Lately, I’ve been thinking about the tribes we’re part of—the ones shaped by our upbringing, where we were born, or the cultures that surrounded us as we grew up. Sometimes, those tribes stay with us in unexpected ways.
I was watching Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South band perform recently in the Tournament of Roses Parade, and it sparked a flood of memories. Growing up, they were the biggest HBCU presence in my neck of the woods, and their influence was everywhere. Their energy and movements weren’t just a spectacle; they were a cultural touchstone. They shaped how my high school class thought about bands, inspiring us to embrace their style and spirit. Joining the band became the cool thing to do in the South, and for many of us, it wasn’t just about music—it was about belonging.
I was part of the flag corps and played flute during concert season, and even now, when I see JSU perform, I feel a connection. It doesn’t matter that I went to college in Michigan and never attended JSU—watching them feels like coming home to a tribe I’ll always belong to.
It’s fascinating to see how other towns and bands create their own tribes. Their movements, their spirit—everything about them feels different, shaped by their unique experiences. Yet, it all comes back to the same idea: tribes form in the spaces where culture, identity, and community collide. We carry those tribes with us, even when we leave.
Wherever life takes us, the tribes of our past often remain, quietly influencing how we connect with the world.
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