Phillips Academy

Abstract Born in Connecticut of parents from the South, Vincent Stringer recounts his early memories of growing up in a religious, singing family. He discusses his appreciation of spirituals that began in high school after obtaining a scholarship to study voice at the West Hartford School of Music and Dance. He describes his vision of spirituals as possessing an innate divinity and healing power, but believes many African Americans are ashamed of their enslaved past and the spirituals that are...