HBCU Marching Bands Take Over SoFi Stadium for Historic Honda Battle of the Bands 2025
HBCU marching bands made history at SoFi Stadium with an electrifying Honda Battle of the Bands 2025, celebrating Black excellence, culture, and musical legacy with show-stopping performances. We Discuss It Here!
Feb. 1, 2025 - Hampton University Marching FORCE performing SoFi Stadium at the 2025 Honda Of The Bands in Ingelwood, CA.
The Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) just made history, and SoFi Stadium will never be the same. Six powerhouse HBCU marching bands brought the house down in a first-of-its-kind West Coast takeover, turning up the energy and setting the perfect tone for Black History Month. The 19th annual showcase wasn’t just a performance—it was a cultural moment, a celebration of the rhythm, resilience, and legacy of HBCUs.
Nick Cannon held it down as host, keeping the crowd hyped, while GRAMMY-nominated rap star GloRilla had the stadium rocking with a performance that had folks out of their seats.
The Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) press conference at SoFi Stadium on February 1, 2025, brought together GRAMMY-nominated artist GloRilla, HBOB Project Lead at American Honda Jasmine Cockfield, and multi-talented entertainer and entrepreneur Nick Cannon for an exciting kickoff event.
The Bands That Shut It Down:
● Alabama A&M University | Marching Maroon & White Band
● Alabama State University | Mighty Marching Hornets
● Hampton University | The Marching Force
● North Carolina A&T State University | The Blue and Gold Marching Machine ● Southern University | Human Jukebox
● University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South
From the precision footwork to the booming drumlines, these bands brought that undeniable HBCU energy. The dancers, the musicians, the pure showmanship—it was a full-on spectacle that had the crowd roaring from start to finish.
Bigger Than the Bands: Investing in the Culture
Honda didn’t just bring the bands to L.A. they also invested in them. Each participating HBCU walked away with a $50,000 grant to support their music programs and career development. On top of that, Honda dropped a $500,000 grant to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, keeping the pipeline of HBCU musical talent strong.
Before the showcase even started, Honda linked up with the Black College Expo™ for a massive college and career fair. Over 200 schools, including top HBCUs, showed up, handing out millions in scholarships, on-the-spot acceptances, and career opportunities that will change lives.
Keeping the Momentum Going
Honda’s dedication to HBCUs doesn’t stop here. The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) is coming back in April, giving HBCU students another stage to shine—this time, academically.
From the first drumroll to the final cheer, HBOB 2025 was a moment HBCU culture won’t forget. Tap in at www.hondabattleofthebands.com or hit up HBOB’s social channels to relive the magic.
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Spelman College Receives Record Breaking 100 Million Dollar Donation
On Thursday, January 18th, One of the leading Black women’s institutions in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology, Spelman College, announced that it will be receiving the largest donation any HBCU has ever received. We discuss it here!
Photo Credit: UNCF.org
By: Joshua Martin
On Thursday, January 18th, One of the leading Black women’s institutions in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology, Spelman College, announced that it will be receiving the largest donation any HBCU has ever received. According to sources, the generous $100 million contribution was donated by Ronda E. Stryker and her husband William D. Johnson. Both are pillars in the Atlanta community as she has served as a Spelman trustee since 1997 and as a Greenleaf Trust chairman.
Stryker, the billionaire businesswoman who for several decades helmed her family’s namesake medical equipment company, is one of the longest-serving board members at Spelman. While her husband, Johnston, has given significant donations to the college before, with the latest being the largest.
Spelman immediately took to social media to share the historic news by releasing an official statement of gratitude towards the married couple for the funds and pictures of faculty, students, and alumni reacting to the monumental announcement.
“Yesterday, we were excited to share news of a historic donation to Spelman College by longtime Trustee Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston. The Spelman community was joined by members of our board of trustees and other special guests to celebrate the generous contribution during a spirited event in Sisters Chapel. #100for100Spelman”
Spelman Board Chair Lovette Russell addressed the hundreds in attendance, initially breaking the news to the ladies in the audience, calling the moment “transformational.”
