Elijah+of+Buxton+Music

Traditional songs are closely connected to the history of African Americans. "Wade in the Water," "The Gospel Train," and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" are among the many songs of the Underground Railroad. Read the lyrics of these songs ([|www.negrospirituals.com/news-song/index.htm]) and discuss how these songs symbolized freedom to those who were trying to escape a life of bondage. What other songs at this site represent freedom? Divide students into small groups and ask each group to perform one of the freedom songs for the class. In the book, there is a ceremony in the Buxton Settlement each time a new slave takes their first step into freedom, and it is customary that the Liberty Bell is rung twenty times. Plan the ceremony that takes place when Elijah brings the baby, called Hope, to freedom at the end of the novel. Include songs, recitations, and a speech delivered by Elijah.
 * Music and Performance**

[|Music to Freedom]