Political Quotes

“Whereas since slavery was introduced into the European colonies in 1619, enslaved Africans remained in bondage until the United States ratified the 13th amendment to the Constitution in 1865; Whereas during that period in the history of the United States, the first expression of a unique American music was created by enslaved African-Americans who-- (1) used their knowledge of the English language and the Christian religious faith, as it had been taught to them in the New World; and (2) stealthily wove within the music their experience of coping with human servitude and their strong desire to be free; Whereas as a method of survival, enslaved African-Americans who were forbidden to speak their native languages, play musical instruments they had used in Africa, or practice their traditional religious beliefs, relied on their strong African oral tradition of songs, stories, proverbs, and historical accounts to create an original genre of music, now known as spirituals;”