Beyoncé simply did it for the tradition—once more.
The worldwide icon’s philanthropic arm, BeyGOOD Basis, has donated $100,000 to assist Texas Southern College’s legendary Ocean of Soul Marching Band, amplifying her deep connection to HBCU custom and hometown delight.
The present comes on the heels of the band’s standout efficiency in Beyoncé’s extensively acclaimed “Beyoncé Bowl,” aired throughout the 2024 Christmas Day soccer showcase. That look didn’t simply put the Ocean of Soul on a worldwide stage—it set the tone for this second of recognition and reinvestment.
The $100,000 donation will assist fund scholarships, improve recruitment efforts, and assist expertise and infrastructure upgrades for the marching band program—probably the most acknowledged in HBCU tradition.
“That is greater than only a donation,” mentioned Dr. Brian Simmons, director of the Ocean of Soul. “It’s an funding in our college students, our sound, and our story.”
A Legacy of Giving Again
This isn’t Beyoncé’s first time giving again to the HBCU group. In 2018, following her legendary “Beychella” efficiency, she launched the Homecoming Students Award Program, which awarded $25,000 scholarships to college students at eight HBCUs, together with Texas Southern, Xavier, Wilberforce, and Morehouse.
By her BeyGOOD Basis, she’s championed training, catastrophe aid, small enterprise growth, and now—HBCU marching bands.
Her current concentrate on cultural preservation by way of music aligns completely with what the Ocean of Soul represents: precision, delight, and efficiency that goes past the sphere.
Ocean of Soul: Extra Than a Band
For many years, the Ocean of Soul has outlined the sound of Texas Southern, electrifying audiences with its high-energy performances, tight formations, and signature model. From soccer video games to parades and nationwide showcases, the band has turn into probably the most revered ensembles within the HBCU band world.
Now, with this donation, the band may have larger capability to recruit new expertise, retain seasoned musicians, and supply scholarship assist to college students who convey this system to life.
“This funding offers essential assist to our college students as they work to stability educational, monetary, and efficiency calls for,” mentioned Charlie Coleman III, Senior Affiliate Vice President of Improvement at TSU. “We’re grateful to BeyGOOD for recognizing their excellence.”
The Greater Image
This donation highlights a broader motion towards intentional HBCU funding from Black celebrities, alumni, and leaders. It’s not nearly writing checks—it’s about acknowledging legacy and utilizing platforms to uplift establishments which have traditionally been underfunded however by no means underestimated.
Texas Southern’s president Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Younger famous the affect goes far past music.
“This beneficiant contribution strengthens our college’s dedication to educational excellence, pupil growth, and cultural management,” she mentioned.
Together with her BeyGOOD Basis, Beyoncé continues to middle HBCUs within the nationwide dialog—whether or not by way of scholarships, efficiency alternatives, or legacy-building donations like this one.
Remaining Notice
Because the Ocean of Soul marches into a brand new season, they achieve this with the backing of a hometown hero who continues to provide HBCU college students greater than inspiration—she offers them alternative.
To remain up-to-date on Texas Southern’s band, pupil information, and campus tradition, try the TSU archive on HBCU Buzz.
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