HOUSTON – As we celebrate Black History Month, we don’t have to look far for inspiring stories celebrating community service and leadership at the nation’s third-largest HBCU, Prairie View A&M University.
Two Houston city council members have strong ties to PVAMU.
Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, representative of District D is the granddaughter of Prairie View A&M’s first President, Dr. Edward B. Evans, who served from 1947 to 1966.
“His mantra, as is mine is, “If I can help somebody as I path along this way, then my living shall not be in vain. And that has been the focus of my leadership,” said Evans-Shabazz.
She remembered how, even as president, her grandfather was not allowed to go into the Texas A&M board room because he was Black.
“I think that has influenced me greatly as well because there are people who do not have a seat at the table,” said Evans-Shabazz. “I think that is one of the things that motivates me to be that voice because of what he had to endure. He did not let that deter him from doing what he could to advance Prairie View A&M University and the students.”
Evans-Shabazz, a Houston native, was recently elected to a second term on the Houston City Council, serving District D.
Tiffany Thomas is the city council member elected to serve District F. She also serves as the Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Community Development at Prairie View, where she is marrying her work as a council representative to teach students about the preservation of cultural heritage in the community.
“I’m turning my classrooms into community labs,” Thomas explained. “We’re addressing issues in communities and neighborhoods every day.”
Thomas explained the District F Street Light initiative that began when a constituent in the Alief area told Thomas she was afraid of walking home from work at night because no street lights were in the area. Through the initiative, Thomas was able to get lights installed.
She also said Houston Public Works has removed the fee for installing street lights for the entire city.
“That credit goes to Prairie View A&M,” Thomas said.