Song, Story, or History: Resisting Claims of a Coded Message in the African American Spiritual "Follow the Drinking Gourd"

Authors

James Kelley

Abstract

Traces and challenges the popular claim that African American slaves used specific songs to facilitate their escape to the North and to freedom. Challenges the widespread use of such songs in K-12 education.

First Page

262

Last Page

280

DOI

10.1111/j.1540-5931.2008.00502.x

Publication Date

1-1-2008

College

MSU-Meridian

Department

MSU-Meridian - Division of Arts and Sciences

Keywords

coded language, slave narrative, internet, education, underground railroad

Recommended Citation

"Song, Story, or History: Resisting Claims of a Coded Message in the African American Spiritual 'Follow the Drinking Gourd.'" The Journal of Popular Culture 41.2 (2008): 262-80.