Continuing the Dream: FAMU Hosts 2025 MLK Jr. Convocation
Advertisement
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus and District 3 Leon County School Board member Darryl Jones delivered a captivating keynote address for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation held Friday morning in Lee Hall Auditorium.
District 3 Leon County School Board member Darryl Jones delivered a captivating keynote address for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation held Friday, Jan. 17 in Lee Hall Auditorium.
The mistress of ceremonies, Student Government Association (SGA) President Loryn May, set the tone for the celebration with her charge to the audience to follow in King’s footsteps.
“Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, a man who reminded us that greatness is determined by service that each of us holds the power to drive change,” said May. “As we gather here, let this moment ignite our purpose for the year ahead. Your dreams, your goals, and your impact are waiting on you to step boldly into them.”
The invocation was presented by Bethel AME Church Senior Pastor Reverend Michael B. Price, followed the welcome by SGA Vice President Dakarai Williams. After a robust music selection by senior vocal performance major Lyric Stewart, FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., introduced Jones, a Humphries era student.
FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard offers closing remarks at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation.
Jones centered his remarks around the importance of education, acknowledging that FAMU prepared him to serve his community as an advocate for education. He recognized Leon County District School board members and principals for improving Tallahassee’s public schools, many rising on the report card grading system to become A and B schools.
“These individuals ensure that all schools are given equal opportunities to receive the same proper education,” said Jones.
Jones noted these dedicated leaders ensure that each child receives a quality education by quoting his grandfather, “You can either be a thermostat or a thermometer. Thermometers merely measure temperature, thermostats set it.” These leaders have set the standard to which our students are rising to meet expectations.
“There is a natural synergy that must exist between the academy and the town. I want our academic deans to take note of these principals, and I want you to have a relationship with our schools because they are preparing future Rattlers right here in the shadows of the campus,” said Jones.
Jones continued by recognizing how far education and the creation of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have come throughout the years. Florida A&M University is the third oldest university in the state of Florida, Jones noted, and its mission to serve underserved populations is still relevant today.
“In public education and in higher education….we know the nobility of our purpose, and that is that everyone under the sound of my voice, regardless of what your color, culture, [or] background may be, the American dream belongs to you, and it comes through a quality education,” said Jones.
In recognition of service to FAMU, Interim President Beard presented the FAMU President’s Award to Jones, and to the 12th President of FAMU, Larry Robinson, Ph.D. Additionally, SGA President May, received the President Student Leadership Award. Beard also recognized the academic achievements of the Fall 2024 cohort of first time in college students. Collectively they have earned an average 3.23 GPA and more than 94 percent registered for their Spring 2025 courses.
James Moran, Ph.D., FAMU executive director for the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, delivers a stirring performance of the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech during the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation held Friday, Jan. 17 in Lee Hall Auditorium.
Highlighting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his exceptional legacy, James Moran, Ph.D., FAMU executive director for the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, delivered a heartfelt performance of the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech - complete with live rendition of “America the Beautiful” by the FAMU Wind Symphony. The oration of Dr. King’s words served as a poignant reminder that the dream is still impactful as it motivates generation after generation.
“In his brief 39 years, Dr. King forged a legacy that continues to inspire and guide us,” said Interim President Beard. “His words—delivered with power and conviction—resonate as strongly today as they did decades ago. As we commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let us honor his memory by urgently pursuing our own purpose. Regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, knowledge, or experience, the moment to act, lead, and serve is always right now.”
The University will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20 in observance of the MLK Jr. holiday.
Media Contact
Alonda Thomas
Alonda.Thomas@FAMU.edu
Advertisement
