Florida A&M University is steeped in history, tradition, and educational excellence. One of the university’s most iconic and historic buildings is Gibbs Hall.
Named after the renowned African-American leader William H. Gray, Jr., Gibbs Hall stands as a testament to FAMU’s commitment to preserving its heritage while adapting to the ever-changing needs of its students and community.
The building has served various purposes, mainly as a student residence hall. It has also been used for administrative and academic purposes. On Tuesday, September 5, the teardown of Gibbs started. FAMU is now being questioned about getting rid of history that has been standing since 1955.
Tearing down Gibbs Hall has delivered a small quantity of cultural shock for some people—especially the alumni and those who stayed at Gibbs in the past. Some say this was bound to happen because the structural damage of the building has made it unsuitable for students to reside there.
Gibbs has been one of the last man-standing types of buildings. However, the newer college students agree that Gibbs is just taking up space. With an overpopulated campus like FAMU, changes and renovations may need to occur.
Joshua Pierce, a current FAMU student, shares his thoughts on FAMU getting rid of history and how it may change the school.
“I have been at this school for three years, and little to no one speaks about Gibbs. So, for FAMU to take it down would not be so much of a change,” said Pierce. “I believe this is for the greater good of our college for generations to come.”
Newer students think that Gibbs is just a blast from the past that is still standing. Furthermore, now that it is being taken down, it does not necessarily mean that FAMU is changing for the bad; it is changing for the student’s future.
Now, when it comes to alumni, some may think that this tear-down is taking away from history, memories, and even respect from older generations.
Elisabeth Green, a 2006 FAMU alum, shares her thoughts on this shocking news of a change.
“WOW! This is unfortunate because Gibbs was the chill spot throughout my years at FAMU. Everyone used to stay or hang on the top floors, so we call them the penthouses. This is something I didn’t see coming. Gibbs will be missed,” said Green. “This is where I met my ex-husband. Lots of memories now lost and gone but will never be forgotten.”
This shows that Gibbs has catered to many alums holding a special place in their hearts for many years. Unfortunately, Gibbs was not stable enough for renovations, so getting rid of it does put FAMU in an awkward position when alumni have questions and concerns. David Marshall, a 2003 alum, shares his thoughts about Gibbs break down.
“Boy, oh boy, if those walls can talk. Gibbs was my Whitehouse. I understand what FAMULY is doing by breaking down the place, but now this is history since ’55,” said Marshall. “I love my school, but this is not okay. I had my fair share, but now do not be breaking down historic buildings around campus.”
This shows that some people are not satisfied and say that the college is changing due to getting rid of Gibbs; some say it is for the better, and others will disagree.