The United States Marine Band was established in 1798. It earned its moniker, "The President's Own," under Thomas Jefferson’s tenure. Currently, 135 Marines continue to play at events ranging from White House parties to official inaugurations. Last year saw enthusiasm build up as the Marines organized a competition for teenaged musicians. Winners were set to join the ensemble. Out of numerous applicants, thirty students made the cut. A performance date was confirmed but then rescinded just last month. This decision came after President Trump signed an executive order targeting diversity initiatives; notably, most selected participants identified themselves as African American, Latino, Native American, or Asian heritage. Consequently, their exclusion sparked widespread interest among those eager to witness these talented youth perform. veterans Of military bands who came together to form an impromptu ensemble representing American pride.
Last Sunday, at the music center located at Strathmore close to Washington, 22 students who had missed out on an opportunity to perform joined forces with veteran members of the military band for what wasn’t supposed to be a public concert.
The music was intended for the canceled performance of "Nobles of the Mystic Shrine" by John Philip Sousa. Approximately 150 years ago, Sousa led the Marine Band and created "Stars and Stripes Forever," a beloved staple in the repertoire of patriotic tunes.
Rishab Jain: Our nation takes great pride in being the bastion of freedom and courage. This belief resonates with me as strongly as it does with anybody else. However, achieving this requires embracing various viewpoints. It’s essential to understand how different people perceive things.
The 18-year-old Rishab Jain was one of the students prohibited from participating with the Marines. Born in America to Indian parents, he was a high school senior who had been admitted to Harvard University.
Rishab Jain asserts that when a society stifles artistic expressions, it reveals an underlying fear of self-discovery. By censoring music, we deny ourselves the ability to express feelings, vulnerabilities, and fundamental aspects of our humanity. This suppression ultimately undermines our sense of worth as humans and diminishes our collective dignity.
Scott Pelley: It doesn't appear as though you accept any boundaries.
Rishab Jain: Absolutely not.
Last year, without any restrictions except talent, Rishab Jain along with around 60 other individuals across the country submitted their audition videos for the Marines to evaluate. Zakyya McClenny sent in her clarinet performance recorded in Pennsylvania.
Scott Pelley: Did you believe you would be selected?
Zakyya McClenny: Yes!
Scott Pelley: You exhibit great assurance.
Zakyya McClenny: I do.
Scott Pelley: What made you believe you would be selected?
Zakyya McClenny: I lead my life with great assurance.
She was correct. Zakyya was selected. Both she and the other participants were coordinated through Equity Arc, a Chicago-based non-profit organization aimed at linking student musicians of color with mentors and chances for growth. This initiative became necessary because—current U.S. orchestras consist predominantly of white members, making up about 80%, followed by Asians at 11%, Hispanics at 5%, and Blacks accounting for just 2%. It comes as little surprise then that in 2022, the head of Equity Arc received an unforeseen phone call.
Scott Pelley: Did the Marines contact you?
Stanford Thompson: Yes.
Stanford Thompson was contacted to inquire about ways for the ensemble to connect with musicians of color. This initiative aligns with the group's objective to teach young people.
Stanford Thompson: During the conversation with the Marine Band, I shared numerous concepts and insights our organization has gathered. After hanging up, I thought, “Hold on, let me reach out again; I ought to propose ways for Equity Arc and the Marine Band to collaborate.” We pinpointed the gap at the high school and pre-college levels, noticing many musicians of color leaving the field during these years. The suggestion arose to invite a chosen few who qualify via auditions to come to Washington D.C., giving them the chance to spend several days collaborating with the band.
The expected outcome was for top music students, such as Zakaya McClenny, to learn from the finest over a couple of days.
Their wind symphony was scheduled for May 4th. However, President Trump's executive order prohibiting diversity initiatives disrupted these plans.
President Trump We have abolished what was known as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies throughout the whole federal government and even into the private sector and our military. Our nation will no longer be influenced by these trends!
The president claims he is establishing a "race-neutral, performance-based" society—a response to what numerous people viewed as overly progressive policies. His directive was extensive, labeling diversity initiatives as "unlawful and unethical discrimination" and “an enormous misuse of resources.”
However, that executive order is merely the start. Throughout the administration, President Trump is reversing five decades of anti-discrimination policies aimed at protecting women, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and racial minorities.
Trump rescinded President Johnson's 1965 ban on employment bias. He closed the Social Security Office of Civil Rights and fired leaders of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, which investigates bias in the workplace.
Cari Dominguez: I believe we've reached a critical juncture in our society. We must decide which direction we wish to pursue.
Cari Dominguez led the EEOC during George W. Bush's presidency. Her family escaped from Cuba when she was 12 years old.
