FAMU

1887

ESTABLISHED

10,028

STUDENTS ENROLLED / FALL 2024

98

DEGREES OFFERED / 2024-2025

Florida A&M Archives Collection Highlights

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Begin exploring the vast repository of cultural ephemera, written works, and oral histories carefully stewarded by the FAMU Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center & Museum. The following collection highlights represent newly digitized materials that expand access to and deepen understanding of these historically significant collections stewarded by HBCUs.

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FAMU ARCHIVE

Culture of FAMU Collection

FAMU ARCHIVE

Silent Chains: Exploitation of African Americans Collection

FAMU ARCHIVE

African Diaspora at FAMU Collection

FAMU ARCHIVE

Florida A&M Sports Collection

FAMU ARCHIVE

African Americans in the Military Collection

Culture of FAMU Collection

The Culture of FAMU Collection preserves the university’s legacy as a leading HBCU since 1887 while reflecting the vibrancy of the academic and extracurricular experiences of students. This collection is comprised of artifacts, documents, and memorabilia highlighting FAMU’s impact on education, civil rights, and community empowerment while emphasizing the university’s agricultural roots and academic excellence, especially in agriculture and the sciences. This collection honors FAMU’s role in shaping African American history and inspiring future generations.

Silent Chains: Exploitation of African Americans Collection

The Silent Chains: Exploitation of African Americans Collection illuminates the historical significance of rare Antebellum-era estate documents in the hidden history of slavery. These documents, often overlooked and scattered, hold a treasure trove of information about the lives of enslaved individuals, the economic power structures that sustained an unjust system, and the broader social context of their time. The collection contributes to a deeper understanding of the peculiar institution by presenting a more nuanced and humanizing perspective of enslaved people.

Florida A&M Sports Collection

The FAMU Sports Alumni Collection celebrates the achievements of legendary athletes who have made significant contributions to sports and society. Highlighting figures like coach Jake Gaither, tennis icon Althea Gibson, Olympic sprinter Bob Hayes, and MLB star Andre Dawson, this collection showcases memorabilia, photographs, and documents that reflect their groundbreaking careers. It offers a comprehensive view of their impact on Florida A&M University and their respective sports, inspiring future generations of athletes and FAMU alumni.

African Diaspora at FAMU Collection

The African Diaspora Collection celebrates the global breadth and cultural richness of the African diaspora. Through artifacts, textiles, art, literature, and historical documents, it reflects the lived experiences, traditions, and resilience of African-descended peoples worldwide. Curated to resonate with the university’s diverse student and faculty body, the collection explores connections between Africa and its diasporic communities, fostering cultural pride and historical understanding. This vital collection affirms the importance of global Black identity, scholarship, and heritage.

African Americans in the Military Collection

The Meek-Eaton Black Archives Military Collection honors the legacy and service of African American veterans and ROTC cadets who have bravely served the United States. Featuring uniforms, photographs, medals, and documents, the collection highlights the pivotal role of FAMU students, alumni, and faculty in major conflicts throughout history. This collection stands as a powerful testament to Black excellence, sacrifice, and patriotism, inspiring future generations to serve with pride and purpose.

Visit the On Campus Exhibit

As Florida A&M University’s kickoff to America 250 Florida, this compelling exhibition honors the families who entrusted Meek-Eaton with their most cherished military artifacts. Uniforms, medals, photographs, and personal effects share powerful stories of service across generations, transforming private memory into shared public history. Discover how preservation becomes education, and how legacy is shaped by what we choose to save. Visit the exhibition, engage with history, and be part of the story.

Notable Individuals

Althea Gibson

Althea Gibson — an accomplished tennis player and golfer — was the first Black woman to play in the National Indoor Tennis Championships in 1949. She went on to be the first Black player to win the French Open, and throughout her career won 11 Grand Slam titles.

Andre “The Hawk” Dawson

Andre “The Hawk” Dawson is a record-breaking Baseball Hall of Fame member. During his career, he became one of eight Major League Baseball players with at least 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases. Dawson spent most of his career with the Chicago Cubs and Montreal Expos and finished with 438 home runs.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose is a distinguished American actress and singer, renowned for voicing Princess Tiana in The Princess and the Frog, the first African American Disney princess. A Tony Award recipient, she is acclaimed for her versatile performances across Broadway, film, and television.

Florida A&M provided me with the education and skills to serve and uplift my community. It is an institution that empowers individuals to not just dream but achieve those dreams. My experience at FAMU shaped my path in life.

Corrine Brown Congresswoman