This untitled painting from the FAMU Black Archives/Caribbean Art Collection has limited identification for proper attribution. While it appears to be the same artist from the collection, this piece depicts a village scene with bright orange lighting basking from a setting, or rising, sun – a contrast from the blue paintings seen earlier.
This untitled painting from the FAMU Black Archives/Caribbean Art Collection has limited identification for proper attribution. However, the vibrant blue, green, and orange paint jumps out of the frame, showcasing a glimpse into life in the Caribbean.
This February 1993 Lifestyle Sun Sentinel article was written by Margo Harakas. Harakas interviewed a survivor of the 1923 Rosewood Massacre, Lee Ruth Davis. Davis was 7 when her father woke her in the dead of night to take her to John Wright’s home, a white man who harbored the Black residents of Rosewood while the mob raged on outdoors.
This original Civil War musket, complete with a strap, represents the military history and conflicts that shaped America during the 19th century. Crafted for accuracy and durability, the musket served soldiers on both sides of the war, symbolizing the struggle for freedom and unity.
These original Civil War cannonballs exemplify the artillery used during one of America’s most tumultuous periods. Crafted from iron, they were designed for devastating impact in battles, symbolizing the intensity and destruction of war.
These original Civil War bullets serve as tangible reminders of the intense conflict that defined a nation divided. Each bullet reflects the technology of the era and the harsh realities faced by soldiers on the battlefield. Collected from various historic sites, they illustrate the significant role of firearms in shaping military strategies.
This collection holds a graphic of the FAMU institutional leadership hierarchy and an attached letter between President George W. Gore, Jr. and Dr. B. L. Perry, Jr., dated November 29, 1967. The graphic breaks down the organization of leadership and lists each role’s title and the offices they oversee/report to.
These images were featured in the 1978 Rattler Yearbook. It shows the transition of Florida A&M president Dr. Benjamin L. Perry to new president Dr. Walter L. Smith. Perry is seen singing the FAMU Alma Mater while Smith strolls around campus with faculty member Dr. Finley.
Clothing worn by FAMU alumnus, Captain James L. Moran when deployed to Honduras, Central America. The mission was called in Spanish, "Ahaus Tara Dos" (Big Pine Two). Captain Moran was tasked with the construction of housing for military personnel and a temporary C 130 Aircraft Runway to deliver supplies and transporting of military personnel.
Florida A&M School for Negroes embossing stamp is a significant artifact from the institution's early history, representing the legacy of African American education in Florida. This brass stamp, used for official documentation, embodies the resilience and determination of the community in pursuit of educational opportunities.
Obituaries from descendants of Rosewood used to verify the death of family members and prevent false claims. These obituaries honor those who survived the massacre by detailing their contributions to the community and preserving the legacy of resilience and strength endured through generations.
President Gore’s handwritten speeches from 1961 to 1963 encompass remarks delivered at various meetings and convocations. These speeches reflect his vision for Florida A&M University, emphasizing academic growth, community involvement, and the university’s ongoing commitment to excellence during a pivotal period in its history.
President Gore’s speech at Lincoln High School outlined his vision for a Diversified Cooperative Training (DCT) program. He detailed plans to expand practical education for young workers statewide, emphasizing innovation, opportunity, and the power of education to transform Florida’s workforce.
The 1994 Notice of Hearings from the state of Florida proposed $7.2 million in compensation for the destruction of Rosewood, a Black community subjected to a violent, racial attack. The hearings aimed to address the lasting impact of the massacre and sought justice and acknowledgment for the survivors and their families.
In this rare photograph, Nina Simone stands with A. Poole (as inscribed on the back of the photo) and another unidentified Black male. The trio is posing in the middle of what appears to be a Florida A&M event banquet, as people eat around them while others dance in the background. It’s unclear when this was taken.
Nikki Giovanni, a highly awarded African American poet, visited the campus of Florida A&M University in 1975. In these images, Giovanni is seen being gifted a corsage by students, walking around campus, and speaking on a stage.
Newspaper clippings and an article from *The FAMUAN* reflect on President Gore’s resignation in 1968, marking the end of a distinguished era of leadership. The pieces highlight his transformative contributions to FAMC and FAMU, his dedication to education, and the enduring legacy he left on the university and its community.
Newspaper clippings from 1968 detail FAMU students' civil rights reform efforts after several arrests. President Gore sought to calm tensions, discouraging protests to preserve stability and FAMU’s reputation. Despite his stance, the movement continued, and his resignation later followed these events.
Newspaper clippings and an article from The FAMUAN honor President Gore’s remarkable legacy with heartfelt expressions of respect, fidelity, and admiration. The pieces celebrate his transformative leadership, unwavering dedication to FAMC and FAMU, and his lasting impact on education, students, and the broader university community.
This statement to the President of the United States, Richard M. Nixon, was created by the association of 111 members with Florida A&M President Dr. Benjamin L. Perry, Jr., serving as a member of the Board of Directors and one of 15 members who had a conference with the former. It discusses equal opportunity and race relations in education.
One of the most prominent symbols of Florida A&M includes Lee Hall, north of the Eternal Flame, which sits squarely in the middle of the campus quad. This newspaper clipping describes the $300,000 administrative building and how its namesake, former FAMU president J. R. E. Lee.
These letters detail the story of Florida A&M’s collaboration with Michigan State University to develop a Nigeria-based outreach program at B. L. Perry, Jr.’s behest. They provide a glimpse into his interest, the successes of the program, especially from a student’s perspective, and the abrupt interruption of it due to geopolitical upheaval.
Devoted to expanding educational access, FSU alumnae Ms. Ruby Pearl Diamond corresponded with President George W. Gore to establish FAMU’s first scholarship of $200.00. Aimed at supporting a Black woman in Leon County, this scholarship marked a milestone for academic opportunity and empowerment at FAMU.
Memorabilia from President Gore’s 1982 Alpha Kappa Mu fraternity includes letters of condolence and recognition of his achievements. The collection also features invitations to dinner parties and luncheons honoring both Dr. Gore and his wife, Mrs. Pearl Gore, to celebrate their lasting contributions to the university and community.
Memorabilia from President Gore's tenure at FAMC and FAMU include newspaper clippings, door plaques, and a special ten-year celebration schedule. These items mark the milestones of his leadership, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy and impact on the institution.
On May 20, 1970, various Historically Black Colleges/Universities presidents met with President Richard Nixon to represent their schools for the National Association of Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. Those included were Florida A&M President Benjamin L. Perry, Jr., Meharry Medical College leader Lloyd C. Elam, and many more.
This newspaper clipping from the February 1993 issue of the Seminole Tribune features testimony from the 1923 Rosewood Massacre. Lee Ruth Davis was interviewed by one of their journalists at Palmetto General Hospital in Miami, Florida in November 1992.
This document is an excerpt from a larger report. It focuses on the “alleged mass grave issue,” where investigators of the 1923 Rosewood Massacre tried to determine the location and names of unaccounted-for unidentified persons after the first week of the massacre, where burning, looting, and killing were at their peak.
A document outlining mass arrest procedures for situations requiring multiple detentions due to disorderly conduct. It includes a detainee arrest form to ensure proper documentation and consistent handling of suspects during large-scale events, emphasizing the need for efficiency and adherence to legal protocols from the Florida Statutes of 1967.
Margaret Walker was a poet best known for her role in the Chicago Black Renaissance, a Black literary movement. Her first poetry collection, For My People, won the Yale Series of Younger Poets Award, making her the first Black woman to do so. 1981, she visited the Carnegia Center, a.k.a Carnegie Library, at the Meek-Eaton Black Archives.
