As families across the nation gather around Thanksgiving tables, there is a palpable sense of reflection and gratitude—not just for moments of joy, but for the resilience that carried many through another year of challenges and triumphs.
Amid immense economic and political uncertainties, the Thanksgiving holiday has taken on renewed meaning, with many emphasizing the importance of connection and mutual support. From shared meals to quiet acts of kindness, the spirit of Thanksgiving appears deepened by the recognition that stability often rests in the hands of those who stand by us.
As Brittany Griffin, Ph.D. a FAMU psychology professor, reminded her students this past week, “This year, more than ever, we’re reminded that it’s the people in our lives who give us strength. It’s not about the grandeur of the celebration, but the sincerity behind it.”
That sentiment is echoed by all of ua at Rattler Nation, as we focused all of the things that make FAMU a community. Through the sunny days and dark clouds, in a year marked by both hardship and hope, such it is our bond as a FAMUly that has become lifelines for so many.
We are thankful for the opportunity to serve each day. Through every high and low, it’s the trust of this community that fuels our work.
As evening falls and leftovers are tucked into refrigerators, the lasting message of this Thanksgiving may be a simple one: gratitude isn’t confined to a single day, but woven into the daily acts of showing up for one another.
From all of us at Rattler Nation, and to all who keep the spirit of giving alive—happy Thanksgiving.