Conservative commentator Candace Owens has canceled her scheduled appearance at Florida A&M University (FAMU) during the BLEXIT “Educate to Liberate” campus tour, sparking debate across social media and HBCU circles. The cancellation—originally planned for October 17 during FAMU’s “Eternal World Tour” Homecoming celebration—came abruptly, with no clear reason from organizers. Now, reports suggest that several other planned HBCU tour stops have also been quietly scrapped or postponed, casting doubt on the broader impact of Owens’ campus outreach efforts.
The FAMU Cancellation and BLEXIT’s Intent
According to Black Enterprise, Owens’ FAMU visit was part of her BLEXIT Foundation tour, an initiative founded in 2018 that aims to promote conservative values and independent thinking among Black Americans. The tour was slated to make multiple HBCU stops, including Jackson State, Tennessee State, North Carolina Central, Howard, and Hampton, but the FAMU cancellation became the first to draw national attention.
A BLEXIT spokesperson confirmed that the FAMU event had been removed from the organization’s calendar, stating only that “a new date will be announced soon.” As of publication, that new date has not materialized—and neither have the other stops.
Growing Concerns Among Students and Alumni
FAMU’s Homecoming, one of the most vibrant cultural events in HBCU tradition, has long symbolized community, pride, and connection. The idea of a politically charged tour stop during Homecoming week immediately stirred discussion among students and alumni. While some felt Owens’ message could have offered a chance for open dialogue, others argued the timing clashed with the spirit of celebration and togetherness that defines FAMU’s Homecoming.
Social media responses reflected that divide. “Homecoming is for the culture, not for political PR,” one user wrote on X. Others countered that canceling the event signaled missed opportunities for students to challenge ideas in a constructive forum.
Other HBCU Tour Stops Quietly Dropped
FAMU isn’t the only school seeing changes. According to coverage from outlets including Baller Alert and HBCU Sports, other scheduled BLEXIT appearances have also been delayed or removed from the public tour lineup. The previously announced stops at Jackson State, Tennessee State, North Carolina Central, Howard, and Hampton University appear to have been shelved without official statements. While BLEXIT has not publicly confirmed full cancellation, the lack of activity or updates suggests that the broader tour has lost momentum within HBCU communities.
Observers note that this pattern reflects increasing scrutiny over outside organizations attempting to align political messaging with HBCU events—especially during Homecoming season, which holds deep cultural and historical significance.
Why It Matters for HBCUs
HBCUs have always been epicenters of social thought, activism, and innovation. The BLEXIT cancellations highlight ongoing questions about who gets to speak on HBCU campuses and how schools can protect their cultural integrity while still promoting intellectual diversity. For FAMU students and alumni, the moment has reignited conversations about representation, community values, and whether high-profile figures like Owens understand the nuance of HBCU audiences.
Despite the canceled tour dates, the dialogue surrounding them underscores the power of HBCUs to shape—and challenge—narratives about Black identity, politics, and empowerment. As BLEXIT’s future on HBCU campuses remains uncertain, one thing is clear: HBCU students continue to define their own voice on their own terms.
What’s Next
Neither Candace Owens nor the BLEXIT Foundation has released a new schedule for their campus tour, leaving the status of the remaining appearances unclear. For now, FAMU’s Homecoming focus remains firmly on community and culture, reminding the nation that HBCU pride runs deeper than any political campaign.