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R.J.S. Center for Race and Justice

Houston Public Media: Marking MLK DayĀ with a conversation about the state of civil rights in Houston

On Monday’s show: We markĀ Martin Luther King Jr. DayĀ with a conversation about the state of civil rights here in Houston and across the country with the help ofĀ Christa Stoneham, president of the Houston Land Bank,Ā Dr. Melanye PriceĀ from Prairie View A&M University, andĀ Ian HaddockĀ of The Normal Anomaly Initiative.

Defender Network- Ones to watch: Education (Dr. Melanye Price)

"The following leaders sit at the center of that reckoning. Whether steering universities through heightened state oversight, advocating for Black educators amid systemic upheaval, or governing the state-controlled Houston ISD, each will be closely watched in 2026."

PVAMU’s new scholar-in-residence, Dr. Princess Williams, continues her mission to empower voters

Princess H. Williams, Ph.D. PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Nov. 3, 2025) – She couldn’t vote yet. So, she registered her entire family. Dr. Princess Williams has been empowering others’ voting rights since high school. Prairie View A&M University’s first Scholar-in-Residence at the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice is a lifelong political [...]

PVAMU welcomes Dr. Daniel Black as 2025–2026 Toni Morrison Writer-in-Residence

Daniel Black, Ph.D. PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Sept. 22, 2025) – Prairie View A&M University has announced that Dr. Daniel Black, award-winning novelist, professor, consultant, and mentor, will serve as the 2025–2026 Toni Morrison Writer-in-Residence. Dr. Black brings more than three decades of teaching experience in African American Studies at Clark Atlanta University, along [...]

PVAMU’s Dr. Marco Robinson shares insights in KHOU Juneteenth documentary ‘1865-2025: Kinfolk and Family’

Prairie View A&M University’s Dr. Marco Robinson, associate professor of history and assistant director of the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice, is featured in KHOU 11’s new documentary, Juneteenth 1865-2025: Kinfolk and Family. The piece explores the evolution and resilience of Black family life from Africa to emancipation and beyond.

Opinion| SNCC Legacy Project brings Civil Rights icons to PVAMU as activists-in-residence

Wendell Paris Wendell Paris was just 16 when he was arrested for trespassing—simply for driving through a state park in Alabama. At the time, Black people were not allowed there. He and his lifelong friend Sammy Younge were both taken into custody. Paris grew up in Tuskegee, where he became a leader in [...]

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY EXPERTS AVAILABLE FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH INSIGHTS

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (February 3, 2025) - Prairie View A&M University is proud to announce that a distinguished group of faculty members from various disciplines are available to provide expert insights and perspectives for news programs during Black History Month.

Defender: Houston leaders champion MLK’s legacy through local initiatives

Dr. Marco Robinson, co-chair of theĀ Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice at Prairie View A&M University, carries forward the institution’s legacy as a pillar of empowerment and advocacy.

Opinion| Beyond the MLK Holiday: Reflections on Community Engagement, Social Responsibility, and PVAMU’s Legacy

The Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) National Holiday provides all Americans with an opportunity to reflect and refocus our energies on solving the issues profoundly impacting American society. Indeed, much uncertainty looms around American citizen’s social, economic, and political existences going into this new year. Although we are enduring global conflicts, plagues, and pestilence, we [...]