MTSU Celebrates Black History Month with Powerful Musical Performance

Singer Keith Craig highlights African American musical legacy in Sidelines 100 showcase

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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This February, Middle Tennessee State University students experienced a powerful kickoff to Black History Month with a performance by Keith Craig, highlighting the rich tapestry of African American musical history. The event, part of the Sidelines 100 project, underscores a growing trend of preserving and celebrating Black history through artistic expression.

Why it matters

The performance, which included spirituals, operatic arias, and works by composers like Margaret Bonds, demonstrates a deliberate effort to connect historical narratives with contemporary audiences. This approach aligns with a nationwide trend of universities and cultural institutions utilizing performance art as a vehicle for education and remembrance of Black history.

The details

Craig's performance featured songs originating during slavery, such as 'Is There Anybody Here That Loves My Jesus?' and 'Ride On, King Jesus.' These songs were not merely expressions of faith, but also coded communications, resistance strategies, and vital components of cultural survival. Presenting them in a modern context allows for a deeper understanding of the resilience and ingenuity of enslaved people. The spotlight on Margaret Bonds, the first Black composer to gain recognition in the U.S., is also a crucial element of this trend, as the contributions of Black composers have often been overlooked or marginalized in mainstream musical education.

  • The performance took place in February 2026 as part of MTSU's Black History Month celebrations.

The players

Keith Craig

A singer who performed at MTSU's Black History Month kickoff event, highlighting the rich tapestry of African American musical history.

Margaret Bonds

The first Black composer to gain recognition in the U.S., whose works were featured in the performance.

Langston Hughes

A poet whose works provided a powerful lyrical foundation for Margaret Bonds' compositions, illustrating the interconnectedness of artistic disciplines in the Black community.

Vincent Windrow

The director of the Intercultural and Diversity Affairs Center at MTSU, which organized the performance to expose students to different cultures.

Sidelines 100

A century-long showcase of student storytelling at MTSU, of which the Black History Month performance was a part.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to expose students to different cultures and perspectives. This is essential for preparing them to thrive in a globalized world.”

— Vincent Windrow, Director, Intercultural and Diversity Affairs Center (MTSU Sidelines)

What’s next

MTSU plans to continue its commitment to cultural awareness and diversity through ongoing programming and initiatives, including the Sidelines 100 project.

The takeaway

The MTSU performance highlights the growing trend of using artistic expression, particularly music, as a powerful tool for preserving and celebrating Black history. This approach aligns with a broader movement among universities and cultural institutions to create more inclusive and equitable learning environments.