Florida A&M University (FAMU) President Marva B. Johnson attended the White House Black History Month HBCU Leaders Pre-Meeting and Celebration in Washington, D.C., on February 18, 2026. She represented FAMU, its students, and the institution’s legacy as one of the country’s prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“Florida A&M University has always been more than a place — it is a promise,” said President Johnson. “Every room I enter, I enter as FAMU’s president, in service of our students and our mission. It is an honor to ensure that we are represented in every room as we continue to advocate for our students and their success.”
President Johnson emphasized her responsibility as leader of what she described as the nation’s top-ranked public HBCU. She stated that her role involves consistently advocating for the value of HBCUs in society, highlighting their importance for economic mobility, research innovation, cultural leadership, and talent development.
She also noted her commitment to using various platforms to highlight the contributions of HBCUs and land-grant institutions. According to Johnson, these efforts aim to secure investment and reinforce the essential role such institutions play in maintaining America’s competitiveness.
Her approach is intended to be strategic rather than symbolic. “Her engagement is not symbolic; it is strategic. It is rooted in the belief that when HBCUs are fully supported and fully understood, the entire nation benefits,” reads a statement from FAMU.
Founded on October 3, 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a public historically Black university located in Tallahassee, Florida. The university emphasizes providing access to affordable education with programs designed to help students achieve their goals.
