In 1987 A group of Caribbean students on Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University’s (FAMU’s) campus first conceived the idea of the Caribbean Students Association (CSA). They envisioned an organization that would foster academic, social, cultural and intellectual development of Caribbean students. With a lack of sufficient administrative support, these students created their own infrastructure and support network under the wing of both local and corporate sponsors backed by faculty of Caribbean descent. CSA flourished as an efficiently running underground organization that contributed to the FAMU and Tallahassee community through community service and education of the Caribbean.

 

                In 1992, our CSA at FAMU became one of the seven institutions that help start the Florida Caribbean Students Association. Since its establishment in 1991, the Florida Caribbean Students’ Association (FCSA Inc.) became the mother organization to FAMU CSA and over 40 organizations at colleges and universities across the state of Florida. FCSA Inc. has split the state of Florida into six (6) districts. With increased interest from Caribbean Students Association's outside the state of Florida who would like to participate at FCSA Inc. events an Out-of-State District was created. FAMU CSA makes up District 1 along with FSU CSA.

 

                In 1998 CSA was fully recognized as a student organization on FAMU’s campus. Ultimately, CSA became a premier organization of students whose aimed was to commit to serve their community, become a medium of interaction between Caribbean students, and spread the knowledge of Caribbean heritage/culture. The first official president was Damia Gunning who was advised by illustrious faculty like Vincent Blyden and Dr. Janet DeCosmo.  

  

                In recent years, foreign policy has stunted the amount of Caribbean students attending Florida Agricultural & Mechanical

University. In 2010, after years of obscurity, a new executive board reignited the drive in the organization. With a fully diverse executive board consisting of American, Caribbean, and South American heritage, CSA underwent dynamic changes which led to an increased appeal to a larger demographic on campus. To date CSA continues to transform the ideas of cultural awareness and assimilation into a reality with the help of honorable advisors, a dedicated executive board, and motivated members. More than 20 years after its inception, CSA has built a strong network with students and alumni that has made CSA the foremost source for students of Caribbean descent. For future Rattlers, the Caribbean Student Association strives to continue making a permanent imprint on the campus of Florida A&M University and the surrounding Tallahassee area.