commissioner who represented the university and opposed expanded early voting on campus, lost his seat.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/IEJPOBZEZZB7HIEBULN4FY63QY.jpg)
Houston Endowment awards PVAMU with $1.5M grant to help increase hiring of qualified teachers of color
HOUSTON – The Houston Endowment awarded Prairie View A&M University with a $1.5 million grant to help increase the hiring of qualified teachers of color, according to a release. The foundation invested the grant into PVAMU’s Whitlowe R. Green College of Education to support the university’s educator preparation program. Its goal is not only to increase more qualified teachers of color but also to help prepare those educators for long-term success. The grant is part of the $20 million in funds Houston Endowment awarded to several Houston-area organizations that are committed to making racial equity and social justice in Houston a reality. “The grant will help enhance the quality and distinctiveness of programs and services to best prepare students for careers as accomplished educational professionals.”
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/IEJPOBZEZZB7HIEBULN4FY63QY.jpg)
Cyberattack against Prairie View University closes campus, shuts down online classes
HOUSTON – A major cyberattack against Prairie View A&M University on Feb. 4 forced the university to close its campus, cancel cases and shut down online classes. The event immobilized the university’s major network systems, which impacted its ability to access day-to-day operational systems. The Cyber Response Team from The Texas A&M University System is helping the school’s IT staff to restore systems as soon as possible, the university said. Those who are still experiencing issues with the reset are asked to call the Help Desk at 936-261-2525 or 877-241-1752. AdClasses were able to resume on Thursday because course rigor and meeting course learning outcomes are fundamental to instruction, degree and professional success, course contact hours must be made up, according to a news release.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-09-2021/t_60d6cc78e389473086161e0e30e18687_name_image.jpg)
Meet Daisy Stiner, the director of one of the oldest community centers in Houston
HOUSTON – Daisy Stiner has spent her career trying to bring support and relief to underserved communities. Established in 1943, the Hester House is one of the oldest community outreach centers in Houston. “It started out as a hub, a meeting place for community residents,” Stiner said. Ad“To family members who are unemployed, we have our referral services where they can get the services they need to provide stability to their families,” Stiner said. “We are proud to be a part of that and to be a beacon to the community,” Stiner said.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-05-2021/t_ba177d6775ba401597757b7b75e8ac2b_name_image.jpg)
PVAMU welcomes first COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Waller County
HOUSTON – Prairie View A&M University will host the first COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Waller County. The site is open for those with appointments on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.“I think we are averaging 90 to 100 folks coming through an hour right now,” said Waller County Judge Trey Duhon. He said the drive-thru operation was planned in about a week and is a result of a collaboration between the county and university. “The university is really vested in making sure that we can do what we can to stop the spread of the virus,” said Tondra Moore, the executive director of health services for Prairie View University. So it’s awesome that we get to come here and put our skills into practice,” said PVU nursing student Keara Avie.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/01-21-2021/t_de1be9c7316143a7a810ab61002a3706_name_image.jpg)
Students at Prairie View A&M University watch historic Inauguration, celebrate VP Kamala Harris
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – Vice President Kamala Harris has made history as the first woman, first Black and first South Asian to hold the position. She credits her time at a historically Black college, Howard University, with preparing for a life of public service. Students at Prairie View A&M University proudly watched Wednesday’s ceremony at the Memorial Student Center. Some students were emotional and felt inspired by President Joe Biden and VP Harris. LaShonda Williams is a graduate of Prairie View A&M and she’s also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, just like Harris.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/01-07-2021/t_b45fb2e47cb141848c502a39156f92bd_name_image.jpg)
Local experts weigh in on political impact of U.S. Capitol riot
HOUSTON – The counting process had barely started when protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol, a scene that played out on screens around the country and around the world. Two professors from Prairie View A&M University weighed in on the day’s events. “This is not what is supposed to happen in the United States,” said Michael Marshall, an assistant professor of political science. The process will not be deterred,” said Eddy Carder, an assistant professor who will be teaching constitutional law. “The republic and the democracy have been amazingly resilient,” he said.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/Q4O73GR3ZVG7RKDIGFCGCDM6L4.jpg)
Prairie View A&M gets $50 million donation, largest in the university’s history, from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott
Prairie View A&M University has received a $50 million donation, the largest in the university’s history, from writer and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The historically Black university can use the money for whatever it likes. School leaders have chosen to allocate $10 million to juniors and seniors who had dealt with financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, Prairie View received a $10 million donation from an anonymous donor to help students impacted by the pandemic. Scott, who is the former wife of Amazon CEO and billionaire Jeff Bezos, also donated $50 million to Morgan State University, a historically Black college in Maryland.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-03-2020/t_fd7c94e4f1b44eeda1b47c089541dbab_name_image.jpg)
