These moments fuel the pride of being a Rattler. The same pride that swells as we walk across the stage, claim our diplomas and officially become alumni. The pride that calls us back year after year for homecoming, to reunite with the family and institution that molded us.
As you read these pages, I want you to feel that pride, to hear the heartbeat of FAMU, alive in every word, every story and every memory shared. The stories within this issue serve as a reminder of the greatness that is molded here. This is our way of saying thank you. Thank you for shaping us. Thank you for challenging us. Thank you for giving us a story worth telling.
Thank You, FAMU
Of Tallahassee BEYOND THE HILL
BY: VENECIA EASTER
How Does Volunteering Influence the City?
FAMU’s impact extends beyond academics in Tallahassee, with student organizations actively engaging in the community. When representing FAMU in these organizations, students reflect the university’s values. They are consistently involved in shaping and contributing to the development of the Tallahassee community.
Janay White, CEO and founder of Girls2Divas said, “FAMU student involvement in the community is intentional, when I see our students serve in the Tallahassee community they are serving from the heart,” she continued. “But beyond volunteerism FAMU has always been at the forefront of change that addresses the needs of this community.”
FAMU’s student organizations play a key role in giving back to the city, underscoring their commitment to the community. This involvement not only strengthens community bonds but also provides opportunities for students to expand their networks. Through initiatives
such as local volunteering, educational outreach programs, and partnerships with community organizations, it addresses issues ranging from youth mentorship to environmental sustainability. Events like food drives, health fairs, and cultural festivals further demonstrate FAMU dedication to improving the quality of life in Tallahassee. These efforts foster a sense of responsibility among students, while simultaneously enhancing the university’s reputation as a catalyst for positive change in the city.
“Organizations come to Capital City Youth Services and perform their challenge, whether it’s presenting a group on substance abuse or talk about the organizations and how they matriculate into college,” Dazzerell Grady-Johnson, a representative from CCYS said.
Volunteering demonstrates a strong commitment to the City of Tallahassee, bringing the community together. For those outside of FAMU, it offers a glimpse into the university’s family-oriented culture. FAMU students volunteer to make a positive impact on others’ lives and to support those in need. FAMU’s impact is felt well beyond its campus. The university’s commitment to building relationships, offering resources, and hosting engaging events ensures that it continues to be a cornerstone for the community. As both an educational and a cultural institution, FAMU enriches the city of Tallahassee, creating a dynamic environment where both students and residents can thrive.
This tradition reflects a strong commitment to fighting for equality and raising awareness for underserved communities. This legacy continues today, with a new generation of Rattlers embracing activism in traditional and innovative ways.
For Zula Oliveria, a third-year political science major, the journey into activism started during her teenage years, influenced by events like school shootings and her involvement with organizations such as March For Our Lives and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Coming to FAMU, she felt inspired by the university’s history of protests and sit-ins. “FAMU and HBCUs specifically have a great history of activism,” Oliveria shares. “I didn’t want to be silent. I wanted to be able to use my voice.”
As a member of FAMU’s College Democrats, Oliveria focuses on civic engagement and voter education. The organization ensures students know about voting and the issues in each election.
“We don’t necessarily host protests like in the 60s, but we are a part of important causes, and we get more involved politically for these certain causes,” she explains. This modern approach to activism reflects a shift from traditional methods to broader political engagement, including leveraging social media to educate and mobilize.
Marie Rattigan, a FAMU alumna and experienced activist, embodies the spirit of this legacy. Before transferring to FAMU, she organized protests in her hometown of Broward County. Once at FAMU, she reactivated the campus chapter of Dream Defenders, a non-profit organization founded after the tragic death of Trayvon Martin.
“Young people have always been the catalyst to the movement,” Rattigan says. “When we look at the history of FAMU and the integration of the buses, those were FAMU students at pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement.”
Marie’s activism expanded beyond the university. She cofounded the Tallahassee Bail Fund to support incarcerated individuals, including bailing out mothers on Mother’s Day or fathers on Father’s Day. She also used social media platforms to promote causes, such as gathering over 50,000 signatures for the “Mute Zimmerman” petition following George Zimmerman’s lawsuit against Trayvon Martin’s family.
For activists like Marie, creativity is key. “There’s not one specific way to digest information,” she stated. “Using petitions, phone banking, canvassing or social media helps spread the message.”
Marlon Williams-Clark, a FAMU alumnus and history instructor, stresses the importance of understanding the historical roots of student activism. He highlights the courage shown during the Civil Rights era.
