Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), the second-oldest public institution of higher education in Texas, has played a crucial role in fostering education and social justice since its founding in 1876. In a recent conversation with Dr. Melanye Price and Dr. Marco Robinson, director and co-director of the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice at PVAMU, we explored the university’s rich history, contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, and ongoing commitment to racial justice.
A University Born from Segregation
Founded in response to the exclusion of Black students from Texas A&M University, Prairie View A&M was established as the first state college in Texas dedicated to educating African Americans. The institution was built on the grounds of the former Alta Vista Plantation and has undergone several name changes before becoming Prairie View A&M University.
Dr. Price emphasized, “Prairie View comes to life out of a history of racial segregation in education,” highlighting the university’s mission to address educational inequities. As an alumnus, I take immense pride in knowing that PVAMU was founded to uplift Black students, a mission that continues to inspire generations.
PVAMU’s Role in the Civil Rights Movement
PVAMU played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with students participating in protests, sit-ins, and boycotts during the 1960s. However, one of its most notable contributions was its involvement in securing voting rights for college students.
In 1979, PVAMU was at the center of a Supreme Court case concerning the 26th Amendment, which ultimately granted students the right to register and vote in the communities where they attended college. This ruling affirmed student voting rights nationwide and continues to empower young voters today.
Promoting Race and Social Justice
Dr. Robinson discussed the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice’s role in fostering meaningful discussions about race and inequality. “Through our programming, we aim to have constructive conversations about race and its impact,” he explained.
The center organizes speaker events, community initiatives, and projects that address historical and contemporary social justice issues. This work reflects PVAMU’s commitment to being an institution that not only educates but also actively engages in societal change.
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
PVAMU’s legacy of education and service extends beyond academics. Dr. Robinson emphasized the university’s long-standing mission to produce “productive people,” a motto that dates back to its early years when it trained the first generation of Black teachers in Texas. Today, PVAMU continues to serve Black and brown communities through its agricultural extension programs and other outreach efforts.
Looking ahead to its 150th anniversary, PVAMU is taking steps to explore and document its historical roots, including research into the former plantation where the university was built. “We are learning more about that plantation and connecting the people who were enslaved there to their descendants,” Dr. Price shared. The university is also working on collecting oral histories from individuals who have contributed to its legacy, ensuring that these stories are preserved for future generations.
A Legacy of Excellence and Progress
As PVAMU continues its mission, its faculty and leaders remain committed to academic excellence and social progress. Dr. Price and Dr. Robinson expressed their admiration for PVAMU students, describing them as well-trained and eager to make a difference in the world.
With its strong foundation in education, activism, and community service, Prairie View A&M University stands as a beacon of opportunity and justice. As it moves toward its next milestone, it remains dedicated to shaping the future while honoring its impactful past.
