Go Down Moses
Go Down Moses is a concert and visual presentation that explores the history and emotional depth of African American spirituals. These religious folksongs, originally created by enslaved people in the American South, served as a means of expressing sorrow, faith, and resistance through coded messages of protest and deliverance.
“I’m gonna lay down my burden…down by the riverside.”
American Negro Spiritual
- Historical Significance: The program highlights how spirituals were used to convey information about escape—such as “Wade in the Water,” which signaled freedom-seekers to walk through rivers to evade tracking dogs.
- Symbolism: Many songs utilize the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage as a parallel for abolitionist leaders and the escape from Southern “slave states”.
- Featured Classics: The presentation includes soul-stirring renditions of:
- “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”
- “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child”
- “Wade in the Water”
- “Go Down, Moses”
Program Includes:
- Live Commentary
- Live Musical Performance
- Integrated Video Projection
PROGRAM DURATION: 45 Minutes
CORE CURRICULUM & TOPICS:
African American Culture, American History, Civil Rights, Community/Student Activism , Non-violence, Social Justice, Arts & Humanities
Other productions:
- The Awesome Traveling Black History Show
- Soul Sounds
- Harlem Grooves
- The Jazz Experience
- Richard Allen
Testimonials
WHAT our customers SAY
Director, Institute for Inclusion and Equity
“Excellent presentation, thank you.”
Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
“Thank you for coming to our campus and sharing the message of unity and diversity with our campus community."
Director, Diversity Equity and Inclusion
“Audience members are still raving about the performance!"