FAMU Greats Immortalized: Tallahassee Unveils Streets Named After Three Legends
Tallahassee, FL – The streets of Tallahassee now bear the names of greatness. In a historic and heartfelt tribute, the city has officially renamed three streets in honor of Florida A&M University (FAMU) icons: legendary football coach Rudy Hubbard and esteemed educators and community pillars Carolyn Ryals, Ph.D., and E. Lillian Spencer. The trailblazers have left an indelible mark on FAMU and the city at large, and now, their legacies will guide generations to come—quite literally.
At a ceremony attended by city officials, FAMU representatives, family members, and FAMU alumni, Tallahassee Mayor John Daily served as master of ceremonies. He pointed out how the Tallahassee City Commission voted unanimously to rename the streets.
“By honoring these three outstanding individuals, the city celebrates how they each uplifted our community, recognizing their monumental contributions in education, athletics, and community service,” he said.
Interim President Timothy Beard, Ph.D., took time at the podium to celebrate the lasting contributions of whom he described as extraordinary individuals. He then tapped into a memory describing a time when he witnessed Coach Hubbard triumph over the Miami Hurricanes in 1978, which he called the greatest win “you ever had” due to the extreme competitiveness and athleticism of the two teams.
“Your leadership brought home championships and national recognition, but more importantly, you help shape the lives of young men, instilling discipline, perseverance, and pride. Your name on this street is a testament to the enduring mark you have left our university in the game of football,” Beard said.
Rudy Hubbard Way: The Road to Victory
Hubbard, a College Football Hall of Famer, famously led the Rattlers to two consecutive Black College Football National Championships in 1977 and 1978, securing the first-ever NCAA Division I-AA championship for an HBCU.
His son, Sean Hubbard, Ph.D., called his father a visionary who saw and has seen possibilities where others see obstacles.
“He's a leader who didn't just adapt to circumstances but transformed them. The head coach led the Florida A&M University Rattlers to heights never before achieved by any HBCU, securing the first and only national championship for these proud institutions. Think about that for the moment. The first national championship in football for any university in the entire state of Florida,” he said.
In close, Hubbard proudly declared that his father’s influence surpassed the football field:
“Daddy, your legacy now extends beyond trophies, watches, plaques, and rings. It’s permanently etched into the landscape of a city you’ve given so much to,” he said.
In true coaching fashion, Coach Hubbard stood at the podium and reflected on the distinction with humility and humor, “Of course, I was thinking it should have happened a long time ago,” he said.
He then emphasized what the moment meant to him in a more serious tone, saying, “This has certainly been an honor for me, and it’s something that I will never forget.”
He expressed his appreciation to everyone who made the street renaming possible, including his former players, family, friends, and alumni.
Dr. Carolyn Ryals Way: A Legacy of Learning and Service
Ryals, considered a powerhouse in education among many, dedicated her life to shaping young minds at FAMU’s Developmental Research School, where she taught for 23 years. A three-time Teacher of the Year and small business owner of the KopyKat Center, Ryals advocated for the underserved and believed in uplifting the next generation.
Her daughter, Tanya Darnell, shared her longtime desire to have a street named after her mother; now, it was happening. She highlighted how Ryals, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., lived by the words of their symbolic poem: “Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend to many.”
Darnell movingly expressed, “We stand at the city gates today to give honor to my mother. Proverbs 31:31 says, ‘Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.’”
From spearheading literacy programs to aiding people experiencing homelessness, Ryals lived a life of purpose and service. Darnell explained that she wanted the street called “Dr. Carolyn Ryals Way” because her mother would often say to her, “Do what I say, not what you want to do.”
Darnell laughed and said she learned her mother’s way was the best way.
E. Lilyan Spencer Way: Paving the Path for Generations
Spencer was a scholar-athlete who transformed education and athletics in Tallahassee. An award-winning tennis player, Spencer competed on the segregated national tennis circuit. A math whiz turned school principal, she broke barriers in leadership and mentored countless students, ensuring they succeeded academically and thrived in life.
“Her kindness, generosity, and tireless efforts shaped this neighborhood,” said FAMU Athletics Director Angela Suggs. “This street that we’re on honors another tennis great, Althea Gibson, so it’s so fitting we honor [Spencer’s] legacy today.”
Spencer’s great-niece, Demetra Driskell, and great-nephew, DeArmas Graham, Ed.D., spoke on behalf of their family, characterizing her as a trailblazer and strong woman.
Graham told the audience he wanted to leave them with three things about Spencer.
“First, academic leadership. She believed that our future was very important and [that] we educate our youth. So, she was very involved with the youth, and she felt that it was super important to get that education,” he said. “The next thing, leadership service, she was very involved in just raising funds and helping [the] youth with reading.”
Lastly, Graham shared that his aunt was a woman of faith.
“She really believed that you have to live the right way. So, we’re super honored and privileged to be here, and we’re so thankful for this opportunity.”
A Lasting Tribute to FAMU Excellence
With these newly named roads, Tallahassee seems to be making sure that the stories of Coach Hubbard, Ryals, and Spencer will continue to inspire, guide, and shape those who follow—one step, one street, and one legacy at a time.
Carolyn Ryals, Ph.D., considered a powerhouse in education among many, dedicated her
life to shaping young minds at FAMU’s Developmental Research School, where she taught
for 23 years. Her daughter, Tanya Darnell, talked about seeing her efforts to have
a street named for her mother finally come to fruition.
E. Lilyan Spencer was a scholar-athlete who transformed education and athletics in
Tallahassee. Her great nephew DeArmas Graham, Ed.D., talked about her character and
the principles she lived by.
Tanya Darnell talks about her mother, Carolyn Ryals, Ph.D., who passed away in 2024.
Coach Rudy Hubbard jokingly expressed that the street naming ceremony was a long time
coming.
Sean Hubbard, Ph.D., spoke about how it took him over 40 years to realize his father
was a professional father to many.
FAMU Interim President Timothy Beard celebrated the lives of the FAMU three who blazed
individual paths, with all roads leading back to the HBCU.
Tallahassee Mayor John Daily shared that the Tallahassee City Commission voted unanimously
for the street naming.
Family, friends, and alumni gather to celebrate E. Lilyan Spencer Way.
All photos by Glenn Beil/University Communications.
