Singing spirituals was an act of rebellion. Enslaved people defied the oppressive system and people that were trying silence their cries. Freeing themselves by freeing their voices was the purpose of spirituals. They sang in secret, alone or together regardless of the consequences. Singing spirituals was also a sign of resilience. To be alive and able to use their voices was a mark of strength in itself. Singing gave enslaved people a will to live another day. 

Women, especially, used spirituals to verbalize their pain or speak about an injustice they endured. Spirituals were therapy for them to talk about their children, spouses, and much more. This was one of few instances where a woman’s voice could be heard and acknowledged.