Some people just can't stand to see others do well. The Mississippi Valley State University marching band got some good news recently. The university issued the following statement and tweet:
Itta Bena, MS—December 26, 2024— The celebrated "Mean Green Marching Machine" 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. This historic invitation highlights the band's legacy of excellence and cultural significance, showcasing the university and Mississippi's rich heritage globally.
This invitation continues MVSU's tradition of groundbreaking national performances. In 1965, the band became the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) ensemble to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade. They returned to Pasadena in 1968 and performed in President Richard Nixon's inaugural parade on Jan. 20, 1969. These milestones reflect the band's enduring legacy as cultural ambassadors for Mississippi and the HBCU community.
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.
"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.
To contribute to the "Mean Green Marching Machine's" journey to the 60th Presidential Inauguration Parade, please click: https://gofund.me/4820bda6
Hell no! 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. Let’s be honest not all money are notoriety is good. Sometimes you have to walk away and this is one of those times. If my God answers prayer yall won’t eem make $35. No Valley..Hell Nawl..This ain't it..not raising money to go before the Klan Rally..raise money for the betterment of Valley but not to entertain the MAGA faithful. Did Governor Tate promise to deliver more money to the university only if you performed ? Quid Pro Quo? This is disgusting. You must be out of your minds! It’s a disgrace that the university leadership is even considering this. MVSU performing at the inauguration of a man endorsed by the Klu Klux Klan is a slap in the face of every past donor, faculty member and alum. It’s a disgrace. This is literally the dumbest shit I ever heard π 1st U even accepted this racist invite 2nd U want 2 perform 4 this racist on MLK day (wtf) 3rd U want blk folks 2 support U financially in performing 4 a racist #GTFOH let that racist billionaire pay 2 get U there #DumbAsses Wtf would you even consider going? We have a duty to protect our HBCUs as well as our culture. Go where you are celebrated, not tolerated. Have some Pride. Why would you go "shuffle " for the Klan? ..and from Mississippi? Don't do this to those kids. You do have a responsibility as Educators ...and you need to raise money to perform for Billionaire Klansmen and White Supremacist? Sick ,culturally -disoriented . Is everything okay? I know that times are tough but this isn’t the way….. Are you guys actually gonna accept the invite? I hope that you don't get a single penny. No. I mean, if it was at least a relatively normal Republican, I'd sigh but it would be understandable. This guy? For a Black marching band? Baby, no. Y'all should be embarrassed. It's NOT an invitation if you have to pay for your own travel....being used to skin and grin for the man who HATES you but will use you for his show and tell you are a absolute disgrace!!!! Hope gofundme gets taken down Y’all can kiss my Black a## respectfully. Damn, y'all really softshoeing for massa out here in public. I would pull my child out of this school so fast! Yall know no one is fucking with yall after this, right..
Kingfish note: Band? Did someone say "the band"?
55 comments:
The only reason to refuse this invitation to perform at the presidential inauguration is to make a political statement.
Those who are offended that a black university marching band wants to play at Trump's inauguration should first consider that a lot of black men voted for Trump in 2024. I don't understand it, but it's true.
Facts matter. In his first term, Trump appropriated more for HCBUs than all previous Presidents combined. So happy that Obama and Biden were unifiers of this country.
There’s another reason to refuse the invitation, maybe the school has a sense of morality that wouldn’t align with the values of the person being celebrated. I wouldn’t personally show up for a Trump rally because he’s a disgusting man. There’s also that pesky discrimination charge from when he was caught not renting to blacks and admitted he didn’t comply with the federal law for fair housing. I can’t imagine many black people want to be used as a prop to a racist, but if they see value in that, go enjoy the worship service and see if he’s a changed man.
Trump is the only president to fully fund the HCBUs. Also recieved large support from black men under ages of 35. Don’t let the BS media and race hustlers fool you.
@4:04 - got a link to back that up or just shooting from the hip here?
Trump has the pesky issue of his racism. I hear black people don’t always enjoy being used as a prop to legitimize racists.
The core values listed on MS Valley State’s website are:
Service
Learning
Excellence
Integrity
Distinctiveness
Engagement
Respect
Maybe they could find people and groups who align with their core values to celebrate instead of those who oppose their mission?
I’d love to see white folks step up and help them raise the money. Let the haters hate. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I don’t care if Minnie Mouse is being inaugurated.
