That Same Spirit!

Eastern Carolina Native American Gospel Music Alive in Baltimore City

2013

event organizing

Ashley Minner

photography

Sean Scheidt

Baltimore, Maryland — Members of Baltimore’s Native American Community, with strong roots in Eastern North Carolina, presented a public program showcasing their unique, living tradition of Eastern Carolina Native American style Southern Gospel music. Their hope was to increase awareness and recognition not only of the art form but also of the Native American community of Southeast Baltimore.

Native American people from Eastern North Carolina migrated to Baltimore City post World War II, seeking employment in industry with hopes of improving their quality of life. Eventually, thousands of Natives settled in Southeast Baltimore concentrating in a 64-block area from Broadway to Patterson Park. With them, they brought their unique form of worship, which has been maintained, passed down and is practiced to this day.

Local Singer Linda Cox, a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, says “Gospel music is a joy to me. It’s soothing to my heart and I hope people will enjoy our type of Southern Gospel music. We are country singers; we’re from the South, from Carolina, from Indian Country. We keep singing. We’re carrying the tradition of what we were raised on.”

That Same Spirit included an intergenerational Gospel Singing featuring members of Baltimore’s Native American community and a panel discussion on the history and contemporary practice of the art form, followed by a reception with traditional Native American refreshments.

This was a free event funded by Maryland Traditions, the Folklife program of the Maryland State Arts Council.

Performers singing and playing the guitar.
A performer at the event holding a microphone.
Performers singing and playing the guitar.
Person playing the piano.
A person playing the piano.
Attendees speaking with each other.
Two people hugging in the audience.
Ashley Minner smiling beside an attendee.
A book of music notes.
A person playing the piano.
A Baptist hymnal book.
Audience members clapping and smiling.
A performer clapping.
Audience members reading along and smiling.
A performer speaking, holding a microphone.
Two people seated, watching intently.
Performers singing.
A performer clapping.
A man standing at a podium, writing.
Ashley Minner smiling beside an attendee.
A person playing the piano.
Audience members seated.

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