Florida A&M University announced on March 23 that music artists Bunna B and Fly Boi Keno will headline this year’s Be Out Day, a long-standing tradition at the university. The event, which is described as a mid-semester celebration, continues to be an important gathering for students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community.
Be Out Day is considered significant for fostering campus unity and providing students with an opportunity to relax before finals. Student Government Association President Zayla Bryant said, “I’ve been working diligently with the Student ‘Be Out Day’ Committee alongside faculty, administration, trustees, and donors to bring to life an experience that will be an everlasting memory for the spring semester. Let the good times roll!”
The tradition began in the late 1980s as “Fun Day,” organized by Colonel Bernard Hendricks. Marvin Greene of University Advancement recalled Hendricks’ personal involvement: “He wasn’t catering anything. He literally cooked the ribs, the baked beans… that was him.” After Hendricks’ passing in 1992, student leaders renamed it Be Out Day—a phrase from Greek-life culture—and expanded its scope.
Christian Aristilde of Winners Circle emphasized creating lasting memories through this year’s event: “Be Out Day is personal for me because I understand what it means to create moments that people actually remember,” Aristilde said. “It’s not simply about putting artists on a stage, it’s about the experience and how it brings people together.”
Associate Vice President Bryan Smith highlighted Be Out Day as a time for students to unwind: “Historically, it’s centered around a midterm opportunity to relax and hang out,” Smith said. “To decompress after working hard… to be celebrated and rewarded.” Greene added that while aspects have changed over time—such as adding concerts—the core spirit remains intact: “I think they’ve kept the integrity of what used to be,” Greene said.
Over time Be Out Day has attracted notable performers including FAMU alumna K. Michelle and Jacquees. Alumni groups now host similar events in cities across the country such as Atlanta and Houston—a testament to its influence beyond campus boundaries.
