By Sabrina Childress, College of Law
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law honored more than 100 graduates at the 2026 Hooding Ceremony held May 7, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Orlando.
FAMU leadership, College of Law faculty and staff, alumni, community leaders, family, and friends came together to commemorate the time-honored tradition.
Sia Baker-Barnes, president of The Florida Bar, delivered the keynote address. In a powerful message, she encouraged graduates to take their seats at the table and stand strong as they face challenges.
“Some of these tables will welcome you with open arms,” said Baker-Barnes. “Some will invite you, but not include you,” said Baker-Barnes. Some will resent you. And some, Class of 2026, will reject you. It will happen to you at tables in courtrooms, in boardrooms, and in spaces where decisions are made. And not if it does, but when it does do not accept it. Do not internalize it. Reject it. Class of 2026, do not allow yourselves to be limited by the limitations in other people’s heads.”
Baker-Barnes told graduates they are more than enough, and their brilliance, strength, discipline, and innovation — everything the profession needs, they already possess.
FAMU President Marva Johnson, J.D., shared poignant perspectives of the College of Law’s legacy – past, present, and future.
“We’re not just proud in the way that any university celebrates its graduates, we’re proud in a way that only those who understand what this school endured and overcame can truly be proud,” said Johnson. “This College of Law has its own testimony, and you are the latest and finest chapter of it.”
Johnson also told graduates they stand at a pivotal point in history.
“You join a distinguished tradition of advocates and counselors, men and women who were entrusted with upholding the rule of law and safeguarding rights and liberties that define our democracy,” said Johnson. “You graduate at a consequential moment in time. That is not just a light thing. That is a calling.”
Juris Doctor graduate Jossie Louis, who served as SBA Hooding and Graduation chair, provided reflections on behalf of the class.
“What makes this moment so meaningful is not just that we made it, but how we made it,” said Louis. “We leaned on friendships that became family. A family that became part of our forever support system. We learned that strength does not always look like having the right answer — it often looks like continuing to try when things just feel uncertain. To the Class of 2026 — we did it. And not just that, we are ready. Ready to lead, ready to serve, and ready to become true Rattlers for Justice.”
Also, during the ceremony, Cecil Howard, associate provost and interim dean, recognized juris doctor graduate Kayla Carestia, Valedictorian for the Class of 2026, for her outstanding academic achievements. He also recognized juris doctor graduate Amber Newsome, president, Student Bar Association’s (SBA) 22nd administration for the 2025-2026 academic year, for her service and leadership.
Dean Howard, who also presided over the ceremony, shared a special message for graduates online, prior to the event.
The graduates are now part of the more than 2,600 distinguished alumni of the reestablished FAMU College of Law, who represent the legal profession at law firms, corporations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, sports organizations, and other entities.
