RantCrush Top 5: January 6, 2017

The marching band from Talladega College in Alabama has decided to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. The school is a historically black college and confirmed yesterday what the Trump transition team had announced a few days ago. The decision has been criticized by students from the school as well as by observers across the country. But the college’s president, Billy Hawkins, said that the lesson it would teach is one that cannot be gained in a classroom.

He said, “As many of those who chose to participate in the parade have said, we feel the inauguration of a new president is not a political event but a civil ceremony celebrating the transfer of power.” So far, about six college bands, eight high school bands, and a variety of military groups have accepted invitations to perform, while many celebrities have declined.

Talladega College Marching Band – Historic black university band chosen for Trump’s inaugural parade
– https://t.co/1ITmnehacE

— Michael (@Koxinga8) January 4, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.