“Student activism is built into the legacy of FAMU,” Williams-Clark stated. “Probably the most well-known movement was the Tallahassee Bus Boycott, which was led by two FAMU students, and it just continued after that.”
Williams-Clark believes students must know their history to inspire action.
“They have to know the legacy and the shoulders that they are on and the legacy that they are walking in,” he says. His words highlight how understanding the past can guide today’s movements. “If they don’t, they may not feel compelled to speak up; they may not feel compelled to march or take some type of action to make sure that things are equitable and equal in our society.”
This perspective resonates with Oliveria, who hopes today’s students can match the determination of past generations.
“The students of the 60s, they were so daring and so brave,” she shared. “I hope that FAMU and other HBCUs can reach that level of courage. Not only were they organizing sit-ins and protests, but they were doing so in a time where they literally did not have rights.”
As activism evolves to include digital platforms, students and alums emphasize combining historical knowledge with modern tools.
“I always look up to the people that came before us. I hope that FAMU students can create a culture that is a little bit more daring and not afraid to push the envelope.”
Through voter education, social media campaigns and grassroots organizing, FAMU continues to cultivate changemakers. The university’s activism history remains a source of pride and a guide for the future, encouraging students to honor the past and shape a better tomorrow.
ECHOS OF 2008: THE POWER OF YOUNG VOTERS IN BY AUTUMN HADDOX
The 2024 election brought a wave of political energy reminiscent of the historic 2008 election. Back then, a young, charismatic candidate named Barack Obama inspired millions of first-time voters, particularly on college campuses. Sixteen years later, youth involvement surged once again, with college students advocating for change on issues like climate change, racial justice, student debt and reproductive rights. However, the election results did not align with the expectations of many young voters.
A FLASHBACK TO OBAMA VS MCCAIN
In 2008, Barack Obama’s campaign energized young voters, especially college students, eager to be part of history. His message of hope and change resonated with a generation disappointed by the political environment. College campuses, particularly HBCUs, became hubs of political organizing as students rallied to elect the first Black president of the United States. The youth vote played a pivotal role in Obama’s victory, marking the first time many young people felt heard in the political process.
A HOPE FOR CHANGE IN 2024
Fast forward to 2024, and the energy on college campuses was equally electric. Students raised in the post-Obama era were vocal and active, advocating for accountability on issues shaping their future. Kamala Harris’s campaign slogan, “We’re not going back,” struck a chord, igniting a new wave of activism reminiscent of Obama’s 2008 movement.
Iyanah Forbes, a senior studying criminal justice and public administration at Florida A&M University, exemplified this activism. As president of the FAMU Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Forbes found her voice during the racial justice protests following George Floyd’s murder.
By: Autumn
She shared, “The role of young voters was essential for the wins of both President-elect Obama and President-elect Trump. I’m quite surprised by the choices of first-time voters this year.”
Forbes and other student leaders turned their campuses into hubs of civic engagement. At FAMU, Forbes collaborated with Florida Future Leaders to register young voters, hosted discussions on presidential candidates and integrated voter education into campus events. Nationwide, college students led voter registration drives, held debate watch parties and organized panels to educate peers about the election. Activism flourished, with protests, petitions and climate initiatives spotlighting students’ desire for systemic change.
Although the results of the 2024 election left many young voters disappointed, the process emphasized the importance of persistence.
Reflecting on the outcome, Forbes said,
“In a strange way, yes, young voters influenced change, though I was surprised by many of my generation’s choices. Social media led me to think most would vote Democratic, but that wasn’t the case.”
The election highlighted both the power and limitations of the youth vote. In 2008, young voters fueled a historic victory, while in 2024, the path to meaningful change proved less straightforward. According to Vogue Magazine, Kamala Harris’s campaign successfully engaged Gen Z through rapid trend adoption and policy influence. Yet, many students are now grappling with how to advance their causes when election outcomes fall short of expectations.
Kamala Harris’s call to action, “We’re not going back,” serves as more than a campaign slogan. It’s a rallying cry to keep moving forward despite setbacks. Post-election, the energy on college
By Raina Smith
Growing up, the stories of FAMU felt almost magical—like the bedtime stories your parents tell before you drift off to sleep. I was born in Tallahassee but left when I was still young, carrying only fragmented memories of the city. Even so, FAMU stayed vivid in my mind: the roar of the Marching 100, cheerleaders swaying in unison, seas of orange and green and so many people with an unshakable love for this one school.
