PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prairie View A&M University is proud to announce that Dr. Daniel Black, distinguished author, professor, mentor, and leader in African American Studies, has been appointed as the 2025-2026 Toni Morrison Writer-in-Residence. This position, one of PVAMU's signature academic and creative appointments, underscores the institution's deep commitment to literary excellence, social conscience, and community engagement.

With more than three decades of teaching experience at Clark Atlanta University, Dr. Black brings a breadth and depth of expertise that will enrich every corner of PVAMU's campus. His literary works, including They Tell Me of A Home, The Sacred Place, Perfect Peace, Twelve Gates to the City, The Coming, Listen to the Lambs, Don't Cry for Me, Black on Black, and Isaac's Song, have garnered national recognition. Most recently, Black on Black was named the 2024 Georgia Author of the Year.

As the Toni Morrison Writer-in-Residence, Dr. Black will offer a dynamic slate of programming throughout the year: public readings, student workshops, and master classes designed to elevate voice, sharpen craft, and foster literary community.

The Toni Morrison Writing Program, launched in 2020 through a generous gift from MacKenzie Scott, is housed in the Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences and led by Provost Emerita and Professor E. Joahanne Thomas-Smith. It also partners with PVAMU's Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice to explore literature not just as art, but as a lens.

Why this matters:

• For students: A rare chance to engage directly with a celebrated writer whose work spans genres, which means real learning about storytelling, voice, identity, and craft.
• For faculty: Fresh energy and collaboration opportunities from co-teaching to public humanities, to incorporating Dr. Black's experience into curriculum or research.
• For staff and the wider community: Public events invite dialogue, enrich campus culture, and build bridges between the university and its neighbors.

Dr. Black's residence will serve as a cornerstone of PVAMU's literary and cultural programming this academic year. In addition to his workshops and readings, the calendar includes spring master classes and the 3rd Annual Creative Writing Contest for graduating high school seniors.

Media Contacts:

Liz Faublas-Wallace, Communications Specialist III
936-261-1562 | lswallace@pvamu.edu

Candace Johnson, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
936-261-1566 | cajohnson@pvamu.edu

Office for Marketing and Communications
936-261-1560 | pvamu.edu/marcomm

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY, founded in 1876, is the second oldest public institution of higher education in the state of Texas and the third largest Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in the nation. Designated as an "institution of the first class" in the Texas Constitution, the enrollment exceeds 10,000 students and over 80,000 graduates. PVAMU offers academic programs through its ten colleges and schools, boasting degree options leading to bachelor's to doctoral-level degrees. A Carnegie-classified high-research (R2) University and a member of The Texas A&M University System, PVAMU is dedicated to fulfilling its land-grant mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research and service. For more information,
visit www.pvamu.edu.

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SOURCE PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY