Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 1-6-17 Online Edition

Talladega College Band Being Dragged For Participating In Trump’s Inaugural Parade
Talladega College presi- dent, Dr. Billy Hawkins has decided to allow the school’s band to participate in Presi- dent-elect Donald Trump's inauguration parade.
The Marching Tornadoes of Talladega College were listed by the Presidential Inaugura- tion Committee as one of the participants in the Jan. 20 in- augural parade.
Dr. Hawkins announced his final decision in a state- ment on Wednesday, noting that the ‘lessons students can learn from this experience can- not be taught in a classroom.’’
The invitation set off a wave of criticism and questions as to whether the band, which represents Alabama's oldest private historically black col- lege, should take part in inau- gural events.
Rival petitions - one calling for support of the band's trip, the other asking it to turn down the invitation - were launched this week.
The school must now raise $60,000 for the trip.
Talladega College is the oldest HBCU in Alabama. The Band is one of the newest additions to the campus to attract more students and has won numerous awards.
Talladega College President
To Visit Tampa Sunday
Dr. Billy C. Hawkins,
President of Talladega College (Alabama) will visit Tampa on Sunday, January 8, 2017.
Dr. Hawkins will be at D1 Sports Training, 6918 Gunn Highway (Tampa 33625), 3- 4:30 p. m.
Please RSVP to Linda Ed- munds, (256) 761-8832.
DR. BILLY C. HAWKINS President
Local
Talladega College Alum Up In Arms After Learning School’s Band To Participate In Inauguration Parade
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
After learning recently that the Talladega College Band had accepted an invitation to participate in the 2017 Inaugu- ration Parade for President- Elect Donald Trump, many Tampa alumni of the school were sure that it was an email joke and dismissed the idea.
However, after further con- versations and more news re- ports verified that the band had been invited, the emails, petitions and conversations began to move.
The college’s president, Dr. Billy C. Hawkins was a guest on CNN Wednesday evening, however, some viewers said he never actually addressed the question of the band’s partici- pation. He’s in Orlando this week for the Board of Directors meeting, and will be in Tampa on Sunday, January 8th.
Alumni were asked their thoughts on the band’s partici- pation in the parade:
Graduate Bennie Kelly stated: “I can see both sides. Everything now is so politi- cized. I don’t think Trump was the choice for my (Black) community, but here we are in a tradition that happens every 4 years in America – Presiden- tial Inauguration.
“If we (Black community) were prevented from partici- pating in this event, there would be complaints.
BENNIE KELLY
“When I was there, there was no band. I don’t like the idea that the school will be cheating these students from the opportunity of their lives – to say that ‘my alma mater par- ticipated in the 2017 inaugura- tion.’
He made reference to the 1980 Olympics when Presi- dent Ronald Reagan pulled the United States from partici- pating. Those who worked hard and qualified are still talking about that missed op- portunity.”
However, Talladega gradu- ate, C. Blythe Andrews, III, Sentinel President, disagrees with Kelly. “I understand what he’s saying, but I’d stay away from that because of what he (President-Elect Trump) stands for.”
Former Hillsborough County School Board member, Ms. Doretha Wynn Edge- comb said in an email to the President of the college: “As a proud 1964 graduate of Tal-
DORETHA EDGECOMB
ladega, I patiently await your announcement today and without reservation, hesita- tion, or any apology, I pray that your answer is ‘Thank you, but no thank you, we will not par- ticipate’.
“Such a response pays homage and respect to the legacy of our college and all that it has stood for over the years.”
At press time she had not received a response from the president.
Sentinel Publisher, Kay Andrews says: “With the way Black colleges are surviving by a thread today, it’s unfortunate that Talladega would be put on such a national scale – not for being recognized for its excel- lence in education and the band’s excellence as well. At one time Talladega produced the most doctors in America.
“Personally, I would not have allowed the school to be put on blast this way, but when opportunity meets reality you have to make a decision.”
PAGE 10-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2017