How did negro spirituals get strarted?

Negro spirituals originated during the era of slavery in the United States, as enslaved African Americans sought to express their faith, hopes, and sorrows through music. These songs were deeply influenced by African musical traditions, incorporating call-and-response patterns and rhythmic elements, while also drawing from Christian hymns and biblical themes. Spirituals served both as a means of worship and a form of resistance, providing comfort and solidarity among the enslaved. Over time, they became an important cultural and historical legacy, influencing various genres of American music.