Hello Rattlers,
Welcome to another exciting issue of FAMU Forward, where we share the outstanding accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community.
This past week we welcomed our esteemed alumnus John W. Thompson, CEO of Virtual Instruments and chair of the Microsoft Board of Directors, back to campus for a series of successful events. The insightful words of wisdom he expressed during his visit should serve as a source of inspiration for everyone who attended.
We also held a dynamic Black History Month Convocation on Feb. 15. During the convocation, Rahiel Tesfamariam, social activist and founder/publisher of Urban Cusp provided a thoughtful message that was both timely and well received by our students. She inspired our students to remember that they matter, and the success of our communities matter.
In that light, I want to encourage Rattlers and community members near and far to help us promote unity in the community at our first annual Harambee Festival held in collaboration with the City of Tallahassee at the beautiful Cascades Park.
The festival is a free community-wide cultural celebration in honor of Black History Month, and will be held on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. The event will explore the contributions of dynamic African Americans throughout history and their survival through the diaspora. The festival will also inspire and educate the community through a plethora of exciting events from musical performances, cultural art, spoken word, fashion, African drumming, dance, eclectic designs, poetry, inspiring seminars, and health screenings.
As Gwendolyn Brooks once said, “We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond.”
There is no better time than this month to reignite the flame of unity and let it burn bright eternally at FAMU and beyond. I look forward to seeing each of you at the Harambee Festival.
Keep Striking Rattlers!