Florida State Rep. Ramon Alexander, a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, strongly believes in the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“In honor of Dr. King’s legacy, we are reminded of the enduring impact he had on all Americans committed to freedom, justice and equality,” Alexander said this morning as he gave the keynote address at FAMU’s annual MLK Convocation.
Alexander, a Tallahassee native, was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives District 8 in 2016. It includes parts of Leon and Gadsden counties. Alexander has also served as a Tallahassee mayoral aide. He has been the House minority leader since 2018 and was elected for leader designate 2022-20224.
Marcus Thomas, SGA vice president, welcomed students, alumni and virtual guests with words of wisdom. “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve in all areas that they expand and put their mind to,” Thomas said.
The year 2022 is, “What does this have to do with me,” Alexander said. “The future of FAMU is in your hands; your future is in your hands. Never give up.”
Alexander touched on a personal story. When he was in the sixth grade, his teacher told his father that Alexander needed to give up and drop out of school. His father told him to never let anyone ever tell him to give up on his dreams in life.
“Reap what you sow,” Alexander said, “reap only what you sew, reap more than what you sew, and reap what you sow after.”
The nation’s Capitol was under assault on Jan. 6, 2001. Lives were lost and our democratic system of government was under attack.
“My world did not move so fast that day. It did not bring peace, but yet I am still here,” Alexander said.
Alexander referenced King’s “I have a dream speech.” Alexander noted that it wasn’t until after the Civil War that Congress passed legislation outlawing slavery. In a tribute to King, Alexander noted that the famed civil rights leader — assassinated in Memphis in April 1968 — would have turned 93 next week.
FAMU President Larry Robinson paid tribute to the many faculty and staff members who give back to the community and to the university.
“Each one of you sitting in here right now is destined for greater,” Robinson said.
FAMU’s band concluded the event with a stirring rendition of “We shall overcome.”
Alexis King, a nursing major at FAMU who attended the convocation, said she was moved.
“After listening to Mr. Alexander’s speech today, it made me realize that Dr. King fought for us as the people to have justice and equal rights as others,” she said.