Honda's Battle of the Band, Supporting Historically Black Colleges And Universities

Honda, like a handful of automakers, are truly committed to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). Marking its ninth year, the Honda Battle of the Bands is the only national scholarship program that showcases an important facet of HBCU heritage and culture - music education.

Throughout the fall of 2010, over 40 HBCU marching bands competed in Honda's Celebration Tour, seeking a coveted spot as one of 8 bands selected to attend today's Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase, which was held in Atlanta, the mecca for HBCUs. The 8 bands that made the final cut were Albany State, Bethune Cookman College, Clark-Atlanta University, Jackson State University, South Carolina State University, Tennessee State University, Virginia State University and Winston-Salem University.

Every school that participated in the Celebration Tour received a $1,000 grant for their music programs, and the 8 bands selected to participate in today's Invitational Showcase were awarded an additional $20,000. In all, a total of $205,000 in scholarship grants was awarded to HBCU music programs. And since the program's inception, Honda has awarded in excess of $1 million in grants.

In addition to Honda's Battle of the Band event held at the Georgia Dome, the popular automaker also held a college recruitment fair earlier during the day, exposing high school students (and non traditional students) to the distinct advantages of attending a HBCU. From our observation, there were over 50,000 excited fans in attendance at the Georgia Dome, witnessing one of the best aspects of attending a HBCU - their soulful bands (besides the personalized education provided by the professors).  Ironically, Honda's sponsored event was held the same weekend the United Negro College Fund An Evening of the Stars airs on television, celebrating the best of black entertainment -- all while raising funds for HBCUs.

And for those wishing to donate to the UNCF to help out a student low on funds, take 10 seconds and give $10 to help a UNCF. Text UNCF to 50555. You can give a maximum of 3 times and donations will be billed to your cell phone.