The lives of enslaved black North Americans were filled with pain and suffering. In order to cope with the harsh realities of living in enslavement, the words of the Negro Spiritual provided solace. But more significantly, the themes found in the Negro Spiritual proved over time to be the very road map that would lead people to freedom. On My Way to Freedom Land: A Collective Series of Collages and Photographs on the Negro Spirituals of the Underground Railroad Movement showcases forty-three Negro Spirituals through visual interpretations documented through collage and photography. Dr. Obiora N. Anekwe created these images over a three-year period to preserve the Negro Spiritual for generations to come. His advocative spirit to keep the stories of his ancestors alive is evident through this historic and vivid book.

Authoritative study traces the African influences and lyric significance of such songs as Swing Low, Sweet Chariot and John Henry, and gives words and music for 230 songs. Bibliography. Index of Song Titles.