This past weekend was an amazing experience as we went to Montgomery, Alabama to experience how Honda makes their cars, get to drive the new 2023 Honda Pilot and network with the Honda executives as they executed on such a great asset to the community and their Honda fans.

On their opening 2023 break, Honda partnered with the HBCU’s as they celebrate their culture with their first stop in Alabama State University. Six Historically Black Colleges and universities marching bands delivers a dynamic performance as Rickey Smiley and Loni Love are the host such an incredible event on ASU campus. Also each participating schools received a $50,000 grant from Honda for music education and career development programs.

Thousands of fans, alumnis and students supported such an amazing event as they were on ASU campus on Saturday, February 18 to take part of the 18th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Showcase that promotes Historically Black Colleges marching bands and dance team.

This year’s Honda team is Driving the Legacy, that celebrated the distinct culture and heritage of HBCU’s and how important they are to play in a higher role of education and opportunities for advancement for the black community.

  • Alabama State University, Mighty Marching Hornets – 7th appearance 
  • Langston University, Marching Pride – 4th appearance 
  • Morgan State University, Magnificent Marching Machine – 1st appearance
  • Savannah State University, Powerhouse of the South – 7th appearance 
  • Texas Southern University, Ocean of Soul – 3rd appearance 
  • Virginia State University, Trojan Explosion – 10th appearance

Six of these marching bands and their dancers displayed their talent both on the stage virtually and live. As the weekend was a fun yet exciting weekend for them, Honda hosted a Career Fair, in where, high school students connected with representatives with ASU, Savannah and Virginia State University to enable their higher learning. The students also had a chance to meet the marching bands and admission recruiters to discuss financial aid, student life and scholarship opportunities.