#United States #Houston #HBCU Marching Bands #Pepsi National Battle of the Bands #Black History Month

Celebrating HBCUs: A Tribute to Cultural Legacy

This February, the Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) will air a groundbreaking film titled "Celebrating Champions of Culture," which shines a spotlight on the rich legacy and tremendous cultural impact of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands. The film is part of the 10th-anniversary festivities of the National Battle of the Bands and features electrifying performances and inspiring narratives from the event held in Houston, Texas, in 2024. This year’s presentation is particularly significant as it honors Black History Month, recognizing the unique contributions of HBCU marching bands to American culture.

Derek Webber, the Executive Producer of the NBOTB, expressed excitement about this year’s film, stating, "We are thrilled to spotlight the incredible talent and culture of HBCU marching bands. These bands represent so much more than entertainment—they embody the spirit of their universities and communities, inspiring the next generation of leaders while carrying forward a legacy of excellence and unity."

Covering the essence of what makes HBCU marching bands unique, this film is the fifth installment in the ongoing NBOTB film series. It illustrates how these bands serve as cultural trailblazers and symbols of excellence, profoundly ingrained within American cultural history. Over the years, they have performed at some of the nation’s most prestigious events, including presidential inaugurations, televised parades, and even the Super Bowl.

The featured bands in this inspiring film include:

• - Bethune-Cookman University, Marching Wildcats
• - Jackson State University, The Sonic Boom of the South
• - Miles College, Purple Marching Machine
• - Prairie View A&M University, Marching Storm
• - Southern University, Human Jukebox
• - Tennessee State University, Aristocrat of Bands
• - Texas Southern University, Ocean of Soul
• - Tuskegee University, Marching Crimson Pipers

Kirstie Turner, Senior Director of Marketing for PepsiCo Multicultural, emphasized the dedication to honoring HBCU marching bands: "We are honored to continue supporting the National Battle of the Bands and celebrating the artistry and cultural significance of these musicians. This film embodies the vibrant energy, passion, and pride that make HBCUs such vital contributors to our society, and we're proud to help bring these stories to life."

For anyone passionate about music, history, and community—a sentiment particularly resonant during Black History Month—"Celebrating Champions of Culture" promises to be a must-watch documentary. It embodies the vibrancy of HBCU traditions while spotlighting the rich musical and cultural legacies they maintain.

For those eager to catch the film, a complete schedule of airing dates and times is available at NationalBattleoftheBands.com/films, where viewers can also preview the trailer and view a list of stations broadcasting the documentary nationwide. To stay updated and engage with the NBOTB community, follow them on their social media platforms @NationalBattleOfTheBands across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

About the National Battle of the Bands

The National Battle of the Bands' (NBOTB) mission is to enhance the visibility and appreciation of HBCUs, their marching bands, and the vital role they play in developing future leaders and inspiring musicians. The event, hosted annually at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX, has successfully secured over $1.7 million in scholarships for participating institutions. For further details, visit www.nationalbattleofthebands.com.