Coming Together: A Conversation with Norris Community Members and Other Experts

Wednesday, 10/21/09, 1-2:00pm

Gee Library, First Floor

Organizer: Opal Pannell, Director of the Norris Community Center and long-time resident, with Shannon Carter (shannon_carter@tamu-
commerce.edu) and LaVelle Hendricks

“Coming Together” is a panel of leaders and long-time residents from the Norris Community in Commerce, Texas, a section of Commerce
that before integration was the site of the all-black Norris School and, much more recently, a superfund site left by a factory that processed
cotton (contaminated soil). The Norris Community is a lively, caring, vibrant community with a long, rich history and much to teach.

African-American churches throughout the Norris Community play a major role in community life, serving as advocates, leaders, and
educators for this important area of Commerce, Texas. Thus panelists include representatives from said churches.

Harry Turner (Mt. Mariah Temple Baptist Church)

Madell Pannell (Pentecostal Church of the Lord Jesus Christ)
Opal Pannell (Director of the Norris Community Center and long-time member of Mt. Mariah)
Dr. LaVelle Hendricks (Texas A&M-Commerce and East Caney Baptist Church)

Panel members selected by Ms. Opal Pannell and Dr. LaVelle Hendricks. Join us for this exciting panel Ms. Pannell calls “Coming
Together.”