TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) will host its annual Coronation and Coronation Ball on Oct. 13, during FAMU’s Homecoming. Miss FAMU 2013-2014 Camille Baker and Mr. FAMU 2013-2014 Ronnie Mackey Jr. will officially be crowned during the glitzy event that is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium, followed by the ball, which will be held in the Grand Ballroom.“I've never been to coronation at FAMU before,” said Baker, ‘but I’m glad my first one is going to be mine. I'm excited about my speech. I feel like that’s the one time people can hear your story. I will get to get to recollect my journey and acknowledge the people who helped me."
Connected to FAMU from birth, Baker and Mackey were destined to become Rattlers.
Mackey, a second-generation Rattler from Tallahassee, grew up attending football games at FAMU with his dad. He recalled seeing Charles Wesley Lattimore, Jr., the first Mr. FAMU, recruiting and speaking to students in the fall of 2000. Mackey says he immediately aspired to one day hold the same title.
“It was always my dream as a little kid to become Mr. FAMU,” said Mackey. “I wanted to help recruit students to the best historically black university in the nation.”
As a child, Baker, a fourth-generation Rattler, would visit her grandmother, Thelma Crump Robinson, who worked in the President’s Office under Dr. B.L. Perry. Baker remembered seeing orange and green everywhere in her household and became enthused by how much love her family had for their alma mater.
“After earning their Mr. FAMU and Miss FAMU titles, the royal duo learned that Mackey’s grandmother, Linda Thurston, introduced Baker’s parents to one another almost 30 years ago in Orlando.
“I feel as if Ronnie and I are very connected now,” Baker said. “To be serving with him in this capacity is truly destiny.”
Baker and Mackey credit all their success to their supporters, friends and family that kept them motivated throughout the campaign season.
Contrary to what people believe, Mr. and Miss FAMU are not just suits and ties, sashes and tiaras. They serve as the face of FAMU, traveling all over the country with university officials to recruit prospective students.
“I believe that Ronnie and Camille’s main desire is to connect with the students of Florida A&M on a social and mental level,” said Tony Hansberry, the royal court student adviser.
Serving on the Royal Court with Mackey and Baker are Amberly Williams, freshman attendant; Anquinette Taylor, sophomore attendant; Te’Andrea Hood, junior attendant; Briana Hill, senior attendant; Ashley Lipscomb, graduate attendant; Kevin Lee, King of Orange and Green; and Janaye Thompson, Queen of Orange and Green.
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