Adored HBCU Mississippi Valley State University has been invited and accepted an invitation to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The “Mean Green Marching Machine” will participate in the 60th Presidential Inauguration Parade for Trump, who will begin his second term as the 47th President of the United States, on January 20th, 2025.
In a social media announcement, the university celebrated this opportunity as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” for its students. Dr. Jerryl Briggs, president of Mississippi Valley State, expressed pride, stating, “This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi.” He highlighted the performance as a chance to showcase the band’s cultural legacy and inspire future community leaders.
However, the move has sparked backlash from many fans and activists. Bishop Talbert Swan was one of many who expressed disappointment in the decision, calling it “a disgraceful betrayal” of the school’s legacy.
Mississippi Valley State University @MVSUDEVILS has a proud history of standing up for Black history, equity, and justice. However, accepting an invitation to perform at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a disgraceful betrayal of that… pic.twitter.com/kOzctXXY7Y
— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) December 28, 2024
The 250-member band is actively fundraising to cover $350,000 for travel, accommodations, meals, and equipment transport. A GoFundMe page emphasizes the band’s rich performance history, including appearances at NBA games and prestigious parades like the Rose Bowl and New Orleans Mardi Gras.
Mississippi Valley State’s legacy of excellence shines through this opportunity. The band made history as the first HBCU to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1965 and performed at President Nixon’s inauguration in 1968. They now follow Talladega College’s “Great Tornado Marching Band,” which performed at Trump’s 2017 inauguration, raising $667,000 in support.
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