Ritual

How River Baptisms Shaped Black Musical Tradition

Join us on this enlightening journey as Tank Ball discovers the origins, significance and lasting legacy of River Baptisms for the Black community. Through interviews with Amber Dromgoole, Ph.D. and Musician and Minister Rev. Joshuah Brian Campbell, we uncover compelling stories of how the sacred waters have profoundly shaped U.S. history, musical traditions and inspired countless artists.

How River Baptisms Shaped Black Musical Tradition

14m 27s

  • Inside One of the South’s Oldest Rituals: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Inside One of the South’s Oldest Rituals

    S1 E8 - 14m 29s

    Across cultures and throughout history, the ritual of the hunt has been the center of gravity for a community’s way of life, despite its decreasing relevance in western culture. We explore what goes into preparing for a hunt, what parts of this ritual are being lost to changing culture and climate change, and the spiritual nature of connecting with the land.

  • Inside the Revival of an Ancient Indigenous Ritual: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Inside the Revival of an Ancient Indigenous Ritual

    S1 E7 - 11m 1s

    Rooted in themes of renewal, gratitude, purification, and communal solidarity, the Green Corn Ceremony unites community members for spiritual cleansing, storytelling, dances, and songs. As participants partake in the preparation and consumption of freshly harvested corn, they express appreciation for the Earth’s abundance.

  • Border Ballads: The Revolutionary History of Tejano Corridos: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Border Ballads: The Revolutionary History of Tejano Corridos

    S1 E6 - 12m 55s

    Tank Ball heads to San Antonio, Texas to learn about the musical tradition of corridos, which are ballads that were created by the Mexican people along the Texas-Mexican border during the mid-1800s. Corridos are songs that tell the stories of the Mexican and Mexican American people: their heroes and their fight against Anglo racism and Texas Ranger violence.

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