Why would any HBCU do anything for Trump after what he did? Some people just don’t learn. Whoever from MVSU thought this was a good idea should have their head examined.
Seems like a terrible lesson to teach students, let’s go cheer on the guy who hates you and everyone who looks like you because he won an election. A little self respect would make this the easiest decision of the week for the MVSU brass.
It appears the leadership of MS Valley isn’t familiar with Donald Trump. They should at least google him before agreeing to anything.
@4:22 - do white people really need to pay blacks to show up at a Trump rally? Seems a little racist if I’m being honest.
I’d donate to a fund to provide body cameras for these students. They are going to be taking an avalanche of hate if they show up.
Trump has helped HBCU more than the numerous broken promises of Biden and Obama and other democrats. But some will do what they are told until they day they end this world. Bennie gets rich they get poorer
Snowflakes on Steroids
The comments that KF posted don’t appear to be from college graduates based on their grammar. Congratulations to the MVSU band on the being recognized for being an outstanding band!
Here are some links related to Trump endorsing HBCU funding: https://apnews.com/article/c4834e48841d97c5a93312b1bf75302a
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/institutions/minority-serving-institutions/2024/07/19/did-trump-really-get-hbcus-all-funded
Now let's see some links (not propaganda) supporting the claims of racism?
MVS submitted an application to the Inaugural Committee and were selected out of hundreds of schools. It is an honor to be invited to participate in the Inaugural Parade, regardless of who is being sworn in. It is disgusting to see black people shitting on a black school and students because of their hatred towards Trump. Set your bigotry aside and don’t ruin this trip for the students.
No, but it's an authentic gesture that moves us toward reconciliation. I'm black, and I didn't vote for Trump. I voted for sealing the border, stopping all immigration until we get our own house in order, taking care of Veterans before any other welfare recipients, and destroying the weaponized judicial system along with the FBI and CIA that killed Kennedy. With God's help, maybe Trump and his crew can shatter them like Jack intended.
4:38, what is wrong with white people donating to a go fund me to help MVSU for to the parade? Don’t put words in people mouth.
I doubt any of those posters have anything to do with Valley State. What do they have, like 8,000 actual alums?
Since there are so many Republicans suddenly concerned about whether a lil ol' HBCU is able to attend the inauguration, I hope y'all will put your $$ where your mouths and keyboard fingers are and show them some financial support to meet their fundraising goal.
Look up FUTURE Act Legislation or HBCU PARTNERS Act Legislation for two significant Trump efforts (gave them permanent funding and made government agencies consider them when issuing grants, research etc)
The fact remains that 30% of black men under the age of 45 voted for Trump in 2024. Across the board, black people voting for Trump doubled between 2020 and 2024, at a time when he ran against a black woman.
Obviously, most Americans are not nearly as obsessed with race and some would have us believe.
Democrats sound more and more like the Black Panther Party
It's the Inaugural Parade, the SAME Parade which would have happended if Harris had won the White House and FULL participation would be expected. If somehow being black means you do not participate in regular and traditional civic affairs then simply don't vote or pay taxes. Maybe even leave the country itself if you are so offended that you can't stand to be a full participating citizen. There will be another election in four years will you be through crying in time to participate? Or will you boycott that too?
Race baiters will bait.
Since people want to be dumb. Here are actual facts: When comparing the contributions of Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), each administration made significant investments, but their approaches and total financial commitments varied.
Obama Administration (2009-2017):
President Obama made substantial efforts to support HBCUs, particularly through the HBCU Initiative. His administration increased federal funding to HBCUs, focusing on improving access to federal research grants and supporting HBCUs through specific programs. The Obama administration also established the White House Initiative on HBCUs, which worked to strengthen HBCUs in several ways, such as increasing access to funding and ensuring their involvement in federal research and STEM initiatives.
Key Actions:
• Increased funding for HBCUs by more than $4 billion.
• $850 million in new funding over 10 years for HBCU research programs.
• Launched the HBCU Capital Financing Program, helping schools upgrade their facilities and infrastructure.
Trump Administration (2017-2021):
The Trump administration also focused on HBCUs, and in 2017, it signed into law the Future Act, which provided over $250 million annually in funding to HBCUs. Trump also continued to push for increasing funding and advocating for more flexible loan programs for these schools. However, critics pointed out that while the administration provided funds, other aspects of his policy, particularly around education funding cuts, were not as supportive for HBCUs in the long run.
