The celebrated “Mean Green Marching Machine” HBCU marching band from Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) has received an invitation to participate in the 60th Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025.
The historically Black university shared the exciting news on social media.
“This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi,” said Dr. Jerryl Briggs, MVSU President. “It is an opportunity to showcase our legacy, celebrate our culture, and invest in the future leaders of our community.” This participation allows students to engage in the peaceful transition of power and gain global exposure while celebrating the university’s 75th anniversary,” Briggs added.
The HBCU’s 250-member band is actively fundraising to cover the travel and other expenses related to the trip, seeking to raise $13k. As the band notes on its GoFundMe page, the band has previously performed at NBA games, the Rose Bowl Parade, New Orleans Mardi Gras parades, the National Showband Battle of the Bands, and other esteemed Battle of the Bands and parades.
https://x.com/MVSUDEVILS/status/1872409557772988780
Social Media Reacts
Disappointed social media users are calling out MVS for accepting the invitation.
Bishop Talbert Swan wrote, “Mississippi Valley State University accepting an invitation to perform for Donald Trump on Martin Luther King Jr. Day was already disgraceful. But now, they’ve started a GoFundMe to raise $350,000 to cover their travel expenses to Washington, D.C.?” He continued, “Trump and his team, who have repeatedly demonstrated contempt for Black history and culture, didn’t even bother to fund their performance. So not only are they agreeing to play for a white supremacist, but they’re also asking Black people to foot the bill for their humiliation.”
An X user wrote, “Will someone tell Mississippi Valley State University that this is not the time to accept an invitation to march in the parade to celebrate a man that will do everything in his power to ruin HBCUs!!!!”
Another added, “Mississippi Valley State University wants to raise $350K go do the inauguration for Trump! GO TO HELL!”