Join St. Augustine’s Alumni at Falcon Hope Fest: Celebrate and Preserve Our University Legacy!

Even after losing its accreditation in 2023, the spirit of St. Augustine’s University thrives among its alumni and students. They are determined to preserve the school’s legacy.

Recently, hundreds of Falcons gathered at the Packhouse in Franklin County for the Juneteenth Falcon Hope Fest and Tailgate. The event was led by comedian Les Long and Crystal Bodie Smith, the founder of the Capital City Hope Foundation.

The Packhouse holds special significance as it sits on land that once housed one of the first Black schools in the region, owned by Long’s family.

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Smith noted, “I kept hearing, ‘We need this.’ People crave positivity.” She added that the Falcon spirit remains strong, regardless of the challenges the university faces.

Hope Fest celebrated resilience and community. Attendees enjoyed delicious soul food, including oxtail, fried fish, and ribs—alongside refreshing ICEEs to beat the heat. The day also featured performances from SAU alumni and other HBCU artists.

With the university dealing with lawsuits and financial issues, alumni emphasized the importance of staying united. “St. Augustine’s gave people a chance when no one else would,” Smith remarked. “It changed lives. That legacy is worth continuing.”

Long, who once helped adult learners enroll, expressed hope that younger alumni will continue this mission. “This is a baton pass,” he said. “We want to inspire the next generation to keep our story alive.”

As they rally to support their alma mater, St. Augustine’s community highlights a broader trend of fundraising and advocacy among alumni networks nationwide. Recently, HBCUs across the U.S. have seen a surge in donations, with many raising over $1 million in events similar to Hope Fest, demonstrating a strong commitment to their schools’ futures.

This growing alumni engagement reflects a shifting mindset: rather than just reminiscing about the past, many are taking active roles in shaping the future of their institutions. It showcases a commitment to ensuring that upcoming generations have access to the same opportunities that changed their lives.

For more on the challenges and triumphs of HBCUs, check out the [Vibrant Voices of HBCUs](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/black-voters-influence), which discusses how alumni networks play a crucial role in these institutions’ survival.

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