Here is a link to an amazing conversation with the late Joe Carter, a scholar and singer of African American Spirituals.  It was recorded for the Speaking of Faith radio show.  The page that is linked also has many other resources for those of us interested in using these amazing songs within our worship sets.  Each opportunity in which I’ve been able to worship with these songs has been a huge blessing.  The theological perspective of the African American slaves that wrote these songs in the midst of great suffering helps us understand our falleness and the great love Christ has for us.  These beautiful songs help us understand our relationship as redeemed people in such a beautiful way that we should not neglect these treasures.

http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/joecarter/links.shtml