What does it mean by a ballad and what is the main use of ballads in the old story people could fly?

A Ballad is a narrative poem or song that tells a story, often focusing on love or tragedy. In the old story "People Could Fly," ballads were used to convey the history, culture, and struggles of enslaved African people. These ballads helped preserve oral traditions and served as a form of resistance and empowerment in the face of oppression.