February 11, 2026

In this MSM Student Spotlight, we speak with Adaiah Ogletree (BM ’26, Vocal Arts) about the upcoming Black History Month concert The Music Within Us taking place on Friday, February 13, at 7:30 PM in Neidorff-Karpati Hall.

The performance is free of charge with tickets not required. More information here:

ABOUT ADAIAH 

Originally from Houston, Texas, Adaiah is a senior Vocal Arts major studying under the tutelage of Susan Quittmeyer. In 2025, Adaiah played the titular role in Princess Ida: The Glow Up with MSM Undergraduate Opera Theatre. She has also been involved with the Black Student Union throughout her time at MSM.

Could you tell us a bit about this year’s BSU Concert?

Adaiah: This year’s concert, The Music Within Us, features music and spoken dialogue that showcase the diversity of the Black diaspora. Music has been integral to the liberation and celebration of Black individuals around the world, and in this concert, we honor that legacy while bringing awareness to social issues happening today.

Why should people come to the performance?

Adaiah: This year’s concert features music from an array of genres, all written by Black artists. This year features multiple works written by members of the Black Student Union that will make their debut on the Neidorff-Karpati stage.

What’s special to you about the song you’ll be performing?

Adaiah: This year, I will be singing “Jesus Will” by Anita Wilson. This song is special to me not just because of the words, but because my late great grandmother, Lola F. Graham, and I would sing it together often. So, whenever I sing this song, I think of her.

What’s your most memorable moment so far being part of the BSU?

Adaiah: At this year’s welcome picnic, we did an obstacle course in which Vice President Moira O’Connor and I were wrapped from head to toe in toilet paper in Sakura Park.Describe the BSU in 3 words!

Adaiah: Influential, Fun, and Safe.

Click through to see photos from the 2025 Black History Month Concert, A Tribute to Generations of Black Musical Excellence