The rhythmic pulse of hand clapping, accompanied by the resounding harmonic messages through voice. For centuries, spiritual hymns have kept hope alive, even more so for the enslaved. "Sometimes, a song was their only hope," the Rev. Justin Powell said. "You know, they kept them going and then, also secret messages in the song, [telling them] to wade in the water." With the water being a passageway to freedom by knocking off any scent the dogs of slave owners were trying to follow.