RATTLER IN THE HOUSE, WHITE HOUSE, THAT IS
FAMU ALUM VINCENT EVANS JOINS OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT STAFF BY [ Jonathan EDOUARD ]
The political tutelage that began on the Florida A&M University campus has taken alum VINCENT EVANS to Tallahassee City Hall, the Statehouse, Congress and finally, the White House. Evans has been appointed to serve as the new deputy director for the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs where he and 10 others will be assisting Vice President Kamala Harris. Evans’ appointment was announced on Twitter by Harris, a little over a week before Inauguration Day, when she explained her reasoning for how she made her selections, saying those chosen to be on her cabinet “reflect the very best of our nation and will help build a country that lifts up all Americans.” Evans soon responded to the announcement on social media. “Humbled seems too insufficient a term to describe my feelings today,” Evans wrote. “Thank you, madam Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, for the profound opportunity and honor to serve you, President-elect [Joe] Biden, your administration and most importantly, the American people.”
Evans began at the grassroots. During Barack Obama’s first presidential run in 2008, Evans organized and mobilized nearly 4,000 students to get out and vote. Evans began at the grassroots. During Barack Obama’s first presidential run in 2008, Evans organized and mobilized nearly 4,000 students to get out and vote. Having an impact on that historic race whetted his appetite for more politics. Those who know him said his political talent was obvious early on. Tola Thompson, a friend of Evans and an aide to U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, quickly noticed the potential within Evans, specifically his ability to influence at any level. “Vince came on my radar while he was an undergrad at FAMU, and [I] immediately recognized that he was one of those rare individuals who possessed the substance, humility, and
ability to influence at the next level,” said Thompson, a fellow FAMU alum. “When you run across someone with that kind of talent, you have to encourage them and get out of their way. I’m proud of my friend and know that he will make an impact for the greater good.” Since graduating from FAMU in 2011, Evans has assisted several FAMU alumni and others with their political aspirations. From 2014 to 2017, he served as an aide to Tallahassee City Commissioner Curtis Richardson. He walked many miles alongside fellow alum, Lawson, as the former state senator made several bids to represent the people of the 5th Congressional District. Later he joined alum and former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum in 2018 as his political director in his unsuccessful bid for governor. Lawson had the opportunity to supervise Evans as he served as an aide in his legislative office and watched firsthand how the Jacksonville native’s intangibles have helped him reach his new position. “Vince is an extraordinary individual who is well prepared for this moment,” said Lawson. “I have seen his growth from an intern in my office in the Florida Senate to working in my Congressional Office. His keen political insights and judgement will serve Vice President Harris well. “He’s one of those rising stars, that we all need to keep our eye on,” Lawson added. Commissioner Richardson knows Evans on a more personal level. Both are from Jacksonville. Evans worked on Richardson’s successful bid for re-election to the City Commission. Richardson lauds Evans’ ability to coordinate and effectively plan a campaign while also praising his continued progression in life. “[Evans] did a great job organizing my campaign and he certainly turned out to be a tremendous aide to me during the time that he [worked] for me on the City Commission,” Richardson said. “He’s just continued on an upward
angle since then and I can’t tell you how proud I am of him and the fact that I played a small role in giving him that start that has led him to where he is today.” Evans was also instrumental in Biden’s 2019 campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. He served as Biden’s Southern political director. In that role, he was pivotal in the former vice president’s success in winning the crucial South Carolina primary, then gaining momentum to secure the nomination. Evans said his decision to back Biden was a leap of faith. “I quit my job in the Congress and went to work for a guy by the name of Joe Biden,” declared Evans on his Facebook page, “I did not know what the path ahead looked like for me, but I knew this country was worth fighting for and I had to do all I could…”. Every time Evans steps into the White House, he is making history and reminding us of what is possible today. That a FAMU grad is working for a barrier-breaking vice president — the first woman, first Asian and African American who is an alumnus of another HBCU, Howard University, cannot be taken lightly. It’s a major responsibility. It’s a role he welcomes. “I am grateful for the confidence and trust you have placed in me,” Evans wrote on Twitter. “I will go to the White House each day cleareyed about the work that lie ahead: restore the soul of this country and build back better. With deep, deep gratitude — onward.”
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE // 7
