Miss Florida A&M University Kindall Johnson believes there are so many college students who would dress professionally if they only had the means to do so. In an effort to give them a helping hand, Johnson’s current initiative, “Miss FAMU Has Suits For You: Suits for Our Sons,” will give Rattlers the opportunity to take care of their fellow Rattler.Johnson is asking alumni and local professionals to donate a new business suit or reach into their closets and donate a gently used suit. She is collecting suits, shirts, ties, blazers, slacks, polos, khakis, belts, hard bottom shoes and any other professional wear for young men.
“I saw that there was a need to increase the professionalism of young men on campus,” said Johnson, 21, a senior journalism student from Tampa, Fla. “Right now, my vision is to help our young men. I believe that their professionalism will set a standard that will cause young ladies to rise to the occasion. Nonetheless, I would be happy to receive and distribute any items I receive for women.”
Suits can be dropped off at the Hansel E. Tookes Sr. Student Recreation Center on Wahnish Way, Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Johnson will distribute all collected suits the first day of the spring semester, Jan. 5, which is the giveaway day.
“I am targeting freshmen men,” said Johnson. “However, any man on campus who has an interview, wants to improve his image or just needs a nice suit for church is welcome.”
“To the FAMU alumni, I would like to say, there’s more than one way to give back,” she said. “We look forward to future contributions that will benefit not only the men of FAMU, but the black community and the world.”