Historical Facts About African American Spirituals

During the early days of colonial America, landowners often used slaves to help in their agricultural endeavors

. Slaves who were brought from Africa to America were treated harshly, given new names, and forbidden to speak in their native tongues. As a way to suppress them and force these slaves to sever all ties to Africa, landowners also forced many Africans to convert to Christianity. As they became accustomed to their new religion, slaves began to create and sing African American spirituals. These songs continue to be sung today.

Historians note that some of the earliest songs included coded references to escaping slavery and finding freedom if a person had the chance. Songs sometimes referred to taking to the water, following the Underground Railroad, and other means of escaping. These codes were created to fool slave owners into believing that the melodies and lyrics alluded to finding Heaven.

These tunes also became a way of allowing the slave community to bond together and share a common experience. While slave owners worshipped in white-only churches, captives were allowed to hold their own worship services on Sundays. As they created these songs, captives used melodies, rhythms, and references to their African heritage.

These tunes also encouraged slaves to return to a way of worship known in Africa. Historians note that slave worship services frequently included speaking in tongues, spirit possessions, and fervent dancing, all brought on by singing a spiritual. With their music, Africans could remember their heritage without offending the requirement that they remain Christians.

After the days of slavery ended, many former captives continued to sing this music as a way of recalling their days of captivity. In today's black churches, spiritual music continues to be sung and has remained an identifying element of the black worship community. The speaking in tongues, dancing, and other aspects remain popular with black Christians today.

White audiences also have taken on a new appreciation for this music. Professional choirs perform spiritual music during their public concerts. Many white Christians also know the lyrics to and sing along with songs such as Michael Row the Boat Ashore and Wade in the Water.

Spirituals are historic in nature and are frequently studied by historians. They have been observed to contain coded messages about escaping slavery and following the Underground Railroad. After emancipation took place, many people continued to sing them as a means to identify and commemorate their captive past. Black churches today use them as part of their worship services.

by: Alexis Ford

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