JSU’s Sonic Boom will be a featured band in the We Are One virtual event celebrating the diversity of America in advance of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is also slated to speak.
We Are One will stream live on Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. CST at bideninaugural.org/watch and on Urban One, HBCU Grad, NowThis, Revolt TV, The Source, The Shade Room, BET, The Grio TV, Daily Kos, Watch The Yard, Blavity, and on NBC Peacock TV — on The Choice, which is Peacock’s free, exclusive news channel.
Hosted by Terrence J, We Are One will honor the Black community and African Diaspora through powerful speakers, inspiring stories and musical entertainment.
“We are incredibly honored that the Sonic Boom was asked to join in such a historic occasion. This is a significant opportunity and unforgettable moment for our students in the band program, said Thomas K. Hudson, president of Jackson State University. “We are truly proud of the work they do on and off the field, and this special performance is a reflection of their commitment to their craft.”
We Are One is one of several official inaugural activities showcasing the nation’s diversity with programming celebrating acts of resilience, heroism, and a commitment to unity from the Black, Latino, and AAPI communities as the coalitions that make up the nation coming together to celebrate a new chapter in history, according to Tony Allen, CEO of the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
“Being invited to participate in the virtual inauguration activities for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is one of the most prestigious honors bestowed upon our program,” said Dr. Roderick Little, assistant professor of music and director of bands.
“This is a historical mark in the history of civilization, and our students get to partake in this event and be immortalized in the storybook of this great nation. I’d like to give thanks to President Hudson and his administrative team for their support, University Communications, and also the entire JSU Band staff for their role in preparing our students,” he said.
We Are One will feature appearances by Frankie Beverly, Stacey Abrams, U.S. House Whip Jim Clyburn, Rep. Cedric Richmond, Sen. Cory Booker, Sen.-elect Rev. Raphael Warnock, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. International President and CEO Dr. Glenda Glover, and more.
There will also be special performances by Tobe Nwigwe, in addition to performances by DJ D-Nice, The O’Jays, Rapsody, Step Afrika, the String Queens and others.
“This is the beginning of a new era for the band and music department as a whole. We have over six ensembles under band to include concert bands, chamber ensembles, symphonic winds, and, of course, the Sonic Boom of the South. The entire band staff is phenomenal and our participation in this event only solidifies that our program will only continue to reach greater heights,” said Dr. Beckley-Roberts, chair of the Department of Music at JSU.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee — WE ARE ONE Event Participants:
• Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South
• Florida A&M University Marching 100
• Grambling State University World Famed Marching Band
• Louisiana Leadership Institute Middle & High School All-star Band
• South Carolina State University Marching 101
• Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band
• Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands
• Texas Southern University Debate Team
• Dr. Tony Allen, Delaware State University President and PIC CEO
• Dr. Glenda Glover, International President and CEO: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• DJ D-Nice
• Terrence J
• Leslie Jones
• Frankie Beverly
• Stacey Abrams
• Sen.-elect Rev. Raphael Warnock
• Kim Fields
• Erika Alexander
• Jason George
• Desus and Mero
• Tobe Nwigwe
• The O’Jays