Once silenced by adversity, the sound of tradition may soon return to Morris Brown College. After losing its accreditation in 2002—a setback that forced the historic Atlanta HBCU to disband its once-celebrated marching band—the college is now looking ahead with renewed hope. Having successfully regained its accreditation, Morris Brown is exploring the possibility of restarting its marching band, a program that was once regarded as one of the best among HBCU marching bands.
For many, the first introduction to the Marching Wolverines came on the big screen in the cult-classic film Drumline, starring Nick Cannon. Others remember hearing that unmistakable Morris Brown sound echo through the Atlanta University Center, thrilling crowds at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Rose Bowl, or even blasting through speakers on Idlewild by Atlanta icons OutKast. In the early 2000s, the Morris Brown Marching Wolverines were widely crowned “the best band in the land,” a title that Dr. Kevin James hopes to reclaim as the college works to restore one of its most electrifying and beloved traditions.
“It’s our goal to resurrect our band. It’s going to cost $5 million. Right now, we’re open to working with anyone who is open to providing the philanthropic support we need to revive our marching band,” James said…