SJGC Rattlers Make Mark on 2026 FIFA World Cup Through Art and Communications

Two Rattlers are showcasing the creativity and talent they honed at Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (FAMU SJGC) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which consists of 104 international tournaments from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The city of Atlanta and the Moving Atlanta Forward initiative invested $5 million in a public art project to showcase the city’s support and passion before the FIFA World Cup’s Eastern Region games kick off in the city this summer. Local artists were tapped to create murals across the city.

Among them was FAMU SJGC alumna Melissa A. Mitchell, founder of wearable art and custom design house Abeille Creations.

Her project was titled “Trefoil Trail,” and her creation can be seen 2.8 miles from the Atlanta stadium at 17th Street and Bishop Street NW, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. Her mural included incorporating the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, of which she is also an alumna, with more than 200 youth helping bring her vision to life. The artwork displays flags and soccer balls to represent global citizens from around the world and their countries, as well as serves to embody the global impact and spirit of the Girl Scouts.

Her work is garnering attention, having been deemed a “landmark mural of the 2026 World Cup” and the “city’s boldest public art statement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup” by Beacon Magazine. CBS Atlanta reported that Mitchell’s mural “highlights Atlanta’s role as a global sports destination. Her contribution was also the cover feature of the commemorative Summer 2026 edition of Discover Atlanta Now.

Through her iconic artwork, Mitchell has partnered with some of the world’s biggest brands and has created more than 40 larger-than-life murals.
Courtesy Melissa A. Mitchell/ Christian J. Google/ Discover Atlanta

The importance of the mural to the Atlanta community and FIFA fans was demonstrated during a spring ribbon-cutting ceremony where Mayor Andre Dickens and Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta CEO Jai Ferrell helped celebrate Mitchell’s impact on the city’s collective art and FIFA activities.

“To come back years later and lead a public art project that included over 100 Girl Scouts was not just a full circle moment. It was a purpose-filled assignment. This mural became a love letter to my 11-year-old self. I know she is so proud,” Mitchell wrote, blogging about the experience. Mitchell earned a degree in public relations with a minor in graphic design from FAMU SJGC in 2004.

On the West Coast, FAMU SJGC alumnus Avery Jacobs was recently selected to serve as communications director of the FIFA World Cup games to be held in Seattle. Jacobs brings to his new role experience working with the Sacramento Kings in media relations, the Los Angeles Rams in communications, ESPN in production and athletic communications for the University of South Florida Bulls. He is a 2019 broadcast journalism graduate.

“It’s hard to put into words what this means,” Jacobs wrote on social media announcing the appointment. “Being trusted to help shape the narrative for the biggest sporting event in the world is amazing, and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Jacobs’ impact in the sports communications world is demonstrated by his work with major sports organizations, including the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.
Courtesy Avery Jacobs/Sacramento Kings.

According to SeattleFWC26, the local organizing committee, as communications director, Jacobs plays a central role in preparing for Seattle’s hosting of six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. The organization described the role as one that supports a full range of communications functions, including media relations, content development, partner coordination and media center operations for one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Both Mitchell’s and Jacobs’ contributions to the FIFA World Cup are testaments to FAMU SJGC’s commitment to preparing its students to be influential storytellers, communicators and leaders in a competitive and evolving media marketplace.