"We will not be silenced": 3,000+ FAMU alumni, students rally in powerful Town Hall against BOT decision

Over 3,000 FAMU alumni and students joined a virtual "FAMUly Town Hall," live streamed on Zoom and YouTube, pledging to challenge the Board of Trustees’ contentious selection of Marva Johnson as "president-select" and mobilize to block her confirmation by state officials. The meeting, titled “We Won’t Be Silenced,” marked a pivotal escalation in the backlash against Johnson, a Charter Communications executive and political ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose appointment critics argue threatens FAMU’s legacy as a cornerstone of Black excellence.

The town hall was organized by a newly formed group "Keepers of the Flame" who billed themselves as "Rattlers, not snakes."

Speakers ranged from former student leaders to alumni spanning across the decades and current students condemned the process and decision, citing political interference, lack of transparency, and Ms. Johnson’s lack of qualifications.

Retired AME Church Senior Bishop AJ Richardson rallied the group with a stirring call to action:

“FAMU is under attack.  This is a dark cloud moment in our history," Richard declared. "And this dark cloud moment must inspire us to mobilize. To unite. To expose the attack on Black education. Activate us to sustain giving. Organize and advocate to protect HBCU's everywhere."

"This is our time to strike," Richardson said. "And, as our alma mater calls us, we must fight and win whatever the battle be.”

“FAMU is our yard”

"We lost a battle last Friday, and that hurt," said Keneshia Grant, Ph.D., a former FAMU SGA VP and current Howard University professor. "But in war, even after you lose a battle, you got to get up and be ready to fight another day."

 "We're asking you to stay in the fight for FAMU," Grant said.  "We are part of a long tradition of defending our yard from intruders." 

"Tonight we want to get organized. We want to be strategic and we want to march in the same direction as we go to war for the soul of FAMU.  We want to make sure that you understand this is bigger than Marva Johnson and even bigger than FAMU. This is about defending Black institutions, Black excellence, and Black futures," she said.

"FAMU does not belong to the politicians or their puppets. It belongs to us,” said Grant. That message, echoed throughout the evening, called on alumni to unite, organize, and resist what many are calling an orchestrated political takeover of one of America’s most celebrated historically Black universities.

Kristen Harper, who opposed Johnson’s selection, spoke to call participants as a “Rattler", not as a Trustee, and NOT as  chair,” urging action: “issued a stirring call to action. 

“This war for the soul of FAMU is far from over,” she said. “While everyone grieves in different ways and at a different pace, I encourage you to shift quickly into action because our students need us more than they ever have."

"Weeping may endure for a night," Harper added. "But joy comes in the morning."

"You see, the devil wants you in your feelings, because if he can keep you in your feelings, he can keep you out of your purpose," Harper continued. He stirs up offense. He'll magnify fear. He'll push insecurity because emotions can cloud vision, and cloudy vision delays obedience. You weren't called to be led by feelings, you were called to be led by the spirit. And when rattlers are faced with a battle, we don't shrink, we strike. And each of you are on this call tonight to unite and to strike. FAMU isn’t done rising.”  

Student Government VP Kennedy Williams, delivered one of the most impassioned speeches of the night. “Our motto is ‘Excellence with Caring,’” she said. “But the Board of Trustees chose politics over people. FAMU belongs to the students—not the trustees, not the governor, and not the Board of Governors. We will not be silenced.”

Her words were met with thunderous virtual applause and an outpouring of support in the live chat. “The student body is not backing down,” she added. “We are ready, we are willing, and we are in this fight for the long haul. The opposition will be televised.”

A Legacy at stake

Throughout the town hall, speakers referenced FAMU’s legacy as a critical engine of Black social mobility and civic leadership in the state of Florida, and the nation. Concerns about political overreach, dismantling of HBCU autonomy, and eroding Black institutions were front and center.

“This is about Jacksonville, Chicago, DC, Broward, Birmingham—every place where FAMU alumni have led and thrived,” said Grant. “If they can do this to FAMU, they can do this to any Black institution.”

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding: the fight is far from over. With just under a month until the BOG confirmation vote, alumni leaders are mobilizing efforts across legal, economic, and political arenas to halt the appointment.