LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Simply the anticipation was sufficient to make followers dance as they walked into the ESPN Broad World of Sports activities Complicated at Walt Disney World Resort.

“It is all in regards to the tradition, for actual,” exclaimed Ashley Springs, whose son is a member of the North Carolina A&T Band.

Anybody who is aware of HBCU bands is aware of they’re the actual present on sport day.

As HBCU fan Felicia Smith describes, halftime just isn’t the time for followers to go away their seats at an HBCU soccer sport.

“They’re within the stands,” stated Smith. “They’re watching. They’re cheering. They’re hollering!”

So what occurred on Sunday afternoon on the ESPN Broad World of Sports activities Complicated was an HBCU band fan’s dream come true.

SEE ALSO: Dream come true: On-the-spot scholarships provided throughout HBCU Week at Walt Disney World

The marching bands from Delaware State College, Winston-Salem State College, North Carolina A&T and Alcorn State College went head-to-head in a Battle of the Bands.

“I’m so completely happy that Disney has opened it up for HBCUs to get the eye,” stated guardian Cardona Lewis.

It was a memorable second as Disney hosts HBCU Week for the primary time. The occasion, which began in Wilmington, Delaware in 2017, featured a profession honest, a parade down Predominant Road, and a Battle of the Bands.

“I am so appreciative as a result of I see how Disney is embracing tradition,” stated Rachel Wesley as she obtained prepared to enter the stadium.

Nearly as good because the music was on the Battle of the Bands, it wasn’t all in regards to the present.

For some youngsters, HBCU Week was a life changer.

“I’ve determined that I wish to go to an HBCU,” stated highschool senior Kemauri Younger.

SEE ALSO: HBCU Week Disney 2022: Bands deliver the bass to Magic Kingdom

Felicia Smith introduced a number of of her college students to Friday’s profession honest, which featured on-the-spot admissions and scholarships. It had 8,657 scholar attendees.

“This was their first expertise with HBCUs, it was superb. 4 of them obtained accepted to Alcorn State,” stated Smith.

Tracee Davis based a dance college that focuses on instructing ladies HBCU dance types. A variety of her college students at the moment are additionally attending HBCUs. Some have been even on the sector Sunday within the Battle of the Bands.

Their college decisions will not be simply due to the lecturers but in addition due to the tradition — with HBCUs providing an environment like none different.

“Traditionally Black Faculties and Universities actually present supportive tradition, a supportive surroundings to make sure the scholars thrive,” stated Tunisia Agramonte, who’s vp of variety, fairness and inclusion for Disney’s DPEP program.

With all of that in thoughts, it would not actually matter who wins the Battle of the Bands… or does it?

“It would not, however coming for the bands, it kinda does,” stated one Howard College alum within the stands.

In any case, what’s an HBCU band with no good battle?

The Walt Disney Firm is the proprietor of this ABC station.