-Negro Spirituals, 2007 African American Spiritual Recognized as a National Treasure- President Jimmy Carter Video

United States Congress Historic Twin Resolutions
Recognizing the African American Spiritual as a National Treasure

Calvin Earl ensured the destiny of the humble spiritual as part of American history when he succeeded in moving the US Congress in 2007 to a unanimous vote to recognize the African American Spiritual as a National Treasure. In 2008, Calvin was honored to receive a Presidential Proclamation from President George W. Bush "celebrating the extraordinary talents and creativity of African-American singers, musicians and composers whose achievements have enriched our culture and enhanced our lives."

C-Span - House Resolution 120 Coverage

History of the Spirituals

Senate Resolution 69

“Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution honoring the African American Spiritual as a national treasure.... I am very proud to sponsor this resolution and grateful to the individuals who helped make this landmark occasion possible. In particular, I would like to thank Calvin Earl, a New Jersey native, who is a noted performer and educator on African American spirituals for his vision and dedication in helping make this resolution a reality.”-- U.S. Senator Robert Menendez

House Resolution 120

"And in much the same spirit of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, I want to say thank you to a good friend, a musicologist himself, for bringing to my attention the need for the Congress to honor this vital piece of our National Heritage, Calvin Earl. Calvin has dedicated himself to preserving and sharing spirituals with a new generation of Americans. Traveling the country, he builds on the traditional words and melodies to illuminate the history and complexity of this unique art form. It was from Calvin that I learned about this remarkable tradition....."-- US Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro

Gifts From My Ancestors

The spirituals are my passion. The spirituals both describe and transcend the American experience. I strive to learn more about our enslaved brothers and sisters whose pure, raw and unfiltered original music moved our nation toward freedom for all people. I labor to go beyond the dehumanization of human beings slavery imparted on our nation, to see and understand the ordinary folk who worked together towards the common goal of building a new nation. This is not a black story or a white story it is an American story and I for one am standing up with a grateful heart and appreciation for all of our ancestors for their selfless contributions to build America. I want to learn more, build new friendships as I travel the back roads in search of "we the people" with gratitude and peace.--Calvin Earl