The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) is vying for a spot in the 2025 Honda Battle of the Bands.
To that end, M4 needs the community to vote for UAPB to participate at https://www.hondabattleofthebands.com by Aug. 15.
The band is seeking the opportunity to perform live at the 2025 Invitational Showcase as one of six HBCU marching bands Feb. 1 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
“Securing a place would represent Arkansas and make HBOB history as Honda brings the tradition and culture of HBCUs to the West Coast for the first time,” according to the release.
Honda Battle of the Bands is the nation’s premier showcase for Historically Black College and University marching bands, according to a news release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“We want to take our talents to the West Coast and represent Arkansas,” UAPB Band Director John R. Graham Jr. said. “We have a strong alumni chapter out there, and they would love to show us off. We would love to perform in the brand new state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium.”
The last time M4 participated in the Honda Battle of the Bands was in 2014. The band showcased HBCU Unity in Atlanta, Ga.
“Honda continues its commitment to powering the dreams and success of HBCU students by providing experiences and opportunities like Honda Battle of the Bands,” Yvette Hunsicker, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda Motor Co. Inc., said in a release. “Bringing Honda Battle of the Bands to California will provide a platform for these young musicians while expanding awareness of the rich legacy of HBCU schools.”
Ahead of HBOB 2025, Honda reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to HBCU music education through a $500,000 grant to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The grant is dedicated to awarding scholarships that will power the academic ambitions of HBCU student musicians across the country. To learn more about the scholarship program, visit https://www.tmcf.org/students- alumni/scholarship/tmcf-honda-hbcu-scholarship/.
According to Honda News, for 35 years, Honda has supported HBCUs, acknowledging their critical role in providing higher education and opportunities for advancement within the Black community. This support includes scholarships, programs and initiatives that celebrate the dreams and potential of HBCU students, shaping them into future Black leaders. Learn more at https://www.honda.com/community/diversity-reports.
SoFi Stadium, the home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, is located at Hollywood Park, a nearly 300-acre sports and entertainment destination being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke in Inglewood, Calif.
The community’s votes can help make this moment a reality. Participating in the voting process is simple. Visit the Honda Battle of the Bands Voting page at https://www.hondabattleofthebands.com, scroll to the bottom, select ‘The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff,’ and click submit.
UAPB encourages supporters to vote now, daily and often because the votes can make a difference.