Photo Courtesy: FAMU
Florida A&M University kicked off the 2024 Homecoming Week with the crowning of Kailyn Thompson and Omari Rasheed as Mister and Miss FAMU at the 118th coronation in the Lee Hall Auditorium on October 27. The occasion embodied FAMU’s spirit, community, and legacy as students, faculty, alumni, and families gathered to celebrate.
The ceremony was led by Roger L. Walker, who introduced the Royal Court and the coronation participants. In an elegant display of FAMU’s tradition, the university’s kings and queens processed down the aisle, each one a testament to FAMU’s rich heritage and vibrant student leadership.
Devin Nobles and Kendall Johnson, the outgoing Mister and Miss FAMU of the 2023-2024 academic year, gave heartfelt speeches to the student body, reflecting on their year of service and pride. After taking their final walks, the titles of Mister and Miss FAMU were passed to Omari Rasheed and Kailyn Thompson, elected by the student body to represent them for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The Royal Court attendants included Queen of Orange and Green Miss Demi Howard, Miss Graduate Attendant Carylnn Andrews, Miss Senior Attendant Reanna Desameau, Miss Junior Attendant Amber Whitt, Miss Sophomore Attendant RaeMarie Parks-Royal, and Miss Freshman Attendant Kaitlin Christopher. Escorting them were the King of Orange and Green, Mister Isaiah Clayborn, Mister Victor Culpepper Jr., Mister Aaron Jones, Mister Traylin Price, Mister Terrain Small, Mister Tyler Watson, and Mister Channing Wyatt.
Omari Rasheed, a fourth-year Psychology scholar from Chicago, Illinois, captivated the audience with his gratitude and humility. Known for his charisma and ambition, Omari has been deeply involved in campus life, from serving as a coordinator for the Progressive Black Men organization to becoming a 2023 orientation leader and a presidential ambassador. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged his mother’s unwavering support: “You’ve been with me every step of the way, even though you wanted me to go to Grambling originally,” he quipped, drawing warm laughter from the audience.
Expressing appreciation to his friends, known as “The Country Boys,” his fellow members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., where he served on their royal court as Mister 1913. Omari shared that his journey to Mister FAMU meant redefining his identity with courage and pride. “I didn’t come from a place where this was even considered,” he said, reflecting on his growth and commitment to FAMU.
Kailyn Thompson, a senior General Health Sciences scholar from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, radiated elegance and compassion in her speech. With a history in cross-country and track, Kailyn also served as Political Affairs Director for FAMU College Democrats, exemplifying leadership and service. She expressed deep appreciation to her family, paying tribute to her mother’s grace and strength, her father’s steady support, and her bonus mom’s encouragement in her journey to womanhood.
“To the students of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University,” she said, “your love and encouragement have been the foundation that has carried me through every step of this journey.” Her words underscored her dedication to leading with integrity and faith, embodying the values that FAMU instills.
Vice President of Student Affairs William E. Hudson, Jr., Ph.D., offered a prayer for the new king and queen, blessing their reign with wisdom and success. The Mahogany Dance Theatre then graced the stage with a performance honoring Mister and Miss FAMU, followed by an address from Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., who declared, “Stars do come out at night, and here on the highest of seven hills, let me first congratulate our king and queen.”
In a moving gesture, the FAMU College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and the School of Allied Health Sciences presented special tokens of recognition to the newly crowned royalty. The coronation also included a ceremonial gift presentation from each of FAMU’s organizations, councils, and clubs, each gift a symbol of unity and respect for the new leaders.
The evening’s most heartfelt moments were marked by speeches from the families of Mister and Miss FAMU. Mister FAMU’s mother spoke of the values her son embodies, honoring Omari’s dedication to service and his commitment to making a difference. Miss FAMU’s parents expressed their pride and gratitude, recognizing both their daughter’s and Omari’s leadership as a source of inspiration.
Concluding the coronation, guests moved to the University Quadrangle, where the evening festivities continued under a canopy of stars. The 118th coronation marked a beautiful beginning to Homecoming Week, setting a memorable tone as attendees remembered the times shared on the highest of seven hills.