One interesting name I just saw come across the portal wire was Christian Guess, who was really good up at Shaker Heights. I wondered back then why Saul didn't extend much attention then. He's really well-traveled, with stops at Mizzou, Tallahassee CC, North Idaho, Samford, and most recently Prairie View. He had a great year at Samford in 2021, but averaged just two points at PVAMU. 6'7'' small forward who should have just one year left. Take a flyer?
Sorry, but I haven't had an opportunity to get in a Civil War reference for awhile. But, your mention of Prairie View A&M provides me with an opportunity that I can't resist. Before the late rebellion a Texas slave holder, Bird Holland, who was also the father, brought three of his black progeny to Albany, Ohio, where they enrolled in the Albany Manual Labor University, which had a very rigorous academic curriculum. The term "manual labor" meant that students earned part of their tuition by working in the afternoons. This institution, founded in 1847 by Mr and Mrs. William Lewis, graduates of Oberlin, was open to all students regardless of color or gender. It went bankrupt and closed during the Civil War.
So, how does PVAM fit into all of this? Well, to make a long story short all three of the Holland boys distinguished themselves after graduating from AMLU. The most famous was Milton, who earned the Medal of Honor at the Battle of New Market Heights (Chaffin's Farm) as he led a charge by the 5th United States Colored Infantry after all the officers had been killed or wounded. Both of the other brothers, James and William served in the Civil War as well. William after the war returned to Texas, and was elected to the Reconstruction legislature. He was a cosponsor of the bill that created PVA&M. He served in the House; the other co-sponsor was in the Senate.
Stock certificate for investors in the AMLU. Common way educational institutions were financed in the 19th Century.
Last Edited: 5/4/2022 11:59:35 AM by OhioCatFan