Mississippi Valley State Band Sparks Debate Over Trump Inauguration Performance

ITTA BENA, Miss. — Mississippi Valley State University‘s marching band, the Mean Green Fighting Machine, has ignited controversy after accepting an invitation to perform at President-elect Donald Trump‘s inauguration parade on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The historically Black university announced the invitation on December 26, 2024, and has since raised over $300,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to cover the $350,000 cost of the trip.

The band’s participation has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising the opportunity as a historic moment and others criticizing it as a contradiction to the university’s legacy. Jerry D. Redmond, Jr., president of the MVSU National Alumni Association, said the university supports the students despite initial unawareness of the application. “It was a situation where we want to support the students and the opportunity to participate in that national stage,” Redmond told the Mississippi Free Press on January 13.

Band director Dr. Miguel Bonds, who took over the program in 2023, disclosed that he applies for every presidential inauguration parade, regardless of the candidates. “He did disclose that he applies every year that a president’s inauguration is going to take place, because it’s one of the highest honors for a band director,” Redmond said.

The parade, typically held along Pennsylvania Avenue, will be moved indoors to Washington’s Capital One Arena due to forecasted freezing temperatures. The swearing-in ceremony will also be relocated to the U.S. Capitol rotunda.

MVSU President Dr. Jerryl Briggs called the invitation a moment of pride for the university and the state of Mississippi. “This participation allows students to engage in the peaceful transition of power and gain global exposure while celebrating the university’s 75th anniversary,” Briggs said in a statement.

However, critics argue that the decision conflicts with the mission of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Talbert Swan, president of the Greater Springfield NAACP in Massachusetts, wrote in an open letter that Trump’s policies, including efforts to limit the teaching of Black history and defund diversity initiatives, undermine the values of HBCUs. “By extension, he dismisses and demeans the very educational ethos upon which HBCUs are built,” Swan said.

Others questioned the band’s reliance on crowdfunding for the trip, noting that the GoFundMe campaign also seeks funds for instruments, uniforms, and scholarships. The MVSU Alumni Association has not actively promoted the band’s fundraiser, despite supporting other university initiatives.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves encouraged residents to support the band’s efforts, posting on X, “Looking forward to seeing @MVSUDEVILS’ Mean Green Marching Machine represent our state in @realDonaldTrump’s inaugural parade!”

HBCU bands have a long history of performing at inaugural events, with MVSU’s band appearing in President Richard Nixon‘s 1969 parade. However, the decision to participate in Trump’s inauguration has sparked a broader debate about the role of HBCUs in a politically polarized climate.