By: James B. Ewers Jr. Ed. D.
Every day at some point you will hear someone use the term “old school”. It is one of those trending terms and one that has gained popularity.
We all know someone who fits the old school description. They are a role model, wisdom-filled and in a certain age category. Old school folks usually have these great stories about the good old days. They command attention by their very presence. However, they don’t try to bring attention to themselves.
They will also tell you sometimes what you don’t want to hear but what you need to hear. In other words, they will tell you the truth. This group is also comfortable being around everyone. They don’t play favorites.
As Rudyard Kipling says in his poem If, “If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue or walk with kings nor lose the common touch.”
I met Reverend Elmon W. Prier in 1995. We moved to Ohio to take a position at Miami University of Ohio.
As we got settled, I was encouraged to meet Reverend Prier, and I did. I found him to be introspective, kind-hearted and knowledgeable.
He had those traits in abundance. Elmon Prier was an ordained minister of the gospel, a public-school teacher, counselor, coach and author. Reverend Prier used all these positions to make life better for all of those around him.
Plainly and admirably stated, he was a man for all seasons. He wanted each of us to reach our full potential.
His work ethic was undeniable. He was always doing something good in the community.
He is a graduate of Wilberforce University, a Historically Black College and University in Ohio. Over the years, he has been a staunch supporter and advocate for the university.
One of his consistent messages was that Wilberforce University was a turning point in his life.
Reverend Elmon Prier passed away on Easter Sunday. He lived a life of service and gratitude. He is rightfully being called a hero in Middletown Ohio. I agree with this platitude as he was certainly one of my heroes.
We developed both a deep friendship and an educational partnership.
I suspect our love for youth and our passion for the transformative power of education brought us together.
Our Christian faith was the centerpiece for all our meetings and conversations. Because he was a minister of the gospel, he was able to bring practical application to Biblical teachings.
I will be forever grateful to him for the infusion of verses and chapters in the Bible that he gave to me. I can say without hesitation or deliberation that I am a better person because of our time together.
Reverend Prier thought that education would lead to a better life for students. He spent countless hours meeting with college admissions officers and writing letters of recommendation.
As a result, there are untold numbers of students who are college graduates because of his intervention.
Because of his passing, there will be hurt in the hearts of his family and friends. People that he has helped with employment and simply being a person willing to listen will feel his loss.
He left us with many lessons about how to treat each other. This treatment goes beyond the walls of race, gender and economic status.
Reverend Prier lived an exemplary life. His writings, sermons and books will be a living testimony for future generations.
I will miss his humanity and his humor; I will miss his empathy and his understanding; I will miss his integrity and his steadfast belief in what is right.
In the diagram of life, we all take different paths to find peace, contentment and happiness. I was blessed to have met my dear friend, Reverend Elmon W. Prier.
His friendship will always be an important part of my life. This column is dedicated to the Prier Family.
Dr. James B. Ewers, Jr. Ed. D. is a long-time educator who hails from Winston Salem, N.C. Ewers is a life member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
