Events
The Best HBCU Bands of 2024 and the 10th Anniversary National Battle of the Bands
The rich legacy of HBCU marching bands continues to shine brightly in 2024, with several bands taking the spotlight for their exceptional performances and cultural impact. These bands are more than just entertainment; they are the heartbeat of their respective universities, embodying the spirit and traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Top HBCU Bands of 2024
HBCU marching bands are renowned for their electrifying field shows, intricate musical arrangements, and the ability to captivate audiences across the nation. As of 2024, the top HBCU bands have once again proven why they are cherished institutions within the HBCU community.
- Spartan Legion – Norfolk State University
The Spartan Legion has secured its place among the top HBCU bands, impressing with its precision and powerful performances. - The Purple Marching Machine – Miles College
Known for their high energy and complex routines, The Purple Marching Machine continues to be a fan favorite. - Human Jukebox – Southern University
Often considered the gold standard of HBCU bands, the Human Jukebox’s performances are marked by their musical excellence and captivating showmanship. - Marching Tornado Band – Talladega College
Talladega’s Marching Tornado Band might be smaller in size, but they consistently deliver big performances with their innovative and energetic shows. - Marching Maroon & White – Alabama A&M University
This band is recognized for its rich musicality and ability to engage audiences, earning them a spot among the top bands this year.
Celebrating Champions of Culture: The 2024 HBCU National Battle of The Bands
In addition to recognizing the best bands of 2024, the year also marks a special milestone for HBCU marching bands. The 10th Anniversary of the HBCU Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) is set to be an unforgettable event. Taking place from August 23 to August 25 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, this year’s event is themed “Celebrating Champions of Culture.”
This anniversary edition of the NBOTB will feature a series of live performances and enriching events that highlight the profound impact of HBCU marching bands on music and culture. The event is a celebration of the legacy, tradition, and excellence that these bands represent.
2024 Lineup for the National Battle of The Bands
The 2024 lineup features some of the most prestigious HBCU marching bands, promising a spectacular showcase of talent and tradition. The bands set to perform include:
- Bethune-Cookman University, Marching Wildcats
- Jackson State University, The Sonic Boom of the South
- Miles College, Purple Marching Machine
- Prairie View A&M University, Marching Storm
- Southern University, Human Jukebox
- Tennessee State University, Aristocrat of Bands
- Texas Southern University, “Ocean of Soul”
- Tuskegee University, Marching Crimson Pipers
This gathering of musical powerhouses will not only celebrate the history and influence of HBCU bands but also continue to inspire future generations.
The 2024 HBCU National Battle of the Bands is set to be a defining event, bringing together the best of HBCU culture, music, and tradition. As the countdown to this monumental celebration begins, fans and alumni alike eagerly anticipate the performances that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on HBCU history.
Events
Madden NFL x HBCU Tournament Returns: Celebrating HBCU Excellence and Cultivating Sports and Gaming Talent
HBCU Students: Compete in Madden NFL 25 and Secure a Spot at the 2025 Pro Bowl Games Week!
Dec. 4, 2024 — NEW YORK: The National Football League (NFL) and EA SPORTS™ are continuing their dedication to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with the highly anticipated return of the Madden NFL x HBCU Tournament.
This program empowers HBCU students, blending culture, sports, and gaming into a one-of-a-kind experience. Participants will compete in the Madden NFL 25 tournament for a chance to earn a trip to Orlando during the 2025 Pro Bowl Games Week. The top four finalists will not only battle for the championship but will also gain valuable professional experience, including shadowing a live broadcast of the Madden NFL Championship Series and networking with industry leaders.
“We’re thrilled to continue this initiative for a fifth year,” said Ed Kiang, Vice President of Video Gaming for the NFL. “The Madden NFL x HBCU Tournament celebrates the intersection of culture, sports, and gaming while providing HBCU students with mentorship and unique career development opportunities.”
Tournament Details
- Registration: Now open for HBCU students at hbcutournament.nfl.com.
- Online Qualifiers: Dec. 20-21, Jan. 3-4, and Jan. 10-11.
- Last-Chance Qualifier: Jan. 12.
- Elimination Rounds: Jan. 18-19.
- Finals in Orlando: Jan. 28-Feb. 1, during MCS Playoffs Week and the 2025 Pro Bowl Games Week.
In Orlando, finalists will gain behind-the-scenes exposure to EA SPORTS, including insights into game production, mentorship from EA employees, and a deeper understanding of career paths within the gaming and sports industries.
