Historically black college marching band confirms Trump inauguration gig

In this Oct. 31, 2016 file photo, then Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump acknowledges the crowd before speaking at Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich. (AP / Carlos Osorio, File)

ATLANTA -- The president of a historically black college in Alabama says its band will perform in President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural parade, despite a barrage of criticism.

Talladega College President Billy Hawkins announced the decision Thursday. It comes after the Presidential Inaugural Committee had announced that the Alabama band had accepted its invitation to march in the Jan. 20 parade.

The announcement followed several days of intense debate on social media. Some people voiced strong opposition, while others said it would be a good opportunity to perform in the parade.

Talladega bills itself as Alabama's oldest private, historically black liberal arts college.

The college was founded in 1867.