Faculty and students gathered in the William “Billy” J. Nicks Baby Dome Thursday morning to attend the annual general student assembly. Departing from the usual format of the event, President George Wright stepped aside this year to allow the leadership of the student body to address students and teachers.
The assembly was sparsely attended, possibly because of the 42-degree temperature on campus at 10 a.m. when the assembly began. Despite this, the crowd reacted warmly and energetically to the performances of the University Concert Chorale and the PVAMU Marching Storm.
The theme of the assembly was “Be the Change you Want to see,” a callback to the mantra which supporters of President Barack Obama employed during the course of the 2008 campaign.
Miss Prairie View 2008-2009 Kara Willis spoke on themes elaborated upon in Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, challenging students to ask themselves “how will you be a part of the change you want to see?” Willis showcased her familiarity with the rhetoric of American presidents, past and present as she echoed the words of John F. Kennedy, encouraging students to apply the sentiment of JFK’s famous “ask not…” speech to the university and community.
SGA President Johnie Jones delivered an energized speech and was warmly received by the audience, as he spoke of the African-American leaders of the past who took the initiative to change the circumstances which they saw as unjust.
“I think this change will occur as a result of our collective action to make it happen,” said Jones, who promoted the idea that individual student action was essential to improving unfortunate conditions at Prairie View such as crime. He even offered suggestions for service projects-a corps of male students providing free escort services for female students walking alone at night was received with great appreciation by many women in the audience.
Freshman Timothy Woods II spoke briefly as well, accepting the challenge posed by upperclassmen, saying, “If we work hard now we may one day enjoy the fruits of our labor. Don’t dwell on the past, anticipate the future.”
The assembly ended with remarks and announcements from Dr. E. Joahanne Thomas-Smith and Dr Lauretta F. Byars following a spirited musical selection from freshman education major Clynese Glenn.
After the student leaders spoke, Wright thanked those in attendance and reminded all of the importance of the historical context of the day. “There is no way of knowing how significant this moment in history will be,” Wright added.