Mississippi Valley State University’s marching band is being scolded by some observers for accepting an invitation to Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration.
The Historically Black University’s Mean Green Marching Machine is currently seeking funds to attend the event as others fling arrows at the college musicians for supporting a president who some contend has not helped the African American community.
Inside Higher Ed reports:
Op-eds in The Root and HBCU Sports slammed the decision as an apparent endorsement of Trump when most Black voters feel less than celebratory about him taking office. Social media has erupted with criticism, and defense, of the move.
The Mean Green Marching Machine Band has “a proud history of standing up for Black history, equity, and justice,” Bishop Talbert Swan, president of the Springfield, Mass., branch of the NAACP, posted on X. “However, accepting an invitation to perform at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a disgraceful betrayal of that legacy.”
But others disagree. A black columnist for the Enterprise-Tocsin, a weekly newspaper in Mississippi, argued that skipping the opportunity would be a mistake, calling it an “extraordinary invitation.”
The university also backs its band.
“This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi,” said MVSU President Jerryl Briggs in a statement. “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.”
A GoFundMe has been launched to help the band get to the inauguration.
“The total cost of this historic trip, including travel, accommodations, meals, and equipment, is approximately $350,000. MVSU is committed to ensuring that every student can participate regardless of financial circumstances. The university asks alums, supporters, and the community to support this monumental endeavor,” according to the university’s statement.
As of Wednesday evening, the band had raised $278,000.
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