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