On New Year's Day, Pasadena witnessed the rhythmic prowess of Morgan State University's Magnificent Marching Machine (M3) during the celebrated 137th Rose Parade. The Baltimore-based ensemble, comprising 150 members, is renowned for its electrifying performances, a fact that Morgan State's website takes pride in highlighting at various high-profile events, including not only MSU games but also NFL games, Presidential Inaugurations, and World Series occasions, FOX Baltimore reported.
With the parade theme, "The Magic in Teamwork," NBA superstar and Grand Marshal Earvin "Magic" Johnson led the proceedings. In a social media post that perhaps did not match the parade's breathtaking visuals, Morgan State University described its march as a representation of the National Treasure on the international stage. Last Sunday, arriving in Los Angeles, the band followed a tightly packed week's itinerary culminating in a Friday outing to Disneyland, according to CBS News Baltimore.
It's worth noting that, in 2023, Johnson had paid a visit to Morgan State University, touring the grounds of the HBCU and encountering the Magnificent Marching Machine in person. During his time on campus, Johnson, who chairs the food service operation SodexoMAGIC used by MSU, engaged with student leaders and athletes. "The students, this is why I came here, to high-five and take pictures and to inspire them and let them know that I came from the same background as them," Johnson said in an interaction with the school community that CBS News Baltimore reported.
Let's not forget the Magnificent Marching Machine's historic performance in New York City back in 2019. Marking their territory as the first Maryland HBCU to perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the band walked right before the towering Green Giant float.
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