The US Slave Song Project Inc (USSSP) is a non-profit organization that is solely dedicated to educating the public about authentic US Slave Songs. USSSP is available to make educational presentations. These presentations are ideal for schools, libraries, churches, diversity meetings, corporate diversity multicultural events & celebrations. Several formats can be employed; a single narrator or a narrator and culturally diverse "Spirituals" Choir. Differing themes can also be utilized including; From Africa to the Underground RailRoad, After the Underground RailRoad, Songs from the Fields, Secret Codes in the Spirituals Revealed, The Wisdom and Shrewdness of the Phantom Slaves, MLK Day, Jineteenth and Folk life celebrations.Presentations provide opportunities for discussion and questions. Results include increased racial understanding and appreciation for this unique contribution. US Slave Songs are also known as Negro Spirituals circa 1619-1865. Spirituals are true American folk music. There were no new Spirituals after the ones that celebrated the emancipation of the slaves. Unlike Gospel music, no spirituals were composed. Slave Songs/Spirituals are indeed a fascinating body of work. James (Jim) E. Thomas is founder and President of USSSP. He serves as principle narrator for events and Director of the "Spirituals" Choir. He has given presentations on Spirituals in Germany, Brazil, Austria, Sweden, Africa and various locations across the United States. Since 1976 he has been the founding Director of the American Red Cross Chorus at its Headquarters in Wash DC. He has recruited and directed military choirs in Vietnam and Germany. While attending Fisk University Mr Thomas sang with the world renown Fisk Jubilee Singers. Later he sang with the Robert Shaw Chorale in Atlanta and the Paul Hill Chorale as soloist at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Wash DC. In 2006 he formed a "Spirituals" Choir on Marthas Vineyard, MA dedicated solely to educating the public about Slave Songs. As founding President of USSSP he makes his home in Stafford, VA & Marthas Vineyard, MA USSSP can be reached;
Address: 165 New York Ave, Oak Bluffs , MA 02557 or
ph 703.407.1207
