Following the Civil Rights Movement, interest in the spirituals seemed to fade once again -- in both the Black community and America at large. However, in recent years -- with the complex and ambiguous struggles of affirmative action, the resurgence of hate crimes, and an apparent widespread search for spirituality and meaning -- there has been another revival of interest in the spirituals. New jazz interpretations of the spirituals have surfaced; opera divas like Kathleen Battle and Jessye Norman have performed acclaimed concerts of spirituals; a small but significant cadre of church musicians are pushing for the re-integration of spirituals into church worship; there are a variety of national educational initiatives aimed at educating children and families about the cultural significance and relevance of the spirituals tradition; there are uses of the spirituals in secular-based ministries.

So, the spirituals are yet again alive, in many, varied forms. The Spirituals Project is one of several groups nationwide dedicated to ensuring that this important legacy will remain with us far into the foreseeable future. Please consult our Educational Resources link for recommendations for further reading and for inspired recordings of spirituals available on the commercial market.