Rattler Pride Rekindled: Nephew Tommy’s Black College Quiz Reruns Revive FAMU’s Historic First Appearance
Florida A&M University alumna Jalauria Mills, who graduated in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in history, is once again
earning recognition after reruns of the Black College Quiz television show resurfaced.
Mills made history as the first FAMU student to appear on the national program, an academic quiz show competition featuring college students from Historically Black Colleges
and Universities (HBCUs) who compete to showcase their knowledge of African-American
history and culture for scholarships. The series is hosted by comedian and Steve Harvey Morning Show co-host, Nephew Tommy.
Before becoming a Rattler, Mills spent her freshman year at Clark Atlanta University, also studying history. She transferred to FAMU as a sophomore, seeking new opportunities and a stronger sense of purpose that would soon define her academic path.
During her fall semester, Mills enrolled in a class taught by her department chair,
Tiffany Packer, Ph.D., who would later change the course of her college experience.
“One day she told me she needed to see me after class,” Mills recalled. “She mentioned
to me that there is this thing called Black College Quiz and FAMU has never participated, and the show has been on for 15 years... and she
[would] like us to be the first, and I came to mind.”
After applying and being accepted, Mills received a 200-page study guide and just one month to prepare. Fueled by determination, she set out to conquer the challenge ahead.
“I did feel a bit overwhelmed. I’m usually pretty good when it comes to studying. I am great at committing things to memory because I’m a musician, and I came to FAMU on a choir scholarship... so one of the things I learned over the course of years is that I can remember things better if I turn it into a song.”
With her musical instincts and historical knowledge combined, Mills approached her studies creatively flipping through her study guide alphabetically and turning facts into melodies. Throughout the entire process, Packer supported her every step of the way, traveling with her and coaching her through the moment.
But with every high comes a low. Just a week after receiving her acceptance letter and beginning her intense preparation, tragedy struck. Mills’ friend and former roommate passed away unexpectedly. Overcome with grief, she took two weeks off from studying, questioning her purpose and struggling to stay focused. Yet, knowing her friend would have wanted her to finish strong, Mills found the strength to persevere.
The competition began with 36 contestants, and Mills pushed through round after round—eventually securing a spot in the final eight. “I felt proud of myself. Most people who went didn’t make it far, and with every round you win, you win more money as well... I just needed to make it to the final round to help pay for my college expenses.”
Mills shared that the experience taught her a lot about HBCU’s because the competition was not just about Black history but also HBCU Culture.
“I doubted myself after feeling deep in my grief, but it also taught me that my contributions to my HBCU and my department would be best fulfilled if I committed myself to this,” she said.
For Mills, this was more than just representing FAMU; it was about paying tribute to the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities everywhere.
“I felt honored to compete, especially since breaking FAMU’s 15-year streak,” she said. “Especially at a time like this, where history is undervalued and people don’t see the importance in educating themselves in HBCU history or Black culture, so it felt honoring to bring light to our history.”
Since earning her degree, Mills has been recruited through FAMU into a Fortune 500 company, where she continues to build on the foundation her alma mater helped her create. She credits her success to the unwavering support of FAMU alumni who guided her along the way.
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
