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In 2022, the Songs of Slavery and Emancipation project was released, offering a powerful exploration of history through a 50-minute documentary, an accompanying book, and two CDs featuring 26 songs—13 from the era of slavery and 13 abolitionist songs.

Since the project’s launch, Mat Callahan, Yvonne Moore, and Joe Johnson have been organizing events that combine film screenings, discussions, and live performances. The CDs’ songs were recorded by a choir specially formed in Berea, Kentucky, in close collaboration with Kathy Bullock, a professor of African-American music at Berea College.

From September 12 to 23, 2024, Kathy Bullock and four other singers will bring this project to life in Switzerland. They will host performances and workshops in churches, clubs, jazz schools, and high schools, where the project will be used for interdisciplinary lessons in English, history, and music. For a complete schedule of film screenings and concerts, visit www.arthistorypolitics.com.

Join us on Wednesday 18 September at 18:30 at Maison Internationale des Associations for this event!

This project is more than just a musical endeavor; it’s a vital historical record. It seeks to educate audiences about the deep roots of African American music and its intrinsic link to the struggle for freedom. As author and scholar Robin D. G. Kelley poignantly asks in his essay that opens the book: “What are we to make of the fact that human beings held as property are responsible for America’s greatest cultural and artistic gift to the world?”

Understanding the impact of slavery and its abolition is crucial to grasping the formation of the United States and its lasting influence on today’s world. Kali Akuno, executive director of Cooperation Jackson in Mississippi, underscores the significance of this project, stating, “‘Songs of Slavery and Emancipation’ conveys important history that enlivens our collective memory and helps to keep the spirit of resistance strong and moving forward.”

Historical documentaries can sometimes feel dry, but Songs of Slavery and Emancipation brings history to life by centering the film around the powerful recordings made for the CD. The documentary not only showcases moving vocal performances but also weaves in personal stories, historical documents, and images. This approach creates a deeply engaging narrative, told through music that resonates with emotion and meaning.

The project also shines a light on the resistance of African slaves and their descendants, who were far from passive in the face of oppression. Their resistance took many forms—armed rebellion, escape, individual defiance, and more. Figures like Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, and Frederick Douglass exemplify this widespread fight for freedom. This culture of resistance is the essence of the book, the songs, and the film.

Songs of Slavery and Emancipation is not just a project; it’s a remarkable achievement that brings to life a crucial chapter of history. Mat Callahan and his collaborators have created a work that honors the resilience and spirit of those who fought for freedom, ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire us today.