New Book Explores Negro Spirituals and Their Inspirational Power
When I was a young father, I didn’t remember the lullabies to sing to my sons, but I did remember the Negro spirituals. I sang to my sons the songs my mother sang to me—songs like Wade in the Water and Go Down, Moses. These songs were sung by our ancestors and elders to acknowledge the struggles we have endured and continue to face. They served as tools to remind us that victory is ours, even in days darker than a hundred midnights. Negro spirituals embody what Dr. Cornel West calls tragicomic hope, the belief in a brighter day even in the midst of tragedy. It is this enduring power of Negro spirituals that Cheryl Hudson beautifully captures in her new book.
Cheryl Willis Hudson’s new book is a beautiful tribute to the power and significance of Negro spirituals. She skillfully weaves the lyrics of some of our most cherished spirituals into the storyline, both inspiring and educating the reader. The timeless illustrations allow readers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the story.
This is a wonderful book that gives educators, grandparents, parents, and elders an opportunity to teach children about the role Negro spirituals have played in helping Black people develop resilience in their ongoing struggle to create a better, more beautiful world.
