So, what's the general consensus re: Negro spirituals?

[dolo amber]

I've read here that some vehemently disagree with symbols of the "old South"...mammy dolls, etc., which is perfectly understandable. What I'm wondering is if there is any feeling such as this with regard to the old slave songs...true, they represent the most abhorrent behaviour of one man to another, but all things being equal they are some of the most beautiful and moving pieces of music ever sung.

Just curious... :hi:

[SemiCharmedQuark]

1. The songs sung by the slaves?

I believe that those are not offensive at all. Rather, they are a tribute to the human spirit that would not be crushed in even the worst of circumstances.

[angee_is_mad]

2. Escape songs

forgive me if I'm wrong, but a lot of the slave songs were codes to tell other slaves about escape plans.

If anyone have any historical info about this please post.

[mark414]

3. Spirituals as Coded Communication

Perhaps the best known use of spirituals in the service of freedom during the slave period was the imbedding of “hidden” or coded messages in song lyrics for the purpose of clandestine (secret) communication on the Underground Railroad12. One of the first public revelations by a former slave of this practice of secret communication through spirituals is found in the autobiographical writings of the noted Black abolitionist Frederick Douglass, in which Douglass revealed to his readers that some songs interpreted by outsiders as referring to life after death in Heaven13, were actually understood within the enslaved African community as signifying a determination to reach freedom in the North, outside the reach and power of Southern plantation owners.

http://ctl.du.edu/spirituals/Freedom/coded.cfm

perfect timing...i'm taking a black history class and we were just talking about this last week...

[angee_is_mad]

4. Perfect timing

as always Mark, you are always on point.

[Solly Mack]

6. There's an Anthology of Black music....

It's called "Harry Belafonte presents The Long Road to Freedom: An Anthology of Black Music"

It's excellent!

[Solly Mack]

5. and just an added tidbit...quilts used as signals

Along the railroad, certain types of quilts were put out on lines...some indicated to keep to the same road and some meant to take an alternate route. Some warned that patrols were in the area...and some indicated that food and water could be had at that location.(basically safe houses)