Florida A&M University President Elmira Mangum discusses her students and the legacy of the school during the 10th Annual Education Sunday at Bethel AME Church

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- In a seeming challenge to those behind her attempted ouster, Florida A&M University President Elmira Mangum delivered a rousing speech Sunday about the school’s legacy and creating new opportunities for students.

“When we are talking about bridging the gap, one student at a time, we’re talking about what we need to do for social change,” Mangum said during the 10th Annual Education Sunday at Bethel AME Church. “Social change, in every community — especially in these United States — it started with our students.”

Her words were impassioned, truncated by brisk applause, and often bringing a congregation, donned mostly in orange and green, to its feet. The school’s Board of Trustees’ two attempts to fire her last week appeared to have only bolstered her commitment to lead.

“We’re building a future, a future that’s grounded in honor and integrity. A future that cannot be, and will not be traded for personal ambitions,” Mangum said. “I’m never going to give up on the students. I am not going to quit on them, because they’re not going to ...

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