
Florida A&M University hosted a convocation in Lee Hall auditorium on Friday, in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Interim President Timothy Beard gave a special acknowledgement to former President Larry Robinson.
“Certainly his influence continues to pervade this institution and beyond. Thank you Dr. Robinson” Beard said.
Beard then introduced the keynote speaker Darryl Jones. In his introduction, he describes the accomplishments and achievements that Jones has made in the community.
Jones currently serves as chair of the Children’s Services Council of Leon County, board member of the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra.
According to the Daily Venom Newsletter in 2018, Jones was elected to the Leon County School Board (District 3). In 2021, he became the second African American man to serve as chair.
“His [Jones] tenure reflects a deep commitment to transforming Southside Leon County and Title 1 schools and fostering collaboration among businesses, faith-based organizations, and community stakeholders.”
Jones previously led Florida A&M University’s Self Employment Program at the Institute on Urban Policy and commerce.
Jones begins his speech acknowledging and thanking Dr. Beard as he continues to lead this university in a responsible and God-fearing manner. He then goes to give special thanks to his mother as she’s celebrating her birthday.
Jones breaks down the goals of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
He quotes Dr. King as it relates to providing support and resources to the public school system for minorities.
“Martin Luther King Jr. famously spoke, ‘People with good intentions but limited understanding are more dangerous than people with total ill will’,” Jones said. “It highlights the horror that can be caused when well-being individuals for systems inadequately understand the complexities and needs of the communities they seek to serve.”
Jones also recalls times when he was a student at Florida A&M where teachers, classmates and administration helped shape his mindset to be a better leader and example in this community.
“Dr. JoAnn Huston was an English Professor who taught British, English and Victorian literature. She brought an infectious enthusiasm to learning,” Jones said. “The most important lesson I learned from her was… that it’s not practice that makes perfect; Only perfect practice makes perfect.”
“Remember this if you don’t remember nothing else. Intentions without great effort are really pipe dreams and can oftentimes do more harm than good,” Jones said. “But when you practice you practice with perfection, the world and all that it has to offer awaits you and in this United States of America.”
Many students were incredibly pleased and proud with the outcome and presentation of the event.
Laila Fields, a chairperson of the Presidential Ambassadors, believes that this event was a crucial moment for students.
“As an HBCU it is important that we acknowledge his work and impact because we are a product of his movement,” Fields said. “As we continue to fight the struggles of injustice, we remember Dr. King as a pinnacle of this movement.”
Issac Richardson, the founder of Project C, Inc, agrees with this point.
“Celebrating Dr. Kings’ legacy provides a direct source of inspiration for many students on our campus,” Richardson said. “It is important for our university to have a space to convene and honor the legacy of Black Excellence.”