Opinion Celebrates Black History Month: The Fisk Jubilee Singers

Fisk University was founded in 1866 at the height of Reconstruction. Fisk University was founded in Nashville, TN in 1866 as an elite school for African Americans. It has since grown to be one of the most prestigious educational institutions in America. But it almost wasn’t to be.

Fisk was struggling financially when it opened. By 1871, they had almost run out of money. Enter George L. White, the school’s music teacher and treasurer. White organized a choir tour of his program’s top singers, and the group traveled the country to rave reviews. Most Americans hadn’t seen any black performers outside of minstrel shows. It is believed that the first Fisk Jubilee Singers’ tour introduced America to Negro spirituals as well as black faith tradition.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers weren’t simply singing students. Many were ex-slaves. Their introduction to the nation at large helped to serve as a window into the humanity and dignity of the victims of one of the worst human rights abuses in our nation’s history. Their performances were a joy to watch and their audiences responded with enthusiasm.

Fisk bought the land on which the choir was founded because it had been so successful. Today, it is one of the most popular HBCUs. It recently celebrated 150-years of melodic excellence and was awarded numerous national and state awards. Listen to recordings made by the group from its earliest days.

Let’s celebrate Black History Month and the inspiring American success story. Their beauty was a beacon of hope in a world still struggling from the effects of slavery. They used the resources they had when all was lost to make their own success. We can all learn from this example.

Black History Month: Happy Holidays