Atlanta celebrities and HBCU alumnae join together for the premier HBCU marching band event
ATLANTA, Dec. 13, 2022 – Rashan Ali, multi-media personality, actress, author, and philanthropist, and KD Bowe, radio personality and in-game host for the Atlanta Falcons, will co-host the 18th electrifying HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands legacy event when it returns to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium Feb. 4, 2023.
A proud Florida A&M University graduate and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Rashan Ali launched her radio career at Radio One and has since been seen on CNN, Headline News, CBS Sports Network, NBA TV & ESPN properties as a sports anchor and sideline reporter. She currently operates the “Cool Soror” podcast, which highlights outstanding men and women in Black Greek Lettered Organizations. Ali is also featured in a new drama series streaming on BET+, “All The Queen’s Men.”
“The HBCU Battle of the Bands is a force to be reckoned with,” said Rashan Ali. “This event is not only an action-packed day full of talented, upbeat performances, but it’s a look at the power of HBCUs, both as educational and cultural institutions and hubs for opportunities. Students are coming together to pursue their passions, and it will be my honor to cheer them on and support the future generations of HBCU students and performers.”
KD Bowe, known as a motivator to the masses, has served alongside HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands since 2009. For nearly three decades, Bowe’s voice has connected with millions via his daily live radio show. He served for 15 years as the in-game host for the Atlanta Falcons and currently is CEO of Kontent Faktory USA, LLC, Atlanta’s premiere digital content creation and podcast company.
“To me, HBCU culture means Black legacy. It means Black excellence,” said KD Bowe. “It means a culture of Black youth who are committed to either changing the narrative of negativity associated with their last name or living up to the expectations of a family who has already changed that narrative and will not let them fail. I love us! There’s no culture like us anywhere in the world.”
Ali and Bowe are both heavily involved in their Atlanta communities. As the founder of Sporty Girls, Inc., Ali used her background in collegiate swimming to start a non-profit organization that encourages and supports the development of life skills in girls ages eight to 18 through participation in golf, tennis, soccer, swimming, and lacrosse. Similarly, Bowe used his background in radio to create ManUP! Community, Inc., a nonprofit that helps families and communities be better by equipping Black men with the tools and the community of men they need to make them better. It also brings awareness to similar organizations and individuals through weekly radio broadcasts and social media endeavors.
Both individuals know the meaning of a legacy, and they are ready to bring the hype to the 18th HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands. Showcasing more than 35,000 student musicians over the last 17 years, HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands will feature talented performers from six HBCUs and two local powerhouse high schools. Individual and group tickets can be purchased now on Ticketmaster.
# # #
About HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands:
The HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands is the original and largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching band and dance team showcase in the world. The annual event welcomes 60,000 attendees in Atlanta, Ga., each year. Festivities also include the HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands college fair, bringing thousands of attendees who can learn about more than 45 HBCUs and their academic and band programs. Visit the HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands website for more information: AllStarBattleoftheBands.com.
Media Contact:
HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands
Madeline Hiller
[email protected]
704.519.5837
