
*Mississippi Valley State University’s “Mean Green Marching Machine” has been invited to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s Inauguration Parade on January 20, 2025.
The band will join Talladega College’s “Great Tornado Marching Band” as the second HBCU band to perform at a Trump presidential inauguration, following Talladega’s appearance at his first inauguration in 2017. MVSU has set a budget of $350,000 for the trip, covering travel, accommodations, meals, and equipment transportation, and is currently fundraising to meet these costs.
“This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi,” said Dr. Jerryl Briggs, President of Mississippi Valley State in a statement. “It is an opportunity to showcase our legacy, celebrate our culture, and invest in the future leaders of our community.”
In 1965, the “Mean Green Marching Machine” made history as the first HBCU band to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade, returning in 1968. That year, they also performed at President Richard Nixon’s inaugural parade.
The “Mean Green Marching Machine” is trying to raise the funds to travel to D.C. next month. The band’s GoFundMe reads: “The Mean Green Marching Machine Band of Mississippi Valley State University is seeking funds to travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Inaugural Parade. The band is seeking funds to acquire instruments, uniforms, provide scholarships, and get other essential resources for its continued development.”
🎺 The MVSU “Mean Green Marching Machine” has been invited to Washington, D.C., for the 60th Presidential Inauguration Parade! 🇺🇸
💚 Help us raise $350K to make this historic moment a reality.
👉 Donate: https://t.co/TO1caDyeDo
Read more: https://t.co/wbXLWHqiI0 pic.twitter.com/9kbzBePn9g— Mississippi Valley State University (@MVSUDEVILS) December 26, 2024
As anticipated, the university faced criticism for accepting the invitation. One X user wrote, “ASK the Governor of Mississippi or any of the Republicans in the state legislature if they can help get yall there.”
Another hater added, “No Valley..Hell Nawl..This ain’t it..not raising money to go before the Klan Rally..raise money for the betterment of Valley but not to entertain the MAGA faithful.”
X user Chloe’s Auntie wrote, “Talk about shameful, I hope for your own good that y’all don’t raise the money. I don’t know what y’all are even thinking, that man is a blatant racist.”
Several X users supported the band’s decision to perform at Trump’s inauguration parade, with user @JayVTheGreat writing, “Don’t let the black boule & racist, black democrats ruin this opportunity for you all. Go showcase your talents and put on for Mississippi on one of the biggest stages in the country. This opportunity doesn’t come to just anybody. You all would be fools to pass it up based on others’ hatred and bigotry.”
Another X user noted, “An inaugural parade is just that—a parade. It’s an honor for any band to participate in this celebration of American music and pageantry. HBCUs have known this for decades and are no strangers to marching in Republican parades.”
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Dr. Bernice King Reflects on Significance of Trump’s Inauguration on Her Father’s Holiday