Burning Spear Society
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| Burning Spear Society | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1993 Florida State University |
| Type | Secret |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Scope | Local |
| Colors | Garnet and Gold |
| Symbol | Flaming spear |
| Chapters | 1 |
| Nickname | Burning Spear, Spear |
| Headquarters | Tallahassee, Florida United States |
| Website | burningspear |
The Burning Spear Society, commonly referred to as Burning Spear or Spear, is a secret society of students and alumni at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, founded in 1993. Although little information is publicly available on the dealings of the organization, members have cited the provision of political, professional and financial support of student leaders and efforts that strengthen the public standing of Florida State University. While its membership and processes are closely guarded, it is believed that, in addition to notable alumni, students deemed influential from established campus organizations are tapped to join the ranks each semester, hailing from various factions of campus such as the Student Government Association, Greek Life Councils, the Student Alumni Association, Seminole Student Boosters, and the Garnet & Gold Key Honor Society.[1]
In its nearly thirty years of existence, Burning Spear has become one of the most secretive and influential secret societies on American campuses.
Burning Spear was founded on July 14, 1993, by three students, including Benjamin Crump.[1] By August 1993, sixteen students joined to charter this new organization, and within one year's time seven additional students would be initiated into membership. The original intention of the group was to promote the Heisman campaign for Charlie Ward, which was successful.[1] This newfound influence provided incentive to further and expand the goals of the organization.
Symbols
Activities
Burning Spear serves as the host of the Clock & Seal annual homecoming banquet at FSU.[3] Former keynote speakers of Clock & Seal include Senator Bill Nelson, Florida Supreme Court Justice Raoul Cantero, Super Bowl Champions Peter Boulware and Terrell Buckley, FSU All-American and NFL Super Bowl Champion XXXVI, Speakers of the Florida House Allan Bense and Raoul Cantero, Florida Governors Reubin Askew and Charlie Crist, and NFL All-Pros Derrick Brooks, and Marvin Jones.[4][5]
Burning Spear coordinates the Burning Spear Drum Tour,[3] during which the Seminole Spirit Drum is beaten nonstop outside of Doak Campbell Stadium for 72 hours prior to a football game against a major rival.[6] This tradition started in the 1970s; it was discontinued in the 1980s but was reintroduced in 1993.[6] The Drum Tour moves to other campuses before games against major opponents.[6]
The organization is also responsible for the Guardian of the Flame Awards, recognizing faculty member excellence annually[7][8][3] and helped coordinate FSU Head Football Coach Jimbo Fisher's Kidz 1st Fund.[9]