This workshop is designed for participants to hear and enjoy the musically gifted pianist Dr. Ruth Bass Green play selections of sacred songs and Negro spirituals that inspired and motivated the enslaved people and later Civil Rights activists to work for social justice and freedom for all. Ruth will describe the differences in the genres of spirituals, gospel, and secular songs and the role that the technique “call and response” provides to blend the spoken word with choral style music. The workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to delve deeply into the authentic sound and message of the music, and to see how the experience of listening and singing helps them open their hearts and minds to become advocates who will embrace diversity and inclusion in their communities.