Why This Matters for HBCU Students
The Madden NFL x HBCU Tournament isn’t just about gaming; it’s about opening doors to new opportunities. Students will have the chance to showcase their skills, connect with industry leaders, and explore careers that align with their passion for sports and technology.
About the NFL HBCU Initiative
The NFL’s commitment to HBCUs began in 2016 with the launch of Strength of HBCUs, Impacting Pro Football Since 1948. This initiative, in partnership with HBCU athletic conferences like the MEAC and SWAC, has expanded to include other schools and conferences, offering programs that connect HBCU students with opportunities in sports administration and beyond.
For more details and to register, visit hbcutournament.nfl.com.
Let’s celebrate HBCU excellence, compete, and elevate together.
Media Contact:
Liana Bailey | Liana.Bailey@nfl.com
One year after bursting onto the HBCU football scene as a potential long-term fixture, the Florida Beach Bowl — the anticipated matchup between the CIAA and SIAC, two historic HBCU Division II conferences — will not occur in 2024. Sources from both conferences confirmed the news to HBCU Gameday, citing funding challenges as the primary reason the bowl game has been temporarily shelved.
The inaugural Florida Beach Bowl took place last December at Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium. Fort Valley State from the SIAC defeated Johnson C. Smith from the CIAA with a 23-10 score. That game streamed on the HBCU Plus Platform, drew an impressive 720,000 viewers, signaling a strong interest in the game and a national audience eager for more HBCU football coverage.
The Florida Beach Bowl had been positioned to revive and expand the legacy of the Pioneer Bowl, the original postseason event for Division II HBCU teams. Established in 1997, the Pioneer Bowl allowed champions or top contenders from the CIAA and SIAC to square off, providing HBCU athletes with a rare bowl stage to showcase their talent, often overlooked by larger college football media coverage. While the game was typically held in the South, with several games taking place in Atlanta, it carried significant weight for HBCU football fans and players alike, celebrating the regional rivalries and athleticism that characterize HBCU sports.
Like its Division I counterpart, the Celebration Bowl — which since 2015 has served as a de facto national championship game for HBCU football at the FCS level — the Florida Beach Bowl aimed to provide the same level of national exposure to Division II HBCU programs. The Celebration Bowl has spotlighted the best of HBCU Division I football, drawing in fans from across the country and significantly elevating the profile of MEAC and SWAC champions in a nationally televised showdown. Similarly, the Florida Beach Bowl was designed to elevate Division II HBCU football, giving fans, athletes, and supporters an equivalent stage to experience the thrill and camaraderie of HBCU postseason competition.
The Pioneer Bowl created countless unforgettable moments, generating support and recognition for Division II HBCU football and helping players gain exposure to scouts, media, and a growing fan base. However, the game faced periodic financial hurdles, leading to intermittent cancellations until it ceased entirely after its 2012 matchup. The Florida Beach Bowl was viewed as the next chapter in this storied history, bringing a new generation of HBCU football to the forefront, with a commitment to both celebrating tradition and expanding the visibility of HBCU athletes nationwide.
While the cancellation of this year’s Florida Beach Bowl has left many disappointed, the vision for the event remains. Both the CIAA and SIAC have expressed continued interest in ensuring Division II HBCU teams have a championship-level platform, knowing that the passion and talent within HBCU football deserve recognition on a national scale.
For now, fans will have to wait as organizers seek solutions to make this game sustainable for the long term. The commitment to honoring the history and achievements of HBCU athletes remains, with hopes that future seasons will see the Florida Beach Bowl restored as a highlight of the HBCU football calendar — a celebration of athletic excellence and community legacy.
DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University’s Juan Velarde has secured his spot as one of 13 finalists for the prestigious Doris Robinson Award, presented by FedEx, which recognizes the top scholar-athlete in FCS football.
Velarde, who graduated in December 2023 with a degree in business administration with a focus on entrepreneurship, is now advancing his studies in NCCU’s MBA program while maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA. A member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and NCCU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Velarde’s accomplishments extend beyond the classroom. He’s also part of the University Honors Program and serves on the North Carolina Governor’s Advisory Council for Hispanic and Latino Affairs, adding to his impressive résumé.
Known for his impact in the Durham community, Velarde dedicates time to volunteer at local schools, continuing his leadership and service beyond the field.
On the gridiron, Velarde has dominated as a two-time MEAC Specialist of the Week, ranking among the top punters nationwide with a 44.4-yard punt average. With eight of his 31 punts traveling over 50 yards and 11 landing inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, he’s helped shape the field position game for the Eagles. Velarde’s kicking is equally impressive, going 4-for-5 on field goals, including a 43-yard kick against Campbell.