“Let me share with you that this $100 million gift is the largest in Spelman’s history. It is also the largest single donation to any HBCU. Honestly, it’s a transformational gift to any institution, period. We are so grateful, proud, and inspired by this phenomenal gift. ”
Spelman College announces a record-breaking $100 million donation — the largest-ever single donation to any HBCU: “Today is a major step to ensure more young women can achieve their dreams.” pic.twitter.com/5Hqv7ixqR8
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) January 18, 2024
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the vast majority of the donation will be allocated to scholarship funds. At the same time, the remaining monies will be used to improve campus conditions, which will include improved and renovated dormitories and a stronger emphasis on public safety and democracy. Spelman President Dr. Helene Gayle elaborated on their plans to use these huge financial commitments to create better experiences for future Jaguars.
“The ability to secure the future for the kinds of young women that I see every day on campus was just awe-inspiring and incredibly, deeply emotional and deeply moving. I hope this is a message that says HBCUs that already punch well above their weight are worth investing in. We know that there’s a huge return in investment.”
The National Science Foundation has ranked Spelman among the top U.S. higher education institutions whose students go on to earn their Ph.D. and has ranked it specifically as the leading producer of Black women who subsequently earn their doctorates in STEM fields, according to the college.
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Blue Meridian Partners Donates $124 Million to HBCU Alliance
Blue Meridian Partners donated $124 million to the HBCU Transformation Project, enabling the project to advance its mission of fostering systemic improvements in historically Black colleges and universities across the country. We discuss it here!
The President of Norfolk State University, Javaune Adams-Gaston, mentions that the institution frequently lacks the resources required for significant large-scale projects. (JEMAL COUNTESS/GETTY IMAGES FOR MIGHTY DREAM FORUM)
By: Gentel Sharrie
Donations are pouring in to transform 40 historically Black colleges and universities with the goal of supporting employment rates, enrollment, and graduation rates. This funding comes on the heels of a $75 million donation from Blue Meridian in 2020. Blue Meridian initially contributed funds at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to cover operating costs while HBCU institutions were closed. South Carolina State University was among the first colleges to utilize these funds, investing in a customer relationship management platform to streamline enrollment and financial aid applications, a significant improvement over their previous manual processes.
It is important for sponsors to continue donating to HBCUs because during times of segregation and discrimination, these institutions provided African Americans with access to higher education when other establishments excluded them. HBCUs played a pivotal role in educating generations of Black individuals who subsequently became leaders, professionals, and advocates for these colleges. Historically Black Colleges have a longstanding tradition of delivering quality education and producing exceptional graduates. Despite frequently confronting limited resources and funding challenges, these institutions have consistently produced influential leaders, innovators, and scholars in various fields.
Students on the campus of Spelman College, a historically Black liberal arts college for women located in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP)
HBCUs have historically been pillars of support and empowerment within their communities. They have played a crucial role in uplifting marginalized communities by providing educational opportunities, scholarships, and resources for students who may face financial, social, or systemic barriers to education. HBCUs are important institutions that have played a vital role in providing access to education, preserving cultural heritage, nurturing academic excellence, supporting communities, promoting activism, and fostering diversity. They continue to be valuable contributors to society and the advancement of racial equality and with these donations the HBCUs will continue to rise to the top.
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That's the Black Fact: Introducing Hiram Rhodes Revels
Introducing Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American to serve on the United States Senate!
Hiram Rhodes Revels
“Welcome to ‘That’s the Black Fact’. In this space you’ll find profiles on the culture and the people who built it!”
By: Ervin Green
Introducing Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American to serve on the United States Senate!
Hiram Rhodes Revels (1827 - 1901)
Hiram Rhodes Revels was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on September 27, 1827. Despite being born in the South in a time of widespread slavery, Revels was a member of a free family. He and his brother both apprenticed as barbers. Revels' in 1845 moved from North Carolina to study in Ohio and Indiana.