FAMU was a dream etched into family gatherings, homecoming parades and the stories alumni shared about their time on “The Hill.” I was set on making that dream my reality, just like so many kids who would eventually walk across its campus.
And then the world, our world, was flipped upside down.
The Turning Point
The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything, including life at FAMU. For the class of 2024—the “COVID class”—our introduction to college wasn’t what we expected. Many of us started college online, and for those who did make it to campus, the vibrant atmosphere we’d imagined was nowhere to be found. It was quiet... too quiet.
The transition was exciting, but the changes were hard to ignore. There were no shoulder-to-shoulder homecomings, no rushing to the Set and barely any in-person classes. Instead, we were met with curfews, Zoom university and a campus that felt disconnected from its own legacy.
Amanda Jean-Louis, a biology student on the pre-med track who came to FAMU in the fall of 2020, recalls the emptiness she felt when she arrived. “When our class came it felt like we were the only ones here,” she said.
“I toured the campus before the pandemic and got a taste of what it was like to be a FAMU student. But when I arrived as a freshman, it felt like a ghost town in comparison.”
Despite the feeling of isolation, she still saw something special in her peers. “We weren’t discouraged by it, though. We instinctively knew what we had to do,” Jean-Louis said. “The class of 2024 is creative, finding fun in the most unexpected places.”
Though the typical freshman experience was stripped away, we found ways to make it our own. Random parties in the breezeway, late-night manhunt sessions and walks around campus—these moments became some of the most unforgettable.
In With The New
Every university evolves over time—it’s normal—but FAMU’s post-2020 experience was undeniably different, especially for those who had been around before the pandemic. Ebony Greene, a FAMU alumna who entered as a freshman in 2000 and now serves as an academic coach at FAMU, saw firsthand how drastically campus life changed. “Now, everything is different. Game day tickets are provided electronically, Set Fridays are held in a different place. Even the food choices are different and more current, such as Starbucks, Tropical Smoothie, Chick-fil-A and more,” Greene explained.
She remembered a time when face-to-face interaction made it easier to form meaningful connections. Unlike previous classes, the class of 2024 had to build relationships through a more disconnected, virtual world. Devin Nobles, a computer engineering student who joined the class of 2024 and served as the 24th Mr. FAMU, reflected on how his peers were affected by the lack of social opportunities.
“We don’t go out, we don’t mingle as much as other people. We didn’t really run for a lot of positions. We just hung out but didn’t do a lot,” he said. “I’ve seen that my class didn’t have as much school spirit or a desire to engage in campus life.”
It wasn’t just about missing freshman year—COVID forced us to navigate a new reality, where social distancing and virtual interactions replaced in-person bonds. Even as restrictions eased, the habits we had developed stuck with us.
Enduring The Change
Through it all, one thing remained: the spirit of FAMU. The university’s resilience never wavered, even when everything else seemed uncertain. Despite the changes, there was always something that brought us together—something that reminded us why we’re proud to be Rattlers.
Students entered something completely new: a “new normal.” Constant reminders to stay six feet apart, masks covering our faces and limited campus activities made it hard to connect, especially at a school known for its sense of community.
But FAMU students are nothing if not resilient. We adapted— rethinking traditions and creating new ones that fit our circumstances. The pandemic might have disrupted the familiar, but it couldn’t erase the legacy and spirit of FAMU.
Although the first year was difficult, things began to slowly pick up as we adjusted to the new way of life. By the time the following years rolled around, the campus came back to life in ways that felt familiar yet different. The years before COVID will always carry a sense of nostalgia, but the years that followed showed us something just as important: FAMU is still FAMU. No matter what happens, that spirit, the magic that first drew us here, will always remain.
Andre Green’s Lasting Impact on FAMU
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University will forever be indebted to the lasting contributions Andre Green made during his 17 years working on the hill. His dedication to creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for students and staff has left a permanent mark on the legacy of the university.
Andre Green joined the school in 2006 and began as an associate director of the Student Government Association. With little time, he expanded to different areas of the school, where he became director of Student Union Activities & New Student Orientation. He also served as an adviser for the FAMU’s royal court, displaying his acquisitive mind as he had a hand in producing numerous royal coronations.
Andre Green was a very educated man, earning his bachelor’s degree in human sciences from Florida State University and a master’s degree in student personnel administration from the University of Central Missouri, as well as a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Hampton University.
