About the Research
For centuries, the African American church has been a pillar of strength, community, and social justice. From the hush harbors of the enslaved to the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement, these institutions have shaped culture, provided spiritual guidance, and served as hubs for activism and mutual support. Notable denominations, such as the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), emerged from these foundations. They have provided essential community and a platform for social and political change for both enslaved and freed Black people.
However, recent research indicates a notable shift. A 2021 Pew Research survey of over 8,600 Black adults found that younger generations are less likely to identify with a specific religion or participate in predominantly Black churches than previous generations. This is part of a trend where young Black Americans are embracing a more personalized approach to spirituality, which is reflected in a decline in prayer, reduced attendance at religious services, and a diminishing emphasis on religion in their daily lives.
Research Question
The primary research question this study seeks to answer is, how did the content, communal performance, and socio-religious functions of Negro Spirituals contribute to the psychological and spiritual resilience of enslaved peoples in the Antebellum American South during the 1780 - 1860?
Furthermore, how did the communal act of singing spirituals foster a unique sense of solidarity, collective identity through the Cross of Christ, and shared endurance among enslaved communities? In addition, how did the eschatological and liberationist messages within Negro spirituals contribute to a sustained spiritual hope for freedom and justice?
Given that Negro Spirituals served as integral components of the liturgical practices developed in secret through hush harbor plantation church services and played a significant role in fostering unity among African Christians while promoting communal cohesion and economic self-sufficiency. The major question to be answered is: could these spirituals now serve as a cultural and spiritual conduit for re-engaging agnostic Black millennials with ancestral faith traditions and a shared collective identity?
If the answer is yes, then we have identified a crucial first step: developing initiatives that inspire young Black millennials to reconsider the value of the historically preserved Black Church and faith in Christ.