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FAMU DRS’ Upcoming May Day: A Celebration of Unity and Excellence not in the May Day Courtyard? By: Jefferson Walker
The annual May Day Ceremony is right around the corner.Florida A&M University Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS) is gearing up to celebrate the ceremony on May 10, and it’s met with controversy. The celebration normallytakes place in the FAMU DRS courtyard. However, Superintendent Michael Johnson will present the program at the Will Packer Amphitheater on FAMU’s main campus at 6:00p.m. While the current May Day graphic outside the school shows it will be held in the courtyard, it was uploaded before Superintendent Johnson’s final decision and announcement.
May Day is an event rooted in tradition, historical richness, and communal pride. The celebration joins the students, alumni, and community as they crown the new May King & May Queen and celebrate spring. May King Jourdan Robinson and May Queen Jamya Forbes will take their crown and title this year.
“I’ve waited all year for this. I can’t believe it’s finally here, saidForbes.”
The May King and Queen are profound symbols of unity and excellence within the school community. Through this tradition, FAMU DRS reinforces its cultural heritage and fosters an uplifting environment that celebrates student achievements and community.
May King Jourdan Robinson is anxious and excited to see the seniors wrap the May Pole, a tradition representing the colors of spring joining as one.
“We have to get the pole right this year. I know ’24 got it in the bag, said Robinson.”
An urban myth states that if you don’t wrap the May Pole, you don’t graduate. While some find it foolish, others let it keep them on their toes. Ultimately, it’s just something that keeps that anticipation for the tradition alive.
While some are excited about the festival, others are not too fond of the administration’s decision of where the ceremony will take place. The class of 2024, in particular, expressed significant backlash on the location followed by alumni. The current Miss FAMU DRS Dream Hogan says she was shocked to learn about the changes.
“Why is May Day not being held in the May Day courtyard?”, said Hogan. How are we supposed to get the poles up there and decorate that day if it’s not on our campus?
While those are valid concerns, the real question the administration should be asking is, what if it rains on May Day?What if it rains the day before, and the ground is too wet and muddy to sit on? For the last two years, the Ceremony was moved inside the FAMU DRS Gymnasium due to inclement weather, but that was only possible due to the flexibility of already being at the school. As of now, there are no backup plans in place, so students and alumni are hoping for the best.
Location frustration and a few other traditions aside, FAMU DRS still seems to be on track to debut an unforgettable program. This year, in particular, the event could go either way,but the thing to remember the most is what the celebration stands for and how it joins the community. Looking forward, it remains essential for the school to continue the tradition regardless, shaping a cohesive educational, communal, and historical environment that honors the May King & Queen while celebrating spring.
Professor returns home, shaping the new workforce of public relations at FAMU By: Jefferson Walker
In the heart of the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC), a seamless blend of creativity and professionalism defines the unique environment. At the core of this vibrant ecosystem lies PUR 4800, the Public Relations Agency course, a gateway for students to experience real-world client engagements. Anchored within this course is Venom PRoz, an innovative initiative bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application. Guided by the expertise of Professor Deborah Thigpen from Quincy, FL.
"Venom PRoz offers an exciting platform for students to refine their skills in Public Relations. I am thrilled to be back home in Quincy and to have the chance to collaborate with such outstanding creative minds, said Dr. Thigpen."
Spring 2024 marks Venom PRoz 4.0, the fifth generation of the course under the leadership of Dr. Thigpen since its inception in Spring 2022. As students gear up to leave their mark on the industry, she enthusiastically anticipates the Venom PRoz future.
Venom PRoz has swiftly become a cornerstone of practical learning within the school, providing students a platform to unleash their creativity while collaborating with diverse clients. The collaboration with Wakati Hair Products is a testament to Venom PRoz’s tangible impact on the market landscape and the leadership of Dr. Thigpen. Students involved in this project curated content for Wakati’s Women’s History Month campaign in conjunction with FAMU’s Journey Magazine, showcasing natural hairstyles over 50 years in an “Ode to Time” feature. The collaboration underscores Wakati’s commitment to uplifting women and fostering diversity within the beauty industry, aligning with FAMU’s academic excellence and inclusivity ethos.
Partnerships with esteemed organizations such as Junior Achievement of Big Bend, HBCU Culture Legacy Foundation, and Wakati Hair have enriched the educational experience and yielded innovative public relations strategies benefiting the clients’ market presence.
Alise Sloan, a senior public relations student on the Venom PRoz team, said, “I love working with Journey and the PR Agency because I can be creative and use my passion for writing. It’s exciting to see how we can leverage Journey to reach a broader audience outside of the J-school.”
As Venom PRoz continues to evolve, students envision limitless possibilities. The agency’s success in managing and enhancing the visibility of its current clients fuels a belief in its capacity to undertake even more projects in the future.
After over two decades of owning her own successful PR Agency in Houston, TX, returning home is where she refreshed her passion for public relations while inspiring the new generation.