In all of the roles Green possessed, he was always well-connected with the students. He stood as a symbol of encouragement and care as he always strived to smile while motivating students to do more than they thought they were capable of.
Stephen Nance, New Student Orientation coordinator and close friend of Green, discussed how Green carried himself and his connection with the students he worked with.
“He had big, positive energy; even when he wasn’t happy, he still smiled. He was like a magnet, and they fell in love with him instantly,” Nance said.
“He never met anybody who he didn’t think could do great things and students used to see it as someone genuinely believing in them.”
His work in Student Activities is what allows campus life to flourish, as he worked to make sure that there is an opportunity for every student to find their place. Coordinating events and giving different student organizations a chance to lead have left the student body with great connections. Connections that can
By Willie Hurt
help one grow as a leader and form networks that can help them beyond graduation, leading to lifelong friendships.
With New Student Orientation, he worked with orange and green guides as well as orientation leaders to ensure they maintained the same energy he resided with. He wanted to transform the introduction to college from one that can be an overwhelming wave into a relaxing and exciting, beginning, where they not only join a school but instead gain a new home.
Andre Green made history leading the Southern Regional Orientation Workshop (SROW) during the spring of 2023. This annual conference being held on FAMU campus made it the first ever HBCU to host this occasion, where over 1,000 orientation leaders and professionals from over 40 different institutions came together in Tallahassee for the three-day event.
Madison Jackson, a 2023 Orientation Leader, discussed how Green impacted her during their time together. “On the outside, he has a tough shell, but once you get to know him, he is one of the best people I have ever met. He truly cared about every orientation leader from the bottom of his heart, and he made it obvious.”
To simplify it all, Andre Green was a man of many responsibilities. A man who had no fear of sacrifice as long as it came with making others happy. Through his hard work and dedication, he not only enhanced individuals’ lives- but embraced the collective spirit of the FAMULY as a whole.
Andre Green was, and forever will remain, an emblem of FAMU’s greatness. Thank you, Andre, for all you have given to this community. You will always be remembered, loved and cherished.
“Know that there is a path to professional success through music...
...It’s not easy, but it’s immensely gratifying.”
“CONSCIENCE”
of FAMU: The College
of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities
by Stephanie Pierre
As we commemorate key pillars of FAMU’s history, the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (CSSAH) stands as a testament to the university’s dedication to fostering creativity, critical thought and academic excellence.
CSSAH is the largest college at Florida A&M. Under the leadership of Dean Valencia E. Matthews, CCSAH offers fourteen majors leading to multiple bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Founded in 1887, the CSSAH has transformed into a dynamic multidisciplinary college offering guidance, inspiration and amity to students and faculty.
It’s a diverse home to writers, artists, philosophers, political innovators and cultural thinkers, united by the motto “We are the Keepers of the Culture, the Protectors of Freedom and the Ambassadors of Creativity.”
CSSAH: “The Well-Oiled Machine”
Several faculty members express their hopes for the future of CSSAH, which, as the largest college on campus, has withstood many changes while continuing to uphold its motto and academic excellence.
Dr. Veronica Yon, an Associate Professor of English, has worked at FAMU since 1998, totaling 26 years. She hopes to continue the formidable legacy of CSSAH by leaving a spirit of excellence, order and spirit. She quotes that the progress of CSSAH is due to the outstanding leadership of Dean Matthews, who operates the college efficiently as a “well-oiled machine.”
CSSAH’s success is reflected in initiatives like CSSAH Cares, which supports students facing financial difficulties, and careerreadiness events like the “What Can You Do with an English Major” seminar organized by Dr. Hudson and Dr. Henry, where alumni share career paths with students. As PR Liaison, Dr. Hudson is also expanding the alumni rolodex and publishing a
newsletter, The Write-Up, to highlight students’ and faculty’s stories.
A Look at the Past with Visions for the Future
CSSAH wasn’t always as formidable as it is today. Many years ago, it wasn’t even called the CSSAH but solely the College of Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Lamar Garnes, an Associate Professor of English, reflects on this transition, recalling when he joined Florida A&M as a visiting professor in 2009. At that time, the English Department wasn’t housed in Tucker Hall but operated out of a portable.
During his time here, he has seen first-hand the transition of CSSAH, especially the shifts in beliefs regarding teaching. Quoting how there are now more attempts to bring to life ideologies that encourage social courses like Creative Writing. Such courses, he believes, provide students with the opportunity to use their voices to be heard and not dismissed.
