History
Primary membership in the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association, Inc. (FAMU NAA) spans three states in Greater Metropolitan Washington, DC. In order of majority representation, chapter members reside in Maryland, Washington, District of Columbia and parts of Northern Virginia.
The Chapter, as it currently exists, started from what was known as the Florida Social Club, an organized group of persons who had unique interests or connection with persons and/or institutions in the state of Florida. Some members of the club were Florida A&M College (FAMC) alumni. The group raised funds for club purposes and supported various programs, activities and institutions in the state. FAMC members separated from the club when it was determined that their collective funds could be best used to support their alma mater.
The alumni group, led by Bozie Phillips and Charles Perry was formed in 1948. Upon being sanctioned by George Conoly, an official representative from FAMC, the group was recognized as the D.C. Group. The majority, if not all of the alumni, resided in the District of Columbia. The charter members of the starter group were Bozie Phillips, Charles Perry, Cardel Perry, David Bryant, Oswald Gymph, Joseph Langhorne, Cynthia Mason, Quincy D. Meeks and Jack White. Later lasting members included Benjamin Canty, Mildred Parker and Annie B. Pharr.
As our alma mater became a ‘university’ and the alumni group transitioned to higher levels of operation, the group was chartered and in- corporated as the Washington, DC Chapter of the Florida A&M University Alumni Association. Chapter scholarships are named in honor of four of its pioneering members: Charles Perry, David Bryant, Dr. Benjamin Canty and Annie B. Pharr.
The DC Chapter History is maintained by the Chapter’s Historian.
Mid 1960's
In the mid to late 60’s, under the leadership of Mr. Charles Perry, chapter activities took on greater significance as recent graduates from the mid to late 50’s and early 60’s took up residency in the Greater Metropolitan Washington, DC area.
Late 1960's
In the late 60’s early 70’s a new team of leaders emerged. It is recognized that it was in this notable growth period; that as this energetic force of recent graduates joined the established alumni; that the Chapter’s demonstrated strength of diversity in membership and programming acquired a much sought after profile of proudly carrying the alumni banner for our alma mater. Among those who took part in this growth were James Earl and Penelope Jones; Julian and Betty Moreland; Charlie and Charzelle Spellers; Cleveland Bush, Richard and Cornelia Bright; Allen and Audrey Hankinson, Isaiah and Elois Russell and Frank and Sylvia Weathers.
Early 1970's
In the early years of programming through informal meetings, many of the planned gatherings were of a social flare yielding significant amounts of funds raised for the University. Rattler Julian Moreland with assistance from James Jones successfully planned the Chapter’s first annual picnics held in Mount Vernon, Virginia. Meetings were generally held in the homes of alumni. Venues in nearby communities were many times secured to host events triggered by visits from campus representatives. Fundraising was the focus of most of the visits.
1970's
Many such visits were shared with University President, Dr. Benjamin L. Perry, Jr.; alumni association president, Rev. Moses General Miles and Alumni Office Director, Dr. George Connoly. Other memorable activities included Dr. Benjamin Canty hosting children of alumni in his home to rehearse and prepare them to perform with musical instruments at chapter events. Facilities at Howard University were sometimes used for meetings, entertainment and other special events.
1970's
In the 70’s, the Chapter was part of a trio that hosted a well-attended and well-supported fundraising event (Tri Alumni Dance) at the National Guard Amory located in Southeast Washington, DC. Joining FAMU to complete the trio were Hampton Institute, now Hampton University and North Carolina A&T College, now North Carolina A&T University. This annual event drew alumni, friends and supporters, near and far throughout the Northeast Region. Profits from the events were divided among the three colleges.
1970's
Through the 1970’s, the chapter continued to host, separately, an annual fundraising event in support of university programs and university students. During this period, an increased interest developed in other segments of the Association as officers and members of the Chapter took on additional responsibilities as national and regional leaders. Early leadership roles were undertaken by members LTC(Ret) Brodes Hartley Jr., LTC(Ret) Sylvester Johnson, Dr. Bennie Samuals, Del. Carolyn J. B. Howard and Mr. David Bryant.
Late 1970's
During this period, member Annie B. Pharr began a closely guarded watch on chapter funds with a single focus on financial growth that could result in long-term benefit to the Chapter and the University. Ms. Pharr was the champion in membership retention and recruitment and the undeniable champion in chapter giving.
1980's
In the 80’s the chapter began the practice of giving, annually, a minimum $10,000 to the university in ‘unrestricted’ funds. This practice was established in response to the request, made to all segments of the Association, from the then University president, Dr. Frederick S. Hunphries. With an increased sense of need to extend fundraising for the University, it was chapter remember Hattie LaMooreaia who came to many of our sessions with deliberate and pressing excitement for “GIVING TO THE UNIVERSITY”.
1980's
Continued . . .
The fundraiser of the decade highlights the “grand” event held at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, DC when Dr. Humphries informed and entertained a large gathering of attendees.
