Negro spirituals came from enslaved times when African American peoples where not allowed to play instruments or make music by their slave masters. They took to creating rhythms that beats with tools, bodies and their voices. these tunes were used to convey feelings of hopelessness and dispart. these rhythms and traditions were passed down through generations and later developed into what is known as the blues and country today. 

From negro spirituals came Folk Music, it was popularized during the Civil rights movement. instruments such as the banjo djembe drum and elements of the patting juba that were combined to create this form of music. Folk music has its earliest notes with slaves in call and response formats, during the Civil rights moments it changed and was embraced by all races. Artist like Odetta, Richie Havens, and Elizabeth Cotten popularized folk music outside of the African American community. 

Sweet Honey and the Rock is am all female folk music group. 

“The group was founded in 1973 by Bernice Johnson Reagon, a musicologist and civil rights activist, who wanted to create a musical outlet for black women to express their experiences and perspectives. The original lineup included Ysaye Maria Barnwell, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, and Carol Maillard.”

these women used their music to tackle a myriad of social issues like sexism, racism and environmental injustice. they have received many awards and accolades for their progression towards music, politics and the progression of the African American community.