By Andrew Skerritt
Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus Rep. Ramon Alexander will be the keynote speaker for the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation, scheduled for 10:10 a.m. Friday, January 14.
Recognized as one of the state’s rising political leaders, Alexander was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016 to represent District 8, including parts of Leon and Gadsden counties. He has a record of championing criminal justice, economic development, and higher education issues.
“Rep. Alexander is a tireless advocate for Big Bend families and a passionate voice for equity and justice in the Legislature,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “We are delighted to welcome him as the MLK Convocation speaker. His dynamism will encourage and inspire the FAMU community to service for the greater public good.”
Alexander earned a bachelor’s degree from FAMU and a master’s from the University of Central Florida. The former FAMU Student Government Association and Student Senate president founded and developed Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc. (DYG) to effectively address the minority male high school dropout rate and juvenile crime in Gadsden, Jefferson, and Leon counties. The group is credited with preparing the next generation of local, state, and national leaders.
A one-time city of Tallahassee mayoral aide, Alexander, a Democrat, has served as House Minority leader since 2018 and was elected for Leader Designate 2022-2024. His committee memberships include Appropriations, Careers & Competition Subcommittee, Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Environment, Agriculture and Flooding Subcommittee, Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Joint Committee on Public Counsel, Joint Legislative Budget Commission, Judiciary Committee and Post-Secondary Education and Lifelong Learning Subcommittee.
Alexander enthusiastically embraces the legacy of Dr. King’s struggle for justice and equal rights.
“As a third generation FAMUAN, serving as the MLK Convocation speaker is truly an honor. In honor of Dr. King’s legacy, we are reminded of the enduring impact he had on all Americans committed to freedom, justice, and equality. He stated for human progress, ‘every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals,’” Alexander said. “Dr. King’s extraordinary faith has lifted our nation to great heights. We will keep his dream alive with a lasting call to service to move the human race forward.”
Alexander and his wife Dr. Taniyah Alexander have two children, McKenzie, and Miles.
