For enslaved people seeking freedom, knowing whom to trust and how to share information could mean the difference between escape and capture. Along the Underground Railroad, secrecy was essential—and a song could carry meaning that an outsider might never recognize.

African American spirituals have been sung by enslaved people and their descendants since the 18th century and remain part of a living musical tradition today. These songs carried expressions of faith and hope while also providing a powerful means of resistance. Biblical stories and images could convey a longing for freedom, giving voice to ideas that could not be spoken openly.

For an overseer or enslaver, a song might appear to concern heaven, scripture, or religious folklore. For those singing it, the same words could carry another meaning: liberation, an escape route, or plans for resistance. Historian and educator Valerie Boyer explores these layers of meaning, examining the coded language of spirituals and their connections to the Underground Railroad.

Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, Boyer brings a background in music, ministry, activism, and education to her work. A Howard University graduate and former social studies teacher, she serves as School and Inclusive Community Programs Coordinator at Ohio History Connection. Her honors include serving as a 2012 Miss Juneteenth Ambassador and being named Black Historian of the Year by UpStart Magazine in 2019.

Program Details

This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the program begins at 7:00 PM. The lecture will be held in the CRF Museum Lecture Hall.