Florida A&M University (FAMU) held its annual Founders Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Eternal Flame on Wednesday, marking 138 years since the university’s founding. The event took place in front of Coleman Library and was attended by students, faculty, alumni, and community members.
During the ceremony, a commemorative wreath was placed at the Eternal Flame by Mister and Miss FAMU as a tribute to the institution’s founders. President Marva Johnson addressed those gathered, stating: “What was created 138 years ago planted a seed of hope that has blossomed into a legacy of opportunity. It started humbly, with just 15 students and two professors. Yet even with this modest beginning, there was a bold vision — to cultivate knowledge, dignity and purpose. From those first steps, FAMU has grown into a powerhouse of education, research, culture and service. That same vision that carried us forward then must continue to propel us today.”
Mister FAMU, Miles Howard, reflected on his role in continuing the university’s traditions: “It’s surreal. Glory to God. I’m thankful just to be able to be part of this legacy here at FAMU, and I want to continue to touch lives and be a light.”
Miss FAMU, Edwina Fleuridor, shared her thoughts on resilience: “Yes, I’m very blessed and highly favored to be here. Let’s start there. I also feel like my story of resilience is something that will resonate with a lot of students, and I hope my story will inspire others to never take losses as failures but as lessons. That’s always the goal. I just want people to never give up. Life is hard, so just dust it off and pick it up.”
Jaleal Williams, a fourth-year psychology major from Shreveport, Louisiana attending the ceremony said: “Founders Day is like a wake-up call — it reminds me that HBCUs hit on some intense, key points,” Williams said. “I wake up and see the Eternal Flame, knowing it’s never going to burn out. Walking around campus, seeing the rich culture and the history — it feels great to be part of a dynasty like this.”
The event included performances by students from FAMU Essential Theatre who presented the Recommitment Reading in honor of past university leaders such as Gibbs, Tucker, Howard, Lee, Gary, Gore, Perry, Smith, Humphries, Gainous, Ammons, Mangum Robinson—and now Johnson.
The Founders Day wreath-laying tradition serves as an important link between generations at Florida A&M University.