Looking to the future, Dr. Garnes envisions a CSSAH that builds on recent changes by fostering transdisciplinary collaboration—a term he credits to his colleague Dr. Mitchell— reconnecting the English Department with STEM through programs like writing tracks in environmental or food science to meet student needs and create innovative opportunities.
The “C” is for Community: Continuing the Legacy through Awareness
The installment of FAMUly is shared by students, faculty, alums and the Tallahassee community, and it is very much alive in the CSSAH. A sense of community is of the utmost importance within CSSAH.
Dr. Jenine Hudson, an Assistant Professor of English, the PR Liaison for DEML and the Co-Advisor for The FAMU Lit Guild, accounts for this as she recalls when she first came to FAMU as a graduate student working on her dissertation.
She felt a spiritual reprieve during that stressful time but remembers the Department of English and Modern Languages within the CSSAH as her refuge and safe space.
Since then, she has continued loving her work and students, especially for their curiosity, sharpness and passion. She admires how much they love Florida A&M and its community. Their passion makes her feel as though her work is connected to something bigger. Their love inspires her to continue to advocate for the arts. She hopes to leave knowing that she has helped her students bring back to life the part of their intuition that traditional education kills off—the part t connects passion to labor.
Empowering Leaders for an Evolving World
As the world continues to evolve, so must the culture and the demand for social innovation. With its diverse programs, committed faculty and dedication to its students, CSSAH continues to build up future social leaders for tomorrow’s world, equipping them with the tools to navigate it. The College of Social Sciences remains committed to the legacy of nurturing and shaping the minds of critical thinkers and dreamers—for what is a world without dreams?
An odd thing happens when a death occurs. The world seems to stop, or rather, your world seems to stop. The cars still honk in hot midday traffic, little kids giggle on the swings and the bills are still due. But, you, you are left with the knowledge that you’ll never see that loved one again. Where does that grief go?
From walking the campus of the #1 public HBCU to designing a custom sneaker for Nike in honor of her alma mater, Caitlyn Davis has turned her rattler pride into a legacy of innovation and excellence. Now, as a celebrated inductee into Florida A&M University’s prestigious 40 Under 40, Davis continues to inspire as a shining example of what it means to be a rattler.
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, to the highest of seven hills, Davis fell in love with the incomparable Marching 100 and knew she had to attend the school that would change her for the better. However, as she reflected on her early experiences, she faced self-doubt and disappointment like many college students.
“I ended up running for Miss Freshman but didn’t win; that was the first pivotal moment in my life,” Davis said.
“A
lot of stuff I ran for on campus I didn’t get, and I was just so defeated.”
FAMU is known for preparing students to thrive in a competitive world. Despite the setbacks and being a “people pleaser,” Davis learned to embrace persistence and discovered the power of FAMU’s network. She credits forming relationships with upperclassmen and alumni for many of her opportunities.
“FAMU people are everywhere,” Davis said. “The reason I went to see the premiere for The Little Mermaid was because the vice president at Disney was an alum.”
Attending The Little Mermaid premiere was just one milestone in a journey defined by faith and determination.
Initially hesitant to nominate herself for FAMU’s 40 Under 40, she felt her age meant others were more deserving. However, to her surprise, she earned the esteemed honor.
“I thought, ‘I’m only 28, and there are so many people doing bomb stuff as alumni, I’m just going to wait my turn,” Davis shared. “But God surprised me and said, ‘Surprise—you made it this year!”
Her work as “Cait Thee Great” earned Davis the nomination for FAMU’s 40 Under 40, but her journey didn’t begin with dreams of entrepreneurship or content creation. Initially, she set her sights on becoming a pediatrician, graduating with a degree in biology. Beyond the classroom, her natural creativity found its way to the forefront. With the lack of stylish apparel at the campus bookstore, she started her own business out of her dorm, designing pieces for herself and her peers.
“It literally fell in my lap,” Davis said. “I was just doing it naturally without knowing.”
What began as a small venture flourished into a thriving business, with her growing online presence propelling her into a successful influencer career. “Cait Thee Great” isn’t just a moniker; it’s her brand and business.
“Cait Thee Great is more so my business, but Caitlyn is very silly and down to earth,” Davis said.
Reflecting on her transformation at FAMU, Davis credits the university for shaping her into the person she is today, a brilliant embodiment of what it means to be a true rattler.
