DeKalb bands allowed to march in MLK parade

Several DeKalb County high school bands were allowed to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. in a parade Monday.

Five bands marched in the Stone Mountain parade despite a countywide suspension as a hazing investigation continues.

A school spokesperson said the exception was made because the bands committed to performing in the parade before the suspension.

"This is a special occasion," said school spokesperson Joye Burton.

This comes as some DeKalb high school band members are losing out on potential scholarships and missing spring events and competitions.

MLK High School band director Travis Kimber said the suspension is unfortunate.

"It was very untimely for us but at the same time we understand why it happened," Kimber said.

Kimber has a direct tie to Florida A & M University's "Marching 100," whose alleged activities are the root of the local investigation.

"I'm a FAMU graduate myself and I'm a drum major from FAMU," he said. "The things that happened in Tallahassee are strictly in Tallahassee and that has nothing to do with Martin Luther King, Jr. High School or the Dekalb County School System."

FAMU Drum major Robert Champion, who died as the result of an alleged hazing incident, attended Southwest DeKalb High School.

Band member Bria Hunter who says she was beaten until her leg broke also attended the same high school.

Several DeKalb band directors are also products of FAMU.

Two reports of "inappropriate activity" at two DeKalb programs are being investigated.

Burton said she couldn't comment on if any hazing incidents have been discovered as a result of the investigation.

"I can't speak to that right now," she said. "It's still under investigation and we should have answers soon."