Did you know that the soulful melodies, work songs, and plantation songs of the American South contained secret messages? You can learn about these songs and the meaning behind them at the Aurora Public Library District (APLD) Wednesday, July 17 for the program, Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals.
This free program will explore the ingenious ways enslaved people used spirituals to communicate with each other, particularly as they navigated the treacherous journey to freedom on the Underground Railroad. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the history and resilience of African Americans through the power of music.
What is a spiritual? The Library of Congress defines a spiritual as “a type of religious folksong that is most closely associated with the enslavement of African people in the American South.” Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, and Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen, are examples of well-known spirituals. Enslaved people used these melodies to hide messages of hope, escape routes, and coded warnings. They are called spirituals because they are often rooted in biblical stories. As Christianity was introduced and adopted into the enslaved population, spirituals served to express the community’s new faith, as well their hopes and sorrows.
“These songs originated in America before the Civil War and can still be heard in places of worship to this day,” said Library assistant Colleen Unger. “By listening to and learning about these songs, we can gain a richer understanding of the history of enslaved peoples in America.”
Our presenter for the program, Connie Martin, MA, does her part to teach this history, her history, all around the Chicagoland area. As the descendant of a U.S.-born enslaved person, Martin shares the struggles, songs, and secrets that were passed down from her mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She uses her platform as an Illinois Humanities Road Scholar to tell the stories of how enslaved people sought freedom and hope. “We offered Connie Martin’s presentation, Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad, during Women’s History Month this past March,” said Unger.
“The program was so well received by our customers that we wanted to invite her back this Summer.” Martin is not the only one sharing her family’s history. APLD owns two copies of Lizzie’s Story: A Slave Family’s Journey to Freedom, written by Martin’s mother, Dr. Clarice Boswell. Together they ensure that their family’s story lives on and that the struggles are remembered.
Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals will take place Wednesday, July 17, at 6 p.m. at the Santori Library and virtually on Zoom. Registration is requested, though walk-ins will be welcome as space allows. Visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/10623981 to reserve your spot or contact the library at 630-264-4117.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.