DATA: Houston-area school districts see troubling failure rates for first grading period
No matter the school district, failure rates for the first grading period, among those learning virtually, are much higher than failure rates during the same period last year, according to an analysis of data conducted by KPRC 2. After reporting 42% of students enrolled in Houston Independent School District failed at least one course during the first six weeks of the school year, KPRC 2 sent requests to 10 Houston-area school districts for failure rates among virtual students vs in-person students. As more requests are fulfilled, KPRC 2 will continue to update the data provided:Houston Independent School DistrictWhile the Houston Independent School District is Texas’ largest school district, it’s far from alone in documenting problems associated with virtual learning. Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School DistrictForty-four percent of high school students enrolled in virtual learning failed at least one course during the first grading period, data released by Cy-Fair ISD confirmed. Thirty-eight percent of middle school students learning virtually failed at least one course, according to the data.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/IJ74SQ5QVBBJRE7CFJDGHKAYOM.jpg)
Prairie View A&M board approves center for race and justice to help stop biases impacting minorities
HOUSTON – Prairie View A&M University board of regents has approved a new center for race and justice, the university said Thursday. The university announced its creation in June following the death of George Floyd and the civil unrest that followed. The new Ruth J. Simmons Center, named after the school’s president, will research, publish and train students to develop ways to stop systemic biases that impact minorities across the country. Creating a research fellowship program that will bring scholars from across the nation to PVAMU’s campus annually. An activist-in-residence position, which would bring advocates, activists, and those who have worked on behalf of justice to the campus to build on PVAMU students' long history of political engagement.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-12-2020/t_9f891c530b1d484c9657a7db5ea904de_name_image.jpg)
Anonymous donor gifts $10 million to help students at Prairie View
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – The Prairie View A&M University received $10 million from an anonymous donor on Wednesday. “It will really help my family. The school says they will continue to strive for excellence and help students as much as they can. We all know how expensive college can be for people and their families, but one person stepped up to help student at Prairie View A&M University in big way. An anonymous donor gave $10 million to the university so juniors and seniors can stay enrolled in school and graduate on time.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-07-2020/t_c911525573f646b28a849d100a79f9ee_name_image.jpg)
Are you being tracked right now? Probably.
We have everything you need to know about cyber trackers, how they get into your devices, and what you can do about it. Cyber tracking is when companies (websites, apps) track certain things about you so they can target advertisements for you. We went to the experts to find out more about cyber tracking and your phones and computers. “Of course I think it’s a problem,” said student Lacy Tempest, “No one’s information should be taken, especially if it’s personal information.”“It’s really, really scary stuff,” said Joshua Thomas. Busy mom of two teenagers, Renita Douglas, has mixed feelings about cyber tracking but admits it has made shopping easier.
Houston musician Desz wows judges on ‘The Voice’ with rendition of ‘Un-Break My Heart’
HOUSTON – This season of The Voice features not just one but two Houstonians, and the latest superstar got all four judges to turn in her blind audition while singing Un-Break My Heart by Toni Braxton. Desz’s mom suffered an aneurysm just months later and she performed for the first time during her funeral. The 30-year-old musician went on to perform all throughout college at Prairie View A&M University with the university’s choir, the Houston Ebony Opera and the Houston Symphony. She eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she became a part of Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir. To keep up with Desz’s musical journey, follow her on Instagram @deszmusicofficial or Facebook at DeSz Music.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/TWHE7N32ZRCDXIQTO5OJBEJTEA.jpg)
Turner to launch partnership with Prairie View A&M to address health disparities in Houston
HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Monday a partnership with Prairie View A&M University aimed at addressing health disparities in various communities across Houston. Turner said the partnership will benefit Houston’s underserved and under-resourced communities by investing in programs and services that will address challenges impacting the state’s diverse socioeconomic communities. PVAMU’s Healthy Houston Initiatives will focus on neighborhoods such as Third Ward, Sunnyside, Denver Harbor, Acres Home, Kashmere Gardens, Cuney Homes, Haverstock and other specific Houston-area communities and neighborhoods, Turner said. The goal is to improve the selected underserved communities' health, nutrition and wellness, according to the mayor. The initiative will expand awareness of healthy living programs, health services and educate residents on how to live a healthy lifestyle through its resources.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2QGK7LURI5EP5PVCT7QNVYCULI.jpg)
