The Enduring Legacy of the Hornet: A History of Alabama State University's Mascot
Alabama State University (ASU), a historically Black university (HBCU) in Montgomery, Alabama, has a rich and storied history dating back to its founding in 1867. From its humble beginnings as the Lincoln Normal School of Marion to its current status as a comprehensive university offering a wide range of degree programs, Alabama State has remained committed to its mission of providing educational opportunities to African Americans. A key element of the university's identity is its mascot, the Hornet, which embodies the spirit, energy, and determination of the institution and its students. This article delves into the history of the Alabama State University mascot, exploring its evolution, significance, and impact on the university community.
The Genesis of Alabama State University
The story of Alabama State University begins in the aftermath of the Civil War, a period of immense social and political change in the United States. With the end of slavery, African Americans sought to exercise their newly acquired rights, including the right to education. Recognizing this need, a group of nine freed slaves from Marion, Alabama, known as the Marion Nine, sought to build a school for African-Americans previously denied the right to an education. These men-Joey P. Pinch, Thomas Speed, Nicholas Dale, James Childs, Thomas Lee, John Freeman, Nathan Levert, David Harris, and Alexander H. Curtis-laid the foundation for what would become Alabama State University.
In 1867, the Lincoln School opened its doors with 113 students. This marked the beginning of a long journey of perseverance and progress for the institution. In December 1874, the State Board accepted the transfer of title to the school after a legislative act was passed authorizing the state to fund a Normal School, and George N. Card was named president. Thus, in 1874, this predecessor of Alabama State University became America's first state-supported educational institution for blacks. The second president, William Burns Paterson, was appointed in 1878. He is honored as a founder of Alabama State University and was the president for 37 of the school's first 48 years. In 1887, the university opened in its new location in Montgomery.
From Lincoln School to Alabama State University
Over the years, the institution underwent several transformations, reflecting its growth and evolving mission. In 1887, the university opened in its new location in Montgomery, but an Alabama State Supreme Court ruling forced the school to change its name; it was renamed the Normal School for Colored Students. In the decades that followed, Lincoln Normal School became a junior college, and in 1928 became a full four-year institution. In 1929 it became State Teachers College, Alabama State College for Negroes in 1948, and Alabama State College in 1954. Finally, it achieved university status and was renamed Alabama State University.
The Hornets and Lady Hornets: A Symbol of Athletic Prowess
The Alabama State Hornets and Lady Hornets represent Alabama State University in intercollegiate athletics. They field sixteen teams including men and women's basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, and track and field; women's-only bowling, soccer, softball, and volleyball; and men's-only baseball and football. The Hornets compete in the NCAA Division I and are members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The sports teams participate in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (FCS - Football Championship Subdivision for football) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), which it joined in 1982.
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The Evolution of the Hornet Logo
The logo of the athletic program representing the Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama, has remained virtually unchanged since 1999. It consists of two interrelated parts - graphic and textual. The latter is represented by an abbreviation consisting of the first symbols of the university’s name - “ASU” (Alabama State University), emphasizing the teams’ affiliation. The font is strict, simple, wide, sans-serif. The stroke is stylized as a stinger, and the bottom half is tightly pressed to the base. All letters are connected and have a transition.
The graphic sign is an enraged hornet. It’s the mascot of the sports department, representing the Vespa genus, resembling a wasp externally. The insect’s wings, eyes, legs, and antennae are colored grey, and the body is in black and yellow stripes. It has a sharp stinger at the end. Meanwhile, the hornet is flying through the letter “threatening opponents.” Although the letters predominate on the emblem, the mascot is visible due to the contrast.
