Morgan State’s Marching Band Performed for Juneteenth Concert at White House, Next Year, D-Day 80 Normandy Parade in France
Morgan State’s Marching Band Performed at Juneteenth Concert at White House
Morgan State University’s marching band perfromed at the White House in Washington D.C. for a Juneteenth concert earlier this week. The band has also announced that it will also have the distinction of being the first HBCU marching band to showcase their talents at the D-Day 80 Normandy Parade taking place next year on June 6, 2024, in Normandy, France.
According to WMAR Baltimore, Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine was among several other HBCU bands also performing as well as some notable performers at President Joe Biden’s Juneteenth Concert. The event was supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Pernod Ricard USA, STARZ #TaketheLead Initiative and The Recording Academy.
Included on the list of people and bands participating were: Audra McDonald; Broadway Inspirational Voices; Colman Domingo; the Fisk Jubilee Singers; Hampton University Concert Choir; Jennifer Hudson; Ledisi; Maverick City Music; Method Man; Nicco Annan; Patina Miller; Step Afrika!; Tennessee State University Marching Band – Aristocrat of Bands; and “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.
The celebration comes two years after President Biden signed Juneteenth as a federal holiday into law.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase the band and to showcase Morgan State’s talent,” Travis Jones, a drum major for the band expressed to The Baltimore Banner. “Before all this attention, HBCUs weren’t getting the light they deserve until bad things happened,” Jones said. “But now, we can reflect and look at all the good things that have happened.”
The university also announced that the Magnificent Marching Machine will also take part in the official 80th Anniversary Commemoration of D-Day: The Battle of Normandy and the Liberation of France in Normandy, France on June 6, 2024.
“When we think of the historic events that have shaped the 20th century and the decades thereafter, the courageous moments that took place on the beaches of Normandy, France nearly 80 years ago, are among them. The opportunity to have our students not only represent our University but also our nation on such a grand world stage in recognition of such a monumental occasion is truly an honor,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University in a written statement. “Our thanks to the event organizers for their recognition of the talented student performers we have at Morgan, and for providing them with this lifetime experience allowing them to touch history.”
The Magnificent Marching Machine plans on performing “America the Beautiful” while marching between the two historic towns, Vierville-sur-Mer and Saint Laurent-sur-Mer, overlooking Omaha Beach. Band members will pay their respects by placing a wreath at the Normandy American Cemetery, where more than 9,300 soldiers are laid to rest. While at the cemetery, the band will perform a rendition of “Tribute to (Fallen) Americans.”
Morgan State’s Marching Band will Perform at Juneteenth Concert at White House