Revels participated in the Civil War, organizing two Black regiments for the Union Army. He also fought for the Union at the Battle of Vicksburg. He quickly grew to be a respected member of the community, known for his keen intelligence and oratorical skills. Having no previous government experience, Revels garnered enough community support to win election to the position of alderman in 1868, during the first phase of Reconstruction.
In 1870, the state congress selected Revels to fill a vacant seat in the United States Senate. Debate surrounding his eligibility hinged on the
1857 Dred Scott decision, which precluded African American citizenship.
The decision was effectively reversed by the ratification of the 14th Amendment after the Civil War. Democrats argued that Revels did not meet the nine-year citizenship requirement to hold congressional office given his ineligibility for citizenship through the war years. Ultimately, Revels and his Republican allies prevailed by citing Revels's mixed-race background, and Revels became the first African American to serve in the United States Senate. His appointment was particularly symbolic in that the seat he occupied had previously belonged to Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy.
He only held the seat for one year. He accepted the Presidency of HBCU Alcorn A&M College back in Mississippi. In addition to his administrative and teaching roles, Revels remained involved in the Methodist church, preaching until the end of his life on January 16, 1901.
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The March Madness Of HBCU Bands: Honda Battle Of The Bands Delivers Once Again
Honda Battle of the Bands has always been considered the Mother of all Band Showcases. We recap all of the action from this year’s competition!
The Hampton University “Marching Force” via Steve Schaefer
By: Baigen Seawell
ATLANTA, GA — Sport is defined by physical exertion, skill and the spirit of competition. When one thinks of Marching Band, the word “sport” may not be the first word that comes to mind… but at HBCU’s, some bands are arguably more of the attention grabber than the sport itself.
HBCU Marching Bands compete in the same way that traditional sports do; with the x’s and o’s on the field, the band does the same with intricate formations and arrangements with just a week’s time to prepare in some cases.
Even before the football teams take the field, and far after the teams have left, bands participate in their March-Ins, Zero and Fifth Quarter: a battle in the stands displaying their musical prowess. The display seen at sporting events is only a fraction of what is truly displayed.
Outside of halftime field shows and stand performances, bands have the opportunity to show their independent talents at Showcases and Battle of the Bands. Whether it’s the Magic City Classic, National Battle of the Bands or the famed Bayou Classic, their time to shine is exemplified.
Tennessee State University, Aristocrat of Bands
But the Honda?
Honda Battle of the Bands has always been considered the MOABS: Mother of all Band Showcases.
Started 17 years ago in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, the purpose of the Honda was to highlight and recognize HBCU Marching Bands. A total of eight bands are invited and prepare vigorously for the exhibition in January, and receive a hearty check to support their program.
Something similar to Selection Sunday in its own right, the desire to be picked to perform in the Honda is something that many schools take seriously. Voting stems from one popular vote, another three from Band Directors and University Presidents, and the final four hand picked from Honda… and when the dust clears, the final eight have a little over a month to put together a field show for over 50,000 fans in the Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Prior to the big day, bands would travel around Metro-Atlanta to local high schools, and give them a taste of what HBCU Bands can offer. Some programs even give high school students opportunities to audition on the spot for a place in the band the following year. Something that could be compared to a scouting combine to athletic standards.
WHO WAS THERE?