14 reasons why the world and especially Houston loves Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, is a 25-year-old rapper from the South Park neighborhood. In 2020, she has dropped two chart-topping hits “Savage” Remix with fellow Houston native Beyoncé and “WAP” with rapper Cardi B. In September 2019, the Houston rapper signed a management deal with Roc Nation, which is founded by Jay Z.Pete is also a senior majoring in healthcare administration at Texas Southern University. Here are 14 reasons why the world and especially loves Megan Thee Stallion:1. She goes to Texas Southern University.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/OKG6W3CNM5CZZKL7D4T3A6B2HU.jpg)
Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion to give away two $10K scholarships to 2 women of color
HOUSTON – Houston Rapper Megan Thee Stallion announced Thursday on social media that she plans to give away two $10,000 scholarships. Hold on y’all crashed the website lol one sec 🙏🏾 — HOT GIRL MEG (@theestallion) October 8, 2020The site will be back up in a few minutes and it is a GLOBAL SCHOLARSHIP so hot girls from all over the world can apply 🔥🔥🔥 — HOT GIRL MEG (@theestallion) October 8, 2020The Don’t Stop scholarship fund was named after her recent song featuring rapper Young Thug. READ: Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion named one of the most influential people of 2020Megan isn’t the only Houston native in the hip-hop world feeling generous, Houston rapper Travis Scott also recently announced that he is offering to pay tuition of five students who currently attend historically black colleges. READ: Houston rapper Travis Scott offers to pay tuition for 5 HBCU students on TwitterScott said he plans to cover tuition for the students' first semesters. After making the announcement, he revealed that his mother attended Grambling State University and his father attended Prairie View A&M University, which are both historically black colleges and universities.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/IFHWTX7JAZALDE2FPL7OPT7J5Q.jpg)
Houston rapper Travis Scott offers to pay tuition for 5 HBCU students on Twitter
HOUSTON – Rapper Travis Scott was in a charitable mood Wednesday night as he offered to pay the tuition of five students that currently attend historically black colleges and universities. THAT ATTENDS AN HBCU https://t.co/5eQ6YXQMc5 — TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) October 7, 2020Scott said he plans to cover tuition for the students' first semesters. Wild — TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) October 7, 2020The rapper even announced two of the five selectees on the social media platform. https://t.co/t2Hrvqz5Cw — TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) October 7, 2020My mom always wanted me to go here.!!!! https://t.co/VwWwr0SswO — TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) October 7, 2020This is sure to be a gift they’ll never forget because, after all, a college education can be expensive.
WATCH: More than 40 Houston-area Black-owned entrepreneurs, businesses spotlighted in inspirational video
HOUSTON – Inspired by Pharrell Williams featuring Jay-Z song “Entrepreneur,” a new video highlights Black entrepreneurs and businesses in the Houston area. Most impactfully, the video draws attention to the many success stories of local entrepreneurs and business owners. “There are way too many dope, Black entrepreneurs in Houston to fit them all into one video,” said Williams, the founder of Twice Media Productions, a Houston-based marketing company that produced the video. Other local businesses and entrepreneurs featured:Darryl King owns five companies with officers across the world and he and his companies have given nearly a half-million dollars in donations and scholarships. Here is the full video of Houston-area, Black-owned businesses:
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/76IHN7DWMNF7NBKD3SHZQEJ22A.jpg)
Prairie View A&M University president gifts Fifth Ward non-profit with $100,000 donation
HOUSTON – The president of Prairie View A&M University, Dr. Ruth Simmons, has gifted the Fifth Ward community with a major boost in an effort to help a non-profit founded 77 years ago. Simmons presented the Julia C. Hester House, a long-standing community center in the Fifth Ward area, a donation in the amount of $100,000 on Saturday. Simmons said the gift will help the organization continue to serve residents with a variety of programs, including child development, education, community swim classes, senior services and meal distributions. “My siblings and I owe a great deal to Julia C. Hester House," Simmons said. “We were both surprised and elated with gratitude when we received the news of this thoughtful donation.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ZSSBY5RAJ5DTRLH2XOM6T7KULY.jpg)
Prairie View A&M University to launch Center for Race and Justice in response to death of George Floyd
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas Prairie View A&M University President Ruth Simmons has announced the university is launching a Center for Race and Justice and will require a mandatory class on the history of race for incoming students as a response to the death of Houston native George Floyd and other similar murders that have taken place across the United States. Now we must call upon that identity to give us guidance and succor in the coming period.Simmons said as soon as it is approved, incoming students will be required to take a course on the History of Race and Class in the United States. Led by Professor Melanye Price, the center will serve as a resource to encourage teaching and scholarship that contributes positively to overturning systematic biases that impede the ability of minorities and other groups to be accorded their full rights under the U.S. Constitution, Simmons said. Simmons believes the death of Floyd is a catalyst to implement actions that can have a lasting impact on the historically black college, the students and surrounding communities. Click here to read Simmons entire letter.