Talladega College Alumni Fight Back

(Billboard)

Despite striking out on a bevy of A-list performers, President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly landed the Talladega College marching band for his inauguration on Jan. 20. While that solidifies a win for Trump's administration, many Talladega alumni and Twitter users are expressing their anger online. According to CBS News, Alabama's oldest private Historically Black College has agreed to participate and march, despite Trump's controversial statements about the black community during the presidential campaign.

Several alumni of Talladega College weren't thrilled with the idea of their school being the only HBCU to attend Trump's inauguration. “I don’t want my alma mater to give the appearance of supporting him,” Shirley Ferrill, class of 1974, told CBS News in regards to Trump. “Ignore, decline or whatever, but please don’t send our band out in our name to do that.”

The marching band's decision to perform set Talladega College's social media ablaze. "No respect for a college seeking to play for a man that disrespected others 4 political gain. Shame on Talladega College," said one Twitter user. "Really, Talladega College? Not a good look at all. Shameful," said another.

Really, Talladega College? Not a good look at all. Shameful. https://t.co/SgcKqRnYEF
— Random Brown Girl (@moonr0cks) January 2, 2017

New York's Marist College was also invited to participate, but several students have already voiced their displeasure with the school's decision to march for Trump. School spokesman Greg Cannon chimed in on the matter and said "more than 100" students refuse to perform Jan. 20. “They don’t want to have anything to do with the inauguration or President Trump and we respect that, and that’s their right,” Cannon said. Students that elect not to perform will not be reprimanded for their decision.

Check out a video of Talladega College's marching band below: