Mississippi Valley State University is slated to host its annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Black History Convocation at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 4, 2021.
The event was initially set for Thursday, February 24, but inclement weather delayed plans, and organizers had to reschedule recordings. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the university will hold the event virtually and premiere it on MVSU's official YouTube channel and Facebook page.
"We are excited about presenting this year's Black History Convocation virtually for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the university," said Donell Maxie, Director of Communications and Marketing. Dameon Shaw, Vice-President of University Advancement, wanted to be certain that we did not cancel the annual event due to the weather. We were able to reschedule and get it all completed," Maxie added.
This year's theme is The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity. MVSU Alum, Pastor Edward Thomas ('02) will serve as the keynote speaker. Thomas, the Senior Pastor of the Greater Northside Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, is excited to serve as the speaker for this year's convocation.
"There is an African Baganda Proverb that says, 'A united family eats from the same plate.' "I hope to illuminate the importance of unity in the Black family and the role it plays in building the identity and success of the Black community," said Thomas.
The Clarksdale, Mississippi native, received a degree in sociology from MVSU and continued his education at Belhaven University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical studies in 2008. Additionally, Thomas obtained a master's degree in Christian Ministry with an emphasis in Pastoral Ministry from Grand Canyon University in 2014.
Presently, Rev. Thomas serves as the Senior Pastor of the Greater Northside M.B. Church in Jackson, Mississippi. He has also served as the Senior Pastor of the Kings Temple M.B. Church in Clarksdale, MS, Moderator of the Coahoma County Baptist District Association, and is also a 13-year teacher in Public Education. Pastor Thomas has served in numerous ministerial capacities over his 24-year ministerial career.
In the year 2019, Rev. Thomas established the Weeping Prophet Ministries. The Weeping Prophet Ministries was initiated to observe and concentrate on the community's necessities by focusing on family, neighborhood development, empowerment, and education.
Along with Thomas, the virtual program will feature MVSU President Jerryl Briggs, Sr., Student Government Association President Jhah Cook, a senior Biology and Chemistry major from Vinton, Louisiana; Rodkell Baber, a junior studying Speech and Communication from Leland, MS will offer and original spoken-word piece, and the MVSU University Choir under the direction of Dr. Brandon Cash will render selections.