On Saturday, Florida A&M hosted the Inaugural President’s Pre-Game Rally at its Employee Club House prior to its football game against Morgan State University, as part of the many events for the Inauguration Week for President Elmira Mangum.
The event featured the University Cheerleaders, FAMU’s Jr. Cheerleaders, raffles and an appearance and short speech from President Mangum.
“We have a lot of support from the corporate sponsors,” said the event’s committee co-chair Dr. Brian Lucas. “We’re looking for support from the community, alumni and students for the president [Mangum] and football team.”
The rally was filled with supporters who enjoyed and danced to the music of the event’s DJ.
FAMU’s Presidential Ambassadors supported the event through their service by serving the attendees free food and beverages.
FAMU student Jamal Thompson said, “I’m enjoying myself. It’s great to communicate and fellowship with people.”
The rally featured a special appearance from the Royal Court who cordially greeted the attendees.
The community greeted President Mangum and her family when she came to the event. Mangum walked around hugging and greeting attendees.
Thompson said, “She’s [Mangum] going to make improvements to the school. I really hope it gets better.”
President Mangum watched the Jr. Cheerleaders and was very impressed with their routines.
She’s very excited for the community’s support and encourages them to show support inside Bragg Memorial Stadium.
Vice President of Student Affairs William E. Hudson Jr introduced President Mangum to the attendees. He was deeply encouraged by President Mangum’s humility throughout the inaugural events and he’s ready to work alongside her to usher in a “new season.”
President Mangum started her speech by thanking all the attendees, staff and sponsors for making the rally happen.
She told the attendees to continue to support FAMU in all its endeavors to carry on the Rattler legacy. Mangum stressed the importance of attending the football games and showing support to the football team.
Mangum told the attendees that the Marching 100 isn’t the football game. She said after halftime, the football team has to come back and finish the game.
Mangum stated, “The fans are the 12th man on the field.”
She finished by saying FAMU will beat the Morgan State Bears tonight and we’ll continue to “Strike, Strike and Strike Again!”
Corporate sponsors for the Inaugural President Pre-game Rally include Tri-Eagle Sales, Albert Tents, Awards4U, Target Copy and Coca Cola Bottling Company.
