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Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD foundation has donated $100,000 to Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band.
The donation will help to fund scholarships, recruitment, retention and technological enhancements for the HBCU band.
The Bond Between Beyoncé and Ocean of Soul Marching Band
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is continuing to show her support for historically Black colleges and universities by donating funds to Texas Southern University’s marching band.
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The Texas-bred singer’s BeyGood foundation awarded a gift of $100,000 to the university’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band in support of the band’s musical excellence and academic achievement. Beyoncé previously featured the band in her 2024 NFL halftime performance.
“We are deeply appreciative of the BeyGOOD Foundation for this significant demonstration of its commitment to empowering our student musicians and elevating their form of artistic expression,” said Texas Southern University President J.W. Crawford III.
The grant follows the collaborative “Beyoncé Bowl” 2024 Christmas Day performance during halftime of the Houston Texans-Baltimore Ravens football game streamed on Netflix. Over 200 members of the Ocean of Soul took the field with Knowles-Carter during the now-iconic performance, which marked a powerful celebration of Houston pride and served as a masterclass in excellence.
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How The Grant Will Be Deployed
For decades, the Ocean of Soul has defined the sound of Texas Southern, electrifying audiences with its high-energy performances, tight formations, and signature style. From football games to parades and national showcases, the band has become one of the most respected ensembles in the HBCU band world.
The grant will be used to fund scholarships for band members, enhance recruitment and retention efforts, and upgrade band infrastructure and technology.
Charlie Coleman III, senior associate vice president of development & alumni engagement, said, “This partnership does more than support the Ocean of Soul — it opens doors for our students to engage with the arts in transformative ways, inspired by one of the most influential artists of our time. It exemplifies how philanthropy can uplift communities and ignite futures.”
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Among her many philanthropic contributions is the LA Fire Relief Fund, where she has since distributed over $3 million to more than 200 residents. According to HBCU Buzz, as part of her “Beychella” performance, she previously launched the Homecoming Scholars Award Program in 2018, which awards $25,000 scholarships to students at several HBCUs. At least eight HBCUs, including Texas Southern, Xavier, Wilberforce, and Morehouse, benefited from the initiative.
