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Beyoncé boosts TSU's Ocean of Soul

Russell Contreras

Massive stadium crowd watches a maroon-and-white marching band known as the Texas Southern University's Ocean of Soul perform in formation on a green field, beside a blue barrier banner. — The Texas Southern University's Ocean of Soul band in 2024 in Houston. Photo: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images

Beyoncé's BeyGOOD Foundation has awarded Texas Southern University's Ocean of Soul Marching Band $100,000 after more than 200 of its musicians joined her nationally televised "Beyoncé Bowl" performance.

Why it matters: The hometown investment turns a star-studded performance into scholarships and long-term support for students at one of Houston's most prominent historically Black universities.

State of play: TSU said the money will fund scholarships for band members, recruiting and retention efforts, and upgrades to infrastructure and technology.

Zoom in: The Ocean of Soul performed with Beyoncé during the Houston Texans-Baltimore Ravens Christmas Day halftime show in 2024, streamed on Netflix.

Zoom out: Beyoncé has repeatedly used major performances to elevate HBCUs, including launching Homecoming scholarships after her landmark 2018 Coachella set.

What they're saying: TSU President J.W. Crawford III called the gift a commitment to "empowering our student musicians" and their artistic expression.

Context: The Houston native launched BeyGOOD in 2013.

Its work has expanded from disaster relief and housing to scholarships, small-business grants and investments in underserved communities.

The bottom line: Beyoncé is converting Houston pride into tangible opportunities for the next generation of HBCU performers.

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Beyoncé boosts TSU's Ocean of Soul

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