House Resolution 28

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CELEBRATING "THEE" JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY "SONIC BOOM OF THE SOUTH" MARCHING BAND AND DIRECTOR DR. RODERICK LITTLE UPON THEIR DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE AT THE 136TH TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE.

WHEREAS, "Thee" Jackson State University's (JSU's) award winning marching band, "Sonic Boom of the South" is being celebrated and honored for its galvanizing performance on January 1, 2025, at the 136th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California; and

WHEREAS, the "Sonic Boom", which had already experienced an exciting whirlwind year in 2024, began New Year's Day 2025 with no exception, as alumni and fans across the nation watched in great excitement and pride as the Sonic Boom of the South wowed crowds during the Tournament of Roses Parade during the iconic New Year's Day tradition, which was telecast by NBC and featured the Sonic Boom for nearly three minutes during their five and a half mile trek down the parade route; and

WHEREAS, before their performance in the Tournament of Roses Parade, on December 30, 2024, the elite Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) JSU Marching Band, brought unquestionable dynamic rhythm, energy and showmanship to the 44th annual band fest for the Rose Bowl in Pasadena; and

WHEREAS, the Sonic Boom's inaugural performance at the Tournament of Roses Parade made history for Jackson State University as the band was selected, due to their hard work, unparalleled talent, energy and showmanship; and

WHEREAS, as the sole HBCU band to perform in the 2025 parade, the band's performance truly electrified on the world's stage, which included over 850,000 parade attendees and millions of viewers; and

WHEREAS, the Sonic Boom of the South, which is comprised of 300 student musicians, including the J5 drum majors, Prancing J-Settes, floating JSU, Tiger Run-On, the "Get Ready" entrance, and "The Series"; and

WHEREAS, the band's rich and unique musical approach can be traced to the early years, when a former arranger for Cab Calloway's big band was the director (1948 through 1971), and the band's renowned and now iconic name "Sonic Boom of the South" was adopted by Director Harold J. Haughton, Sr., in 1971, having been suggested by band members; and

WHEREAS, during Haughton's tenure, which was until 1983, he changed the band uniform color from royal blue to light navy blue, introduced the Motown hit "Get Ready" as the band's theme, replaced the majorettes with featured dancers and introduced the "Tiger Run-On" shuffle, "Tiger Strut" and "Floating JSU" halftime display, which have become synonymous with this great band; and

WHEREAS, in 2020, JSU alumnus Dr. Roderick Little, made history by becoming the youngest director in the band's history, and under his leadership the historic Sonic Boom of the South has reached new heights and continues to soar; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, the Sonic Boom of the South was featured on ABC's Good Morning America during JSU's homecoming week and in 2024, the dynamic band performed with Usher during the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show; and

WHEREAS, additionally, the Sonic Boom of the South has performed at several notable occasions such as Motown 30th Anniversary, the 34th National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards, alongside "Cedrick the Entertainer", a number of NFL games and its prestigious performance at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration Parade and the band has been enshrined in the NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis - all of which are a testament of the musical talent, discipline and synergy of the band; and

WHEREAS, it is with great honor that we celebrate the Sonic Boom of the South - "Thee" JSU Band Family - that has brought great pride to not only Jackson State University, its faculty, staff, students and fans but to this great state as a whole:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate "Thee" Jackson State University "Sonic Boom of the South" marching band and Director Dr. Roderick Little for their exhilarating performance at the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, and extend best wishes in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be furnished to the director and staff of the Sonic Boom of the South, to the President of Jackson State University, Marcus Thompson, and the Board of Trustees of IHL and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.