Members of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Community paused to honor the life of fellow Rattler and alumnus, Capt. Antonio Brown on June 20.
A crowd of nearly 100 members of the FAMU and local communities gathered around the Eternal Flame on campus to celebrate the life of Brown, who on June 12 tragically lost his life along with 48 others after an attack at the Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Fla.
Brown, who earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and commission as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserves in 2008, was a Human Resources Director at Lowes Home Improvement Center.
Elizabeth McGhee, human resources coordinator for the FAMU Army ROTC Program, recalled first meeting Brown as a sophomore cadet with an infectious smile and laugh.
“The world knows him as Capt. Brown, but you don’t just wake up and become a captain, we knew him as cadet Brown. I had the privilege of watching him develop as a leader. He always remembered FAMU and always remembered the Rattler Battalion,” McGhee said.
Marcella David, JD, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at FAMU said for most people, thoughts of such a horrible event seem far away, causing them to feel disconnected.
“When something like this happens so close to us, near our law school campus, in our sister city, in our state, we start scanning the list, saying I wonder if there will be someone on this list that I know. Now, I have come to know so much more about Capt. Brown and I’ve heard so much about him through his friends, ROTC comrades, faculty members and administrators. I feel his loss as if I have had a chance to meet and have a conversation with him myself,” David said.
Several City officials attended the vigil which included an official lighting of candles segment during the ceremony.
Tallahassee Commissioner Curtis Richardson said the eternal flame was indeed a befitting location for the ceremony.
“We’re here to stand in memory of a gallant young Army officer trained right here at Florida A&M University, whose life was tragically snuffed out but his spirit will live eternally in the hearts of those who knew him,” Richardson said.
In the wake of the horrific event, Richardson encouraged attendees to remain resolute in their determination to not let their lives be changed by a hateful minority.
“We cannot be forced to live our lives any differently. We can be afraid and say that we’re not going to Orlando, or we’re not going to night clubs or be afraid to take public transportation. But if we start doing that, then we give in to the hate,” Richardson said.
State Rep. Alan Williams, also a FAMU alumnus, said in times like these, it is important to remember the strength of love.
“We can be upset, we can be mad at the individual that created and did such terroristic activities here in our state, or we can exercise forgiveness.
While reflecting on Brown as a dear friend, Patrick McKeithen, a recent FAMU graduate, said Brown was one of his strongest supporters during his years as a student. He added that although most people never imagine being directly affected by a situation like this, everyone should always remain cognizant of the legacy they will leave behind.
“With Antonio everything that you hear is the truth. He was really warm and inviting,” McKeithen said.