Dreary Weather Doesn't Deter Excitement of HBCU Week and Battle of the Bands

WILMINGTON — The 2024 HBCU Week "Battle of the Bands," held at Wilmington's Daniel S. Frawley Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 29, delivered a vibrant celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), despite rainy and cloudy conditions. 

Four standout bands—Lincoln University's Orange Crush Marching Lions, Morgan State University's Magnificent Marching Machine, Delaware State University's Approaching Storm, and the Virginia State University Trojan Explosion—put on a thrilling display of music and movement, showcasing the energy and pride that define HBCU band culture.

(To see more photos visit our Atlantic City Focus 2024 HBCU Battle of the Bands Facebook Post)

Dr. Taylor L. Whitehead, director of Marching Bands and Pep Bands at Virginia State University, said he always enjoys the Battle of the Bands in Delaware.

“We come up here to have fun,” said Whitehead. “This is an area that doesn’t see bands like this, so we bring some of that down south energy.”

The event, which kicked off at 12:30 p.m., lasted until late afternoon, drawing a large, enthusiastic crowd of students, alumni, and HBCU supporters from across the region. The sporadic mist, drizzle and occasional rain showers did little to dampen the spirits of the performers or the spectators, who remained in the stands until the final drumline battle. Band enthusiasts in the packed stadium nodded their heads and danced to the music as each band took its turn on the field.

A Showcase of Musical Excellence

Each band brought a unique interpretation of the HBCU band experience, a defining element of the Black college tradition. The Orange Crush Marching Lions from Lincoln University came in, reflecting the rich legacy of one of the nation's oldest HBCUs. Following them, Morgan State University's Magnificent Marching Machine, known for its expansive sound and synchronized formations, impressed with a balance of classical arrangements and contemporary hits.

Then, Delaware State's Approaching Storm lived up to its name, delivering a stormy yet controlled performance that combined intricate dance routines with a powerful musical repertoire.

The final performance by Virginia State's Trojan Explosion capped off the afternoon, leaving the crowd energized with its lively rhythms and explosive drumline. Then Whitehead picked up the mic and challenged any band in the stadium to a one-on-one battle. To accentuate the challenge, VSU played the popular hit, “They not like us.”

Morgan State picked up the proverbial gauntlet, from the stands, by playing their own rendition of “They not like Us.”

Then, Delaware State University’s band made their way back to the field for the battle. Lincoln University’s band apparently decided to stay out of it. Morgan played from the stands. One of their supporters yelled “We’re not going back in that wet dirt. We’re too pristine. But we’ll serve y’all from right here.”

“This is what I like right here,” said Renard James, a former drum major for Morgan State University. “That’s what we’re about.”

The afternoon culminated in a fierce drumline battle between Del State and VSU that kept the crowd rocking. The steady beat of the drums, coupled with the enthusiasm of the fans, created an electric atmosphere that endured despite the dreary weather.

"The Rain Won’t Stop Us"

While some outdoor events are derailed by inclement weather, the Battle of the Bands participants took the dampness in stride. Throughout the event, the bands powered through their routines without missing a beat, an embodiment of the resilience and determination that characterizes HBCU culture. Fans in the stands, equipped with umbrellas and ponchos, cheered their favorite bands and celebrated the event's significance.

HBCU Week: More than Just Music

The Battle of the Bands is just one highlight of HBCU Week, an annual initiative founded to encourage high-school students to consider enrolling in HBCUs and to celebrate the historical and cultural impact of these institutions. Organized by the HBCU Week Foundation, the event has grown since its inception in 2017, now featuring college fairs, scholarship opportunities, and panel discussions in addition to performances.

HBCU Week’s mission is to create pathways for students to receive higher education at HBCUs and to connect them to employment opportunities post-graduation. One of the week’s key events is the HBCU College Fair, where students can receive on-the-spot college acceptances and scholarships. In recent years, the fair has offered millions in scholarships to deserving students.​

Ashley Christopher, CEO and founder of the HBCU Week Foundation, has said in published reports that events like the Battle of the Bands exemplify the dual purpose of the initiative: to showcase HBCU culture while providing students with opportunities to pursue higher education.

“The mission of HBCU Week is to encourage high-school aged youth to enroll into HBCUs, provide scholarship dollars for matriculation and sustain a pipeline for employment from undergraduate school to corporate America,” Christopher said in a prepared statement.

A Tradition of Excellence

This year's Battle of the Bands marks another successful chapter in a long-standing tradition of HBCU musical excellence. For many attendees, the event is more than just entertainment; it is a celebration of history, culture, and educational achievement. The bands not only represent their schools but also the broader legacy of HBCUs, which have played a vital role in educating generations of African Americans.

As the event ended, there were differing opinions in the stands on who had the best band. 

“I’m strictly Morgan State,” said John Hawkins of Kent County Maryland. “I think they put on the best show. They represented as usual, but everybody was great.”

Nadeen Gayle, of New York, and Chandra Carry, of Washington D.C., said it was hard to decide. Gayle thought Morgan State was the best. Carry thought Virginia State University was better. But they were a little hard to distinguish, she said.

“Everyone had on orange,” said Carry. “Everyone had on similar uniforms.”

The 2024 HBCU Week Battle of the Bands was not just a display of musical talent, but a powerful reminder of the importance of HBCUs in shaping the future of young Black students across the country.

Jamal Dickerson, band director of the Mighty Marching Panthers from Camden High School, took a group of his band members to see the performance and the larger possibilities.

“We’ve got students from the inner city,” said Dickerson. “This can be an inspiration and change their lives. It can change who they will be and who their children will be forever.”

For more information about HBCU Week and future events, visit HBCU Week's official website​.

Thanks for reading the whole story!

At Atlantic City Focus, we're committed to providing a platform where the diverse voices of our community can be heard, respected, and celebrated. As an independent online news platform, we rely on a unique mix of affordable advertising and the support of readers like you to continue delivering quality, community journalism that matters. Please support the businesses and organizations that support us by clicking on their ads. And by making a tax deductible donation today, you become a catalyst for change helping to amplify the authentic voices that might otherwise go unheard. And every contribution is greatly appreciated. Join us in making a difference—one uplifting story at a time!