African American spirituals have played a significant role in Black history, particularly during slavery in the United States. These spirituals were created by enslaved African Americans as a way to express their experiences, emotions, and hopes for freedom and deliverance.

Often sung in a call-and-response style, spirituals were a form of cultural resistance and served as a means of spiritual sustenance and communal solidarity among enslaved individuals. These songs were also used as a form of communication, with hidden messages and codes embedded within the lyrics to convey secret plans for escape or messages of hope and encouragement.

Some well-known examples of African American spirituals include "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Wade in the Water," and "Go Down, Moses." These spirituals have continued to be passed down through generations and remain an important part of African American musical and cultural heritage.

In addition to serving as a form of artistic expression and resistance, spirituals also laid the foundation for other genres of African American music, such as gospel, blues, and jazz. The lasting impact of African American spirituals on music and culture serves as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and spirituality of the Black community throughout history.