O.J. Thomas event honors Black History
On Saturday, Feb. 12, on the historic O.J. Thomas School Campus, community members far and wide participated in an educational and celebratory way.
The Black History Program was a very successful fundraiser toward scholarships for upcoming Cameron Yoe High School Graduates.
The Gospel Starz sang classics like Amazing Grace; Lord We Need Your Blessings; He’ll Understand and Say Well Done; Lord Let Me Lean You; I Recommend Jesus; and many more.
Bonnie Cavil Wilson shared greetings from the Alumni Association to start the program.
Special Recognition was given to Barbara Walker, the only living former teaching faculty member in attendance. Walker started teaching at O.J. Thomas in 1956.
Arthur Kelly, class of 1954, was recognized as the oldest living alumnus in attendance. Rose Freeman, class of 1968, was recognized as the youngest living alumnus in attendance.
Several speakers shared remarks during the event.
Dr. Isaiah Logan, as a former O.J. Thomas Scholarship Recipient, shared about his journey from Yoe High School to Texas A&M University, Mississippi College, University of Kansas Medical School, and now back to his hometown of Cameron.
“I believe the richness of what is Cameron Independent School District and the educational experience of the students in Cameron today, is the O.J. Thomas School,” Cameron ISD Superintendent Kevin Sprinkles shared with the audience. “A big part of that is the people who walked and graced the halls of this institution and continue to influence the young lives of Cameron youth today, and don’t think for one moment as Superintendent of Cameron ISD that I don’t understand the importance that Oscar John Thomas and his wife Bessie had on all of the children that they impacted, and the role that plays today in the success of Cameron ISD.”
He also shared that through his research and readings of Oscar John Thomas that he shares the same belief system that Oscar John Thomas had, and that is “Education is the great equalizer for all children.”
Milam County Judge Steve Young shared with the audience, “This school came about because of a meeting that Booker T. Washington of the Tuskegee Institute and Julius Rosenwald, philanthropist and President of Sears Roebuck had in 1912. Mr. Washington convinced Mr. Rosenwald to help build schools in the South to help educate Black students who weren’t getting a proper education. This school was a product of those efforts.”
Terry Majors shared Spoken Word Poetry, with a poem entitled, “A Day of Restoration”.
Featured Speaker Kevin Hoffman, Chief of Staff at Prairie View A&M University shared with the audience that Prairie View A&M is the second oldest public institution of higher education in Texas.
Prairie View has recently been nationally recognized as a R2 Carnegie Classification, which represents excellence in teaching, research and innovation in institutions of higher education across the nation. The second-highest ranking for universities with a commitment to research, this designation is now held by 133 universities nationwide. PVAMU is one of only 10 HBCUs to be granted R2 status and one of only four Texas A&M University System members in this category.
Hoffman also shared the touching story of when his mother passed away during his sophomore year, and it was a very difficult time for him when his life could have went in many different directions, but PVAMU far and wide embraced him, and encouraged him, and lifted him up, so he could finish his educational goals. He finished by saying that is the uniqueness of the university, that’s the uniqueness of Texas, that’s the uniqueness of this country, and that’s why Prairie View A&M is Black History and American History.
For those who would still like to contribute to the O.J. Thomas Scholarship endeavors you can send a donation to O. J. Thomas Alumni, P. O. Box 91 Cameron, TX 76520.