In honor of Black History Month, we’re recognizing an important piece of University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band history that was made this past year.
When Qeanu Smith joined the UMMB Drum Major team in May 2023, she became the first Black Drum Major in the band’s history.
As one of the organization’s most visible leadership positions, Drum Majors serve as conductors, mentors, and ambassadors for the Minuteman Marching Band. Smith’s appointment marked a historic milestone and added a new chapter to the band’s long tradition of student leadership.
Her achievement echoes another groundbreaking moment from nearly half a century earlier.
In 1977, Linda (Paul) Hannum became one of the earliest women to serve as a Drum Major at a major collegiate marching band in the United States. At a time when women were still breaking into leadership roles within many college marching bands, her selection demonstrated that leadership would be defined by talent, dedication, and excellence rather than tradition.
Though separated by nearly 50 years, the accomplishments of Linda (Paul) Hannum and Qeanu Smith share a common thread. Both women achieved historic firsts. Both expanded representation in one of the band’s most visible leadership positions. And both demonstrated the power of seeing new faces and new voices represented at the front of the ensemble.
The history of the Minuteman Marching Band is often told through performances on the field, cherished traditions, and the lifelong bonds formed within the organization. It is also shaped by students whose achievements redefine what is possible for those who follow. In 1977, Linda (Paul) Hannum helped open doors for women in drum major leadership. In 2023, Qeanu Smith made history as the first Black Drum Major in the band’s history.
Together, their stories reflect the continued evolution of the Power and Class of New England and remind us that leadership has many faces, many backgrounds, and many paths.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor Qeanu Smith’s historic achievement while recognizing the generations of leaders whose courage, talent, and example helped make new milestones possible.