The “Mean Green Marching Machine” at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) participated in the 60th presidential inauguration in Washington D.C. on Monday mid-afternoon. What initially was scheduled to be a parade, became a Capital One Arena performance due to the frigid temperatures causing the decision for the entire inauguration’s festivities to be held indoors. According to AP, this was the first time in 40 years since the presidential inauguration was held inside, yet that did not stop the show for the Mean Green Marching Machine. The band performed at the end of the processional before President Donald Trump took the stage for a speech to address his supporters who had waited all day to hear from him after his initiation into the White House for a second time.
With close to 300 members, their performance stood out from the other military and primary school bands. Being the only HBCU marching band in attendance, MVSU came in full uniform to show America what HBCU culture is like. After marching in, the band played two selections with one being “Before I Let Go”, by the late Frankie Beverly which has also been made popular by Beyonce.
Their performance came with a standing ovation from President Trump and Vice President JD Vance along with the crowd’s approval, yet with such success this band has faced much scrutiny for accepting the call to represent HBCUs on a national stage.
When the news was announced in late December that the band would be participating in the inauguration parade, many took to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter outraged that the university would allow the band program to accept such an engagement. Many bringing up claims of Trump’s lack of support for African Americans and HBCUs hinting that should be the reason to pass up the opportunity.
With one man commenting on Facebook saying,
“Virtually begging for money to shuck & jive for MAGA under the guise of “experience and opportunity” is some next-level gaslighting and the height of irresponsibility on behalf of the “adults” in the room. Have fun, I guess.”
More band fans were outraged that MVSU kicked off a fundraising campaign for the students after the initial announcement made by the university stated that they were “invited to perform” not realizing that with the majority of HBCU band programs, it takes funding to move students, equipment, and funds for other accommodations.
Another person added, “All money ain’t good money. If they need the money, they don’t need to be going.”
This attitude seemed to simmer for about three weeks leading up to the inauguration. Yet even with all the negativity, the band raised over $300,000 surpassing their initial Go-FundMe goal to attend this prestigious event.
Even with negativity, Civil Rights Attorney, Matt Manning mentioned in an interview, “It’s a bittersweet thing. Because of course what college kid doesn’t want the opportunity to perform for the president? The problem is gonna be it’s THIS president. Yet it still is a great opportunity for them and the school.”
This invitation for MVSU succeeds their legacy of excellence and national recognition. The Mean Green Marching Machine was the first HBCU marching band to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1965. Recently kicking off this year, Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South marched in and performed in said parade. This also isn’t the first inaugural parade that MVSU has been invited to or participated in. In 1969, the band also marched in former Republican President, Richard Nixon’s inaugural parade. So this performance only adds to their legacy of representing HBCU band culture on a national stage.
In a statement, the university added to this saying, “This historic invitation highlights the band’s legacy of excellence and cultural significance, showcasing the university and Mississippi’s rich heritage globally.” Calling their band students, “cultural ambassadors for Mississippi and the HBCU community.”
As MVSU celebrates the university’s 75th anniversary this year, this performance has given the university an opportunity to be recognized once again on a national level. Besides the invitation and potential pay that the band may or may not receive, there are plenty of other benefits that come with HBCU marching bands that gain national platforms of recognition. One direct result is an increase in enrollment which brings more students to the university and pushes the university to thrive. Students who are interested in marching after high school may see the band and the opportunities within which will lead them to commit to the university. The positive impacts of this performance outweigh the negativity and stigma surrounding the decision to perform for a Republican President. Regardless of the circumstances, HBCUs continue to shine through adversity through performance and perseverance.
