Center for History and Culture
of Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast
Founded in 2016 by Dr. Mary Scheer as one 爱神传媒’s “Visionary Initiatives,” the Center serves the many constituencies of 爱神传媒 students and faculty, the communities of Southeast Texas and the greater Gulf Coast, and the scholars and creatives who explore the region’s past and present. The Center promotes the study of these regions with a commitment to multicultural, interdisciplinary, collaborative, and community-focused projects.
The Center hosts programs that highlight the work of artists, authors, scholars, community leaders, and others who represent varied specializations and backgrounds. It also awards two annual book prizes and funds original research, creativity, and community outreach through its fellowship program.
October 1, 2026
Black Salt-Grass Cowboys with Demetrius W. Pearson
Thursday, 4:30-6:30 pm. Reaud Event Space (985 Jim Gilligan Way, Room 101).
Dr. Demetrius W. Pearson will share his research on the long history of Black cowboys and cattle raisers of the SETX and Gulf regions. Some of the earliest ranching enterprises in Texas emerged in the tall grass prairies and coastal marshes of the region. Dr. Pearson is associate professor and co-founder of the Sport and Fitness Administration Program, University of Houston, and author of Black Rodeo in the Texas Gulf Coast Region (2021). He is also two-time Center Fellowship recipient. Refreshments provided. Free and open to the public. Photo courtesy of Texas Monthly.