- Six Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands delivered unforgettable performances
- Nick Cannon hosted the inaugural West Coast showcase, with guest performance by GRAMMY-nominated recording artist GloRilla
- Participating HBCUs awarded $50,000 grants from Honda for music education and career development
TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 3, 2025 -- Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), the nation's premier showcase for Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands, marked a milestone this weekend with its first-ever West Coast appearance at SoFi Stadium on February 1, 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.
Building on its over 35 years of support for HBCUs, Honda awarded each participating school a $50,000 grant.
"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., Inc. "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.
Hosted by multi-hyphenate entertainer and entrepreneur Nick Cannon, the 2025 HBOB showcase featured performances by:
- Alabama A&M University, Marching Maroon & White Band
- Alabama State University, Mighty Marching Hornets
- Hampton University, The Marching Force
- North Carolina A&T State University, The Blue and Gold Marching Machine
- Southern University, Human Jukebox
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South
Capping off the showcase, GRAMMY-nominated hip-hop star GloRilla brought the house down with a high-energy performance that had the audience on its feet.
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. Over 200 colleges and universities, including HBCUs, offered attendees on-the-spot interviews, acceptances, and scholarships totaling more than $10 million.
In the spring, Honda will continue its commitment to powering the success and dreams of HBCU students through the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), America's premier academic competition for HBCU students. The 2025 HCASC National Championship Tournament will be held in April. Visit www.hcasc.com for more details.
"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."
Fans can relive HBOB 2025 by visiting www.hondabattleofthebands.com or following the official HBOB social media channels:
- Facebook: Facebook.com/HondaBattleoftheBands
- Instagram: @the_honda
- X: @The_Honda
Honda and Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Honda has supported the success and dreams of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students for 35 years, through programs such as the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge and Honda Battle of the Bands. These initiatives have impacted the lives of more than 300,000 students and provided over $14 million in grants toward HBCU education programs and facilities improvements.
Through its "Drive the Legacy" initiative, Honda also partners with HBCUs and organizations such as the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, National Urban League, and local UNCF chapters, to provide annual scholarship funding and offer development opportunities to HBCU students. Through these efforts, Honda aims to recruit top talent for its future workforce. To advance its leading investment in HBCUs, Honda also is a member of the HBCU Partnership Challenge, a Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus initiative that brings together government, industry and HBCUs to create strategic, more sustainable HBCU partnerships.
Learn more at https://www.honda.com/community/diversity-reports.
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