HSPVA Black Alumni Network
Creating a community of Black alumni from HSPVA, supporting alumni and current student endeavors, and providing resources, scholarships, and networking opportunities to champion the next generation of HSPVA artists and professionals
2026 Scholarship Benefit Soiree
The 2026 Scholarship Benefit Soirée celebrates the rich artistic and creative legacy of HSPVA’s Black alumni and the steadfast forces who have shaped and supported our journeys. This year, we honor an esteemed alumnus and a dedicated educator whose impact extends beyond the classroom, shaping generations of artists and creatives.
This elegant evening will feature:
- A tribute to our honorees, Lisa E. Harris and Brooke Barnes-Meeks
- Live performances by HSPVA students and alumni
- A silent auction showcasing exclusive experiences and artwork
- Signature cocktails and gourmet cuisine from Black-owned vendors
Proceeds from the soirée will fund scholarships for Black HSPVA student artists, ensuring they have the resources to attend summer training programs and continue their education.
what i wish i knew: life after HSPVA
A conversation series highlighting alumni as they discuss their introduction to the “Real World”, share what they’re currently up to, and reflect on how their time at PVA influenced who they are today.
interludes
Vibe out with our curated alumni playlists.
the conversation.
Exploring Beyond the Streetlights
It was a hot, summer Houston day in 1994. Outside, the buzzing of cicadas could be heard under the swelling sun. Cameron J. Ross (Theatre ‘06) was seven years old. He was going to the local movie theater on I-10 East and Federal Road with his mother, where the matinees were one dollar. They were going to see Crooklyn, Spike Lee’s new coming-of-age film about a young Black girl named Troy and her life in 1970s Brooklyn. It was important to his mother that he be exposed to media that celebrated...
Passing Notes
HSPVA senior photo.Conducting at the February 2020 "Gospel Spirit" concert featuring the Houston Choral Society and the Prairie View A&M University Concert Chorale. Photos courtesy of Dr. Taylor.This year’s back-to-school season marks the end of Dr. A. Jan Taylor’s (Vocal ‘75) first year of retirement. Last summer, after 39 years of teaching, she celebrated an illustrious 26-year career as Prairie View A&M University’s Director of Choral Music Activities. But before she became the...
Backbone of the B(l)ackbeat
Herman Matthews (Jazz '79) grew up in Acres Home on the Northside of Houston. While watching The Lawrence Welk Show as a six-year-old, he started showing an interest in the drums. It wasn’t long before he was hand drumming "Wipe Out" onto his desk at Durkee Elementary and driving his poor first grade teacher crazy in the process. She promptly delivered him to the school’s music teacher, if for no other reason than for self-preservation. At age 11, Matthews started playing drums alongside his...
Autumn in Spring
“All the world’s a stage,” the famous quote begins, “and all the men and women merely players.” This opening phrase from Shakespeare’s As You Like It can suggest the idea that aspects of performance and performativity are interwoven throughout our day-to-day lives, both public and private. At any given moment, we are all actors in perpetual performance, often juggling multiple roles at once. Someone who appears to comfortably read books alone at the bar. Someone who “doesn’t need a straw” for...