Key Actions:
• Signed the Future Act (2019), which permanently allocated $255 million annually for HBCUs.
• Provided substantial funding for HBCUs’ infrastructure and capital projects.
• Increased funding for specific federal programs benefiting HBCUs.
Biden Administration (2021-present):
President Biden has also prioritized HBCU support. His administration allocated significant funds through the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which provided $5.8 billion in funding to HBCUs to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, a much larger one-time amount than previous administrations. Biden has continued to push for more funding for HBCUs, including advocating for large increases in federal support and expanding access to federal resources.
Key Actions:
• $5.8 billion for HBCUs from the American Rescue Plan (2021).
• Proposed $45 billion in HBCU funding as part of his budget plans for the future.
• Expanded access to federal funding through the HBCU Capital Financing Program and other infrastructure programs.
Conclusion:
• Obama had a strong focus on increasing research funding and creating long-term programs.
• Trump made a notable contribution with the Future Act but also faced criticism for some cuts in education funding.
• Biden made the largest one-time funding commitment to HBCUs with the American Rescue Plan and has continued to push for further large-scale investments.
While Obama’s administration focused on long-term growth and infrastructure for HBCUs, Biden’s administration stands out for its unprecedented funding through the American Rescue Plan. However, it’s important to note that the total funding in terms of immediate relief during the pandemic under Biden is the highest among these three presidencies.
The Leftstream Media has brainwashed millions apparently. Tooooo many blacks just bought whatever they saw/heard through their TV news, but yes - 30% of them did not and were enlightened. Relax Leftards, Trump will be out of office soon enough - and then who will you whine and whimper about oppressing you? Please, grow up.
@10:40pm You can tell your article was written by a Bid IN supporter. Yes, Obama and Bid IN both bought an entry for their resume. And yes Bid IN did give away more government money than any previous president INcluding rich folks... And he's trying to give more just in the last two weeks. His campaign sign actually said BID = N. His private slogan was
Bid IN, Buy IN & I'm your Guy IN
But ask the HBCU's of all that money and access, which ones can they count on next year, two presidents from now, because they are law? Then ask what can you plan and budget for? Which one can you make long term business plans against? Plus the article didn't even mention HBCU PARTNERS Act Legislation which negated part of Bid INs claimed effort at "access" because it was already LAW to have that access.
Thanks 10:40 pm for providing verifiable facts. Sadly, politics makes some of us clueless dupes.
I personally hope that seeing the talent and genius of a group you think " inferior" may cause you to question your prejudices.
Even if it only occurs to a few, that's a few less completely closed minds
And, perhaps, they will even look at their own "group" and notice their group isn't perfect.
@4:05pm
In 1977 Joe Biden said that forced busing to desegregate schools would cause his children to " grow up in a racial jungle."
Where is your outrage?
There’s only so many chances to witness the downfall of a once great nation. The band should go and watch closely. One day they can tell their kids about the beginning of the end with first hand accounts. This is biblical level, the likes of which this nation has never seen. I encourage anyone who loves our country to go observe this solemn day.
@10:40 - thanks for posting the details. It looks like the MAGA claims that Trump funded HBCUs more than all the other presidents combined were all BS, as is tradition. HBCUs are supported by the parties for different reason, one to pander for votes, the other to segregate them from white universities. It’s clear to me which side would offend me more as a student, but neither side has pure motives, they both use HBCUs as pawns.
@7:40 - how did you enjoy Obama’s inauguration? It must have been a life changing experience for you. Care to share any fond memories you have from your civic duty? Don’t tell me you boycotted it, then decided to stay in the country like a hypocrite?
Imagine supporting and attending a racist like Joe’s or Kamala’s inauguration, but then again it’s (D)ifferent. I hope they go and put on a great show/performance.
There are two back-to-back posts 'up there' at 6:01. Read the first one again. You asked for it. Now read it.
The depth of black racism in this country is tough to acknowledge. At least nine more generations will have passed since those who follow us will see a difference in that.
Most old poisonous snakes just slither off and die. With black racism, there is the requirement to fill your young with your venom before you pass.
