Negro Spirituals are religious songs created and first performed by enslaved African Americans in the United States, mainly during the 18th and 19th centuries. These powerful songs blend African musical traditions—rhythms, melodies, and religious beliefs—with Christian themes introduced by enslavers. Serving as a vital form of expression, communication, and resistance, Negro Spirituals conveyed deep emotional experiences, including suffering, hope, and a longing for freedom. Many spirituals used coded language to embed hidden messages about escape routes and survival strategies, making them an essential part of the struggle against the dehumanizing conditions of slavery.