Black History Month not only celebrates the achievements of African Americans, it also sets aside a time to focus on important black people and events in history. Music is part of this history. Many Christians are familiar with spirituals that came out of the "Second Awakening" with songs based on the bible and how to live for God. What many people don't know is that several of these spirituals held secret meanings only Christian slaves understood. The words of these songs reflected a personal relationship between the slave who sang it and God. These songs carried messages of hope for Christian slaves who lived in the bondage of slavery. Spirituals were sung at church, home, and work. The lyrics communicated powerful feelings, shared history, and in some cases passed on hidden codes.
Songs used to pass along code
Historically, a number of lesser known African American songs passed codes through the slave ranks. One such song is Follow the Drinking Gourd. It is said this song was used by the Underground Railroad as a way to pass on details to slaves escape. The hidden instructions offered direction for fleeing slaves to head north from Mobile, Alabama, to the Ohio River. In this song, the gourd which was used to dip and drink water was a code for the Big Dipper which points to the North Star. The lyrics offered other indicators for precise landmarks to help the escapees find their way.
Many of these code songs spoke of "home" which some could take to mean heaven, but the secret meaning referred to freedom and a haven for slaves. In the song Swing Low, Sweet Chariot and similar spirituals, wagons and carriages used by the Underground Railroad to help transport fleeing slaves.
Works songs
Music was part of life outside of the church setting for African Americans during the time of slavery and the practice continued after they were freed. They'd sing in the fields as they worked. Such songs became known as work songs. These songs served more than one purpose. They were often sung to help coordinate and pace efforts as people tackled moving a heavy load. Songs were sung by prisoners for the same reasons and became knwn as chain gang songs.
While slaves weren't free to talk when they wanted, songs were used as a means for communicating. At times, lyrics reflected how slaves were being treated. Some drivers allowed the slaves to sing while they worked, but songs could contain lyrics that spoke against slaveholders. Songs were also sung to celebrate important events and recount history.
Spirituals used as signals
Harriet Tubman was an escaped slave who became instrumental in helping thousands of slaves reach freedom. What some people may not realize is that she used spirituals as signals for the slaves in hiding. One song warned them to stay put because it wasn't safe, while another song let them know it was safe to show themselves.
Celebrations of black history month and African American music
- February 12: Grace United Methodist Church located at 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue in Midtown Atlanta celebrates the annual Black History Month Concert Sunday February 12 from 4:00-5:00p.m. The program is recommended for the entire family as the Choral Foundation presents the William Baker Festival Singers in its annual Black History Month Concert. Admission prices are $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Kids under 12 get in free.
- February 19: St. Benedict's Episcopal Chruch located at 2160 Cooper Lake Road, SE in Smyrna, GA will also be presenting a Celebration of African-American Music on Sunday, February 19 at 4:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Children under 12 get in for free.
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