The new year looks like one where we all will be stressed by the returning crap storm coming to Washington, especially anyone with a vested interest in the success and well-being of HBCUs.
Donald Trump is the single most dangerous threat to our institutions in this lifetime and possibly the next.
So imagine my shock and utter disbelief when I learned that Mississippi Valley State’s Mean Green Marching Machine is attempting to raise $350,000 to perform in January’s Inauguration Day Parade.
“This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi,” MVSU president Jerryl Briggs said in a statement released by the university. “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.”
When has anything about Trump ever been peaceful? If anyone can answer that, I’ll give you $100.
Before I continue, it’s important to note that Mississippi Valley State and all HBCUs within the state are handcuffed by intentional underfunding by the Mississippi government.
We can’t forget that Pro Football Hall of Famer (and unsolicited nude sender) Brett Favre is still under fire for misappropriating millions of dollars meant for welfare recipients so that Southern Mississippi, his alma mater, could have a new volleyball facility.
Mississippi Valley is suffering more than most, so it is important to have an opportunity to be seen and draw some interest. However, there comes a time when standing on principles is important.
HBCUs are in grave danger whether they kowtow to Trump and his Fascist Friends Forever crew or not. It is a critical form of resistance that anyone in a marginalized group refuses to normalize a regime that literally wants to take the right of education away from anyone who isn’t white.
Trump and his lackeys don’t see anyone Black, Latinx, Asian, Eastern Indian, Indigenous, whoever, as a potential leader – only a persistent problem to be exterminated. Performing in a parade that would be celebrating a return to Jim Crow is the most ass-backward thing I can think of in a time where just about everything is ass-backward.
People have said, “We’re not going back,” but now we may have to go back to a time when it was all for one and one for all. Black people – our community, our culture, our existence – must band together and stand up to these nefarious Nazis by not standing for any foolishness.
Mississippi Valley State, you can do better than this. We can all do better than this. Let’s not make it easy on Trump by accepting invites from a man and a group of people who don’t want to see Black people thrive or survive at all.
You should be ashamed of yourself saying all of this and trying h to hold these kids back from such a great opportunity. You very much have what’s called a “crab bucket” mentality. What happens when you try to pull a crab out of a bucket full of crabs? They cling on to that crab for deal life and try to pull him back down. Uplift these kids, let them stand on the shoulders of giants and let them achieve what they want to achieve without interferring. Your true character is showing sir.
Publicity will not get the funds that Trump will withhold. The school should have declined the invitation and refused to be used by Trump.
Trump was president from 2016 to 2020. The only time HBCUs faced possible lack of funding was when Congress did not renew annual funding by September 30 in 2019. They let it lapse. Trump wanted to make it easier for these universities to receive funding. He signed a bill that made funding permanent without having to beg for these each time period. Here is an excerpt from AP news regarding signing of the bill:
“President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a bipartisan bill that will permanently provide more than $250 million a year to the nation’s historically black colleges and universities, along with dozens of other institutions that serve large shares of minority students.”
So you mean Biden and Harris have allocated funds for HBCUS, and Trump is blocking the funding?
President Trump permanently funded HBCU’s at the federal level. No way he is getting rid of that.
Obama was okay with making the school presidents come and beg him for money each year when in ffice..
Trump did more for HBCU’s than any other president. More black men voted for him than ever before. Get your facts straight. He includes every race, religion and person into his world.
Trump was the first president to secure long term funding for HBCU’s in his first term. His record does not support such distain from HBCU orgs. This is a great opportunity for the band members. What an experience.