The Birth
From the depths of enslaved people in America, Folk Negro Spirituals emerged. This form of song is the child of African music and the Colonizer’s Christian faith. According to Chelsey Gasque’s, Negro Spirituals post, “These melodies emerged as a means for enslaved individuals to express faith, articulate struggles, and uphold cultural identity amid oppression.” The enslaved people produced these songs with lyrics that conveyed pain and resilience within their harsh circumstances. In addition to lyrics, these spirituals heavily contained call-and-response which created soul filled worship. Often times, these songs carried secret messages that aided in the escape. Two popular songs that I learned about are “Wade in the Water,” and “Go Down Moses.” Through my grandmother, I learned that each song held lyrics that conveyed a message of liberation and escape amongst our ancestors. Ultimately, Negro Spirituals served as a driving force of encouragement within the hard times of slavery.
It’s All Around Us
Today, the tradition of gathering to perform and hear Negro Spirituals remains. The Spelman Glee Club honors the rich musical heritage and impact of our ancestors. As I listen to the performance of “Children, Go Where I Send Thee,” by the Glee Club, I do feel a sense of passion invoked. I have found that studying what Negro Spirituals are and the impact they had upon my history is vital. It has allowed me to reflect on the imprint that we have made on music.
Echoing It On
As our generations grow, it is crucial that the legacy of Negro Spirituals is continued through arranged concerts. This involves honoring the past but also incorporating it into our future. This can be done through education of this song form, its origins, traditions, and meanings. I personally believe that it should be in school curriculum. Secondly, we can carry Negro Spirituals on through continual performance as the Spelman Glee Club does. Lastly, we must embrace the legacy of resilience and hope that the enslaved people manifested within their spirituals. Through honoring Negro Spirituals, we are echoing their messages and continuing to raise awareness about the genocide this country has tried to ignore.
