The Talladega College Marching Tornadoes band is getting ready to play in the inaugural parade next week, and a GoFundMe campaign has launched online to help pay for the trip to Washington, D.C.
Talladega, the oldest private historically black college in Alabama, has a rich history, but has faced financial struggles in years past.
The 200-member band wants to raise $75,000 to help pay for transportation, lodging and other expenses. A total of $6,625 has been raised since the campaign launched five days ago.
On Thursday, college officials announced the band’s participation in the parade honoring President-elect Donald Trump. News of the band’s participation stirred controversy among some alumni who say the band should not participate because of Trump’s divisive rhetoric on the campaign trail. Several students and band members have said it’s an honor to be invited, and they want the experience of marching in the inauguration.
Organizers of the campaign say they want to raise the money by Jan. 15. Band Director Miguel Bonds is listed as the administrator for the funding site.