More than 200 young performers from Southern University and A&M College, a historically black university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, will kick off the New Year by participating in the 131st Rose Parade® presented by Honda tomorrow. They’ll make the journey, in part, with the help of American Airlines.
Southern University’s marching band, the Human Jukebox, and dance team, the Fabulous Dancing Dolls, accepted an invitation earlier this year to perform at the world-renowned parade that takes place each New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California. When they encountered an issue with their original travel plans, Southern University turned to American, which helped facilitate their travel by discounting fares and waiving fees for checked bags and instruments.
“When we heard that Southern University’s immensely talented marching band and dance team needed help to fulfill their commitment to participate in one of Southern California’s best-loved traditions, we sprang into action to help take care of them,” said Suzanne Boda, American’s Senior Vice President of Los Angeles. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Human Jukebox and Fabulous Dancing Dolls to our hometown and wish them all the best as they perform at the 131st Rose Parade.”
This year has been a notable one for the Human Jukebox and the Fabulous Dancing Dolls. Earlier this month, recording artist Lizzo released a new music video that featured the Southern University students, who were also invited to perform at other venues in Southern California on their trip.
“I am very excited for our students. It is all about them and the experiences they will always remember,” said Kedric Taylor, Southern University’s Director of Bands. “They were not only invited to perform in the Rose Parade on the 40th anniversary of the Jukebox's first appearance there, but they also performed at other high-profile events. American Airlines helped to get them there. I can't thank everyone involved enough. They really went above and beyond with accommodating more than 200 students and personnel on this unforgettable trip."
Southern University is one of several historically black colleges and universities that American partners with to recruit undergraduate and graduate students for careers with the airline. Since 2013, American has grown to become the largest airline employer at Los Angeles International Airport, having increased its employee presence by more than 60%. Today, more than 7,300 team members are based at the hub, producing a $14.5 billion total economic output in the region last year — a figure which grew by 10% in just one year.
Southern University and A&M College is the flagship of the Southern University System, the only historically black college and university system in the nation. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Southern is home to more than 7,000 diverse students majoring in a vast array of programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
American Airlines offers customers 6,800 daily flights to more than 365 destinations in 61 countries from its hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. With a shared purpose of caring for people on life’s journey, American’s 130,000 global team members serve more than 200 million customers annually. Since 2013, American has invested more than $28 billion in its product and people and now flies the youngest fleet among U.S. network carriers, equipped with industry-leading high-speed Wi-Fi, lie-flat seats, and more inflight entertainment and access to power. American also has enhanced food and beverage options in the air and on the ground in its world-class Admirals Club and Flagship lounges. American was recently named a Five Star Global Airline by the Airline Passenger Experience Association and Airline of the Year by Air Transport World. American is a founding member of oneworld®, whose members serve 1,100 destinations in 180 countries and territories.
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