Mayor Frank D. Jackson
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Posted By: Frederick Roberts on December 15, 2008 The 2008 Fall Commencement Exercises at Prairie View A&M University, held on December 13, is now history. In one of his most eloquent and passionate messages, Prairie View's Mayor Frank D. Jackson told the graduating class "that they must remember that they came down University Drive for an education and as a result of what the university did for them, they had a responsibility to do the same for others." It was down that road he said that major decisions were made that affected the slaves, the freed slaves, the past and current students. It was down that road that the eight young Black men showed up to be educated. Jackson electrified the audience with his eloquent recount of the eight Principals and Seven Presidents who came down that road and impacted the life, culture, climate and the physical make up of the university. It was down that road he said that the Texas Legislators came to decide on what PVAMU would become. It was down that road that more than 5,000 persons marched to Hempstead and Waller County Courthouse to protect their right to vote. He continued that it was down that road that 90 percent of the student voters walked to the Community Center and cast their vote in the most historic election in the Nation's History with the election of Senator Barack Obama, the first African American ever elected as President of the United States. The commencement message was not your typical one and Jackson, noted for his passionate delivery of the Prairie View History, interspersed within the Texas History, kept the attention of the graduates from beginning to end. In his concluding remarks Jackson shared the Eagle and Chicken story and told them that they are eagles and they need to spread their wings and fly. "You have a responsibility to take this newly acquire intellect and soar to great heights in your chosen fields." Jackson is a noted historian, author, retired Captain in the United States Navy, Fire Chief, Director of Auxiliary Services, former Council Member and County Commissioner, and Director of Government Relations at Prairie View A&M University. Jackson holds the Bachelors and Masters degrees in History from Prairie View A&M University. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Frederick Roberts
President and CEO, Collegiate Community Development Corp and the Mr. Collegiate America Program Prairie View A&M University class of 1977 Member Since November 2005 |
Comments
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OUSTANDING! OUSTANDING! He spoke great words and he has lived each and every one of them. It an honor for me to say I know him well------------as an Alphaman, he was my Big Brother when I pledged at PV. Great work Bro. Jackson. Bro Jackie Garrett "Flaco" Monday, January 5th 2009 at 8:13AM |
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About 10 years ago I heard Mr. Jackson, my fellow alum, speak at a Black History Month program, and it was wonderful. I would highly recommend anyone to go hear him. His speeches are full of knowledge and first class. I wished I could have heard him at the graduation ceremony. Monday, January 5th 2009 at 3:17PM |
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I'm proud to see Mayor Jackson honored in this way. It makes me feel great to have graduated from PVAMU. Richard E Green Class of 1985(PVAMU) Living in the Atl Sunday, August 16th 2009 at 1:37AM |
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