Resistance to and Threats Against Historically Black Colleges and Universities - 4/18/2022

Conversation Overview

This year, during Black History Month, at least 57 Black institutions--mostly HBCUs, were the target of bomb threats. Join us for a Messy Conversation between Dr. Patrick Jefferson and The Honorable Frank Jackson as they engage in a conversation about the history of efforts and tactics used to try to keep HBCUs from opening or to shut them down.

Dr. Patrick Jefferson currently serves as Director, Student Academic Support Services at Prairie View A&M University. Previously, he has been a program director, faculty coordinator, dean of student services, academic affairs dean, vice-president of instruction, vice president for student development (affairs/services), and executive vice president of instruction and student services. In addition, he has taught at the post-secondary, K-12, and adult education levels. Dr. Jefferson is very active in his community and speaks regularly about the benefits of education and service. His volunteer activities include serving on the boards of Elevate Collegiate Charter School and the 100 Black Men of Metro Houston. He has a BS in Biology from Xavier University, holds a Masters of Arts degree in Education Administration from Loyola Marymount University, and completed his doctoral studies in Educational Leadership at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA).

The Honorable Frank Jackson is the former Assistant Vice Chancellor for State Relations at Prairie View A&M University (an HBCU in Texas), and also served as Mayor of the City of Prairie View from 2002 to 2014. He has an impressive record as an enthusiastic supporter of the university athletic program, an author and active public community advocate and leader.  He has been a champion for PVAMU student voting rights which culminated in a landmark court decision in favor of the student's right to choose their place of residence.  He served on Prairie View, Texas' City Council for 12 years and as Mayor for five terms since 2002.  He has received many awards and commendations and is frequently requested for public speaking engagements throughout the nation pertaining to the history of Prairie View A&M University and Texas.