Music and spoken word will frame a century of African American history when Virginia Union University presents a Black History Month musical production on its campus.

The performance, marking 100 years since the establishment of National Negro History Week, is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the VUU Chapel at Coburn Hall. 

Titled “Still Rising: The Soundtrack of Black History — A Centennial Musical Celebration of National Negro History Week,” the intergenerational production traces African American history from pre-1619 Africa through slavery, emancipation, the Civil Rights Movement and the modern era. The program combines music and narration to examine key moments and themes in Black history. 

The production will feature Virginia Union’s Gospel Choir along with community choirs and guest vocalists, including Desireé Roots, Lady E, Cora Armstrong and the Gospel Music Workshop of America. 

The event also acknowledges the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, widely known as the “Father of Black History,” who founded National Negro History Week to promote the study and recognition of African American history.