Friends of Negro Spirituals (FNS) and the West Oakland Library are happy to present this program presented by Sam Edwards, the president and co-founder of FNS. 

Mr. Edwards will explore: 

* Dr. Sterling Stuckey's view that Spirituals were born in the Ring Shout

* Contributions of West African ancestral culture and the Bible made to Spirituals

* Functions Spirituals served in the enslaved community

* Some of the jazz, folk, and pop musicians who have played roles in Negro Spirituals history