Following several days of controversy, Talladega College President Billy Hawkins announced on Thursday morning that the college’s marching band will perform in President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inaugural parade.
A statement from Talladega said that the chance to participate in an inaugural parade would be a teachable moment for the more than 200 member Talladega Marching Tornadoes band. The band was formed in 2012. Talladega is a historically Black college located in Alabama that was founded by former slaves in 1867.
“We respect and appreciate how our students and alumni feel about our participation in this parade,” Hawkins said. “As many of those who chose to participate in the parade have said, we feel the inauguration of a new president is not a political event but a civil ceremony celebrating the transfer of power.”
Alumni and members of the broader HBCU community took to social media to voice their opposition to Talladega’s participation in the inaugural parade since Friday, when the committee tasked with organizing inauguration activities released a list of the organizations expected to perform.
The statement from Talladega also included a statement of support from William Harvey, Hampton University president and Talladega alumnus.
“In my view, it is an honor to be invited to the inauguration of any President of the United States,” Harvey said. “The college and its band are celebrating the peaceful transition of power – a hallmark of America’s democracy and swearing in of a new President.”
A presidential inauguration is a high-profile event and a shot at national exposure for participating organizations. HBCU marching bands have performed in the inaugural parades of multiple past presidents.
