Negro Spirituals are a genre of music that emerged from the African American experience of enslavement in the United States. These spirituals served as a form of cultural and emotional expression for enslaved Africans, offering comfort, hope, and a sense of community in the face of immense adversity.

The origins of Negro Spirituals can be traced back to the time of slavery, when African Americans were forbidden from practicing their traditional religious and musical customs. In response, they combined elements of African musical traditions with Christianity to create a unique and powerful form of music that reflected their experiences and beliefs.

Many Negro Spirituals are characterized by their call-and-response format, repetitive melodies, and poignant lyrics that often allude to themes of struggle, liberation, and faith. Some well-known examples of Negro Spirituals include "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Wade in the Water," and "Go Down Moses."

Over time, Negro Spirituals evolved from a form of personal and communal expression to a symbol of resistance and resilience in the face of oppression. They played a significant role in the development of other genres of African American music, such as gospel and blues, and continue to be performed and celebrated today as an important part of Black history and culture.