Former SGA Vice President Dakarai Williams Leaves a Legacy of Leadership at FAMU
TALLAHASSEE, Fl. — As Dakarai Williams walked across the stage at Florida A&M University’s Summer 2025 commencement last Friday, he carried more than a degree. The psychology major from Macon, Georgia, left behind a legacy of student leadership, strategic vision and campus unity.
Williams served as the 2024–2025 student body vice president and chair of the Homecoming Steering Committee — roles that placed him at the center of some of the university’s most pivotal moments. Whether overseeing large-scale programming or advocating for students behind the scenes, he remained focused on building connection and culture.
“Leadership at FAMU gave me more than a title — it taught me how to serve, how to manage pressure and how to stay grounded,” he said.
Williams didn’t have to look far for inspiration — his parents met at FAMU, and he grew up attending Homecomings and learning about the power of the HBCU experience.
“FAMU has always felt like home. I toured other schools, but there was nothing like the energy here,” he said. “Seeing how my parents maintained those FAMU relationships and poured into me early on made the decision easy.”
A proud moment: Dakarai Williams stands with his mother and father after receiving
his degree.
From Creative Roots to Campus Leader
Williams began his college journey in 2021 and quickly made a name for himself as a DJ and rapper, opening for artists Lil Baby and Moneybagg Yo at the homecoming concert during his freshman year.
"I did a lot of shows my freshman and sophomore years, whether it was in Atlanta or Tallahassee. And also just, you know, kept DJing, kept getting booked and everything. And then, toward the end of my sophomore year, I really wanted to get more involved on campus," he said.
Williams then found himself elected junior senator in the Student Government Association.
He introduced legislation that integrated the Campus Activities Board into the Homecoming
planning process — a move that foreshadowed his future as chair of the Homecoming
Steering Committee.
In spring 2023, Williams ran alongside student body president Loryn May on a platform
that emphasized unity, transparency and student-centered initiatives.
"We had a really good ticket, [a] really good campaign, and we were able to, you know, stick it out. From there, we always tried to find that next level of how we could represent the students, and how we could give back to the student body" said Williams, whose term as vice president was marked by initiatives, including assisting in a homecoming experience that drew national attention.
With a team of student leaders, he managed more than $500,000 in programming, coordinating a week of concerts, service projects and cultural celebrations — ultimately earning FAMU the title of Best Homecoming Experience of 2024 by Aspire TV.
Throughout his tenure, Williams helped build partnerships with major brands such as SiriusXM, McDonald’s, Walmart, Pepsi and Victoria’s Secret, while fostering meaningful student and alumni engagement through community- and campus-focused programming.
One of his signature additions to the homecoming lineup was “Minding Your Black-Owned Business,” a marketplace that highlighted student entrepreneurs and provided opportunities for visibility and profit.
“We wanted to showcase the talent and hustle that exists on this campus,” Williams said. “It was about more than business — it was about community.”
Pivoting to Business
Though Williams entered FAMU with a passion for psychology, his leadership experiences opened new career paths. In 2025, he accepted a co-op with International Paper in Memphis, Tennessee, where he worked in global supply chain management.
Dakarai Williams poses inside Tucker Hall, the academic building that shaped his journey
as a psychology major at Florida A&M University. (Photo Courtesy of Dakarai Williams)
“I enjoyed being in spaces where I could solve problems and work cross-functionally,” he said. “That co-op solidified my decision to pursue an MBA.”
His post-graduation plans include earning a Master of Business Administration and continuing to explore roles in project and operations management.
A proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Williams represented the fourth generation in his family to join the historic organization. He credited the fraternity for sharpening his sense of accountability and surrounding him with a brotherhood that anchored him throughout his journey.
“When things got hard — and they did — having brothers to lean on was everything,” he said. “FAMU taught me to be resilient, but Omega taught me how to carry that resilience with integrity.”
Dakarai Williams poses in front of the Greek wall at Florida A&M University.
Williams also expressed deep gratitude to those who stood beside him during his most
challenging and rewarding moments — including his parents, mentors, running mate and
student body president Loryn May, the entire SGA team, and his partner, whom he described
as “the calm in the storm” when the pressure was highest.
“It was never just me,” he said. “Everything I accomplished came from community.”
A Lasting Legacy
From hosting sold-out concerts to helping shape campus policy, Williams’ time at FAMU was filled with standout moments — but what he said he was most proud of was the impact he made on people.
“I hope students felt seen, supported and celebrated,” he said. “That’s what leadership should do.”
As he neared the end of his time on campus, Williams offered advice to the next generation of Rattlers — a message grounded in perseverance and purpose.
“But the main thing I would say to anybody looking for advice is, even when it’s hard — even when it’s the hardest it may ever be — just keep going and try your hardest,” he said. “If you keep going and keep trying your best, you’ll see the results on the other side, and they’ll definitely be fulfilling. Put 100% into everything. If you’re going to be a leader, put 100% into being a leader. Put 100% into being a student, 100% into everything. Once you do that, you’ll see the results, and it’s going to be beautiful.”
Dakarai Williams poses in front of the Eternal Flame on FAMU’s campus. (Photo Courtesy of Dakarai Williams)
He also encouraged others to give their all to their classes, community and growth.
“This place will stretch you in the best ways,” he said.
While his roles came with responsibility and recognition, Williams hoped his legacy
would live in the culture he helped shape.
“I didn’t want to just take up space — I wanted to build something that would last,” he said.
And build he did. From amplifying student voices to reimagining the homecoming experience, Williams turned visions into victories and challenges into change.
Now, as Williams steps confidently into what’s next he is prepared to lead in rooms far bigger than where it all began.
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