1990's
The 1990’s rolled in another period of change for the Chapter. A new era of Rattlers came to the area. Brigadier General(Retired) Leroy C. Bell and Dr. Carolyn Jones led the Chapter through this period of reflection and transition. General Bell pinned the term “FRIG” which was later, informally, adopted by the Association. “FRIG” stood for Fundraising, Recruitment of Students and Reclamation of Alumni, Image-Building and Governmental Relations.
Using the FRIG platform, the Chapter expanded its profile by becoming more inclusive and progressive in its programming. It was Barbara Love, Elizabeth McElveen, Lula Simmons, Eva Smith, James Jones, Penelope Jones and Hattie LaMooreaia who were responsible for more than doubling the membership of the Chapter. The average membership of 70 members grew to exceed 150 members. The Chapter established a very extensive membership retention and recruitment program. This was done through the publication of a local alumni directory, designed and prepared by members Penelope Jones and Patricia Daniels. The earlier used phone calling practice was updated along with the earlier published newsletter(“DC TODAY”). The chapter’s website was revised/upgraded. Communication through social media expanded the range for engaging area Rattlers. The Chapter also initiated “The Rattler Roundup” as an alumni recruitment tool. As the event, hosted by members, traveled the Washington/495 beltway, there was always good food, great fun and good times among Rattlers, spouses and friends.
The Chapter gained attention for hosting hospitality suites in support of events associated with the University. Through the Chapter’s Entertainment Committee, members Barbara Love and Stephanie Griffith and their supporting cast ensured that the Chapter’s hospitality suite was always the place to be before and after a FAMU function. The Entertainment/Hospitality Committee provided foods for repasts after meetings and was also responsible for planning the annual picnic. In the mid-1990’s, planning for the Annual Picnic returned to its former practice with management by a Picnic Committee. The feature food of the day was “fried fish” traditionally prepared by “Jim” Jones, and “Pat” Daniels with assistance from Horace Knight. The annual picnic gained favor as a much anticipated event when hundreds of Rattlers from the mid-Atlantic region came to the area event which sometimes morphed into a weekend of funraising. Other chapter events surfacing in the 90’s that combined ‘funraising” with fundraising included the Annual Father’s Day Weekend Crab Feast and Cruise; trips to plays in New York; bus trips to near and far sports events and a locally sponsored Golf Tournament.
In the 90’s, the Chapter became more active in student recruitment for the University and participated, annually, in various college recruitment activities in the Greater Metropolitan Area. Under the leadership of Mrs. Patricia Daniels and Mrs. Alean Miller, a “Parents Group” was established to assist with the mediation and resolve of parental concerns when needed. As a result of these bonds, more parents assisted with and participated in chapter activities. Through the “D.C. Metro Club”, a campus-based student organization, the Chapter began actively supporting currently enrolled students, from the area, by supplying logistical, spiritual and financial support. In support of the University’s athletic “away” events, the Chapter provided home cooked meals to various athletic teams when they came to the Washington, DC area.
In the mid 1990’s the role of the Chaplain was expanded to embrace the concept of alumni outreach. The chapter chaplain, Alean Miller, in addition to performing the duties of the chaplain, is credited with upgrading the Chapters overall profile through a caring program administered to area alumni during times of need.
For it’s scholarship interests, in the 90’s, the Chapter adopted the program of awarding four academic scholarships to area students. Two were awarded to ‘Incoming Freshmen” and two scholarships were awarded to “Currently Enrolled “ students. Chapter scholarships were named in honor of four of its pioneering members: Mr. Charles Perry, Mr. David Bryant, Dr. Benjamin Canty and Ms. Annie B. Pharr. George Quillet is recognized for initiating improvements in the operations and distribution of chapter scholarships. Members Hasaan Mims, Artisha Polk and Stephanie Griffith-Richarson later brought improvements to the
Chapter’s scholarship program to augment practices adopted by the University in the use of information technology.
Further improvements to the chapter’s image and profile were made when Dr. Stephen Roberson took on the task to upgrade and manage the chapter’s website. The chapter’s engagement further expanded with area Rattlers through the distribution of its annual membership card designed by Penelope Jones and distributed by the Membership Committee chaired by James Jones, Sr. In 1993, the Association listed among its inaugural “Life Members”, members David Bryant, Daria Bullock, Brodes Hartley Jr., Carolyn J. B. Howard, Johnnie Jones and Rubye Proudford.
Chapter members have been honored by the University in the Gallery of Distinction in Science established by the president, Dr. Frederick S. Humphries. Early honorees in science include Dr. W. Lena Austin, Dr. LaSalle LeFall, Jr.; Dr. Bennie Samuels, Dr. Carl Kirksey and Mrs. Penelope Jones. During the Weekend Of ReDedication (W.O.R.D.) the National Alumni Association has honored many chapter members with the Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA). Chapter members, James Guyton, Jerry Simmons, Otto B. Smith, and Ulysses X. White were among the first and only group to receive a group award. In the category of Military Science, the award was given to five members of the FAMC class of 1953 who represented the largest group of service men to be promoted to the rank of colonel at one time. The Washington, DC Chapter is also home to two generals: Major General Eugene Cromartie and Brigadier General Leroy C. Bell, and a large contingent of Colonels and other military officers.
