It's quite a title to be dubbed the Division I HBCU (historically Black college or university) Band of the Year. And North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's Blue and Gold Marching Machine (BGMM) is doing just that. BGMM is competing against Jackson State University to take home that title this weekend.
The BGMM and Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South will go head to head Friday in the Mercedes-Benz Dome in Atlanta. A panel of judges has been ranking all HBCU bands over the course of the season. Bands are ranked on musicianship, accuracy, drum line, drum majors, and dance corps to name a few. The two bands from Division I and Division II conferences will be in the national championship and have a go at Band of the Year this Saturday during the Cricket Celebration Bowl.
A&T Band will be in the national spotlight
And that's not all for BGMM. They will perform again on Sunday in Charlotte during halftime during the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons game.
Both opportunities are just a setup for the BGMM's performance next year at the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade. That happens on January 1 in Pasadena, CA. It'll be another big moment for A&T's marching band as some 46 million viewers worldwide are expected to tune in. The theme next year is "Celebrating a World of Music."
And what a celebration it is. BGMM is among the top 20 bands chosen to participate in this landmark event. They will join other bands from around the world that include Costa Rica, Japan and Sweden. Some 200 students are a part of BGMM and will march five miles in downtown Pasadena to start the new year.
A&T director of bands is Kenneth Ruff and says these opportunities are a chance for students to showcase their excellence on a national stage and to broaden their horizons.
North Carolina Ranks #3 In the U.S. for Most HBCUs
Fall is around the corner, and that means time for back to school. High school graduates around the country are packing up for college. And many planning to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) won't have to go too far out of North Carolina to do so. North Carolina has plenty of HBCUs to choose from.
According to the National Center For Education Statistics, in 2021, 9% of Black students in the country went to an HBCU straight out of high school. As of 2020, 76% of Black students attended public HBCUs while 24% attended private nonprofit institutions. If you aren't familiar with an HBCU, it is a staple in the black community.
HBCUs have a significant positive impact on the communities around their campuses and beyond. They generate skilled workers, jobs, and economic hubs. Between homecoming, Greek culture, and sports rivalry, an HBCU is one of the most positive outlets for education in the Black community. North Carolina ranks #3 for the most HBCUs in the country! The Tar Heel State is home to some of the most well-known schools, football teams, marching bands, and STEM programs.
Here is the list of the top 5 states with the most HBCUs:
1. Alabama
Alabama has 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities that range in private and public across the state. Those schools include Alabama State University, Talladega College, Miles college, Bishop State Community College, Trenholm State Community College, Alabama A&M University, Stillman College., Gadsen State Community College, Selma University, J.F. Drake State Community College, Tuskegee University, Oakwood University, Shelton State Community College and Concordia College Alabama.
Black education in Alabama saw a surge when the federal government backed public black universities under the second Morrill Act in 1890. The 1890 act mandated that states that practiced segregation in their public colleges and universities would lose federal funding unless they established agricultural and mechanical institutions for the black population. Meanwhile, the Morrill Act of 1862 provided federal land to fund and locate schools.
2. Georgia
The peachy state of Georgia is home to 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools include Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Interdenominational theological center, Morehouse College, Morehouse school of medicine, Morris Brown college, Pain College, Savannah State University and Spelman College.
The largest HBCU in Georgia is Albany State University. The oldest is Savannah State University which hosts the National Association of Student Professionals – Student Leadership Institution.
3. North Carolina
North Carolina is home to 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools include Shaw University (1865), Fayetteville State University (1867), Johnson C. Smith University (1867), St. Augustine's University (1867), Bennet College (1873), Livingstone College (1879), Elizabeth City State University (1891), North Carolina Agricultural and state University (1891), Winston- Salem State University (1892) and North Carolina Central University (1910).
North Carolina is monumental when it comes to homecoming AND football. The first ever HBCU football game was played against Johnson C. Smith University and Livingstone College. There are 130 years of proud heritage that makes this game the most anticipated game of the year.
4. Mississippi
Mississippi is home to 7 Historically Black colleges and Universities. Those of which include Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Hinds County Community College, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College and Tugaloo Collage.
Mississippi’s 7 historically black colleges and universities produce over $1 billion dollars in economic impact for the state! This state is bringing in out-of-state students like no other. This state also produces some of the best bands EVER!
5. Louisiana
The boot state has six HBCU's that call it home. The culture is undeniable, and the bands are incredible. If you a wondering where to visit to experience an HBCU homecoming, visit Louisiana.
This is also where the HBCU Kings and Queens hold their annual conference. The HBCUs located in Louisiana include: Dillard university, Grambling State University, Southern University and A&M College, Southern University New Orleans, Southern University and Xavier University.
