Florida A&M University beat Alcorn State 33-28 during the school's homecoming game Saturday. RJ Johnson III threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score to help his team clinch the victory.
But FAMU's homecoming celebration started long before the win. Here's a look at a few of the week's events.
Renaming FAMU's Band Rehearsal Hall
During Florida A&M University’s homecoming week, alumni, faculty, and members of the FAMU family gathered to celebrate the legacies of Bernard Kinsey and Shirley Pooler Kinsey.
The ceremony honored the couple's contributions to education, the Marching 100, the arts, and the preservation of African American history.
Both graduates of Florida A&M University, the Kinseys are the driving force behind the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection— which includes African American art, artifacts, and archival materials. And over the years, officials say the Kinseys have given millions of dollars through their foundation to support scholarships, leadership programs, and other educational initiatives.
During the ceremony, FAMU President Marva Johnson expressed gratitude for the couple’s impact.
"I'm incredibly proud to be here today to witness the renaming of the Florida A&M University Band Rehearsal Hall to the Bernard and Shirley Kinsey Rehearsal Hall," Johnson said. "You represent the success that we imagine for every one of our students, you represent the generosity that we hope all of our alumni feel to pay it forward, and you represent the impact that we can all make as we strive to achieve and to make our individual mark on the world."
Among those honoring the couple was Mathew Knowles, father of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, record executive, university lecturer, and longtime friend of the Kinseys.
"I still vividly remember back in the early 1970s when I first joined Xerox Corporation, and I attended a conference where Bernard Kinsey was speaking to the Black employees," Knowles said. "If you know this brother, you know, he's a very articulate speaker. It was evident that Doctor Kinsey was not just the leader, but a true influence."
As the celebration came to a close, Dr. Bernard Kinsey reminded the audience of the important role played by FAMU—and Historically Black Colleges and Universities as a whole.
"Where you come from matters. The only way we keep HBCUs alive, Florida A&M, is that we celebrate it. And every time you wear our colors, you're celebrating Florida A&M University," Bernard Kinsey said.
T-Pain celebrates his 20th anniversary during FAMU's homecoming
Grammy award winning artist, T-Pain also came to Tallahassee during FAMU's homecoming week.
He hosted a free block party to celebrate his 20-year milestone in the music industry and give back to the community where it all started.
Held on T-Pain Lane on the south side of town, the block party featured food trucks, bounce houses, games, and an appearance from Mayor John Dailey. Live music was at the heart of the event. Attendees voted on local performers and the winner, Jakyla Brione, earned the opportunity to open for T-Pain at his concert later that night.
The Tallahassee native also premiered a music video for his new song “Club Husband,” which stars local dancers who were found through an audition that was held at the end of September.
Hundreds turned out and turned up to enjoy the festivities and celebrate an artist that is a part of Tallahassee’s music legacy.
