Seminar: The Negro Spiritual - A National Treasure

SEMINAR: THE NEGRO SPIRITUAL – A NATIONAL TREASURE

On February 7, 2007, the United States 110th Congress and the Senate voted that the Negro Spiritual become a National Treasure.

The Negro Spiritual, which is the largest body of American Folk Music, as many as 6000 melodies, came into existence by enslaved Africans dealing with day to day horrific conditions of slavery. Melodies like, “Steal Away,” “Nobody Knows de trouble I see,” “He’s got the whole world in His hand,” and “Give me Jesus,” are all part of this large body of American Song.

On February 12, 2011, Dr. Oral Moses along with area churches in Marietta, Georgia and Kennesaw State University’s Center for African and African Diaspora Studies with present a Seminar, “The Negro Spiritual – A National Treasure.”

Dr. Uzee Brown, Jr noted African American Composer, Arranger, Baritone and Head of the Department of Music at Morehouse College, Dr. Paul kwami, Director of the famed Fisk Jubilee Singers are just two of the noted Scholars who will be speaking on a distinguished panel discussing this designation given the Negro Spiritual.

Performing will be The Georgia Spiritual Ensemble, and Soprano, Leah McRath.

The Seminar will take place on Saturday, February 12, at the Old Zion Baptist Church Historic Museum at 165, Lemon Street, Marietta, GA. The Seminar will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will conclude at 2:00 p.m. No registration or cost is required to attend the seminar.

On Sunday, February 13, 2011, this celebration of the Negro Spiritual will continue with a Concert of Spirituals with a Community wide Mass Choir. The Concert will take place at Zion Baptist Church (New Sanctuary), 165 Lemon Street, Marietta, GA., beginning at 3;00 pm and is free to the public.

Contact: Dr. Oral Moses, (404) 202‐7277

Kennesaw State University