African American spirituals are a genre of music that originated during the period of enslavement in the United States. Enslaved Africans used music as a way to express their faith, capture their experiences, and communicate messages of resilience and resistance. These spirituals were deeply rooted in African musical traditions and often incorporated themes of liberation, hope, and freedom.

Spirituals were typically sung in a call-and-response style, with a lead singer or preacher calling out a line that was then echoed by the congregation. They were sung in churches, fields, and clandestine gatherings, serving as a source of comfort and strength for the Black community during times of hardship.

Many spirituals contained coded messages, with lyrics that carried double meanings to convey messages about escape routes, warnings about dangers, or expressions of hope for a better future. Some well-known examples of spirituals include "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Wade in the Water," and "Go Down Moses."

These spirituals played a significant role in the development of other genres of music, including gospel, blues, and jazz. They continue to be performed and celebrated today as an important part of African American history and culture.