The “Mean Green Marching Machine” of Mississippi Valley State University has been invited to participate in the 60th Presidential Inauguration Parade for President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, 2025. Trump will be inaugurated for his second term as the 47th President of the United States. 

In an announcement on social media, the university lauded the opportunity as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” for its students. “This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi,” said Dr. Jerryl Briggs, president of the institution. He emphasized that the performance would allow the band to showcase its cultural legacy and invest in future community leaders.

Making It Happen

The 250-member band is actively fundraising to cover the estimated $350,000 cost of travel, accommodations, meals, and equipment transport for the trip. The band has set up a GoFundMe page, highlighting their extensive performance history at prestigious events, including NBA games and parades such as the Rose Bowl and New Orleans Mardi Gras.

The “Mean Green Marching Machine” is continuing a proud legacy; the band made history as the first HBCU band to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1965. In addition, they performed at President Nixon’s inauguration in 1968. With their upcoming appearance, Mississippi Valley State joins Talladega College’s “Great Tornado Marching Band,” which performed at Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, raising an impressive $667,000 through fundraising efforts.

The Mississippi Valley State needs the community’s support as the band prepares for the event, celebrating its heritage and showcasing its students on a national stage. In the meantime, the band is making improvements to the band hall to facilitate practice.

Back in 2017, the Tupelo High School Band made the trip to D.C., representing Mississippi in President Trump’s first inauguration parade.