FAMU marching band/Photo courtesy of NewsOne
Fans are upset after ESPN slighted HBCUs by cutting the halftime show of a game between Jackson State University and Florida A&M University.
On Sunday, the two colleges went head-to-head on the football field in a nationally televised game. The score was close but that was not the only thing on the minds of the fans after the game concluded.
As is tradition, no matter how good an HBCU football team may be, the halftime show featuring the band is what really makes or breaks the event. In fact, many spectators anticipate the show more than the outcome of the game.
That is why when the network decided to cut into the show on Sunday, the fans were upset at the move.
There are a few things to consider within context to understand the ire of Black spectators who were tuned into the event.
First, HBCUs rarely get national attention for their sports programs. The Jackson State vs. FAMU game being nationally televised by ESPN was important.
Secondly, ESPN is a company that has been rife with diversity and racism issues. Although it is not uncommon to not show complete halftime shows, any company that claims to be culturally sensitive has to know that HBUC band battles are a part of Blackness.
On Twitter, Black football fans spoke out about the slight.
In the end, Jackson State University bested FAMU by one point. However, FAMU is the better band, according to some.
Lastly, just because NewsOnyx cares: