“The rhythm of the songs might very well be compared to that of the human pulse which is a series of throbs all of equal intensity.”

Highlighting the steady, unrelenting rhythmic character essential to authentic spiritual performance · Preface to Religious Folk-Songs of the Negro, 1927

• Authenticity
• Music
• Rhythm

“I am a musician whose ambition in life is the advancement of my people, and who believes absolutely in equality of opportunity for all peoples, regardless of race, creed, or color, or previous condition of servitude.”

Expressing a lifelong commitment to racial equality through music and education · Annual Report to Dr. Gregg, 1918

• Advocacy
• Ambition
• Equality

“Suddenly it seemed I heard again the frail voice of my long departed grandmother calling across the years; and in a rush of emotion which stirred my spirit to its very center, the meaning of the songs which had given her soul such peace was revealed to me.”

Describing the pivotal moment when spirituals became the foundation of his compositional mission · Recollection of hearing Dvořák at Oberlin

• Heritage
• Inspiration
• Memory