Carlton, Moore Lead Alabama A&M’s Dazzling Color Guard into Houston Spotlight

                                                                                                                                                       By Toni Herring

The Alabama A&M University Fabulous Flags are stepping into the national spotlight with fresh energy, bold new leadership. This weekend, the celebrated color guard of the Marching Maroon & White will take the field at the 2025 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands in Houston, marking the University’s third appearance at the event and the debut of what the group calls the “KK Era.”

Captain Khourtney Carlton, a junior biology major from Birmingham, Alabama, and Co-Captain Kaitlyn Moore, a junior civil engineering major from Atlanta, Georgia, are leading the 16-member team into one of the nation’s most-watched showcases of HBCU band culture. The duo, who first met as freshmen on “The Hill,” say their shared history has forged a powerful leadership bond.

“Having Kaitlyn as co-captain is so important because not only did we come in together, but it’s easy to work with each other since we know each other,” said Carlton. “We’ve been there for one another from the start, and that’s created a real support system.”

That support has been critical during weeks of grueling band camp. The Fabulous Flags trained under sweltering summer heat while their usual rehearsal space, Morrison Building, underwent renovations. Despite swollen feet and long days of drills, the squad remained focused on preparing for Houston.

“We came in for band camp about three weeks ago and started from the basics – tosses, color guard fundamentals, and getting the freshmen caught up,” said Moore. “It’s been nonstop drilling and pushing through the challenges of new leadership, but I’ve learned to adapt, to build emotional intelligence, and to keep the team motivated. I’m really excited for our new members to experience HBCU band culture for the first time. We’ve been telling them this is really big. We can’t wait for them to feel the butterflies and the atmosphere of a national stage.”

For Carlton, who had to adjust from a more traditional marching background as a freshman, the journey has been transformative. Now, as captain, she’s focused on growth, unity, and leaving a mark.

“This year I’m looking forward to seeing our team grow and for our members to really find themselves,” she said. “Be ready and prepared for a new pizzazz, a new feel – it’s the ‘KK Era.’ We’re bringing a fresh new twist to the Fabulous Flags!”

(Photo L-R) Khourtney Carlton, Kaitlyn Moore