Prairie View started Homecoming off with a bang with the “Bridging the Gap Gospel Fest” held in the MSC Opal Johnson-Smith Auditorium Sunday evening. Students, alumni, and supporters alike all packed the auditorium to receive their blessing.
The theme was attributed to the overall theme of Homecoming: “Something New, Something Old: Everything Purple and Gold.” Minister Joseph Earle of Higher Dimension Church in Houston, a master of ceremony and Prairie View alumnus of the class of 1996, reflected on how the campus has transformed from when he attended with not so appetizing food and community showers.
The event started with praise and worship and continued into individual acts. Those featured in the program include Prairie View’s own Michael Dixon and VisZion, PV Mime Ministry, One Accord Mime Ministry, and Baptist Student Movement. Guests included in the event were Austin native Eric Moore and his group Resonate and God’s Appointed People (GAP). Madearis himself and four of the members of his group GAP are also alumni of this institution. He is also a former BSM member and director.
Moore and Resonate really got the crowd on their feet with “You are Good.”
Sophomore and first time gospel fest attendee Jasmine Rusk found the Gospel Fest “inspirational and uplifting.” She continued, “It put me back on the right path.”
She wasn’t the only one touched. As you looked about the auditorium, you could see heads nodding to the music, hands waving, and people clapping. You could truly see that the spirit was moving in this place.
The Gospel Fest really did bridge the gap by bringing the old and new gospel organizations and members together in order to kick off Homecoming. This goes to show that Prairie View A&M has and will continue to produce productive people.