SIDELINES : 2 Black Bands Get Invitation

Amid NFL lobbying to include more minorities in Super Bowl-related events, marching bands from two predominantly black colleges have been invited to be in this city’s annual Gasparilla parade.

Band directors from both Florida A&M; and Bethune Cookman said plans weren’t final but they were excited about the possibility of playing for a national audience.

“We are very much interested,” said Harold Bray, director of the Bethune Cookman marching band.

If the two groups reach an agreement with the task force, it might be the first time any predominantly black group will march in the traditional parade, which was rescheduled for the day before Super Bowl XXV in January.