Military Parade at the Pentagon with Marine Corps Band

Why have marching bands historically been part of African American cultural traditions? Marching bands are rooted in military training exercises and combat formations. African American marching bands and drumlines honored service in U.S. conflicts, while highlighting the absence of civil rights despite sacrifices to defend the nation. While laws prevented black people from carrying weapons, they were allowed to hold musical instruments. Many were assigned to the fife and drum corps—musicians tha