1. Black Spirituals In relation to Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man

2. Origin… African American spirituals are one mode through which the melodies and rhythms of Africa found their way to America. In the fields the slaves developed a musical combination of "call and response" which becomes characteristic of gospel singing. Early spirituals acted for a number of practical functions for the slaves. Some were a mode of communication or a map to the North. Aside from these reasons, their song was a cry for freedom and salvation.

3. Spirituals through the ages In the 1920s, the Black Renaissance was an artist movement concerning poetry and music. -“It was an evidence of a renewed race-spirit that consciously and proudly sets itself apart.” – Alan Locke At this time African Americans began to leave the South and went North. Then, Gospel songs were more and more popular in Northern towns, like Chicago. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, before and during rallies for Civil Rights, demonstrators sang negro spirituals. For example, “We Shall Overcome” and “This Little Light of Mine.”

4. The African-American tradition of spirituals and sacred music has continued to change. The religious themes that were at the heart of the early spirituals continued with gospel, blues, and even pop singers. Now in the present era, the spiritual tradition is still kept alive.

5. Black spirituals carry a lot of meaning to African Americans throughout history. Especially in hard times. Spirituals show up in Invisible Man a few times:

6. While at Mary Rambo’s house; I think Mary signifies strength and community for African Americans. Music has also been a common bond and strength for black people throughout history.

7. On page 255 Mary Rambo quotes a song called, I Will Move on up a Little Higher. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SKY8AyZyQcwww.youtube.com/watch?v=1SKY8AyZyQc

8. Music comes back up in Tod Clifton’s funeral. In a moment of pain, the African American community returns to its roots in spirituals.

9. The significance and meaning of Black spirituals in Invisible Man is simply to show the strong sense of community an tradition. IM is often disconnected from who he is and by bringing in music Ellison reconnects IM to his roots.

10. This is a performance of Wade in the Water, by the Alvin Ailey Dance Company… This is a performance of Wade in the Water, by the Alvin Ailey Dance Company… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9uEq9Sjefgwww.youtube.com/watch?v=l9uEq9Sjefg