Richard Franklin Brown II (Ricky II) is a freshman at Florida A&M University and a proud individual on the autism spectrum. He has turned determination into achievement — becoming the first drum major on the spectrum for his high school band, earning leadership and academic honors, and now marching with the world-renowned FAMU Marching 100 while majoring in Theatre Design and Technical Production.

 

Ricky II’s journey reflects resilience, inclusion, and possibility. His story demonstrates what children and young adults with disabilities can achieve when given advocacy, opportunity, and support. Guided by his lifelong mantra — “I can be anything I want to be when I plan and work hard” — Ricky II continues to break barriers, inspire others, and embody the limitless potential of disability advocacy in action.