FAMU, Other HBCUs: A Legacy Worth Celebrating
By Lenita Joe
Special to the Outlook
“College of love and charity, We gather ‘round thy noble shrine; We lift our voice in praise to thee, And ask a blessing all divine. FAM-U! FAM-U! I love thee. I’ll fight and win what’er the battle be!”
The words to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s (FAMU’s) school song were written many years ago, and most relate the words to athletics, but I say the words are extremely relevant not just to sports, but for the entire university and all that it stands for. These words are particularly pertinent today at a time when many in our nation do not feel that FAMU or any other Historically Black College or University (HBCU) has a place in our fast moving and progressive society. As a graduate of an HBCU, wife of an HBCU graduate who was an employee of an HBCU, these words are speaking to us now. They tell me that we MUST unite, we MUST speak out, we MUST ask for blessings and, we MUST fight- not with fists, but with our words, with our connections, with our leadership skills and most certainly, with our DOLLARS! We MUST let the world know that there is still a need for FAMU and other HBCUs.
Why do we need FAMU or any other HBCU? FAMU was established in 1887, with the principal mission of educating Black Americans in an environment of legal segregation. Although historically designed to educate Black students, FAMU and other HBCUs accepted all students. I’m sure that by now you are saying, “Things have changed. African American students can go to any school they want. Segregation is over.” In a way, you are correct. The law says they can, but can they, or will they be able to? Many African American students, although capable of getting into any predominately white institution (PWI), are not financially able to go “anywhere they want.” What about those students who may become great leaders later in life, but do not have the current grade point average (GPA) to be admitted to any college? What about those diamonds in the rough? And, believe it or not, discrimination still exists and some students may be denied an equal educational opportunity because of their skin color or their zip code.
Each of FAMU’s 17 leaders, from Thomas DeSaille Tucker, to Dr. Elmira Mangum, in his or her own way, worked diligently to preserve a legacy of providing access to a high quality, affordable education for students who would not otherwise have received a college education. Statistics show that HBCUs while only 3% of the nation’s 3,688 institutions of higher learning, award 23 percent of all bachelor’s degrees earned by African Americans. More than 50% of the nation’s African American public school teachers earned degrees from an HBCU. The first Time Magazine/Princeton Review College of the Year was FAMU. FAMU was cited for awarding more baccalaureate degrees to African Americans than any other institution in this nation. FAMU was recognized by the College Net and Pay Scale Social Mobility Index (SMI) and ranked 3rd among all colleges and universities in the nation for its commitment to fostering social and economic opportunities by giving students access to high quality, affordable education. These facts cannot be ignored.
FAMU has a motto, “Excellence with caring.” The caring aspect of FAMU, an HBCU, is another important reason for its relevancy. FAMU continues to produce top notch black graduates in many disciplines because of their commitment to educating black students in a nurturing and supportive environment. African American students who attend FAMU do not have the added burden of not being accepted as can be the case at some PWIs.
As these examples point out, FAMU’s 127 year legacy and current productivity, make it as needed today as it was in 1887. I believe FAMU and all HBCUs are integral to the advancement of our society. We need to preserve them, support them, and facilitate the continuance of their legacy. As one of the co-chairs for the FAMU Legacy Banquet, I am pleased to be able to support this initiative to recognize FAMU’s living presidents and interim-presidents, Dr. Walter L. Smith, Dr. Frederick Humphries, Dr. Henry Lewis III, Dr. Fred Gainous, Dr. Castell Vaughn Bryant, Dr. James Ammons, Dr. Larry Robinson and Dr. Elmira Mangum at an event that will provide funds to support FAMU and keep it alive. I implore you to join me in this effort.
“FAMU today, FAMU tomorrow, FAMU forever.”
Mrs. Joe is a retired educator with 45 years experience. Presently she mentors and volunteers in Leon County Schools and the community. She is a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.
Editor’s Note: The FAMU Legacy Banquet honoring the university’s living past presidents and the current president will be held Thursday, August 27, 2015, at 7:00 PM in the Grand Ballroom on FAMU’s campus. For ticket information or to make a donation, contact Dr. Linda Fortenberry at bethel@betheltally.org or 850.681.0990.
