February 3rd 2025.
For the 19th year in a row, Honda has been proudly supporting and promoting the vibrant culture of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) through their annual Battle of the Bands showcase. But this year, Honda took things to the next level by hosting the event in Los Angeles for the very first time.
The brand new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California was the stage for six exceptional marching bands from HBCUs to showcase their talents. And boy, did they deliver! The electrifying beats of their musical percussion filled the stadium as they performed solo sets, stand-offs, and came together in unity to show off their HBCU pride.
From their powerful rendition of the Black National Anthem and National Anthem, while spelling out "HBCU" with their bodies, to their energetic performances and enthusiastic support for GloRilla, the closing act, these six bands truly embodied the essence of Black Excellence from start to finish.
The participating schools in the 2025 showcase were Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Hampton University, North Carolina A&T University, Southern University, and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. Each band brought their unique style and talents to the stage, leaving the audience in awe.
In the wake of the devastating wildfires that had recently swept through L.A., Honda made sure that the event not only celebrated the HBCU culture but also supported the city and the victims of the natural disaster.
During a press conference before the showcase, host Nick Cannon expressed his admiration for Honda's efforts, saying, "It's a beautiful thing what Honda is doing. In the midst of the catastrophic fires that this city has experienced, we can come together as a community and celebrate the first responders. We can also continue to feel and empathize for those who have lost loved ones, possessions, homes, and businesses. That's what this culture has always done in times of hardship - come together and unite. So the fact that we can be a beacon of hope in a setting and a city that needs it the most is truly special."
Jasmine Cockfield, Project Leader for Honda Battle of the Bands and Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, also shared her thoughts on the event, saying, "The Honda leadership team believes in the power of music to bring people together, and they felt that the city needed this right now."
In addition to supporting local businesses, the showcase also accepted donations and organized a food drive in partnership with local organizations. As Cockfield put it, "That just goes to show the spirit of Honda - always giving back and making a positive impact in the community."
BLACK ENTERPRISE was given the opportunity to delve deeper into the Honda Battle of the Bands experience, which included test drives of the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid, the 2024 Honda Prologue, and MotoCompacto. They also got to tour the American Honda Collection Hall, where an exclusive collection of Honda cars, motorcycles, power products, and race machines told the story of Honda's past and present.
The scenic test drive of the Honda Civic Hybrid at the luxurious Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, was a highlight of the day. This eco-friendly variant of America's most popular compact car has even been honored with the prestigious 2025 North American Car of the Year award.
The event also included a special VIP reception hosted by Honda, where the company reaffirmed its commitment to HBCUs and their vibrant culture. As Cockfield shared, "I had a student from UAPB come up to me and hug me and say, 'Thank you, Miss Jasmine. I've never been on a plane before, and I've never stayed in a hotel.' That's the impact of Honda's commitment."
Since 2003, Honda has been proudly hosting the Honda Battle of the Bands, a premier event that celebrates the talent and culture of marching bands from HBCUs. This year marked its 19th edition, and it continues to serve as a platform for HBCU students to showcase their musical artistry and dynamic choreography to a wider audience.
Widely regarded as a blueprint for celebrating HBCU culture, HBOB reflects Honda's enduring commitment to these institutions through scholarships, programs, and various initiatives that support student success. After a successful debut in L.A., students and fans are eagerly looking forward to another HBOB on the West Coast.
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