The 2020 Honda Battle of the Bands took place January 25, and featured schools from the MEAC, SIAC, SWAC and independently competing institutions. They included:
- The Benedict College Marching Tigers “Band of Distinction” (who received the most votes in the pool)
- The Florida A&M University “Marching 100” (who had not appeared in the Honda since 2010)
- The Grambling State University “World Famed Tiger Marching Band” (under the direction of Nikole Roebuck, the only female director in the Honda)
- The Hampton University “Marching Force”
- The Jackson State University “Sonic Boom of the South”
- The North Carolina A&T State University “Blue and Gold Marching Machine”
- The Prairie View A&M University “Marching Storm”
- The Tennessee State University “Aristocrat of Bands”
THE MUSICAL CATALOG
The band would participate in their “Mass Band” arrangement, paying tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
Bands would play included modern songs like “HOT” by Young Thug, featuring a lights off display from the Tiger Band of Distinction. Drum Majors would don glowing maces, while the band would create a display of the words “HOT,” and “LIT!”
Tennessee State played the “Power” theme song, while asking the question everyone has on their mind: who shot Ghost?
Grambling played an old school bop, “Happy Feelins” by Frankie Beverly and Maze, while PVAMU rang out the tunes to “I’m Goin Down” by Mary J. Blige.
THE “POST-GAME” BREAK
The playlist and field performances that came along with it was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The “Halftime” performance would be by Tank, who discussed his stint at HBCU, Morgan State, while discussing the importance of music in his life.
The importance of music, and musical performance is what draws people to the Honda yearly. But the art, and sport of Marching Band is what has been preserved for decades, and continues to leave a cultural influence to mainstream media.
Beyoncé’s Homecoming which gave a nod to Marching Bands, Lizzo featuring Southern’s Human Jukebox in Good as Hell and Drumline stemming inspiration from NCAT, highlight HBCU Marching Bands, and have inspired thousands of young black children to take the route of musical performance to this day.
Even though the Honda has since passed this year, we look to push young black musicians to consider “taking their talents” to HBCU musical programs. Outside of HBOB, the American Honda Association has donated $9 Million in grants and scholarships to HBCU’s around the country.
Marching Band is something that could be considered a short 12 minute performance for some, but for these bands, and HBCU bands and fans across the country, there’s more that meets the eye… and Honda is one of the best ways of proving that.
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HBCU Lifestyle: 9 Tips To Surviving And Conquering HBCU Life
HBCU life is an experience you will never forget! Here are 9 tips to surviving and conquering at your HBCU!
Photo by Brianna Paciorka - HBCU Lifestyle: 9 Tips To Surviving And Conquering HBCU Life
HBCU life is an experience you will never forget! Here are 9 tips to surviving and conquering at your HBCU!
1. Get In Good With The Cafe Workers
The cafe is a major staple at all HBCU colleges! Cafe swipes are some of the most precious commodities you can while in school, but young people like to eat and occasionally…those swipes run out before the end of the week. So what do you do? This is where getting in good with the cafe workers comes in handy. That sweet old lady that works the door might just let you in without any swipes left because you’ve built a relationship and have been respectful all semester long. You might see yourself getting some extra servings on fried chicken Monday because you got cool with the worker who scoops the red rice and beans. Building relationships early on in college is crucial, and there’s no better place to start then with the people who serve you your food.
2. Go To Class!
So you're not in high school anymore and your mom and dad aren’t there yelling at you to wake up and get ready for school. Your schedule is spread out and some days you may only have 1 or 2 classes with the rest of the day to yourself. That leaves a lot of room to get lazy and the mindset of “i’ll just skip class today and go next time” or getting someone to sign your name on the roll can easily start to sink in. College is certainly not as hard as it’s made out to be but it’s definitely not easy either and it takes a little finessing of the system to get through. A lot of times, just showing up to class consistently, participating, and showing the professor you care will get you the grade you desire, and at the very least you will pass. If you are on the border of a pass fail grade, most professors will not pass you if they have no idea who you are and you waited until the last couple weeks of school to start showing some effort. Stay in your professor’s face and get those grades!
3. Have School Pride- Put Some Respeck On Your School Name
Having pride for your HBCU is a must! No one is going to respect your school except the people you go to school with. You have to not only defend your school’s name from your biggest rivals, you have to defend it from the PWI students who will decide to throw shade on your school’s name around every once in a while.
