Is there anything more all-American than a college marching band raising money to fund its travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in something as historic as a presidential inauguration?
While most Americans would smile and open their wallets for the band, the race-baiters amongst us have decided to throw a tantrum for one quite outdated reason: The marching band in question is from the HBCU-designated Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU).
It was especially irksome to the race-baiters that Inauguration Day will coincide with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, with one, the odious Bishop Talbert Swan, tweeting out: "An HBCU marching band performing for Trump's inaugural on MLK Holiday is diabolical."
The band, known as the Mean Green Marching Machine, was clearly excited to get the invitation:
The celebrated "Mean Green Marching Machine" marching band from Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) has received an invitation to participate in the 60th Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025. This historic invitation highlights the band's legacy of excellence and cultural significance, showcasing the university and Mississippi's rich heritage globally.
The 250-member strong band started a GoFundMe to raise the funds needed to get to DC, and MVSU's president spoke of the importance of the school participating in the inauguration.
"This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi," said Dr. Jerryl Briggs, MVSU President. "It is an opportunity to showcase our legacy, celebrate our culture, and invest in the future leaders of our community." This participation allows students to engage in the peaceful transition of power and gain global exposure while celebrating the university's 75th anniversary," Briggs added.
Right on cue, the race-obsessed Bishop Swan chimed in to belittle the band for taking part in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Mississippi Valley State University @MVSUDEVILS has a proud history of standing up for Black history, equity, and justice. However, accepting an invitation to perform at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a disgraceful betrayal of that… pic.twitter.com/kOzctXXY7Y
— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) December 28, 2024
Swan promptly blocked users from replying to his screed, but a quick Google search will tell you he's not alone in his disdain for the Mean Green Marching Machine's harmless desire to display their skills on the national stage and in front of the incoming president.
One TikToker who posts as "thatsme_tiffany" had the perfect response to Swan and anyone else who was trying to shame the band.
This is insane. Why would you try to stop people from donating to an HBCU just because the kids got invited and want to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration? The left are absolutely vile. pic.twitter.com/0vuhoCJYJc
— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) December 31, 2024
Here's some of what Tiffany had to say to the race-baiters:
This is an opportunity for black kids to show their talents and to perform for a president who loves them as much as he loves everyone else. And here are some of my black folks that are protesting because they [MSVU] are asking people to donate so they can get where they need to be.
You're mad when you're not invited to the table. But, now, they're pulling up a seat for you to sit at the table, and you're still mad.
Boom. And she wasn't done there, reminding those attacking the band that Trump had been a supporter of the black community for many years. As a reminder, Trump signed a bill during his first term that permanently provided over $250 million per year to HBCUs like MSVU.
More from Tiffany:
The hate that you all have for Trump is going to hinder these students from performing at something that will give them great exposure to the world. And you all still don't care.
You all can donate to Kamala—millions of dollars—and she gave it to celebrities that already had millions of dollars, but you all won't donate to these kids so they can go perform and show their talent?
Shame on you.
Shame on them, indeed. It's almost as if Bishop Swan needs to continue grievance-peddling in order to seem relevant. As Tiffany points out so well, it's a self-defeating sham that only hurts people like the marching band members who have been handed a wonderful opportunity.
Here's the GoFundMe link again if you'd like to silence the haters and send these deserving and eager students to DC next month.
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