PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Feb. 24, 2026) – The Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm traveled to Portland, Oregon, Feb. 19-21 to take part in the third annual HBCU to the Pros Weekend, hosted by the Portland Trail Blazers and presented by Alaska Airlines.

For the first time in the event’s history, two HBCU marching bands were featured side by side: Prairie View A&M University’s Marching Storm and Southern University’s Human Jukebox. The weekend was designed as an expansive celebration of HBCU culture, complete with community engagement events and a halftime performance at the Trail Blazers’ Feb. 20 matchup against the Denver Nuggets at the Moda Center.

As the NBA team geographically furthest from an HBCU, a distinction noted by the Trail Blazers, the weekend carries particular significance. In a welcome letter to students, Trail Blazers leadership emphasized that many young people in the Pacific Northwest rarely experience HBCU culture, Divine Nine traditions, or the distinctive energy of an HBCU marching band in person. The event creates a rare opportunity for students, alumni, families, and community organizations to come together and celebrate that legacy.

The weekend began with a free community event at Portland Community College’s Cascade Gym, where both bands delivered their first performances of the trip. From there, the schedule included additional community engagement opportunities, a private HBCU Legacy Mixer for local high school students focused on college and career exploration, and multiple appearances throughout game night.

Fans were able to experience the Marching Storm well before halftime. Both bands participated in a pregame parade throughout the arena concourses before taking the court for a featured halftime performance that brought the signature sound, precision, and showmanship of HBCU band culture to Portland.

In addition to the music, the HBCU experience was felt throughout the arena, with tributes to HBCU alumni and Divine Nine members who have made a significant cultural impact. The weekend concluded with additional performances as part of a Black History Month celebration hosted by Self Enhancement Inc., bringing culture, commerce, and community together for a final sendoff.

For Dr. Timmey Zachery, Director of Bands at PVAMU, the opportunity represented both pride and gratitude.

“We are humbled by the generosity of all involved who have helped make this historic trip possible for Prairie View A&M University and the Marching Storm,” Zachery said. “We are excited to bring one of the most enjoyable Storms you will ever see for your entertainment.”

The trip marked more than a performance opportunity. It extended PVAMU’s reach across the country, allowing the Marching Storm to share the excellence, discipline, creativity, and tradition of HBCUs with a community that may not often experience it firsthand.

For one weekend in February, the spirit of the Storm resonated all the way to the Pacific Northwest, amplifying HBCU pride far beyond Texas.

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