Concrete Roses: Celebrating Black History 2025

This February, Black History Month 2025, is probably the most I’ve ever thought about being a Black person. In a time when the dismissal of diversity, equity and inclusion programs across the country feels like a personal affront, I found myself questioning whether I should celebrate my heritage publicly. Will posting about Black History during these 28 days be considered taking sides in the DEI movement? Can I produce and promote Black History Month events at a historically black college/university (HBCU) without concern?

Suddenly, I was reminded of my late Grandmother Louise, who in her lifetime could never transition to calling Black people African American. She was the generation where the term “colored people” was normal and acceptable, but it made me cringe every time she would say it. Then in high school, I was introduced to William Shakespeare and I learned that, “a rose by any other name is still as sweet.” So, I decided that instead of focusing on the name, I’d focus on the intent: celebration and education. For the first time in my professional career, I was responsible for coordinating (not just promoting) a Black history celebration, and if this would possibly become the last year that Black history would be recognized on a national level, then doggone it, I was going to make sure it was good!

FAMU Interim President Timothy Beard and I hosted a Fireside Chat with FAMU alumnus Roy Wood Jr. as the primary celebration. Roy is a perfect example of the type of student success story FAMU creates. Roy talked about how he took college for granted and almost didn’t graduate. However, the nurturing presence of administrators, like the late Dr. James Hawkins, encouraged him to get his act together and finish strong. Today, Roy has built a name for himself as a comedian, actor and political pundit. You can catch him as host of “Have I Got News for You” on CNN.

The following week, my team partnered with Alumni Affairs to host a documentary that was narrated by our legendary alumna and FOX sports analyst Pam Oliver. Pam spent the day speaking with students in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication before hosting a panel to discuss the film, “Bridging Troubled Waters: Coach Jessie Heard, Football and Desegregation.” The documentary told the story of how Coach Heard, a former FAMU student athlete, used football to cross color lines and promote unity during the desegregation of high schools in South Florida.

Finally, we culminated the month of activities with the 2025 Harambee Festival, a cultural festival for the entire city held in Cascade Park near campus. I got to meet one of the original founders of the event, Dr. Beverly Barber. The event featured alumnus and jazz saxophonist BK Jackson, who went from performing on stage at FAMU as a student to embarking on several world tours to play with legends such as Prince, Usher, Bruno Mars and Trombone Shorty.

As an unexpected surprise, I received two additional invitations to celebrate Black History Month. First, I was invited to serve on a panel for WPP Soul called "The HBCU Effect: From the Yard to the Top." I shared my experience attending and working for America’s treasured historically black colleges and universities.

Second, I was invited to the Governor’s Black History Month reception and celebration! Held at the Florida Governor’s mansion, the event included a scintillating performance by the FAMU Student Jazz Quartet. I resisted the urge to get up and dance as they performed Stevie Wonder’s “Do I Do,” but I did give them a little shoulder action in appreciation of the set. ?

Overall, celebrating Black History Month was well worth it! As the sun sets on this last day of Black History Month, I am grateful for several things. I’m grateful that this month did not include bomb threats against HBCUs as we’ve experienced in past years. I’m grateful that the events our team curated were well received. I’m also thankful that we provided our students and stakeholders with an opportunity to learn through the eyes of several alumni who walked the Highest of Seven Hills and who built a solid foundation from which to launch very successful careers. Like a rose growing through concrete, we will continue to bloom where we are planted!

Now, I'm looking forward to Women’s History Month! Bring on the March Madness (tournament, that is)!