‘Ask Elon and the Other Billionaires to Pay’: Mississippi Valley State Band Faces Swift Backlash After Asking for $350K in Donations to Perform at Donald Trump’s Inauguration Parade

The Mississippi Valley State University marching band is under fire from HBCU supporters on social media for requesting donations to fund a trip to the nation’s capitol next month after being invited to perform in Donald Trump’s Presidential Inauguration Parade. Reports say Trump personally invited the “Mean Green Marching Machine” to perform in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, when he will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. However, the president-elect didn’t send any money to help with the travel costs, food, gas or hotel stay. Still, the school shared the exciting news on social media, with Dr. Jerryl Briggs, president of Mississippi Valley State, saying, “This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi. It is an opportunity to showcase our legacy, celebrate our culture, and invest in the future leaders of our community.” Mississippi Valley State University Band members (Photo: MVSU.edu) The engagement might have gone unnoticed if not for the band’s appeal for $350,000 in public donations, which ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with many calling the fundraiser “thirsty” and asking why Trump isn’t footing the bill himself if the band’s attendance at...