In this 1929 correspondence, Marcus Garvey, the Jamaican-born radical civil rights leader, responded to Madeline Kibbs, a little girl who joined the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (the organization he founded). Garvey himself signed this rare, original letter.
A hand-carved, wooden African Makonde Shetani sculpture likely originating from the Makonde people in Tanzania, northern Mozambique, or Kenya. The Shetani are East African Islamic spirits who are depicted in varying forms, mostly abstract and distorted, and seen as malevolent beings. The word, “shetani” itself is Swahili for “little devil.”
Second-generation sculptor, Joseph Mutasa, made this highly detailed, 220-pound Zimbabwean sculpture from an 800-pound block of opal stone. Showing two male figures, a father and a son, protruding from stone allows the viewer to witness the similarities between them – almost as if to say they are two sides of the same coin or, in this case, stone.
This black-and-white full-page spread featured in the 1975 Rattler Yearbook gives viewers a rare glimpse into the inner lives of Florida A&M University students. In dorm life, regular aspects of Black culture appear like braiding hair with roommates or playing chess. The next page also shows the inclusivity brought by the accessible cafeteria.
These three images, albeit faded and discolored due to being taken in the 1930s, were taken by John Frederick Matheus on a visit to Liberia for the International Commission of Inquiry. Matheus, a Florida A&M University faculty member, spent extensive time in Liberia and Haiti to contribute to research on the regions, highlighting Black voices.
These letters provide insights into the challenges faced by FAMC in maintaining and upgrading its facilities, curriculum, and campus services. Despite evolving institutional needs, FAMC maintained a focus on improving the student experience and physical environment.
A collection of letters and documents between FAMU officials and former president Dr. J.R.E. Lee Jr. covers key operational matters, financial considerations, and administrative decisions regarding the university's budget, resources, and strategic planning.
Letters recognizing Coach Alonzo "Jake" Gaither’s leadership in the athletics program at FAMU. These letters highlight achievements within the program and discuss the administration of summer school courses for student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of academic support when balancing education and athletics.
Two letters address FAMU's response to post-reform challenges. The first proposes reopening the university, calling for open dialogue among all student factions to foster unity and understanding. The second notifies students about reimbursements for unused meal tickets and laundry services and includes details on collection procedures.
Letters between B.L. Perry, then Dean of Students, and President Gore outline Perry's two-year leave of absence from FAMU to pursue his passion for education at Michigan State University, where he served as a member of its Advisory Team at the University of Nigeria.
These letters concern President Gore's institutional expansion projects. The correspondences detail Mr. Guy Fulton's attempts to contact the Federal Security Agency regarding delays in the approval of critical materials needed for FAMC's Law building and the creation of the Geology and Demonstration buildings.
Recommendation letters from President Gore regarding FAMU's Second Annual Hall of Fame, a celebration of the university's 75th anniversary, highlight the election of Mr. David Bryant and Mr. Rufus J. Hawkins. Both accepted the invitation, while Mr. Robert Bacon regretted he could not attend due to scheduling conflicts.
These heartfelt letters from Dr. Joseph De Avent, esteemed FAMC professor, reflect his gratitude and commitment to students and fellow educators. Filled with wisdom and encouragement, they show his enduring impact on the FAMC community and his dedication to fostering growth and excellence.
Letters exchanged with President L. H. Foster of Tuskegee University highlighted the organization of the self-study and initial reports from the director, emphasizing the steering committee’s essential role in preparing for the milestone anniversary.
A collection of letters celebrating the accomplishments of FAMU’s Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir, and Marching Band, all under the direction of Dr. William P. Foster from John Hopkins, founder of Hopkins University. These letters offer praise for the ensembles' performances.
Ms. Eartha White sent a letter expressing her appreciation for joining the local committee and confirming receipt of President Gore's previous correspondence about the Florida Classic. In a separate letter, Mr. Edward Jones from the Department of Painting and Decorating highlighted the significance of African history in Florida.
Letters regarding university renovations and a student-faculty relationship survey outlined FAMU's planned improvements, funding strategies, and renovation timelines. The communications emphasized the university's commitment to enhancing campus facilities and fostering a modern, functional environment for students and faculty.
A series of letters chronicles Wendell Austin’s journey, beginning with his interest in attending Florida A&M College and securing a scholarship. The correspondence includes registration details and his campus accomplishments, culminating in his election as Student Government President in 1953.
This collection of letters to and from President Gore reflects his vital collaboration with Dr. E. Franklin Frazier and leaders of Negro Land Grant Colleges. Together, they shared statistics, leadership insights, and event invitations to drive the Cooperative Social Studies Project and expand educational access.
In telegrams exchanged during the months before her passing in 1955, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune conveyed her plans to visit Tallahassee, despite the personal challenges President Gore was facing with his wife’s illness. Her dedication to the cause and support for the community remained steadfast.
President Gore of Florida A&M College wrote to former student Joe Kershaw, a referee, to apologize for the delay in a recent football game caused by the university’s marching band. The exchange turned somewhat passive-aggressive, with both Kershaw and Gore exchanging letters before ultimately reaching a mutual understanding about the situation.
Letters between President George W. Gore and Supervisor Dorothy G. Holmes of Leon County discuss meetings and the urgency of enrolling students in summer classes at FAMC. The exchanges reflect Gore's commitment to ensuring access to education and promoting teacher involvement in summer school programs.
Letters between President George W. Gore and the Embassy of Ghana outline plans for a visit to FAMU in order to build educational ties and expand opportunities for Ghanaian students. Discussions include academic exchanges, scholarship options, and initiatives to further support Ghanaian students at FAMU.
In 1954, letters captured exchanges between FAMU President Gore and leaders of UF and FSU about ticket distributions for university presidents. Additional correspondence outlines Gore’s 25-year plan with FAMU’s Law Dean, focusing on student enrichment and graduation growth in Home Economics and Agriculture.
The Philadelphia Afro-American Newspaper mistakenly sent letters addressed to current President George W. Gore to former President William H. Gray. This mix-up caused brief confusion, as both leaders had been instrumental in the advancement and shaping of Florida A&M University’s legacy.
Letters between President George W. Gore and Dr. H. D. Goode discuss the financial details of FAMC’s building costs, including budgeting and expenses, as well as the university's administrative structure. Gore formally invites Dr. Goode to lead the FAMC Alumni Chapter, emphasizing the importance of alumni leadership in university growth.
In his correspondence with Mrs. L. Elisabeth Miller, President George W. Gore confirmed the student victim’s relocation for safety and promised prompt communication, demonstrating his commitment to resolving the issue and ensuring her security.
This correspondence collection highlights discussions on critical financial strategies, budgeting challenges, and administrative decisions that directly affected university operations. The letters exemplify how FAMU navigated complex financial landscapes, ensuring that resources were allocated to strengthen both academic and infrastructural growth while responding to the evolving needs of students, faculty, and the broader FAMU community.
Letters detailing the responsibilities and designated duties of the Vice President of the University were included first, followed by confidential business operation packets outlining the general organizational structure of the university's identified 'weaknesses' and proposed options for improvement.
These letters discuss key financial strategies, budgeting, and administrative decisions that shaped university operations. FAMC effectively managed its financial challenges, allocating resources to promote academic advancement and infrastructure development while addressing the changing needs of students and faculty.
