Contact:

Jim Thomas, President
PO Box 3041

Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

T: 703.407.1207
Fax: 508.696.4524

E: Jim@US-SlaveSongs.org

W: www.US-SlaveSongs.org

Founded:

2007

Mission:

To promote personal and inter-group understanding of US Slave Songs, their history and meaning. .

Major Programs:

1. A Spirituals Choir- The choir is dedicated to educating the public about the messages and hidden codes in Spirituals. It is diverse, representing a shared past and destiny. The choir sings authentic slave tunes circa 1619-1865.

2. Lectures - Presentations on how the Spirituals were started and why the slaves were driven to communicate in this manner.

3. Narrations- Presentations are developed around themed events involving slavery, for example, descriptions of slavery, crossing the Atlantic, Vow Songs for escapees, and the Underground RailRoad.

4. Musical Presentations- Presentations highlighting the role and importance of Spirituals as secret sacred songs, the American Folksongs conceived as communication devices.

5. Focus Group Discussions- Enlightened discussions regarding how spirituals were spread after the Civil War, the relationship of Gospels to Spirituals, the various musical styles of Spirituals, and why anthropologists think a better understanding of racial history increases racial harmony.

501(c)(3)? Yes

Form 990 Filed? NA

Basic Financial Information:As of 7/21/2008

Total Income              $4,000

Total Expenses              $3,000

Toatl Assetts                   $0

Total Liabilities              $0

Board Members:

Jim Thomas, Chair,
Richard Mezger, Treasurer,
Heather Rynd, Secretary,

 Lorna Giles, Promotion Strategist