FAMU Honors Bernard and Shirley Kinsey with Band Hall Naming Ceremony
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) officially named its band rehearsal hall in honor of two of its most distinguished alumni—Bernard W. Shirley, L.H.D. and Shirley Pooler Kinsey, L.H.D.—during a ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at 9 a.m.
The newly dedicated “Drs. Bernard W. and Shirley Pooler Kinsey Band Hall, Home of the Marching “100,” stands as a tribute to the couple’s unwavering commitment to education, philanthropy, and the preservation of African American history and culture.
Proud FAMU graduates, the Kinsey family entered the hall to the sounds of the Marching “100” playing the “FAMU Spirit.” Dean of the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Valencia Matthews, Ph.D., served as mistress of ceremonies, opening with remarks that captured the energy of the occassion.
“Today we gather to honor two of the most illustrious members of our FAMUly, Shirley and Bernard Kinsey, African American treasures and proud Rattlers who have joyfully embraced their roles as stewards of our culture, champions of education, and ambassadors of excellence,” she said.
Bernard W. Kinsey, L.H.D. and Shirley Pooler Kinsey, L.H.D., share an embrace during
a ceremony celebrating the marching hall band being named in their honor. (Photo by
Glenn Beil/FAMU)
The celebration recognized the Kinseys’ transformative impact on generations of students and their steadfast belief in the power of giving, cultural pride, and service. They have spent more than five decades uplifting communities through education, philanthropy, and art. Their Kinsey African American Art & History Collection—recognized as one of the most significant and comprehensive collections of African American art, artifacts, and archival materials—has reached more than 16 million people across three continents.
Among those in attendance was Matthew Knowles, record executive and businessman, who is also the father of music icon Beyoncé. A longtime friend of Bernard Kinsey, the two first met while working at Xerox more than 50 years ago.
Record executive Matthew Knowles reflects on the profound impact that Bernard Kinsey,
L.H.D., had at Xerox, where the two first crossed paths as colleagues. (Photo by Glenn
Beil/FAMU)
“You have influenced and inspired many of us. Your efforts have fostered a sense of connection and support within our community. We are incredibly proud of you and the dedication of the Bernard and Shirley Pooler Kinsey Band Hall,” he said. “We cherish very much your friendship and the impact it has had on our lives. As we reflect upon your remarkable contributions, let me leave you with a powerful thought: the influence of one vital person can send forth waves of inspiration and change that resonate far beyond their lifetime.”
Earlier this year, FAMU awarded honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees to Shirley Kinsey and their son, Khalil Kinsey, during the university’s Spring 2025 Commencement. It was a full-circle moment for the family—Bernard Kinsey was the first alumnus to receive the same distinction from former FAMU President Frederick S. Humphries, Ph.D., in 1987.
FAMU's 13th President Marva Johnson, J.D. and the Kinsey family enthusiastically display
the rattler strike during the band hall naming ceremony in their honor. (Photo by
Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Boundless Generosity
That spirit of continuity and purpose was emphasized by the remarks of FAMU President Marva Johnson, J.D., who reflected on the significance of honoring the Kinseys within a space that helped shape their journey.
“Today holds a lot of tradition and this building holds a lot of history. This is the place where our band students have learned not only notes but life lessons that have propelled them to many places in life and to much greater stages than just their instruments would demonstrate,” she said.
The president noted how, over the years, the Kinseys have given generously to support the institution and the Marching “100,” purchasing band uniforms and instruments, sponsoring travel for the band’s historic 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade appearance, and contributing to the renovation of the Galimore-Powell Athletic Fieldhouse.
“You represent the success we imagine for every one of our students,” Johnson added.
“You represent the generosity that we hope all of our alumni feel to pay it forward—and
the impact that each of us can make as we strive to achieve and leave our mark on
the world.”
