The Florida A&M campus is home to some of the most ambitious students in the nation, alongside individuals who have experienced and empathized with the challenges of being Black in America. Moreover, minorities often share common perspectives on social issues, fostering a supportive environment at FAMU where like-minded students can connect and form lifelong relationships.
Fortunately for Tallahassee residents, you don’t have to be a student at FAMU to receive the love and acceptance associated with being a Rattler.
Tallahassee is host to a large population of college students, as students come from all around the world to pursue a higher education. FAMU aims to be a safe space for all people to expand their minds and express their creativity through community.
Students living in Tallahassee are encouraged to expand their community to other students who may not attend their school. There is an event called “Bridge the Gap,” a homecoming event at Florida State University hosted by its Black Student Union.
This event was created to help FAMU and Florida State students establish connections and networking opportunities.
For recent Florida State graduate student Shekinah Erinac, Bridge the Gap was instrumental in helping her connect with other Black students living in Tallahassee.
“It all started with Bridge the Gap during my freshman year, I was exposed to the idea of joining organizations that have active chapters at FSU and FAMU like Big Sister Little Sister mentor program (BSLS),” Erinac said.
Erinac said FAMU became like a second home for her.
“Once I joined BSLS I was able to create genuine friendships with more people at FAMU and I began to spend more time across the tracks to attend events like Set Friday and the SGA annual Crab Boil,” she added.
FAMU acts as a central hub for numerous organizations in Tallahassee. Among these, groups like the Lovely Ladies of TorQue and FACES Modeling Troupe utilize FAMU as a venue for recruitment and gatherings. Notably, these organizations extend membership opportunities to individuals who do not attend FAMU, thereby fostering a sense of inclusivity and community engagement beyond the university’s borders.
Ayianna Bradley, a senior at Florida State, shared her experience as an FSU student and active member of the Lovely Ladies of TorQue.
“FAMU has created a space for students like me who attend Florida State but I have friends that attend FAMU and they have encouraged me to come try out to join the Lovely Ladies of TorQue and watch my sisters perform at mixed events like United We Dance coming this February,” Bradley said.