“Some alumni have come at me pretty hard; they don’t want the band to participate and say I am a disgrace to my race,” Mr. Hawkins told host Bill O’Reilly. “But this is about the students having an opportunity to participate in this national ceremony.”

A number of artists, including prominent African-Americans, have said they would not perform at the inauguration of a president who built his political career leading the birther movement against President Obama, and on the campaign trail refused to disavow white supremacist supporters.

No other historically black colleges are participating in the Trump inaugural events, and the Talladega band had been condemned in the African-American community and by many of the school’s alumni.

But donors, giving mostly between $5 and $20, applauded the students’ courage and independence.

“Ignore the hatred!” a woman who gave $100 said on the GoFundMe page. “Enjoy one of the greatest moments YOUR COUNTRY has to offer. Safe travels and GOD BLESS you all!!!”

Other donors echoed the college’s assertion that the band’s participation was more a tribute to the civic celebration of the peaceful transfer of power than to the man assuming the presidency.