If selected, Velarde would join former defensive lineman Jessie Malit, who won the Doris Robinson Award in 2020, as NCCU’s second honoree. Established in 2015, the Doris Robinson Award honors FCS student-athletes who demonstrate remarkable commitment to their team, academics, and community, upholding the legacy of Doris Robinson, the former schoolteacher and wife of the legendary Grambling coach Eddie Robinson.
In partnership with FedEx, the Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award reinforces a commitment to supporting student-athletes’ future success. FedEx further promotes this mission through the Career Expose – College Pathways Program, offering resources that prepare young leaders for life after college sports.
Finalists will be featured on The Analyst in November, with the award recipient announced on Dec. 10, followed by an awards ceremony at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas. The banquet will also highlight the Walter Payton, Buck Buchanan, Jerry Rice, Eddie Robinson, and the inaugural HBCU FCS Player of the Year Awards.
For all NCCU Athletics updates, check out NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.
Oct. 12, 2024 — Durham, N.C.
In a complete showcase of offensive firepower and defensive prowess, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) shut out Virginia-Lynchburg 68-0 on Saturday at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, capping off their final non-conference game of the season in emphatic fashion.
NCCU wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, lighting up the first quarter with 33 points. Quarterback Walker Harris opened the floodgates, connecting with Joaquin Davis on a 24-yard touchdown pass. Though the extra point was blocked, the Eagles quickly capitalized again, as Kamari Houze recovered a loose ball in the end zone following a mishandled kickoff by Virginia-Lynchburg. Astonishingly, 13 points were on the board with less than a second ticking off the game clock.
The Eagles’ offense remained relentless. Running back Christian Mosley punched in his third rushing touchdown of the season, extending the lead to 20-0. Wide receiver Mehki Wall followed suit with a 9-yard touchdown reception from Harris, capping a quarter in which NCCU scored on every possession.
By halftime, the Eagles were up 41-0, following scores from J’Mari Taylor and freshman Aleni Mageo, who notched his first career touchdown. The second half saw no letup. Freshman QB Joshua Jones delivered a 15-yard strike to Sterling Greene, before running back Quest Powell closed the scoring with a 1-yard rush, sealing the commanding 68-0 victory.
NCCU’s ground game dominated, amassing 326 rushing yards led by Zion Dobson’s 98-yard performance on 12 carries. Defensively, the Eagles suffocated Virginia-Lynchburg, holding them to -42 rushing yards and allowing just 117 passing yards. The Dragons failed to convert a single third down (0-for-12) and were shut out of the red zone entirely.
With the win, head coach Trei Oliver improved his overall record to 34-20 and extended NCCU’s dominance at home, winning 13 of their last 14 games at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
Notable Stats:
- Walker Harris: 3 passing touchdowns, extending his streak of two or more TDs in four consecutive games.
- J’Mari Taylor: A rushing touchdown in seven straight games, tallying two scores on the day.
- Zion Dobson: Led all rushers with 98 yards and a touchdown.
- Defense: Held Virginia-Lynchburg to -42 yards rushing; Matthew Leavelle led the defense with 6 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3.5 tackles for loss.
NCCU heads into their bye week before resuming conference play, riding the momentum of one of their most dominant performances of the season.
For more on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
Events
President Biden Announces $1.3 Billion Investment into HBCUs at 2024 HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA —
President Joe Biden made a historic announcement at the 2024 HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia, unveiling an additional $1.3 billion investment into Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The President addressed an enthusiastic crowd at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where he highlighted his administration’s record-breaking support for HBCUs, bringing the total investment to $17 billion since 2021.
“In just four years, working with HBCU leaders, we’re making the most significant investment in Black America ever in American history,” Biden declared to a wave of applause. The new funding will include federal grants to help eight HBCUs expand their efforts to diversify the STEM and education workforce, marking a major step forward in elevating these institutions’ contributions to the nation’s future.
Dietra Trent, Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, also underscored the importance of this commitment, stating, “We have never had this kind of investment before.”
HBCU alumni in attendance, like Cheney University graduate Antoine Mapp, expressed their excitement: “We’re finally getting the recognition and funding that we deserve and desperately needed.”
Biden’s remarks also touched on the urgency of protecting democracy, condemning political violence and referencing a recent apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The President closed his speech with a hopeful nod to Vice President Kamala Harris, an HBCU alumna, encouraging voters to support her potential presidential candidacy.
With this unprecedented funding, President Biden is ensuring HBCUs remain a cornerstone of educational excellence and opportunity for generations to come.
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