Gas South Arena, one of the premier entertainment venues in the Southeast and located within Gas South District, is bringing the renowned "Battle of the Bands" to the Metro Atlanta area for the first time on Saturday, Feb. 19. The event will highlight marching bands from five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Benedict College, Fort Valley State University and South Carolina State University.

In addition to being a showcase for the trademark bands from the five HBCUs, the event serves as the official launch for the HBCU Culture Legacy Foundation's "$1 Million Scholarship Initiative," with proceeds from tickets and sponsorships supporting its fundraising goal for 2022.

"Given the rich tradition of HBCU bands and the significant influence the schools have in the Southeast, it's a tremendous honor to be associated with the first HBCU Culture Homecoming Battle of the Bands in Atlanta," said Kevin Greiner, president and CEO of Gas South. "We are also excited to have these incredible musicians perform on our new Gas South basketball court."

Aisha DeBerry, Gas South's manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, added: "We are honored to donate $30,000 to the HBCU Culture Legacy Foundation and support them on their drive toward $1 million in 2022."

Since its inception in 2018, the HBCU Culture Legacy Foundation has successfully provided over $650,000 for scholarships and educational experiences to over 3,100 students at HBCUs across the country.

"When tragedy unexpectedly struck approaching my senior year in 2004, I was forced to drop out of school to support my family after my father became ill and later passed," said Frank Johnson, founder of the HBCU Culture Legacy Foundation. "My wife, La Keisha and I, started this organization to ensure other students wouldn't have to face a similar choice, and I'm so grateful to Gas South and our other sponsors for their support of this event and our overall mission. We are thankful for the example Gas South has set for other corporations and organizations to support."

In addition to Gas South, the event is being sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Army, Hibbett Sports, Belk and DoorDash.

For more information on the HBCU Culture Homecoming Fest & Battle of the Bands and how to donate to the HBCU Culture Legacy Foundation, please visit www.HBCUCulture.com.