Florida A&M University (FAMU) held its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation on January 16, 2026, at Lee Hall Auditorium in Tallahassee. The event brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to honor the legacy of Dr. King and reflect on his message.
During the convocation, speakers highlighted the importance of continuing Dr. King’s work through education and service. Williams addressed the audience by saying, “We gather at Florida A&M University as the culmination of the dreams, sacrifices, and prayers of those who came before us. Those who were denied access, silenced, and excluded, yet never stopped believing in our possibility,” Williams said. “Because of them, we stand here today. And because of them, it is our duty to represent them well. To lead with integrity. To pursue excellence with caring. And to ensure that our education, our voices, and our actions continue to bend the moral arc toward justice.”
President Marva B. Johnson spoke about Dr. King’s ongoing influence: “What a blessing to be gathered here this morning in this sacred hall to honor a man whose legacy continues to challenge us, to inspire us, and to call us to action every day,” she said.
She encouraged attendees not only to remember Dr. King but also to act on his principles: “not as a memory, but as a mission.” President Johnson thanked faculty and staff for their commitment and urged everyone present to recommit themselves “to building Beloved Community right here, on this campus, and beyond.” She concluded her remarks by quoting Dr. King: “The time is always right to do what is right.”
Elder Darrick McGhee Sr., founding pastor of Bible Based Church and FAMU alumnus from the Class of 2000, delivered the keynote address focused on inspiring students he described as dreamers—those striving for more despite challenges or doubts from others.
“Today I want to have a conversation with dreamers,” McGhee said. “I want to talk to those people others think are weird. They don’t understand what you’re talking about. They think you space out. But you believe beyond what you’re currently seeing.”
McGhee shared his personal experience as a first-generation college student: “Like you, I was and still am that dreamer,” he said. “I’m the first in my family to go to college. I’m the first one to leave home and believe there was something greater beyond my mother’s front steps.”
Referencing Dr. King’s speech from the March on Washington in 1963—“Dr. King said ‘When we allow freedom to ring… we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children when all of God’s children…will be able join hands…free at last’”—McGhee emphasized perseverance despite doubt.
He encouraged students facing skepticism: “For some of you people may not believe you can actually do what you’re trying to do,” McGhee said.“But I’ve come tell you look out — because in front of you is opportunity.In front of you is access.In front relationships.”
Throughout his address McGhee returned repeatedly three-part charge:”look out look up listen up.” He highlighted support within FAMU’s network:“When meet Rattler that Rattler obligated help excel.Look out.Because some steps porch where ever may go there someone needs look out,” he said.
He reminded students their achievements open doors for others.McGhee recalled April 3 1968—the night before King’s assassination—and quoted directly from King’s final speech acknowledging uncertainty but prioritizing purpose over fear:“‘I don’t know what will happen now.We’ve got some difficult days ahead,’” McGhee recited.“‘But it doesn’t matter what happens now,because I’ve been mountaintop.’”
He told attendees not take opportunities for granted,saying many would value their place at FAMU.McGhee illustrated perseverance with story young runner guided through fog by father’s voice,and related lesson directly students:“After look out after look up — listen up.Because when things are dark…there people cheering telling ‘You got this baby.Keep going.’”
Concluding,M c G h e e urged persistence among dreamers:“You didn’t come here fail.You didn’t come let up .Graduation possible.Life possible.You ‘re not weird,you ‘re dreamer .You ‘re not crazy .You are dreamer .You believe possibility there something out there.” He finished,“One thing about dreamers ,don’t wake too soon .You might abort what trying birth.So keep going forth keep pressing.”