Members Dr. LaSalle LeFall, Jr. and sister, Ms. Delores LeFall, are credited with having established the first largest personal endowment to the University. The endowment, in the amount of $350,000 was given in honor their parents. Dr. Lefall, Jr. is the first African-American to serve as president of the American College of Surgeons and the American Cancer Society. The LaSalle Lafall Research Laboratory is located, on campus, in the Humphries Science Center. In 2015, the estate of Ms. Annie B. Pharr presented a gift in excess
of $265,000 to the chapter to further expand its university and scholarship support programs. The Annie B. Pharr Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in the FAMU Foundation, by the Chapter, to benefit the University and provide annual funds for academic scholarships to area students attending the University. Other endowments at the university are those sponsored by members Mr. Eugene Aaron, Dr. Lenora P. Gant, Mr.Verle and Mrs. Eleanor Hammond, and Ms. Juanita and Ms. Virginia Orr. Alumni members Dr. David Bryant and Dr. Lenora P. Gant have sponsored programs that resulted in highly valued, science-related, grants and resources established at the University.
Throughout the vast alumni community, there is high regard for Mr. Verle Hammond who as President and CEO of the INNOLOG company sponsored many student interns through the University’s much celebrated and respected School of Business and Industry.
A first among the membership is that of Patricia Nelson Daniels, ’71, who is recognized as the first African-American and first dietician to serve as Director of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program at the Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.. Former member, Dr. Jami Valentine, in 2006, became the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. in physics from the acclaimed Johns Hopkins University. Marianne N. Ragins is widely acclaimed for her marketing skills and the reporting of data valuable to those seeking much needed scholarship funds. The chapter also claims among its members, two drum majors of the “Marching 100’” in Dr. Eugene Baker and Dr Milton White.
For many years, Booster interests and the uplifting of the Rattler Spirit have been championed by Henry Allen and Elizabeth “Liz” Swilley McElveen.” Henry Allen is known for his relentless reporting on Rattler sports and athletic concerns. “Liz”, an inductee in the FAMU Hall of Fame in basketball, is best remembered as “Chapter Cheerleader” and as “The Button Lady” for the strategically designed orange button promoted 1997-1998 when the University was named “College of the YearThe Rattler Spirit has been highly sported by many alumni but this chapter has had the honor for more than thirty five years of spirited support championed by long term “Associate Life Member”, Mrs. Alvergia Guyton.
In the religious community; Distinguished Alumni, Life Members, current member, Reverend Clinton Austin and, while as residence, members Bishop Andrew ‘A.J.’ Richardson and Reverend Dr. Sylvester Shannon. Bishop Richardson and Reverend Shannon. are widely known as they have served in varying capacities in the Northeast Region.
Chapter past rosters record many students who served as campus leaders. Student Government Association presidents from the past include Georgia (Saylor) Buggs, the first female to hold the office; Pia Boston Woodley, Andre Hammel, Brodes Hartley, Jr., Eugene Herring, Tisa Holley, Joseph Latta, Virgil Miller and Nathaniel Wesley.
Past and present chapter members who have served as university staffers through the years include: Rev. Dr. Emory Andrews, Mrs. Morrisse Bowers Blaine, Dr. Pia Boston Woodley, Mr. James E. Jones, Sr., Dr. Adolphus Lewis. Dr. John Lee, Jr..; Mr. Rufus Little III; Dr. Bennie Samuels, Mr. Robert Warren, Jr.
Past and present chapter members who have served as Northeast Regional Vice presidents are LTC(Ret) Brodes Hartley, Jr., LTC(Ret) Sylvester Johnson, Dr. Bennie Samuels, Mrs. Wanda Whiting, Brigadier General(Ret) Leroy C. Bell and Ms. Artisha Polk.
Chapter activities in the area of governmental relations are remembered, through the years, for sessions held with Florida Members of Congress during planned events on Capitol Hill. Many Rattlers gathered at the U. S. Capitol for the initial swearing-in ceremony for alumnae Rep. Carrie Meeks. The Chapter made a second appearance on Capitol Hill, as a group, with a tour of the White House in 2012. Member Henry Allen, acting as photographer is recognized for the distinct and much displayed image he captured of the building. The annual “Carrie Meeks” receptions with assistance from alumnus Tola Thompson, were well attended and financially supportive. Later events were held at the local facility known as the “Florida House”. In the Obama Administration, chapter member, Dr.Teddy Taylor served as Consul General to South Africa. In later years, annual governmental receptions, lead by member Mitchel A. Brooks IV, continued, under sponsorship, at selected venues in the Nation’s Capitol. These events usually coordinated around sessions of the annual Congressional Black Caucus were posed to fulfill the Chapter’s focus on governmental relations.