Sequoyah School Talking Leaf Presenter Sanai ’25 Discusses Slave Spirituals

An Appreciation for the Musical Basis of the Slave Trade that is Often Forgotten About

Article and Photos courtesy of SEQUOYAH SCHOOL FEBRUARY 21, 2023

Sequoyah School student Sanai ‘25 presented her Talking Leaf to junior high students and faculty recently. Her talk entitled, “Slave Spirituals: An Appreciation for the Musical Basis of the Slave Trade that is Often Forgotten About,” was sparked by the essential question, “How could the Enlightenment – a philosophical movement committed to freedom, equality, and universal brotherhood – have coincided with the horror of slavery? To what extent do Enlightenment ideals and ideologies of racism arise from a shared set of interests?”

Following her talk, Sanai answered questions and shared about her process for crafting the leaf, as well as general questions about the high school Talking Leaves program. Sequoyah School thanks Sanai.