INTRO

The title of the album, The Negro Spirit, came to me because I often feel the spirit of my ancestors who experienced a level of cruelty, atrocity, and inhumane treatment, that no human being should ever experience. cs I researched the original lyrics of many of the songs, I began feeling the pain of those who wrote the songs and the purpose for which they wrote them. The strength that transferred to me from their spirit became an energy force that compelled me to do this project.

From learning through the words of our ancestors, it appears that the beauty of death was embraced more than the beauty of life. cs I internalized many of the lyrics, I was saddened by how they embraced going to heaven more than enjoying their time on earth. What a horror it must've been to wake up every day, knowing that you were someone else's property, while all along, praying that on very that day you would go to heaven. The oppressive mindset back then continues in present times. It is up to each of us to see the reality of truth and make a difference where we can.

Many of these works were written in the 1800s. I can't help but reflect on my own life and the blessings that I have had versus what they had to go through. I am grateful that I am living in this time and not during their time. However, I am thankful for their journey, which contributed to my journey. When my time is up here on earth, I hope to meet and thank my ancestors while embracing them in heaven to let them know that their living was not in vain.

May we never forget.