INGLEWOOD, Calif. — In its highly anticipated showdown against North Carolina A&T, the Alabama A&M Marching Maroon & White blew the roof off, well they would have if SoFi Stadium had a roof, at the Honda Battle of the Bands.
The nation’s premier showcase for Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands marked a milestone Saturday with its first-ever West Coast appearance at SoFi Stadium, drawing tens of thousands of fans, students, and alumni to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of HBCUs.
Attendees were thrilled by dynamic performances from six HBCU marching bands and dance teams during the HBOB Invitational Showcase – now celebrating its 19th year.
“For the first time ever, this year’s Honda Battle of the Bands brought the incredible talent, passion, and culture of HBCUs to the West Coast,” said Jasmine Cockfield, Honda Battle of the Bands project lead at American Honda Motor Co. “Honda is proud to celebrate these exceptional students and institutions, and we look forward to further driving the legacy of HBCUs through our ongoing support of the HBCU community.”
The event’s theme, “Driving the Legacy of HBCUs,” honored the heritage of HBCUs and their critical role in fostering higher education and opportunities for advancement within the Black community.
The 2025 edition continued that legacy with a thrilling lineup:
- Hampton University kicked off the night after securing more than 600,000 fan votes.
- A high-energy battle between Southern University’s “Human Jukebox” and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff “M4 Band” had the crowd on its feet.
- Then came the head-to-head clash in the stands between Alabama A&M and North Carolina A&T that left the crowd cheering.
Building on its over 35 years of support for HBCUs, Honda awarded each participating school a $50,000 grant to enhance its music education and career development programs. Honda also reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to HBCU music education through a $500,000 grant to Thurgood Marshall College Fund ahead of HBOB 2025.
The grant is dedicated to awarding scholarships that will power the academic ambitions of HBCU student-musicians across the country.
Honda also collaborated with the Black College Expo powered by the National College Resources Foundation to host a college and career fair at SoFi Stadium before the HBOB Invitational Showcase. More than 200 colleges and universities, including HBCUs, offered attendees on-the-spot interviews, acceptances, and scholarships totaling more than $10 million.
“For over three decades, Honda has supported the success and dreams of HBCU students through initiatives including Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, Honda Battle of the Bands, and scholarship programs with National Urban League and Thurgood Marshall College Fund,” said Cockfield. “Through our ‘Drive the Legacy’ initiative, Honda is building on our special relationship with HBCUs to support students in pursuing their educational and career goals.”
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