The new year looks like one where we all will be stressed by the returning crap storm coming to Washington, especially anyone with a vested interest in the success and well-being of HBCUs.
Donald Trump is the single most dangerous threat to our institutions in this lifetime and possibly the next.
So imagine my shock and utter disbelief when I learned that Mississippi Valley State’s Mean Green Marching Machine is attempting to raise $350,000 to perform in January’s Inauguration Day Parade.
“This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi,” MVSU president Jerryl Briggs said in a statement released by the university. “It is an opportunity to showcase our legacy, celebrate our culture, and invest in the future leaders of our community. This participation allows students to engage in the peaceful transition of power and gain global exposure while celebrating the university’s 75th anniversary.”
When has anything about Trump ever been peaceful? If anyone can answer that, I’ll give you $100.
Before I continue, it’s important to note that Mississippi Valley State and all HBCUs within the state are handcuffed by intentional underfunding by the Mississippi government.
We can’t forget that Pro Football Hall of Famer (and unsolicited nude sender) Brett Favre is still under fire for misappropriating millions of dollars meant for welfare recipients so that Southern Mississippi, his alma mater, could have a new volleyball facility.
Mississippi Valley is suffering more than most, so it is important to have an opportunity to be seen and draw some interest. However, there comes a time when standing on principles is important.
HBCUs are in grave danger whether they kowtow to Trump and his Fascist Friends Forever crew or not. It is a critical form of resistance that anyone in a marginalized group refuses to normalize a regime that literally wants to take the right of education away from anyone who isn’t white.
Trump and his lackeys don’t see anyone Black, Latinx, Asian, Eastern Indian, Indigenous, whoever, as a potential leader – only a persistent problem to be exterminated. Performing in a parade that would be celebrating a return to Jim Crow is the most ass-backward thing I can think of in a time where just about everything is ass-backward.
People have said, “We’re not going back,” but now we may have to go back to a time when it was all for one and one for all. Black people – our community, our culture, our existence – must band together and stand up to these nefarious Nazis by not standing for any foolishness.
Mississippi Valley State, you can do better than this. We can all do better than this. Let’s not make it easy on Trump by accepting invites from a man and a group of people who don’t want to see Black people thrive or survive at all.
