Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU), located in Itta Bena, Mississippi, recently found itself at the center of a national debate after accepting an invitation to perform at the 60th Presidential Inauguration—an event that is supposed to signify the peaceful transfer of power in the United States—which would be President Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
The ceremony that happened to fall on Martin Luther King Jr. Day made the situation even more polarizing within the Black community.
The backlash surrounding the university’s participation highlights a broader issue within the Black community and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs): the struggle between political diversity, institutional representation and the perception of loyalty to a single political ideology. It raises an essential question: Should an HBCU decline an invitation to participate in a historic event simply because of the political affiliation of the incoming president?
The reality is that while many Black Americans align with the Democratic Party, not all do. Furthermore, the presence of MVSU at the inauguration should not be viewed as an endorsement of a political administration but rather as an act of patriotism and recognition of the sacrifices made by leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr.
Many critics viewed the university’s decision to participate as a tacit endorsement of the incoming administration, which has been criticized for policies that many believe do not align with the interests of Black Americans. Social media was flooded with reactions, with some arguing that MVSU’s attendance was a betrayal of Black solidarity, while others defended the institution’s right to take part in a national event regardless of political affiliation.
However, what was missing from much of the discourse was an acknowledgment that attending a presidential inauguration is not a political endorsement—it is an honor, a moment of visibility, and an opportunity for students to engage in civic tradition. Predominantly white institutions (PWIs) routinely participate in inaugurations without facing similar scrutiny, raising the question of why HBCUs must constantly justify their presence in these spaces.
One of the most striking aspects of this controversy is that it unfolded on Martin Luther King Jr. Day—a day meant to celebrate a leader who dedicated his life to civil rights, unity and equality. King’s dream was not about partisanship; it was about ensuring that Black Americans had the same rights, opportunities and visibility as anyone else in this country.
If MVSU was invited to perform, that means they were recognized as an institution worthy of being part of a historic moment. That invitation itself is a testament to the work HBCUs have done in producing talented students who contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Those who criticize MVSU for attending must ask themselves: Are we truly honoring King’s legacy if we suggest that Black institutions should only engage in civic events when they align with a particular political party? Or should we be advocating for representation in all spaces, regardless of who is in power?
A major issue within the Black community and HBCUs is the assumption that all Black people share the same political beliefs. While a majority of Black voters lean Democratic, there are still Black Republicans, independents and those with varying political perspectives.
If the goal is true political representation, HBCUs must be willing to engage with all sides of the political spectrum. There is power in having individuals from different political affiliations fighting for Black interests in different spaces. Refusing to attend an inauguration solely because of political differences does not strengthen our community—it limits our reach and influence.
It is also important to acknowledge that refusing to participate in events like this can have long-term consequences for HBCUs. PWIs regularly receive funding, partnerships, and recognition for participating in high-profile political events, while HBCUs often have to fight for the same resources. If Black institutions continuously refuse to engage with certain administrations, they risk being overlooked for future opportunities.
Even if an administration does not prioritize Black interests, showing up still sends a powerful message: We are here. We are watching. We are not going anywhere. Presence matters and visibility is a form of power. HBCUs should not only engage when a president is aligned with their values; they should be present in every major national moment to remind the country of their significance.
Furthermore, attending the inauguration provides MVSU students with an invaluable experience—one that exposes them to national politics, civic traditions and historical events. Instead of viewing their participation as compliance, it should be seen as an assertion of their rightful place in American history.
At the same time, I understand why people feel strongly about this. HBCUs have historically been at the forefront of social justice movements, and our communities expect these institutions to reflect those values. As someone who has worked directly with federal agencies and corporate partners, I have seen the delicate balance between staying true to our mission and engaging with the broader political landscape. There is always a risk that our presence in certain spaces could be misinterpreted as an endorsement, and that is something institutions must carefully consider when making these decisions.
To be fair, the skepticism surrounding MVSU’s participation is understandable. Historically, Black institutions and leaders have had to be cautious about being used as political pawns. There is always a concern that an administration may invite an HBCU or Black organization to create a false image of diversity and inclusion.
That being said, I still recognize the concerns of those who feel the decision was controversial. The political implications of performing for Trump—someone who has historically pushed policies that negatively impact Black communities—cannot be ignored. However, I also believe that HBCUs should have the right to decide how they engage with any administration without being vilified.
However, attending the inauguration does not mean MVSU is blindly supporting the administration. It means they are taking advantage of an opportunity to be seen and heard on a national stage. Patriotism is not synonymous with political allegiance—it is about recognizing the importance of civic engagement and history.
Mississippi Valley State University’s decision to perform at the presidential inauguration should not be seen as a betrayal but rather as a moment of representation and patriotism. HBCUs should not have to explain their participation in national events when PWIs do so without scrutiny. More importantly, Black people are not a political monolith, and our institutions should be free to engage with any administration while advocating for our communities.
Martin Luther King Jr. fought for a world in which Black Americans had the freedom to participate fully in society. That includes having a seat at the table in political spaces, even when we disagree with those in power. If HBCUs continue to withdraw from these opportunities, they risk being left out of crucial conversations that impact their future.
MVSU’s attendance at the inauguration is not a sign of surrender—it is a bold statement that HBCUs are still here, still thriving, and still demanding to be recognized. Instead of condemning their presence, we should celebrate the fact that an HBCU was invited and chose to stand tall in a space where it rightfully belongs.