Scott Pelley: The rationale supporting the executive order claims that America has eradicated racism, and nobody in the nation is disadvantaged due to their race anymore.
Cari Dominguez: The information does not back that up.
Dominguez informed us that the statistics indicate the EEOC processes approximately 100,000 discrimination complaints submitted by Americans annually.
Scott Pelley: The executive order refers to the types of programs that were previously utilized for enforcement as "immoral."
Cari Dominguez: In my view, denying people chances for advancement is unethical. I've seen folks with impressive CVs secure interviews only to be overlooked once they arrive in their wheelchairs. It’s unjust to withhold these opportunities due to such biases; that's where the immorality lies.
Apart from issues of fairness, the commanding officer of the Marine Band wrote to Equity Arc’s Stan Thompson in an email, “due to the current executive order, we won’t be able to rearrange the schedule.” The commander added, “I’m truly sorry to deliver this disappointing information.”
Stanford Thompson: Initially, I felt a sense of helplessness and heartbroken.
Scott Pelley: Did you feel that the concert was cancelled due to the color of your skin?
Rishab Jain: Definitely. There wasn’t much doubt about it for me. I was fully ready; I had put in all the effort needed to excel. Considering my Indian background, I assumed there wouldn’t be any other explanation for my success.
- Performing in unison, even with the president's DEI executive order in place
All queries have been addressed over the last seven days. The pupils convened in Washington for practice sessions and the show. As usual, 60 Minutes handled the expenses related to flight tickets and transportation to gather all our interview subjects together. Equity Arc chose to reserve both the rehearsal venue and the auditorium and attempted to substitute the missing Marine Band—a task that proved straightforward.
John Abbracciamento: When faced with an issue, people generally have two reactions—they either grumble about it or take action. I opted for the second choice right away. It turned out to be the simplest decision I've made.
Simple for John Abbracciamento and Jennifer Marotta, former Marine Band trumpet players.
Scott Pelley: The marines comply with their commands. It’s not necessary for them to agree with these orders. How do you suppose the band members feel about everything happening here?
John Abbracciamento: They're as familiar to me as the back of my hand. Therefore, I don't believe it’s excessive for me to venture an opinion on just how let down they felt.
As the active-duty Marines were instructed to halt their operations, Equity Arc turned to retired personnel who responded from all corners. These veterans included ex-military members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Marine Corps. Jennifer Marotta personally covered her expenses to fly in from Los Angeles.
When Jennifer Marotta received that email, she examined her calendar and declared, “I have the flexibility to reschedule everything.” She promptly made travel arrangements. This happened exactly seven days prior, and now she’s here.
John Abbracciamento: I dare anybody, seriously, anybody, to approach me and claim that holding this concert harms the United States. It doesn’t; instead, it showcases our finest qualities.
Scott Pelley: You weren’t supposed to be here today. This group wasn’t intended to be heard from. I’m curious about what this instant on this stage signifies to you emotionally.
My name is Sean Mouzon, and I come from Atlanta, Georgia. Currently, I am a junior attending Southwest DeKalb High School. What brings us together today is something universal—music. I stand before you because of my passion for it. There’s no ulterior motive; simply put, I adore the incredible talent surrounding me. It would be unjust if anyone were denied this experience due to another person's personal views or unrelated issues. Music unites us all, and that should remain untainted.
My name is Vanessa Cabrera, hailing from Rockaway, New Jersey. We've worked diligently to get where we are today. This place belongs to us as much as anyone else. Our talents deserve recognition too, and our story isn’t only ours—it’s also for the kids and others who find themselves in similar circumstances. No one has the right to dictate your path; with determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Ricardo Lazaro: The name’s Ricardo Lazaro, hailing from San Antonio, Texas. All I wish for is to create a better world. However, things appear to be moving in the wrong direction. We must bring about this transformation. In my view, each person present has what it takes to contribute. Yet, will we actually take action?
My name is Julie Angelis Boehler. After serving for 23 years as the timpanist of the U.S. Army Band, known as "Pershing's Own," I decided to retire. It’s crucial that we recognize the importance of having variety not only from a musical standpoint but also athletically and academically. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements we must embrace. Thanks so much.
The initial performance by the Marine Band might have attracted hundreds of spectators. However, this evening, those same musicians will reach an audience of millions. Standing at the podium is Rodney Dorsey from Florida State University, leading them through "Gallop" by Dmitri Shostakovich—a piece performed by a ensemble reflecting the diversity of America.
Produced by Nicole Young and Kristin Stevens. Broadcast assistant, Michelle Karim. Edited by Warren Lustig.
Editor's note: In last month’s announcement, Paramount Global, which owns CBS News, stated it would be adjusting certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. According to the company, these modifications aimed to align with the revised federal guidelines following the change in presidential leadership.
