FAMU Student Uses Art To Protest Demolition Of Pool With Ties To Community

Obiefuna Okoli, a Florida A&M student, shows off some of his artwork on the walls of the abandoned pool on the FAMU campus in Tallahassee, Fla., Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. (Credit: Tori Lynn Schneider)

Obiefuna Okoli knows it’s too late to change Florida A&M University’s plans to turn an abandoned pool on campus into a parking lot — but he’s determined to make his feelings public.

Over 40 years ago, Florida A&M University debuted its eight-lane, 50-meter-long Olympic size pool in the heart of campus near Gaither Gymnasium. For the next 25 years it was considered a gem where swimming classes, competitive meets and summer programs were held.

But in 2007, the pool was closed, for reasons including structural damage and no longer meeting NCAA regulations.

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