Florida A&M University to Honor Mother-Son Duo Shirley and Khalil Kinsey with Honorary Doctorates
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) will confer honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees to distinguished alumni Shirley Pooler Kinsey and her son, Khalil B. Kinsey, in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to African American art, history, and education. The pair will receive the recognition during the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony scheduled Saturday, May 3 at 9 a.m. ET at the Alfred Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium, where Bernard Kinsey, L.H.D will serve as the commencement speaker.
“We are immensely proud to recognize Shirley and Khalil Kinsey—two exceptional Florida A&M University alumni whose work has illuminated the richness of African American history and culture across the globe,” said FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D. “Their unwavering commitment to education, community empowerment, and cultural preservation exemplifies the highest ideals of our university. We are not just honoring individual achievement—we are celebrating a family whose impact continues to inspire generations.”
The rare joint honor celebrates a family legacy of cultural preservation, educational advocacy, and community service.
“I am extremely honored to receive an honorary doctorate from my beloved alma mater, Florida A&M University,” said Shirley. ““FAMU gave me more than an education—it gave me the courage to find my voice, to dream boldly, and to believe in the power of my purpose. I strive every day to live out FAMU’s powerful mantra of ‘excellence with caring.’”
The Kinsey’s are known for being the owners of one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of African American art and historical documents. Their collection tells the story of African American achievement and contributions from 1595 to present. Seen by more than 16 million people, the Kinsey African American Art and History Collection has exhibited on three continents and 40 cities that include the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Epcot Walt Disney World, Hong Kong University, Holocaust Museum Houston and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
“I am deeply thankful to Florida A&M University for this incredible honor,” said Khalil. “To be recognized alongside my mother by the very institution that shaped who I am is both humbling and inspiring.”
Shirley Pooler Kinsey, co-founder of The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, was recognized for her lifelong dedication to education and cultural enrichment. A native of St. Augustine, Florida, and a graduate of FAMU, Shirley has played a pivotal role in raising over $36 million for education and charitable causes alongside her husband of 58 years, Bernard. Together, the Kinsey’s established one of the nation's most extensive collections of African American art and historical artifacts, which has been seen by more than 16 million people and exhibited at more than 40 prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Shirley was valedictorian of her graduating high school class, leading to a scholarship to Florida
A&M University, where she joined the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., in 1965. Shirley has had careers in both education and corporate America. Shirley’s work continues through the Bernard and Shirley Kinsey Foundation for the Arts and Education, and their accompanying educational book, which has been integrated into Florida’s K-12 curriculum.
Khalil B. Kinsey was also honored for his leadership in advancing cultural education and social equity. As chief operating officer and chief curator of The Kinsey Collection, and director of The Kinsey Foundation, Khalil has expanded the reach of the collection to over 16 million visitors worldwide. His work bridges art, education, and activism, with a focus on promoting African American history and racial equity through exhibitions, curriculum development, and community programs.
In addition to his curatorial work, Khalil is an entrepreneur and cultural innovator. He has co-founded creative ventures such as Context Projects and Natural Action, a nonprofit wine club supporting BIPOC communities in the wine industry, and Offhand Wine Bar in Santa Monica.
During the FAMU commencement weekend, more than 1,300 students from the 14 schools and colleges will receive their degrees. The FAMU Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies will be live-streamed on FAMU Facebook and on YouTube at @FAMUTube1887.
Media Contact:
Alonda Thomas
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
alonda.thomas@famu.edu
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