After Florida A&M President Benjamin Perry told the State Board of Regents about FAMU’s overflow due to a housing shortage, the Board suggested he consider buying used mobile homes. Though it was a “strictly temporary” solution, this response to Perry bringing up a “negative climate for housing black students” was interesting, to say the least.
The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was the first Black-led labor union. It was headed by A. Phillip Randolph, who created the organization to protect the African American men who worked for the Pullman railroad company. Photographer Snuffy McGill snapped this photograph at the union’s September 1948 convention in Detroit, Michigan.
Public hearing transcripts that recount the brutal events of the Rosewood Massacre, detailing murders, rapes, and violent acts committed by white mobs, town officials, and deputies. They also capture the defiance of Black residents, who fought back to protect their families despite the overwhelming threat to their lives.
Entrusted to Florida A&M because of the university’s studies in agriculture, the Protector of the Providers demonstrates the artisan’s craftsmanship by allowing the figure to rest on a single leg without falling over. These sculptures were placed on farmland in Ghana, Africa, to detour those who trespass.
Protector of the home is one of the oldest pieces in the collection. This spirit protects a specific domain which is the home. The early pieces demonstrates a willingness to suffer and to accept pain rather subject trespassers to it. It holds cultural significance at the FAMU as it honors the legacy of agriculture in African American history.
The Protector of the Flocks safeguards sheep from malevolent spirits and trespassers. The spirit is being bitten by the serpent that is wrapped around its neck. This demonstrates its willingness to accept pain and suffering in order to defend and protect. It highlights the resilience of African American agricultural heritage.
Entrusted to FAMU based on the university's study in agriculture, the Protector of the crops is a spirit deity carved and placed on a farmer's land in Africa as a threat to anyone attempting to trespass. This spirit holds a coiled serpent while protecting a plantain between its feet.
In 1993, the Office of the Attorney General released press releases and facsimile cover sheets instructing communication to gather information regarding the 1923 Rosewood Massacre. Civil rights advocates pushed for compensation for those affected and for the Department of Education to issue scholarships to descendants of the victims.
Messages celebrating President B. L. Perry’s Appreciation Day include notes from Former President Gore, who expressed regret for his absence, and C.K. Steele, who praised Perry’s impactful leadership. A convocation pamphlet, sponsored by the Student Government Association, outlines the day’s events honoring President Perry’s dedication to FAMU.
This reception book, created by President B.L. Perry, is dedicated to the graduating students, parents, and friends of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. Designed to collect valuable feedback, it records the names, dates, addresses, and remarks of attendees from 1971 to 1977.
A 1969 presidential inauguration ashtray that commemorates the swearing-in of President B.L. Perry at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. As a historical artifact, it symbolizes his leadership during a transformative period for FAMU, marking a significant moment in the university's growth and development.
The Herald announced President William H. Gray's Achievement Day address, highlighting his extensive background as a teacher, high school principal, supervisor of extension instruction, and writer. His message, packed with valuable insights, invited both men and women to attend this special event celebrating growth and knowledge.
The 1968 stewardship report for President Gore showcases his visionary leadership and transformative achievements at FAMC and FAMU. It highlights advancements in academics, campus development, and student life, reflecting his steadfast commitment to the university’s progress, excellence, and lasting impact on the community.
Biographical information on President Gore mentions his education, professional achievements, and memberships. It details his journey as a visionary leader, his academic background, his affiliations with esteemed organizations, and his impact on both FAMC and FAMU during his presidency.
This packet explores President Gore's transformative leadership at Florida A&M College (FAMC), later FAMU, showcasing milestones in accreditation, academic and non-academic advancements, and the growth of music, drama, and departments. It also honors his personal recognitions, including numerous Greek letter awards, and his enduring legacy.
Biographical information on President Gore highlights his education, achievements, and memberships, offering a deeper insight into his life and leadership. These three packets go beyond a biography, providing a sketch of his journey, his transition as a new Floridian, and his transformative impact on FAMC and FAMU during his presidency.
A series of letters between (or CC’d) George W. Gore, Jr. and A. S. Gaither discussing varying topics and an attached Atlanta Daily World article written by Gaither. Over the years, Gore congratulated Gaither and coordinated with him over a Bethune Cookman/Althea Gibson celebration/campus visit, football game schedules, and leadership changes.
Messages between Mr. Peter Siegle, Research Director at the Center for the Study of Liberal Education for Adults, and President Gore, discuss specific concerns about the challenges faced by the Black community in the South and expanding higher education opportunities for adults.
President Campbell of the United States Department of Agriculture engaged with university administrators who attended the 4th Regional Conference. He showcased the exciting developments at Florida A&M College while stressing the importance of collaboration among institutions, especially through innovative partnerships in higher education.
President Adams requested FAMC’s undergraduate and financial statistics for the college handbook to showcase the institution's remarkable academic growth and financial strength following desegregation. This provided prospective students and stakeholders a vibrant snapshot of FAMC’s promising future.
Moses General Miles was the spokesman for the Black Concerned Citizens for Higher Education Organization. The committee was brought together for a presentation to the Statewide Monitoring and Review Committee in response to new HEW standards, which the group claimed were ‘racist,’ ‘inadequate… for redressing existing inequities’ and ‘insensitive.’
Letters between President Gore and the Embassy of Ghana discuss plans to strengthen educational ties at FAMU for increased access for future Ghanaian students. These exchanges cover scholarship options, academic opportunities, and an invitation for the Ambassador to attend a FAMU football game.
In this original 2005 piece by Mariano Hernandez, physician Ramon Emetrio Betances and attorneys Pedro Albizo Campos and Eugenio Maria de Hostos are honored as instrumental leaders in the Puerto Rican independence movement. FAMU alum and former assistant director for the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Dr. Will Guzman donated this artwork.
This document shows the origins of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, a general honor society based upon scholarship created by George W. Gore, Jr. This application was authorized in 1951 at the convention and action of the executive committee.
A collection of letters and newspaper clippings about First Lady Pearl Gore, along with personal memorabilia, provides a glimpse into her impactful role at FAMC. These separate pieces highlight her contributions, her connection to the community, and the legacy she helped shape alongside her husband, President George W. Gore.
An official enlistment record of Benjamin L. Perry, Jr., a staff sergeant who served for nine months and 26 days under the Corps of Engineers in the 1940s. This document shows the well-rounded experience of the future president of Florida A&M University, clarifying his vaccinations, “excellent” character, marital status, and honorable discharge.
A series of letters from Democratic Senator Pat Thomas asking for his friend, Dr. B. L. Perry Jr.’s, help in his re-election bid, and a $25 donation check from Dr. Perry to Thomas’ campaign made on August 2, 1978. Thomas requested Dr. Perry’s personal connections and financial support and expressed his thanks once successfully re-elected.
Black paper doll features movable joints, cut from paper and assembled with small fasteners. The doll, reflecting 19th-century craftsmanship. These dolls, often simple in design, were popular children's toys, but also highlight complex themes of race and identity in post-Reconstruction America.
A 1934 panoramic group picture on the campus of Florida A&M University. The picture was taken in the midst of the Great Depression. It captures members of the Fourth State Basketball Tournament, and members of the 42nd Annual Florida State Teachers Association (FSTA), including Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of Bethune Cookman College.
This untitled painting from the FAMU Black Archives/Caribbean Art Collection has limited identification for proper attribution. It features a lush green scene, complete with a cascading blue waterfall and four people strolling in it.
