*Beyoncé has gifted $100,000 to Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band through her BeyGOOD Foundation.
As HBCU Sports reports, the donation, citing the Houston Chronicle, aims to bolster the band’s musical legacy and academic opportunities following their standout performance alongside Beyoncé at the 2024 “Beyoncé Bowl” halftime show during the Houston Texans-Baltimore Ravens NFL game, streamed on Netflix. Over 200 band members showcased their dynamic choreography and vibrant sound, embodying Houston’s cultural pride.
The Ocean of Soul, a cherished institution at TSU, is known for its electrifying performances at major events, blending precision and tradition. Beyoncé’s contribution will fund scholarships, enhance recruitment and retention, and upgrade the band’s infrastructure and technology, ensuring its continued excellence, according to a statement.
Charlie Coleman III, TSU’s Senior Associate Vice President of Development & Alumni Engagement, praised the gift, stating, “The BeyGOOD Foundation’s impactful investment affirms the powerful role that HBCUs play in shaping the next generation of artistic, academic, and cultural leaders.”
He added, “This partnership does more than support the Ocean of Soul – it opens doors for our students to access the arts in life-changing ways, inspired by one of the most beloved artists of our time. It is a shining example of how philanthropy can uplift communities and ignite futures.”
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This donation underscores Beyoncé’s commitment to her hometown and HBCU culture, amplifying the band’s role as a beacon of artistic and academic achievement.
Meanwhile, as we reported earlier, the Houston native continues to redefine global superstardom. During her three-night “Cowboy Carter” Tour stop at Stade de France, Queen Bey broke multiple records while delivering back-to-back sold-out shows in Paris.
According to Live Nation, the concerts on June 19, 21, and 22 grossed over $39.7 million (€34.4m), making it the highest-grossing run of shows in the history of the legendary stadium, The Blast reports. Each night brought in more than $13.2 million (€11.4m), establishing a new single-night record at the venue. With over 215,000 tickets sold, Beyoncé also became the top-selling female artist to ever perform at Stade de France.
The Paris success follows her historic run in London, where she performed six sold-out nights at Tottenham Stadium for more than 275,000 fans. That appearance set a new record for the most concerts played at the venue, with ticket sales topping $61.5 million (£45m).
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