Community Corner
Old Zion Heritage Museum Pays Homage to Negro Spiritual
Historic church's seminar, "The Negro Spiritual, a National Treasure," brought experts from around the state for inspirational day of music and worship.
The Old Zion Heritage Museum brought together an eclectic group of educators and musicians, all with a deep love and passion for the Negro spiritual, the subject of a seminar. Handed down through many generations, this musical genre weaves words of faith, life and despair through intense vocals, thus making both a strong musical and social statement.
The music reveals a yesteryear in which messages were delivered in song and reveals an outreach both deep and global. Amid open discussion during the seminar, participants offered musical interludes that were powerful and moving. One could not leave the seminar without a sincere appreciation and understanding.
A conclusion of the seminar: The Negro spiritual serves as both a national treasure and an essential part of American history, a part often neglected both in history courses and music classes.
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Among the sponsors of the seminar: Dr. Oral Moses, artistic director of The Negro Spiritual; The Center for African and African Diaspora Studies at Kennesaw State University; Old Zion Heritage Museum and Zion Baptist Church.
