By Katherine Brinkley-Broomfield
During the first event of Homecoming Week 2017, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) gathered in Lee Hall Auditorium on October 8, 2017 to witness the coronation of Michelle “Marva” Johnson, the 111th Miss Florida A&M University, and Jordan Sealey, the 18th Mr. Florida A&M University.
Johnson comes from a line of FAMU royalty. In 1981, her mother, Vivian Bradley Johnson, served as the 75th Miss FAMU while her brother, Fred, became the 12th Mr. FAMU in 2011. Marva Johnson also has a host of family members who graduated from FAMU, and a younger sister, Erika Johnson, enjoying her freshman year.
“FAMU, this crown is your crown, and this reign is your reign. I am able to be ‘MARVAlous’ because you were oh so marvelous to me. As I continue to serve, I hope to make you all proud,” said Marva Johnson, sharing her passion for FAMU, which includes starting a Miss FAMU scholarship program for deserving students.
Unlike his queen, Sealy is a first-generation Rattler. He said he is starting his legacy at FAMU for generations to come.
“I’m first-generation born on American soil, so I’m trying to start my own legacy, for my kids’ kids. It is definitely an honor to represent this institution. FAMU has really changed my life for the better,” Sealey said, describing the event as “magical.”
One of the most anticipated formal events to take place at FAMU, the coronation was a display of Rattler elegance, pride, and poise.
The evening included entertainment from the FAMU Concert Choir, the Presentation of the Honor and Color Guards from the Army and Navy ROTC, the Royal Proclamation and farewell addresses from the previous Mr. and Miss FAMU, Randall Griffin and Amberly Williams.
FAMU’s Mahogany Dance Theatre performed a dance of salutation for the newly crowned Mr. and Miss FAMU and Marva Johnson’s sister, Erika, sung her very own rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Ribbon in the Sky,” as a song of dedication.
Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., joined by his wife, Sharon, closed out the event with words of encouragement.
“I want you to understand the gravity of the roles that you now hold,” Robinson said. “No matter what happens in your lives, no matter happens in this world; you will always be Mr. and Miss Florida A&M University. You will always be the Mr. and Miss Florida A&M University that served during an integral part of our history – the year of our 130th anniversary.”
Aniah Jackson contributed to the story.
Photos from the coronation are available in the gallery below.
