HBCU Band Receives Backlash After Requesting Donations To Perform At Trump’s Inauguration

As the second Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump draws near, many people’s emotions from his reelection are being stirred. Trump detractors recently slammed an HBCU band for requesting donations so they could attend and play at the controversial politician’s inauguration.

The 78-year-old celebrity invited Mississippi Valley State’s marching band to play at the event on Jan. 20, which they proudly accepted. “This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi,” Dr. Jerryl Briggs, President of the University, said. “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.”

The band, nicknamed the “Mean Green Marching Machine,” is no stranger to political involvement; in 1969, they performed at Richard Nixon’s presidential inauguration. As for Trump’s upcoming induction, they are seeking $350,000 via GoFundMe to assist in procuring uniforms, instruments, providing scholarships, and “other essential resources for its continued development.”

Mississippi Valley State’s official X account tweeted about the invite and their request for funds, and people made their voices heard in the quotes and replies. “Hell no!” one user wrote. “What kind of HBCU would ask for this knowing very well how the incoming administration views HBCUs, its staff & students? Have y’all been listening or watching ?There is a march in DC the same day commemorating MLK. Take a bus to that.”

“If my God answers prayer yall won’t eem make $35,” another user wrote. “Let’s be honest not all money [or] notoriety is good. Sometimes you have to walk away and this is one of those times,” one more user wrote. “No Valley..Hell Nawl..This ain’t it..,” a final user added. “Not raising money to go before the Klan Rally..raise money for the betterment of Valley but not to entertain the MAGA faithful.”

Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the 2024 Presidential election in November, regaining the presidency following his unsuccessful attempt at reelection in 2020 versus Joe Biden. In what many would call an awful coincidence, his inauguration falls on 2025’s Martin Luther King Day. Time will tell what other offensive or ridiculous things he will do leading up to Jan. 20.