Mayor Bill White encouraged students to make Houston a city that pushes the United States forward in his speech “Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today” last Wednesday in the Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium.White, who has served as mayor of Houston since 2004, is a member of the Democratic Party. He has also served on the board of directors for the North American Reliability Council, and was chairman for both the World Trade Division and the Environmental Advisory Committee for the Greater Houston Partnership.
He has also served on the board of directors for the Houston Quality of Life Coalition.
After a brief opening from Mr. and Miss Prairie View and spirited performances from both the Prairie View Brass Ensemble and Tashay Sias, White spoke for several minutes on his personal experiences in leadership.
Mayor White defined leadership as dedication to public service and keeping a good public reputation.
White, who has worked in Houston for several months to improve road conditions and drainage in the inner-Houston areas, was put to the ultimate test in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. For his leadership during those tragic events, White was awarded the 2007 John F. Kennedy “Profiles in Courage” Award.
Mayor White shared his thoughts on the future of Houston and opportunities for the future of Texas.
He touched on the impact students can have on the future, and the importance of public service.
“Houston is the great city of opportunity. We must build a broad coalition of people to move this state forward,” said White.
His tone was optimistic when he mentioned the values that Houston has held sacred.
He assured students that Houston could be a city that could bring the United States forward.
Pat King, a business management major, said, “I think he gave me a good insight for the betterment of my future. Being able to hear him speak was quite an honor.”
Other students were disappointed with the modest crowd.
James Durant, a senior political science major, said, “I wasn’t disappointed because if just one person is getting this information, it’s a good thing. Each one, teach one.”
Student reactions to White’s speech were positive.
White gave students insight into the future of public development projects in Houston, even mentioned possible projects which would affect the campus of Prairie View.
President Wright expressed his gratitude for White’s attendance and closed the event after a presentation by Lindsay Slay.