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Born to Serve.

Texas Southern University(TSU) was established to educate African Americans in 1947, in an attempt to curb the integration of universities in the state of Texas. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, are mainly characterised with struggles, in their aim to establish top tier universities. Born to Serve is a book that tells a full history of TSU, its struggles, experiences and growth. Merline Pitre illustrates TSUs history on the basis of higher education for African American in Texas. The foundation of the school begun through the reconstruction of lawsuit Sweatt versus Painter. The book highlights the contribution of major players in the growth of the university, that enabled it to become a first rate university.

TSU is currently a top tier metropolitan University that serves students of all races. However, in its early years, the university was underfunded and it faced threats of merger. In 1955 Dr. Samuel M. Nabrit was appointed the President of the institution; this will see him become the second president of the institution. Dr. Nabrit fought to retain the school of law, however it ended being phased out. Merline Pitre states, “Despite the plea from president Nabrit, in 1964 by a vote of 11-12 the Texas Commission of Higher Education agreed to phase out the law school (Pitre)”. The commission had agreed to commence the phase out in 1966, and in turn reprieve the school of Pharmacy. However, with major struggles and strides the school of law was approved by the American Bar Association and the State Board of Law Examiners. The school of pharmacy was able to gain accreditation from the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education.

The road towards attaining first-class status was without a doubt quite challenging. During president Nabrits term, the then governor of Texas Allan Shivers had become quite popular and powerful in the state. Governor Allan had influence in the state courts. As Merline states “His election in 195 brought about a new twist to Texas politics” (Pitre). In his campaigns he advocated for segregation, claiming that it was better to stick to systems they’re quite familiar with. During Nabrits inauguration NAACP supporters protested the remarks of Governor Allan. With the merge of schools at hand Nabrit argued that if provided the necessary resources TSU would emerge as a first class institution. In the book born to serve Nabrit challenges the approach of students, when it comes to course selection, “Many students select programmes, because they are influenced by people they know (Pitre)”. TSU students also participated in civil rights movements, the students joining and participating in the movement did not come as a surprise. As a matter of fat the president lauded and justified the students. Claiming that there would be something wrong with the institutions teaching, if TSU students did not find segregation morally wrong. The institution also encouraged its student to fight for their rights, such as the sit-down demonstrations witnessed in Houston. TSU also underwent various changes, such as the dropping of the race description in its admission form. Merline further emphasizes,” In a distinct way, TSU moved towards an inclusive community.” With the growth of the institution being imminent, they began receiving grants, such as the ford foundation grant. This enabled to retain and upgrade faculty.

The university has witnessed enormous growth, in various dockets, thanks to the toil of alumni’s, former faculty members and staff. Their resilience has enabled TSU to strive to attain higher potential, through technological advancements and other academic opportunities. TSU is able to boast of its outstanding leadership, rich history, scholastic achievements, qualified faculty and good infrastructure.

Works Cited

Orphan, Cecilia M. “Born to Serve: A History of Texas Southern University by Merline Pitre.” Journal of Southern History 85.2 (2019): 499-500.