The FAMU Sports Alumni Collection celebrates the achievements of legendary athletes who have made significant contributions to sports and society. Highlighting figures like coach Jake Gaither, tennis icon Althea Gibson, Olympic sprinter Bob Hayes, and MLB star Andre Dawson, this collection showcases memorabilia, photographs, and documents that reflect their groundbreaking careers. It offers a comprehensive view of their impact on Florida A&M University and their respective sports, inspiring future generations of athletes and FAMU alumni.
Curated By
Barbara A. Twyman
Contributing Institution
Florida A&M University
Identifier
HCAC.ITEMSET.0013
About This Record
The HCAC public history focused digital archive cataloging is an ongoing process, and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. We welcome your comments and feedback if you have more information to share about an item featured on the site, please contact us at: HCAC-DigiTeam@si.edu
The Florida A&M College (FAMC) Champions Football Team of 1938 embodied the epitome of athletic excellence and teamwork, forging a legacy of triumph that endures to this day. FAMC Coach Alonzo "Jake" Gaither donated it to the Meek-Eaton Black Archives.
The 1974 Walter Camp Award, presented to legendary coach Jake Gaither, recognized his outstanding contributions to college football and leadership. Gaither was celebrated for his exceptional coaching skills and commitment to student-athlete development, and his influence extended beyond the field.
The 1991 Theodore Roosevelt Award, presented to Althea Gibson, honors her groundbreaking achievements in sports and her role as a trailblazer for African Americans in athletics. Recognized for her resilience and excellence, Gibson shattered racial barriers, becoming the first Black player to compete at Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals.
In this rare photograph, Althea Gibson is wearing a Florida A&M cardigan and shaking Alice Marble’s hand as they stand over the net conversing. Marble was a heavily decorated tennis player, and her American Tennis Magazine editorial on segregation in tennis paved the way for Gibson’s entry in the 1950 U.S. National Championship (which she won).
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University alumna and Black tennis star Althea Gibson graces the cover of this rare, original 1957 TIME magazine. Just the year prior, in 1956, Gibson became the first African American to win a Grand Slam event. She also was the first to play in the U.S. and French Opens and Wimbledon.
Robert "Bob" Hayes' bronzed track shoes commemorate his exceptional athletic achievements, particularly as a sprinter and Olympic gold medalist. Known as "Bullet," Hayes revolutionized sprinting, winning gold in the 100 meters and helping secure a victory in the 4x100 meter relay at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
This rare, original black-and-white photograph features award-winning track star and Florida A&M alumni Robert “Bullet Bob” Hayes and an unidentified political figure. In what appears to be a government office, due to the portraits of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, Hayes is receiving a ceremonial key.
This photograph features two male and female students using a bow and arrow on the field of Bragg Memorial Stadium. Because Florida A&M University does not have an archery club or team, this photograph represents a lost aspect of FAMU student life. It’s unclear when this image was taken or who took it.
In this electric black-and-white photograph, track star and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical student Robert “Bullet Bob” Hayes is seen in Lane 4 crossing the finish line seconds away from his competitors. An integrated crowd looks on gleefully in anticipation. The image has “Robert Hayes” inscribed on the top in blue ink.
