The University’s Black Chorus has spent decades upholding its mission to be an inclusive space for students to unite and represent the voices of Black Americans. 

Founded in 1968, the group has seen much success both on campus and on the road. It has made appearances at neighboring colleges such as Purdue University, Northwestern University, Clarke College and more. 

Entering its 58th year, the group utilizes the most delicate instrument, one’s vocal chords, to bring unity and advance individual voices. It explores genres such as the Negro Spiritual, as well as traditional and contemporary jazz, R&B and gospel.

Along the roads of Mount Hope, West Virginia, Ollie Watts Davis, director of Black Chorus, blossomed into a prestigious performance artist. Growing up, she attended a segregated elementary school and later joined an integrated institution for her late teenage years. Throughout that time, singing was always a large part of her life and built a strong foundation for her understanding of music and presentation.

“Music was very much a part of my activity as a young person … so I thought music will always be a part of my life,” Davis said.

While furthering her education at the University, she stumbled upon Black Chorus and eventually joined the staff as the assistant conductor. Soon after, she was promoted to principal conductor, which allowed her to continue to teach holistically.

“The Black Chorus exists with a performative objective, and that is to share the music of Black Americans in excellent performance, scholarship and research,”  Davis said.

Together, Davis and assistant conductor, Ashley Michelle Davis, teach not only the complexities of vocal training but also instill a powerful philosophy that is ingrained in their students’ daily lives. 

Mikaylah Hueston, junior in LAS, a two-year Black Chorus member, is one of these students. 

“I joined Black Chorus in a time when I was really lost, and it brought so many friendships to me,” Hueston said. “It made me see my life in a whole new way.” 

She appreciates how much the group has positively impacted her life. Developing more confidence within herself and embracing her vocal role as a soprano, Black Chorus benefits her greatly.

Chaniyah Hill, junior in LAS and Black Chorus member since her freshman year, sings alto. She formerly held the position of wardrobe chair and is now the vice president. Hill learns more about leadership and builds community through interpersonal connections that go beyond the classroom.

“It makes you see the things that you go through in a different light,” Hill said.

On Oct. 12, Black Chorus held its first concert of the semester at Smith Memorial Hall. The Thanksgiving theme allowed the concert to be a remembrance of the sacred traditions of Black Americans.

This dynamic performance featured arranged spirituals and difficult solos, including “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the Black National Anthem. It also incorporated an inspirational gospel section and premiered a new original piece that was written this semester. The group will be returning to the stage with a Mother’s Day concert at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on April 11, 2026.

As for the group’s future endeavors, they are on their way to new levels of performance and recognition.

“Black Chorus is just going to keep expanding and being as great as they’ve already been,” Hill said. 

Its uninterrupted presence defines the importance of preserving oral customs. Black Chorus’ prophetic objective aims to welcome students from different backgrounds to participate in allyship and espousal.

The group’s performances recognize that the early music produced by African Americans is a result of the injustices they faced and a reminder that these issues are still present in today’s society. Black music is a continuous stream of consciousness that tells the stories of its ancestors. 

“Your education in Illinois is not complete without having been in my class, or having attended one of our concerts,” Davis said. 

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