By Luca Johnson,
Tennessee State University made a historic appearance at the American Music Awards on Sunday with country music star Kane Brown’s campus performance.
The five-time AMA winner wooed the crowd with a performance of his hit, “One Mississippi.” He also gave
fans a look into his Tennessee and Georgia roots, as well as a personal musical journey as an African American artist.
“Kane Brown is a Tennessee native, and he’s changing the world through his music,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “It’s amazing to have him here.”
Senior Tiara Thomas, a political science major from Olive Branch, Mississippi, said Brown’s visit was an opportunity to shine a light on not only TSU, but highlight historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in general.
“We are in an era where HBCUs are fighting to prove their importance and relevance,” said Thomas, who is a student trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees. “To have our university broadcasted for millions of viewers to see is very beneficial for the advancement of our institution.”
Senior Travion Crutcher agreed.
“Recognition of historically black colleges and universities in any capacity is long overdue,” said Crutcher, a mechanical engineering major from Huntsville, Alabama. “With Nashville’s rich history in the music industry, and Tennessee State University having such an influence on Nashville, this performance was very fitting.”
Brown came to a campus that has produced the likes of Maurice White of “Earth, Wind & Fire”, Grammy super producers Dwane “Key Wane” Weir II and Shannon Sanders, and Sanchez Harley, who wrote and produced songs for the legendary Aretha Franklin.
