TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — What started as one of the first places in Tallahassee to buy Florida A&M University apparel, has now become a stable to rattlers all around the country.
Owner of Kenny T's Ken Thompson said he noticed there was any places to buy FAMU merchandise, besides the bookstore on campus, and wanted to change that.
The Miami native is a proud Florida A&M University alum, after being on the track and field team in the 1970s.
In 1996, he moved back to Tallahassee and started his screen printing and embroidery business, where he creates custom designs for fellow rattlers.
"It’s been great!" Thompson said. "We’ve been able to get into JC Penny’s and Chaps. My son took over and opened up a store in Atlanta.”
Here in Tallahassee, he said those who know him have told him he’s given his community something special.
“To have a black-owned business in the neighborhood, where students can come and purchase FAMU merchandise and to have people see it grow over the year," Thompson said. "We’re kind of a stable in the community.”
Thompson said when attended FAMU in the 70s, there were only 3-thousand students.
As the university has grown, he’s honored to watch his business grow right along with it, giving back to the place where he got his start.
"To be able to give back to the university has always been a goal of mine," Thompson said.
With his son by his side, who is also a rattler, they’re working hand in hand sharing the spirit of FAMU that is Totally Tallahassee.
