TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) Marching “100” wooed the crowd as they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue during the inaugural parade for the 44th President for United States. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama waved and moved to the beat of the Marching “100” as they passed the presidential viewing stand.
Drum major Ahmad Newbold was anxious to get out there and make history.
“I’m thankful and very appreciative for the opportunity to be in D.C,” said Newbold, a music education senior from Miami, Fla. “As we pulled up, I was amazed and really just in awe about the whole thing. The fact that I’m here, probably won’t even hit me until it’s over. This was a great opportunity and we’re ready to get out there and do our thing.”
Of the 90 groups performing in the inaugural parade, the Marching “100” was one of the very few groups to perform in the first segment, division one of the parade. There were six divisions of the parade in total.
Also, of all the performers, the “100” was the only group asked initially to stop in front of the inaugural viewing area and perform for the president during the parade. However, because of the delay in the parade, this was not permitted.
As the “100” made their way through the thousands of people from across the nation, the crowd roared in excitement.
“You look great Marching 100,” shouted a woman from the stands. “I’m an alum! Keep on striking FAMU!”
Indeed, the world once again witnessed as the world famous FAMU Marching “100” made its mark on history.
FAMU solicited the help of its administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, the community and its supporters to raise $185,000 for the Marching “100”’s “Road to Washington and Beyond Campaign.”
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