Clemetine Clarke, a longtime youth advocate who emphasizes helping young women, will take part in Black History Month events Feb. 11 to 13 in Victoria as a speaker and parade grand marshal.

Clemetine Clarke

Clarke is a principal owner of CMH & Associates, a San Francisco agency that provides governmental affairs, community relations, grassroots advocacy and fundraising services. In 1999, she received the Texas Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service from then-Gov. George W. Bush for her many years of volunteer work and impact on the lives of Texas youth by teaching them leadership development through volunteerism.

While living in Texas, she served as a member of the advisory board for the University of Texas School of Social Work and America’s Promise in Texas. She also received a Special U.S. Congressional Recognition certificate for her volunteer work and the first Southwest Airlines Freedom Fighter Award. She has received training through Leadership Austin, the Foundation for Women Resources Power Pipeline and Leadership Texas.

Clarke will be speaking about African-Americans in politics and government while she is in Victoria. The public is invited to all the events.

“I believe in helping young people find their voice through teaching them how to effectively advocate for causes that are near and dear to their hearts,” Clarke said. “I’m looking forward to coming to Victoria and talking to the public about what African-Americans can do to get more involved in politics at all levels.”

On Feb. 11, she will speak at 7 p.m. at Palestine Baptist Church, 608 E. Convent St.

Clarke also will speak at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Black History Month reception in the Multi-Purpose Room of the University of Houston-Victoria University Center, 3007 N. Ben Wilson St. Winners of the Black History Month Fifth-Grade Poster Contest will be announced at the reception. The first- through third-place winners will receive different levels of scholarships to both UHV and The Victoria College. Four honorable mention winners will receive prize bags from UHV and the Cultural Council of Victoria.

All posters submitted to the contest are on public display in the University Center throughout February during regular business hours. Visitors are invited to cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award at the kiosk on the first floor of the University Center. All votes must be submitted by Wednesday.

Clarke also will be the grand marshal in the 21st annual Black History Month Parade, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Feb. 13. The parade will start at Patti Welder Magnet Middle School, 1500 E. North St., and end at the Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St. The Black History Month Festival will immediately follow the parade and will last until 4 p.m. in the community center. The festival will include a speech by Clarke, an announcement of the People’s Choice Award winner in the poster contest, food and entertainment.

For more information about Black History Month events in Victoria, contact Earnel Lee or Annie Hill at 361-576-5650.

UHV helps organize Black History Month events annually along with The Victoria College, Cultural Council of Victoria and the Black History Month Steering Committee.