The life of a FAMU student was celebrated during the Artists in Bloom Festival Friday. The film “Joy’s Story” tells the story of the late FAMU student Joy Remy.
Remy suffered from the chronic disease Lupus. Lupus is a skin condition in which antibodies are produced against an individual’s own cells. It can cause tissue inflammation and cell damage.
Remy’s condition took a turn for the worst last year when the disease attacked her lungs leaving her bedridden. She died May 8, 2004 after fighting with the disease for some time.
Keeyona Hogan, a friend of St. Remy, decided to do a project about her life. Hogan wanted to spread Remy’s joy that once filled the halls of FAMU.
Hogan and partner Rena Pace, a senior broadcast journalism student, produced the documentary “Joy’s Story.” The film showed the struggle of an upcoming journalist whose life was cut short.
Similar to the song “Joy and Pain,” Remy had to choose every day which to display.
“There were days Remy was in pain but her facial expression never showed it,” said Shelli Green, a senior public relations student at FAMU.
“I remember seeing her hands shaking when she handed in a test,” said Kenneth Jones, assistant professor of broadcast journalism.
Although Remy chose not to immediately inform all of her professors about her illness, she still acted as if she was never in pain.
In the film, Keith Miles, FAMU Radio Director, said he didn’t know she suffered until told by an official.
“She was an outstanding example of a journalist,” Miles said.
Also in the film James Hawkins, dean of the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, said Remy touched so many lives and was determined to be successful in all her tasks. “She would always call to say I am coming back to finish school,” he said.
“She finished what God sent her here to do,” said Mae Remy, Joy’s mother.
Hogan explained why she felt she had to do the documentary of her friend.
“The documentary needed to be done,” Hogan said. “People often take life for granted, but Remy was a fighter who had faith in God. This was my way of showing how Remy was an impact in other people’s lives instead of telling.”
Others explained why they were delighted for a film to be done on somebody like Remy.
“She was a humble and giving person who enjoyed putting smiles on people’s faces,” Green said.
Remy was known to be an enthusiastic and eager journalist that tried as hard as she could to succeed.
“While in the hospital I received several e-mails from Remy. She called and vowed to type a paper. She is a student who I will not forget,” Jones said.
“She was named appropriately Joy because she brought joy to other people’s lives,” Hawkins said.
Contact Jequisha Williams at cbkw22@yahoo.com.