HBCU pride is a full time job and you signed up for it by agreeing to go to your school. Get you some HBCU apparel and show people why your school is the top HBCU! All black colleges are ultimately in competition with one another to prove who is the best HBCU. When it’s rivalry time, you have to fulfill your duties and get on twitter and instagram and talk the most sh*t you can and pull out your best memes. Never let muscle milk University (Grambling) speak on your timeline without getting checked. Period.
4. Go To Events - Turn Up!
There’s a time and a place for everything; a time to study, a time to relax, and time to turn up. Going to an HBCU, there will be tons of exciting events; pageants, sporting events, mixers, on campus activities, HOMECOMING, and parties! Make some room for the all of this; the last thing you want is to leave college and say “I wish I wold have went to..” or “I wish I would have did..” Have as much fun as possible, this is the time of your life and most likely you will never be in this kind of environment full time again once you graduate.
Photo by Kevin Coles - Howard Bison Cheerleaders
5. Discretion
The last thing you want is to be on campus and everybody knows your business. Outside of the obvious of practicing good morals, your reputation is everything! People will remember you down the line for things that you did in college whether good or bad. Don’t get caught up in the wrong things and wrong people. Do not build a reputation for sleeping with 20 different people your freshman year or getting caught doing something on camera. People will talk, and in a social media age, barely anything worthy of gossip slips by. Have fun, but practice safe sex and be very cautious about who you do things with because not everyone has your best intentions in mind. If ever you need a reminder of discretion, just read some of the posts on HBCU Confessions.
6. Don’t Do 8ams Unless You Absolutely Have To
8ams are the devil. It’s crazy because in high school, you probably started school somewhere around 7am everyday, for 4 years. 8am should be a breeze right? NEGATIVE. Unless you're a certified morning person, or a student athlete that has to have classes done by a certain time, do not load your week up with 8am classes. It’s an almost guarantee that you will be late or miss a few classes because you were up late the night before. Put yourself in the best position to succeed.
7. Cheat Or Repeat - The Art Of Finesse
Now we’re not telling you to cheat, but you gotta do what you have to do! Eventually you're going to meet your match as far as classes go (biology, law class, economics,etc) and cheat or repeat is the only option! Write some notes on some note cards, take pics on your phone, get with a group of people that are down for the cause and finesse together! Team work makes the dream work. BUT, if you just know you're not a good finesse, DO NOT make an attempt at cheating. Don’t put yourself at jeopardy if you know can’t handle the repercussions. But so we're clear we did not just teach you how to cheat and you didn’t hear this from us!
Photo Credit: @mosope_ - HBCU Deltas
8. Join An Organization - Get Active On Campus
There are tons of organizations to get involved in. You can join a community service group, a fraternity, a sorority, SGA, clubs; a social club can help you get out of your shell and comfort zone and develop social skills necessary for the future! Black greeks are prevalent at universities. Do not go 4 years of college without joining some type of organization on campus. Get involved and help your school become better than it was. This will also provide you with networking opportunities and you will build relationships with people you probably never would have talked to on campus. Be open minded to trying new things.
Photo by Brianna Paciorka - Human Jukebox of Southern University
9. Be Social And Network
HBCU life is crazy. There’s people from all over the country, parties, events, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want as a black student. Make as many friends as possible and meet and connect with people you normally wouldn’t talk with on a daily basis. You are all there for the same reason, to get your education and be successful. You never know who’s going to be who 4 to 5 years after graduation and that connection you made in college might just be the connection that leads you to you dream job. Your college friends are extremely valuable and some of these relationships you will carry with you for a long time. Make a serious attempt to make friends and build a positive relationship with them and at the same time, understand that people come around you in seasons. Someone who may be your best of friends your 1st semester, you might not even be talking with them by time junior year rolls around. Shake off the stragglers, see it pushing and stay open to meeting new people.
Meet Sharmaine Johnson, Media Correspondent for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Sharmaine@247LCTV.com