You F'ing Libs, Joe Biden was a racist, his policies he advocated on the floor of the US Senate proved it. His statements proved it. But I guess you look the other way to make yourself feel better. That is why you have ZERO credibility just like the media. Keep blindly walking through earth and hopefully you will not run your head up a cow's ass. TRUMP WON BITCHES, get used to it.
Now about that packing the court thing, you still think it is a great idea?
A chance of a lifetime! As a 36 year veteran I supported all US Presidents regardless of their rhetoric. A life changing event! To the students of MVSU this will be a Great Opportunity! Be safe in DC.
It's all about the money. If Trump would propose to give 100 million to an HBCU (or the band director) if they would play at his inaguration he would get the Sonic boom, the Human Jukebox, the Marching 100, the Sounds of Dynamite, and all the rest heading to D.C. like a bat outta hell. It's the money. The money is the principle nothing else. His policies? Money remember that.
Let them go and maybe Trump will turn around with millions of dollars for the University in return.
Well....what did Trump do?
dec 30 4:13pm here is one. https://apnews.com/article/c4834e48841d97c5a93312b1bf75302a
@8:04 - post the full quote and I’ll be happy to respond.
@12:20 - how come the article doesn’t say anything about Trump providing more funding for HBCUs than all other presidents combined. That was the claim and yet your link doesn’t say anything that resembles that. Did you read the article you posted?
Going to DC to perform is not about race, ex presidents, politics, y’all opinions and all the other comments made, this about a once in a life time performance. GO Valley! Just remember, we are a democracy! In other Countries you wouldn’t have a choice!
Presidents do not appropriate funds for public colleges. The Congress does that.
It's a matter of Class. People with class will congratulate you when you win the game, wish you good luck, and come back and kick your ass in the next game. People with no class will cry and complain about how unfair it is and make no improvement and get their asses kicked again. Go Valley show some class.
"In other Countries you wouldn’t have a choice!"
That's the truth. If Xi, Putin, Kim, or the Ayatollah tell someone to perform, they either do it or they will be killed.
Congrats Kingfish. Yet one more thread that gives black folk another chance to whine about racism and their plight (self imposed). You've closed out the year with a good-un.
Well published speech Joe Biden made from senate floor. Do your research.
To my fellow black citizens - if you didn't learn from this last election cycle the difference between Left leaning politics and Conservative values - you're going to be in for a rude awakening if/when the "Democrats" (i.e., Fascists/Communists) hold office one day when things are economically dire - you will be some of the very first that are lined up and shot due to being a "surplus eater" as they say.
Weird…After 50 years the “separate but equal” mantra has reversed itself
two stupid, and unrelated arguments being made in these comments.
First: what preisdent 'gave' more money to HBCU's than the others? Answer: None. Appropriation bills are passed by Congress, and only 'signed' by the President.
Trying to compare FEDERAL spending on HBCU's and crediting the President in office at the time for the spending shows nothing but your absolute ignorance. Congress puts money into programs - which would include HBCU support - as part of massive appropriation bills. Saying Obama did this, Trump did that, and Biden did twice as much says nothing about the individuals.
Who controlled Congress during those times - Republicans, or Democrats? What bills were these HBCU dollars included in, and how were they 'negotiated'? And, what other moneys were hid in other bills that benefited one or more HBCU?
Trying to compare the numbers cited above - by both sides - and giving credit to the person occupying the White House at the time and therefore "his" support of HBCU's, is just --- well, lets say it --- stupid.
If you want to get down to what a President may or may not have done to support some issue, such as HBCU's, look at the actions under control of the EXECUTIVE branch of government, not the appropriated amount that came out of Congress for the President to sign. (i.e. the money credited to Biden is a part of the massive spending programs of his BBB, IRA, etc programs following COVID, and have nothing to do with support of HBCU's and more than they have to do with support of highways or hospitals.)
The other ignorant argument here is the band participating at all. It is an honor to march in an inaugural parade, just as it is to march in the Rose Bowl parade (cudos to JSU and the Sonic Boom for their performance today.) Vally applied to participate and were accepted, over several other Mississippi bands, both high school and college. We should be proud of them for making the cut, and supporting them with $$$s to held their kids make the trip. For those racists that think they should stay home, maybe you ought to go look at the Miss State Basketball teams travels in the early 60's when their coach had to sneak them out of the state so they could play in what was then the equivalent of the final four - over objections of folks who were just as racists as you about their participating in such an activity.
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