FAMU Announces Darryl Jones as 2025 MLK Convocation Speaker
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Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) announces alumnus Darryl Jones, Leon County School Board, District 3, will deliver the keynote address for the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation. The event is scheduled on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 at 10:10 a.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium and will be livestreamed on YouTube.
“Mr. Darryl Jones is a notable orator, community organizer, and champion of education,” says FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard. “His reflections on Dr. King’s enduring legacy will deeply inspire and resonate with our entire campus community.”
Jones is deputy director of the Office of Economic Vitality. In 2018, he was elected to the Leon County School Board (District 3). In 2021, he became the second African American man to serve as chair. His tenure reflects a deep commitment to transforming Southside Leon County and Title I schools and fostering collaboration among businesses, faith-based organizations, and community stakeholders. Guided by a vision of educational equity, he has united school district leaders and colleagues to achieve measurable progress for all students.
Jones’ leadership extends beyond education. He currently serves as chair of the Children’s Services Council of Leon County; board member of the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. He is also chair pro tempore of the Bethel AME Church Board of Stewards; and member of the Southside Tallahassee Rotary and the Leon County Sheriff’s Citizen Advisory Board.
Previously, Jones led FAMU’s Self Employment Program at the Institute on Urban Policy and Commerce, where he helped establish more than 30 businesses in historic African-American communities. As executive director of the Bethel Community Development Corporation, he oversaw the construction and rehabilitation of more than 150 homes and founded an annual toy drive that brings joy to hundreds of children.
A proud native of Clearwater, Fla., Jones graduated from FAMU with a degree in English and is a recipient of the FAMU National Alumni Association President’s Award for Business and Community Service. Also, he is a distinguished alumnus of Leadership Tallahassee Class XX. He champions meaningful change and inspires others to join him in building a stronger, more equitable community.
Media Contact:
Alonda Thomas
Alonda.Thomas@famu.edu
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