Virginia State University Graduation Dances To "Boots On the Ground"
Virginia State University Graduation Goes Viral With “Boots On the Ground” Celebration
College graduation season is upon us.
Newly minted grads are walking across that stage, but before embarking on the journey into the real world and prepping for their first nerve-racking job interview, they’re living it up. For some that’s graduation parties, or photo shoots; for others it’s just making sure the ceremony with their college squad is one to remember.
According to HBCU Gameday, that’s what Virginia State University’s newest alum did over the weekend at two commencement ceremonies that honored its College of Education, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, College of Agriculture, College of Engineering & Technology, College of Natural & Health Sciences, and the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business.
After VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah had the kids adjust their tassels, he surprised them by instructing them to grab the fans placed under their chairs, then asking, “Where them fans at?”
The question comes from the memorable lyrics of 803Fresh’s hit song “Boots on the Ground,” so the students immediately hopped to their feet and turned the aisles into a dance floor while waving their fans as the song played. Even the school’s president and faculty started to catch a vibe while on stage and line danced.
You can watch the moment below:
The song and dance have exploded in popularity after Beyoncé performed it on her Cowboy Carter tour while 803 sat in the audience. Celebrities like Shaq and Michelle Obama have also hopped on the trend.
HBCU culture has been embracing the track, so the Columbia, S.C., native even linked up with SCSU’s band for the music video, which has millions of views.
During an appearance on Sherri Sheppard’s show, he talked about the inspiration behind the song.
“I got the opportunity to go to my very first trail ride, and it was just so exciting, and the energy was real high. It really just stuck with me,” he revealed. “‘Boots on the ground’ is a line dance terminology, and it’s also a military terminology, too, that stands for ‘be ready and present.’ So I really just wanted to incorporate the two and just make a celebration anthem.
