Watch: Alumni of This HBCU Are Appalled Their Famous Marching Band Will Perform at Trump's Inauguration
The Marching band Talladega College, one of the oldest Historically black colleges, will perform at Donald Trump's Inauguration
Other HBCUs such as Howard University said they will not be participating in the event, although they marched for President Obama’s Inauguration
Alumni of the Alabama college spoke to CBS News about how they took the news.
“We were a bit horrified to hear of the invitation,” said Shirley Ferrill, a member of Talladega’s Class of 1974.
“I don’t want my alma mater to give the appearance of supporting him,” Ferrill added. “Ignore, decline or whatever, but please don’t send our band out in our name to do that.”
Others have come forward to condemn the school for performing for a man who directly opposes everything HBCUs stand for.
“After how Black people were treated at Trump’s rallies, you’re going to go and shuck and jive down Pennsylvania Avenue? For what?” Seinya SamForay said in an interview. “What they did is a slap in the face to other Black universities.”
Upon hearing the announcement, many took to Twitter to shame the college for performing at the inauguration of a president who used racism to win an election
The Talladega College marching band has performed at annual HBCU Battle of the bands
Petitions have already begun for Talladega to withdraw their participation. The school has not commented on the performance.
