As the second presidential inauguration of Donald Trump approaches, the event continues to spark mixed emotions across the country. Recently, an HBCU band found itself at the center of controversy after requesting public donations to cover expenses for performing at the inauguration.

Mississippi Valley State University’s renowned marching band, the “Mean Green Marching Machine,” was invited to play at the ceremony on January 20, an opportunity they eagerly embraced. Dr. Jerryl Briggs, President of Mississippi Valley State, described the occasion as a significant milestone:

“This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi. 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.”

Despite the enthusiasm, the band’s decision to participate has drawn criticism from Trump detractors. The backlash intensified after the university launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $350,000 to cover expenses such as new uniforms, instruments, scholarships, and other essential resources.

The Mean Green Marching Machine has a rich history of political involvement, having performed at President Richard Nixon’s inauguration in 1969. Their participation in Trump’s inauguration, however, has sparked debate, with critics questioning the alignment of an HBCU band with the divisive political figure.

For the band, the event represents more than a political statement—it’s an opportunity to honor their legacy and foster educational growth. Whether or not their fundraising goal is met, the conversation surrounding their participation highlights the complexities of balancing tradition, representation, and contemporary politics.

Dallas, Texas – North Carolina Central University golfers Jamal Hutchison and Trinity Ahing have been selected to participate in the Southwest Airlines Showcase that will take place at Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas.

The Southwest Airlines Showcase at Cedar Crest is an All-Star Invitational celebrating the talents of the top college-aged golfers who are leaders in further diversifying the game of golf.

Hutchison, a sophomore from Fletcher, N.C., is one of the top golfers for the Eagles. In his first full tournament of the fall season, he finished 12 at the 39th Annual Thomas W. Dortch Jr. HBCU Golf Classic and sixth at the SAS HBCU Invitational, recording eight birdies and an eagle in three rounds. He is currently averaging a score of 75.4.

Ahing, a senior from New Bern, N.C., is off to a great start to the 2024-25 season. She has finished in the top five of the first two tournaments she has played in the fall. She finished third at the Elon Invitational and fourth at the 39th Annual Thomas W. Dortch Jr. HBCU Golf Classic. She finished sixth at the SAS HBCU Invitational and two shots from cracking the top five yet again. She is averaging a score of 78 and has recorded eight birdies in her last tournament.

Hutchison and Ahing’s invitation to this prestigious event continues the Eagles presence at that Southwest Showcase, with alumni Jalea Culliver participating last year in the inaugural event.

The event will be broadcast LIVE on GOLF Channel, Nov. 11-13 (1:30-4:30 p.m. CST); the celebration culminates with a 54-hole stroke play competition where the spotlight will shine brightly on the 21 male and 21 female LIFT (Leaders in a Future Together) award recipients.

The men and women will be in action this weekend. The women will be at the UNCG Fall Collegiate at Forest Oaks in Greensboro, N.C., while the men will be at the App State Invitational, which is not a team element and will have a field of 31 players. It will be played in Lenoir, N.C., at the Cedar Rock County Club on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com, or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.

By Mary Omatiga

Published: September 12, 2024, 09:00 AM

This Saturday, September 14, Morehouse College takes on Howard University in the 3rd annual HBCU NY Classic, airing live on CNBC and streaming on Peacock. This highly anticipated matchup kicks off the start of HBCU Homecoming week, where fans, students, and alumni will gather at MetLife Stadium for the world’s largest HBCU Homecoming celebration.

Expect a day filled with exciting festivities, including a drumline showcase, step show, and a battle of the bands, all culminating in a halftime performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Sean Paul. Live coverage of the game begins at 3:00 PM ET. Find out how to tune in below.

How to Watch Morehouse College vs. Howard University:

• Date: Saturday, September 14
• Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
• Time: 3:00 PM ET
• TV Channel: CNBC
• Live Stream: Peacock

Game Location:

The game will be held at MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Giants and Jets, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Head-to-Head Matchup:

The Morehouse Tigers and Howard Bison share a fierce rivalry dating back to the 1920s. Here are their most recent results:

• September 10, 2011 – Howard 30, Morehouse 27
• September 1, 2012 – Howard 30, Morehouse 29
• September 7, 2013 – Howard 27, Morehouse 16
• September 13, 2014 – Howard 35, Morehouse 17
• September 9, 2023 – Howard 65, Morehouse 19

What Does HBCU Stand For?

HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, institutions founded with the mission of providing higher education opportunities to Black Americans.

President Joe Biden’s upcoming commencement address at Morehouse College in Atlanta has ignited a heated debate across social media platforms and within academic circles. Scheduled to address the graduating class of 2024, Biden’s presence at the historically Black institution has stirred controversy, with passionate arguments on both sides of the aisle.

While some laud the symbolism of the President’s visit to one of the nation’s most prestigious historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), others question the sincerity of his commitment to addressing systemic issues facing Black communities. Critics argue that Biden’s track record on racial justice and education falls short, citing concerns such as the slow progress on student loan forgiveness and the lack of substantial funding for HBCUs.

Supporters of Biden’s appearance at Morehouse point to the significance of his presence as a powerful statement of solidarity with the Black community, particularly amidst ongoing struggles for racial equity and justice. They argue that his address offers an opportunity to engage with and uplift the voices of young Black graduates, acknowledging their achievements and the challenges they face as they enter the workforce.

However, skeptics question whether Biden’s rhetoric will be backed by meaningful action, emphasizing the need for tangible policy changes that address the root causes of inequality and discrimination. Some argue that his presence at Morehouse could be perceived as mere performative allyship, without substantive policy initiatives to support Black students and communities.

As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear: President Biden’s commencement address at Morehouse College has sparked important conversations about the intersection of symbolism and substance in the fight for racial justice and equity. Whether his speech will mark a transformative moment or serve as another footnote in the ongoing struggle for equality is yet to be seen. But one thing is certain: the eyes of the nation will be watching closely as Biden takes the stage in Atlanta.