Written by | Ray Cornelius
It was all about school pride Saturday afternoon during the “Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase.” The annual event, featuring the best in HBCU marching bands, took place at Atlanta’s swanky new Mercedes-Benz Stadium and was packed with students and alumni showing off their school colors.
Alabama State University Hornets
This year’s featured colleges and universities included Hampton University, Alabama A&M University, Miles College, Prairie View A&M University, North Carolina A&T University, Tennessee State University, Alabama State University and Bethune-Cookman University.
V-103’s Ryan Cameron
The event was hosted by Atlanta radio personality and fan favorite —Ryan Cameron—and featured a battle between ole school and new school DJs as well as a performance from iconic 90s R&B quartet 112. Other highlights included a special awards presentation to each HBCU president and band director as well as the “Honda Power of Dreams Awards,” which is given to an individual for his or her outstanding contributions to their community. This year’s recipient is Brian Smith.
Prairie View A&M University President and BET Honors recipient
Dr. Ruth Simmons and Band Leader Dr. Timmey T. Zachery receiving their award
Stand out performances included Miles College soul-stirring rendition of Kurt Carr‘s smash hit “For Every Mountain,” Prairie View’s homage to Beyoncé‘s Black Panther-themed Formation, ASU’s world renowned “HoneyBees” and the thrilling acrobatics of North Carolina A&T University.
Check out some of my favorite shots from each band below:
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY PIRATES
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY BUTCH
MILES COLLEGE GOLDEN BEARS
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY PANTHERS
112
HONDA POWER OF DREAMS PRESENTATION TO
BRIAN SMITH
NORTH CAROLINA A&T UNIVERSITY AGGIES
ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY HORNETS
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY TIGERS
BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY WILDCATS
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com