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Blessing Head Gear

The Purple Knights—students, faculty, and staff—celebrated Mass this Friday in honor of our ancestors and the rich history of the St. Augustine Marching 100. Many faculty and staff wore African attire, including the dashiki, which was heavily popularized in the 1960s as a symbol of Black pride, heritage, and the message that “Black is Beautiful.”

During the homily, Father Tony spoke about the “making” of the Marching 100. He shared that in 1952, a man named Edwin Hampton came to St. Augustine with a vision: to develop young Black musicians. When he began, there were only about 20 young men. Known affectionately as “Mr. Hamp,” he started by teaching them how to march in straight lines outside.

In the early 1960s, the band marched in its first parade—the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club parade. Young men across New Orleans, especially Black young men, took notice and wanted to be part of something special. Soon, the band became known simply as the “Marching 100.”

In 1967, Rex—an all-white parade organization at the time—invited the Marching 100 to become the first Black band to march in their parade. The reception was not welcoming. Some New Orleans residents hurled insults, spat on band members, and threw objects at them. But as Father Tony reminded us, they never broke rank.

Mr. Hamp built a legacy—an iconic band rooted in pride, discipline, and excellence—that continues to thrive to this day.

To close the Mass, Father Tony blessed the band’s headgear, praying for the protection of our young men as they prepare to march in Mardi Gras parades this season.

Congratulations to the St. Augustine Marching 100 and its enduring legacy.

         Marching 100 — The Best Band in the Land! 🎺🥁

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St. Augustine High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its admissions, educational, athletic, or employment policies. St. Augustine is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other status protected under local, state or federal laws.