Previous Logos
The visual identity of the athletic program from Alabama State University, designed in 1972, looked super funny and at the same time scary in its cartoonish execution. The only star of the badge was an evil hornet, drawn in its classic yellow and black color palette against a white background without any additional elements. In 1984 the Alabama State Hornets logo was significantly redesigned. First of all, the color palette of the badge was reduced to just black-and-white. Secondly, the composition has grown to an emblem and a massive abbreviation at the bottom. Thirdly, the mascot of the program, the hornet, was redrawn in a more progressive and geometric way, resembling a mechanical creature with superpowers.
The Mighty Marching Hornets: A Symphony of Sound and Spirit
No discussion of the Alabama State University mascot would be complete without mentioning the Mighty Marching Hornets, the university's renowned marching band. The Alabama State's marching band is officially known as "The Mighty Marching Hornets". The band has been nationally recognized. The Mighty Marching Hornets were featured in the documentary series, Bama State Style, which followed the lives of the students in the band. In 2016, The Mighty Marching Hornets made an appearance in Ang Lee's film Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk. In 2017, the band's 2012 halftime performance at the Magic City Classic garnered over three million views on YouTube. The band performed in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on New Year's Day in 2019. In 2023, Alabama State became the first HBCU to host the annual Honda Battle of the Bands. The band is traditionally led by four or five drum majors. The featured auxiliary is "The Sensational Stingettes", a danceline that debuted in 1977.
The Marching Hornets have gained national recognition as a result of their presentation of a sparkling halftime show on NBC’s national televised professional football games between the NY Jets vs. KC Chiefs, December 10, 1967; CBS’s nationally televised professional football game between the New Orleans Saints vs. the Green Bay Packers in 1969 and was twice televised on the Blue-Gray Football Classic, Montgomery, AL, December 1976 and 1977; halftime for the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints October 1976 and 1977; and the pre-game and halftime for the Cincinnati Bengal vs. In 1980, The Marching Hornets put together a halftime show saluting the late, great Joe Louis. In 1985, the Marching Hornets were invited to perform at the second annual Freedom Bowl classic in Fulton Stadium, Atlanta, GA, representing the SWAC Conference. They also performed for the Atlanta Falcon vs. Chicago Bears in 1986, where they presented a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and were the Exhibition Band for the South Central Marching Band Classic in Homewood, AL., November 1, 1986 The Marching Hornets also performed at other classics and games such as the Bronze Classic in Atlanta 1991, the Motor City Classic in Pontiac Michigan 1991, Alma Heritage Bowl in Miami 1991, the Circle City Classic of Indianapolis 1992, Battle of the Bands in Mobile, AL 2000, the Detroit Football Classic 2003 and 2004, and Battle of the Bands in Atlanta, Ga. in 2006.
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Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority was founded in 1946 by Wava Banes Henry. The Delta Theta chapter was founded at Alabama State University on March 20, 1970 by eight members including current faculty member Ms. Alma Lyle. It was reinstalled on March 21, 2004 by the Eight Essential Elements of Elegance and are still serving today. The ladies are currently under the direction of Ms. Atoyia Mason- Sponsor and Director of Bands Dr. James B. The flag corps made its debut in 1975. They were the first flag unit in the band. Atoyia Mason is the current instructor. In the spring of 2011 Dr. James B.
Another notable auxiliary group is The Stingettes is the name of Alabama State University’s dance line. Their name is derived from the stinger of the Hornet mascot. The Honey Bees first performed at the Southern vs Alabama State University game in Montgomery, Alabama in 2004 under the leadership of Dr.
Notable Alumni: Hornets Making a Difference
The Hornet mascot represents not only the athletic prowess and spirited performances of Alabama State University, but also the accomplishments of its alumni in various fields.
Ralph Abernathy: After serving in World War II, Ralph Abernathy graduated from Alabama State University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
Rickey Smiley: Rickey Smiley is a stand-up comedian, actor, and radio personality who is best known for his nationally-syndicated WHTA program, The Rickey Smiley Show.
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Tangi Miller: Tangi Miller is an actress, model, and dancer who is best known for her portrayal of Elena Tyler on Felicity.
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