NEWS - Texas Southern University

Marcus Garveyor Mahatma Ghandi?Student Missionary Uncovers African CultureAshley ClarkSince the launch of television infomercialsand grand prize giveaways, people haveheard about “once in a life time opportunities.”Twenty-one-year old junior John Bullock however,can honestly say that he has fully capitalizedon just such a chance. An art graphics majorat Texas Southern University, Bullock recentlytook advantage of an opportunity to take abreak from classes and become a young missionaryto Zambia, Africa.“I went with the Baptist Student MinistryGroup in order to promote the True Love Waitsprogram, which is geared toward teenagers andpreteens. It teaches them about abstinence,” saidBullock. “We went to Africa… because of theHIV/AIDS problem.”Bullock traveled with other African-American students and Sister Betty Vaughn, amember of the Baptist General Mission of Texas,arranged the journey. The organization trainedthe soon-to-be missionaries because mostAfricans are used to seeing white missionariescome to talk to them. The BGM wanted youngAfrican-Americans to get the chance to witnessto people that resemble them.“Once we were selected I received numerouse-mails that told me about the country wewere going to visit,” Bullock continued. “Wehad to become familiar with the area, the peopleand the language.” The challenges of studyingwere of no consequence to an eager Bullock,though, who was determined to make a difference– no matter how small – when it cameto addressing the AIDS epidemic ravaging theAfrican continent.While in Zambia, he easily adapted tothe culture and began to bond with theteenagers with whom he worked. He alsofound an unexpected ally halfway acrossthe globe: the Bible. Much to the missionaries’surprise, they found many Zambiansalready following the teachings they werethere to provide. “We learned that Zambiais a Christian nation, which a lot of people donot believe,” Bullock relayed. “[It] is a Godfearingnation.”Bullock brought along his camera tocapture the beauty of the African nation; he wasunaware, however, that later on those personalphotos would garner him a national award.When Bullock came back to TSU, he allowedThe Herald, the student-run newspaper, to publisha photo essay chronicling his journey. Itcaught the eye of journalism professor SerbinoSandifer-Walker and soon after, she suggestedthat Bullock submit his photos to the MA’ATAwards, which is sponsored by the NationalAssociation of Black Journalists.“I found out that I won the award the nightof the ceremony,” Bullock said. “I’d forgottenthat it was taking place, [but] someone called meand informed me that I won the award for bestphoto essay.” The three photos that won theNABJ award are now on display at the TexasSouthern University Museum.Taking advantage of a mission that was trulya once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Bullock woundup gaining notoriety not only for his missionarywork, but for his photography as well.Moreover, he brought some important lessonsback to Houston.“I learned that stereotypes are false, especiallywhen it comes to Americans because we stereotypeall of the time,” he explained. “Africanculture is welcoming and friendly. They like tohave fun and they like to laugh just like us.”40 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE