Campus Life | November 18th, 2024

FAMU Navigators: A Faith based Social Alternative for Students

By: Edward Robinson

In college life where you spend your time often defines your social scene. This includes partying, clubbing, greek life etc., but some students may prefer a more relaxed alternative. Florida A&M University’s FAMU Navigators (Navs’) provides exactly that—a faith-based, community-driven space that caters to students seeking friendships and social activities without clubbing or the pressures of nightlife. Navs is a unique and lively Christian ministry offering a variety of bonding experiences through events, Bible studies, and engaging gatherings that don’t rely on alcohol or nightlife to create connections.

Creating Community Beyond the Party Scene

The FAMU Navigators meet weekly for “Squads,” a peer-led Bible study groups. They hold a monthly event known as “Nav Night,” where members enjoy fellowship over food, music, and games. These gatherings create opportunities for students to find community through meaningful and engaging activities. McKinley C.K. Wilson a senior African American Studies student at FAMU and the president of Navs’, explains how his experience with Navs’ extends beyond just religious study.

“I was looking for a Christian community on FAMU’s campus,” Wilson said. “We’re not just a Bible study group; the people I’ve met in Navs’ are genuinely my friends. We laugh, have fun, and even get ‘lit’—just in a way that glorifies God.”

For Wilson, Navs’ has reshaped his college experience, teaching him that social fun doesn’t have to include vices like substance use.

“Before Navs’, I thought fun in college meant getting high or casual hookups. But now, I realize that clean fun is not only better for you but also more fulfilling,” Wilson says. “You can have fun without doing those things, and honestly, clean fun is better—not just for you, but to you,”.

Navs’ is more than just a group, it’s a supportive community. “The friendships I’ve made here are unique and priceless,” Jazmyne Guy said, a junior studying Health Care Management. “My Navs’ friends are my prayer warriors, my bear hugs, and my loud laughter.”

Faith and Friendship in Action

In addition to weekly Bible studies, Navs’ regularly hosts bonding activities like movie nights, bowling trips, and spontaneous gatherings. Recently, members of Navs’ met up at a local restaurant, Culver’s, for a night of dancing, gospel music, and laughter.

Eyana Dixon, a graduating senior and community advocate for Navs’, shares how the group creates a welcoming space for students who may not fit into the typical college scene.

“Wherever Navs’ is, it’s going to be fun,” Dixon said. Dixon explains that Navs’ offers an alternative to nightlife, allowing students to have fun and be themselves in a positive environment.

“I think that resonates with people who didn’t grow up in church or might feel intimidated by faith-based groups,” Dixon said.

 FAMU Navs’: The Only HBCU Ministry in the Navigators Network

The Navigators organization has branches across the nation, but FAMU Navs’ stands out as the only Navigators ministry at an HBCU. For FAMU students like Dixon, this adds a unique sense of pride and purpose.

“We’re representing HBCUs in a national organization, showing that Black students can connect deeply with Christ while also embracing our culture,” Dixon explains.

To make Navs’ more inclusive, the group incorporates new-age Christian music styles like rap and Afrobeat alongside traditional gospel, creating a worship experience that resonates with students from all backgrounds. Testimonies are a core part of meetings, where members share stories of transformation, faith, and growth. 

Student Testimonials and Lasting Impacts

For members like Guy, being part of Navs’ has been a transformative experience.

“This group has taught me to be unapologetically bold in my faith,” Guy said. The mission of Navs’ – to “know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same” – inspires her every day, encouraging her to embrace her purpose both on campus and in her life beyond.

Wilson, Dixon, and Guy all see Navs’ as a lifelong source of friendship and support.

“The men I’ve met in Navs’ will be at my wedding,” Wilson said. “These aren’t just college friendships; they’re lifelong connections.” 

Expanding Navs’ Reach at FAMU

While Navs’ is gaining popularity, many students still haven’t heard of the group or are unsure of what it offers. Woodjinie Jules, a bio-pre-med major, admitted she wasn’t familiar with Navs’ until recently.

“If they advertised it more, I think more students would be interested,” Jules said.

Navs’ leadership is keen on expanding outreach through social media and campus flyering events to connect with students seeking non-party social options. “People only know what they know,” Guy said. “When given the opportunity, Navs’ can make a huge difference in a student’s life.”

What Navs’ Offers

• Squads: Weekly Bible study groups led by peers.
• Nav Night: Monthly gathering for food, fellowship, and worship. 
• Social Activities: Movie nights, bowling, and restaurant meet-ups. 
• Service Projects: Outreach on campus and in the community

How to Join FAMU Navs’

As Navs’ continues to grow, leaders like Dixon see it as part of a larger trend on college campuses where students are turning to faith as a foundation. “Revival is happening nationally among college students,” Dixon said. “We’re just getting started here at FAMU.

Students can connect with Navs’ through Instagram @famu_navs or by checking weekly updates on social media for meeting locations. Additionally, Nav leaders can be found at various campus events, where they promote the group through flyering and engagement.