Mississippi Valley State University's marching band, the Mean Green Marching Machine, received an invitation to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration, sparking heated debate among alumni and HBCU communities.
Jerryl Briggs, the university's president, stated that the invitation provides an opportunity to "showcase our legacy" and "celebrate our culture," but many alumni expressed their opposition.
The situation has evoked memories from 2017, when HBCU leaders met Trump in the Oval Office, which raised questions about the authenticity of such engagements for Black institutions.
The controversy highlights the tension HBCUs face: pursuing relationships with Republican leaders for potential benefits while many in their communities remain skeptical of Trump's presidency.
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