Harambee Festival Returns Home to FAMU for On-Campus Celebration
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Harambee Festival made its highly anticipated return to the campus of Florida A&M University (FAMU), transforming the Will Packer Amphitheater into a vibrant celebration of culture and community on the final day of Black History Month.
Now in its ninth year, the annual festival marked a pivotal moment debuting on campus, after a long-running stint at Cascade Park, deepening its connection to the very community it aims to uplift.
Florida A&M University President Marva Johnson, J.D., shares a moment with a student
during the Harambee Festival, capturing the spirit of connection and community on
campus. (Photo Courtesy: Kyrease Desseau)
FAMU President Marva Johnson, J.D., ushered in greetings as she addressed attendees.
“Black History Month is a time to remember. But at Florida A&M University, we do not need a calendar to remind us who we are. We live it. We produce it. We prove it, every single day,” she said.
Johnson also noted that FAMU has been ranked the No. 1 public HBCU in the nation for seven consecutive years and is recognized among the top public institutions for social mobility.
The Florida A&M University Gospel Choir delivers a powerful performance during the
Harambee Festival, filling the Will Packer Amphitheater with energy, unity and soulful
expression. (Photo Courtesy: Kyrease Desseau)
At the center of the festival’s success is Vernon Bryant, event coordinator at FAMU, who said the festival brings together community members, students and leaders across generations.
“As the project manager for the festival, this experience has shown me how to bring community leaders together for one common cause — unity,” he said.
Vendors traveled from across Florida and neighboring states, including Georgia, offering African-inspired fashion, handcrafted goods and natural hair and body products such as shea butter and essential oils.
“A lot of our products are African-made, and it’s about culturally based items like Dashiki shirts,” said Dexter Bryant of Bling Bling Blessings Mobile Boutique. “We also incorporate African-inspired designs into our hats.”
Many businesses offered FAMU-themed apparel alongside Afrocentric jewelry, blending tradition with contemporary style.
FAMU’s schools and colleges were also represented throughout the festival, sharing information about programs, initiatives and opportunities that continue to shape the next generation of leaders.
Representatives from Florida A&M University’s College of Social Sciences, Arts and
Humanities engage festivalgoers during the Harambee Festival, showcasing academic
programs and community impact at their interactive booth. (Photo Courtesy: Kyrease Desseau)
On stage, the celebration continued with a powerful lineup of performances, including the FAMU Gospel Choir, the Beta Phi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc., and the Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., jazz musician BK Jackson and artist Ashanti Floyd.
Together, the performances created a rich tapestry of sound, tradition and artistic expression.
Saxophonist BK Jackson delivers an electrifying performance during the Harambee Festival
at Florida A&M University’s Will Packer Amphitheater, adding to the day’s vibrant
celebration of culture and music.(Photo Courtesy: Kyrease Desseau)
“I’m glad we have this opportunity to celebrate our Black history, especially because it’s not celebrated everywhere,” said Amya Morris, a FAMU student. “I’m also glad it’s on campus because it’s easily accessible to others.”
In Swahili, “Harambee” means “all pull together,” a theme reflected throughout the festival.
As Black History Month came to a close, the Harambee Festival reinforced FAMU’s ongoing role as a cultural and community anchor.
A FAMU student artist brings a vibrant portrait to life during the Harambee Festival
at the Will Packer Amphitheater, capturing culture, creativity and expression in real
time. (Photo Courtesy: Kyrease Desseau)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
