09/10/2025
For Black residents across Florida, the
establishment of Florida A&M University (FAMU)
in 1887 as the first public institution in the state that
would accept Black students was monumental.
FAMU made education much more accessible,
especially for North Florida residents close to Leon
County, who could even commute to classes if
needed. This early 20th century photograph is of
students from FAMU's class of 1904, identified as
Robert Butler, John Cromartie, Arthur Grant, Walter
Smith, Rufus Hawkins, Walter Young, Rosa Lee,
Marguerite Wilkins, Sara Moore, Winifred Perry
and Margaret Yellowhair. Then, it was called the
Florida State Normal and Industrial College for
Colored Students.