Khalil Kinsey, L.H.D., son of iconic FAMU couple Bernard W. Kinsey, L.H.D. and Shirley
Pooler Kinsey, L.H.D, expresses his admiration for the legacy his parents have carved
out and the meaning it has given him. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
What's In a Name?
During the ceremony, Khalil Kinsey, COO and creative direcctor of the Bernard and Shirley Kinsey Foundation for Arts & Education , shared reflections on his family's legacy.
“They gave their names meaning, and now what will adorn the walls outside and the
spirit inside this building is an example,” he said. “Not because it’s them necessarily,
but because of the power of the example of what they’ve done. And that’s what we all
need in life—something to look at to help inform our steps.”
His words seemed to capture the essence of generational purpose, something that has
guided Khalil Kinsey and appeared to set the stage for the genteel matriarch, Shirley Pooler Kinsey, L.H.D., who offered heartfelt gratitude to the FAMU community.
Shirley Kinsey, L.H.D., was filled with emotion as she shared her appreciation for
FAMU and what the naming ceremony means for her and her family. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
“It’s truly an honor to know that our names will be on this building—I think I heard someone say, forever,” she said. “I can see our ancestors smiling right now and reminding us that yes, we are the answer to their prayers. They dreamed this for us, and that’s why it’s happening. Amen. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all the hands, heads, and hearts that went into making this day happen.”
Lessons for the Next Generation
In his remarks, Bernard Kinsey left the audience with what he called “nuggets for life”—principles grounded in resilience and responsibility.
“One of the meanings we want to leave with you this morning is the meaning of gratitude,”
he said, recalling how he and Shirley rebuilt their lives after losing their California
home to wildfires. “You have to be in a position that you can do what you have to
do under all circumstances. It makes a difference.”
Bernard Kinsey, L.H.D. shares words of wisdom as he spoke to guests on Thursday, Oct.
16, 2025. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
He urged students to prepare for success and remain adaptable.
“The idea of having options in your life is one of the things I want every one of us to understand, particularly the [Marching] “100” and young FAMUans. How important it is to have a backup to the backup. The essence of your being is how am I going to continue, where am I going in the future—and that’s what informs you,” he said.
The philanthropist also shared his favorite quote—one that had the crowd repeating aloud:
“God grant me a gift to give it to someone else that needs it more than me.”
Bernard W. and Shirley Pooler Kinsey celebrate as they behold a tribute to the work
they have done throughout the world spreading the name of their alma mater Florida
Agricultural and Mechanical University. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
He went on to reflect on the many blessings in his life and how he and Shirley have used them to uplift others—raising more than $40 million for humanitarian causes and sending hundreds of Los Angeles high school students to FAMU. With characteristic humor, he asked, “What else are you going to do with your money?”
Bernard Kinsey cited the best decision he made was attending FAMU and marching in the Marching “100.” The next best decision was meeting and marrying Shirley Pooler Kinsey.
“I’m proud of our marriage and our son, Khalil. He is such a good person. He is remarkable in so many ways and how he represents himself and us,” he said.
Bernard Kinsey closed with a moving call to purpose:
“Leave the door open and the ladder down. That’s the way out for Black folks. If we are up here striving for each other, we can make this thing work. The myth of absence says that we as Black folk are invisible presences. Invisible presences mean that we’re here—we’re just not part of the story, not part of the picture, not part of the dialogue in this country. You know what we have to do? Say it’s just not true,” he urged.
He compared it to walking in a graveyard with no headstones. Even without the markers,
he said that it should be understood that everyone there did something in life.
“They cannot wipe us off the face of the earth. I don’t care who you are; it won’t
happen. We did it through slavery. We did it through Jim Crow. We did it through segregation.
We did it through voter suppression—and we’ll do it through this.”
FAMU President Marva Johnson, J.D., Bernard W. Kinsey, L.H.D. and Shirley Pooler Kinsey,
L.H.D. take in fireworks and football during FAMU's homecoming game. (Photo by Glenn
Beil/FAMU)
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
