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How River Baptisms Shaped Black Musical Tradition

Host Tank Ball explores how rituals across the south reveal complexities of the past and new possibilities for the future. Throughout the series, Tank meets with community members, culture bearers, and historians to observe the ways that placing ceremonial boundaries around death, environmental stewardship, and collective renewal shapes a community's sense of reality.

How River Baptisms Shaped Black Musical Tradition

Season 1 Episode 5 | 14m 27s | CC

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.

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Funding for RITUAL is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.