Campus royality gets crowned Sunday evening at Lee Hall Auditorium | Photo credit: Sydne Vigille
The 111th Coronation kicked off homecoming week Sunday in what was called the “MARVAlous Regime” – a play on Miss Florida A&M University Michelle “Marva” Johnson’s nickname and Mr. FAMU Jordan Sealy’s training in the Army Reserves.
Coronation is a ceremony of crowning FAMU’s king and queen. An elaborate event filled with the pomp and circumstance befitting royal representation as Johnson and Sealy were sworn in to their positions. Johnson is the 111th Miss FAMU – a role her mother had as the 75th Miss FAMU — while her older brother was the 12th Mr. FAMU. Sealy is the 18th Mr. FAMU.
Coronation was held in Lee Hall’s Auditorium Sunday. The black tie event started with the melodic voices of FAMU’s gospel choir. The program progressed by allowing all of the university’s kings and queens to walk down the aisle followed by the previous year’s Mr. and Miss FAMU, the current royal court and then the reigning Mr. and Miss FAMU.
“No matter where you go in your future and no matter how legendary you may become, you will always be a part of this historic event of being crowned at our 111th coronation and serving as Mr. and Miss FAMU during our 130th year anniversary,” President Larry Robinson said in his speech to Sealy and Johnson.
In the past, Mr. and Miss FAMU are to be the only individuals wearing white and the attendants are to wear green. This specific court, however, came with a different look. Sealy and Johnson weren’t the only ones wearing white. Instead, the attendants and the escorts also wore white for the ceremony.
This alone stamped a mark in FAMU history being that the pass Miss FAMU attendants wore green. The change in clothing brought a more pristine show to the student body. From the trumpets, to the all-white opulence, the elegant event had the feeling of a wedding. It almost felt as if the two royals were showing their dedication in marrying the university. It was their official stamp as FAMU hierarchy.
“This is the first time a mother and daughter will have served in the capacity of Miss FAMU. I admire Marva for her leadership and everything she’s done for this University. I also admire Jordan. He is an amazing young man and everyone can learn a lot from him,” Jeremiah Carter, Senior Broadcast Journalism student. “He has a great story. Jordan was actually one of the candidates I did support while he was running. I wish the whole royal court the best of luck this academic year.”
Both Johnson and Sealy offered heart-felt speeches to student body, family friends.
“Everything I do, all is this is for you ma,” Sealy said to his mother who he said raised him as a single mom. “You’re such a strong woman and I commend you for everything you’ve done for me to where I am now.”
Following the crowing of Mr. and Miss FAMU was the reception which was held in the Grand Ballroom. Dinner was served. Everyone sat and watched the royal court and the rest of the kings and queens of the institution take part in ballroom dancing.
Over the years, the coronation has been a stamp on FAMU’s tradition. Over time, most Historical Black Colleges/ Universities began to tweak their coronations and turn them into more of a performance. Not FAMU. FAMU has stuck to the tradition and classic stage set up every year. It’s one of the things that make the University stand out among others.