NATCHEZ — It’s a story of struggle, and a story of hope, and it’s the kind of story that is best told through song.

Every year during Pilgrimage, the choir of Holy Family Catholic Church presents “Southern Road to Freedom,” the story of the black population of Natchez. Members of the choir tell the stories of prominent black residents, starting during the colonial slave period and working their way to the present. Songs are interspersed throughout the presentation

Program presenter Charles Harris said African Americans in Natchez share a rich history, and that much of that history is best told through song.

Song helped preserve African culture during slavery, and it — fused with a holistic approach to spirituality — helped African Americans cope with the crucible of hard times that followed the end of slavery, Harris said.

“They brought chant, moans, groans and even cries that reminded them of their homeland and sustained them in their captivities,” he said.

Choir members told the stories of Ibrahima, the African prince who was captured and sold into slavery in Natchez, and August and Sarah Mazique, the former slaves who built a black planting dynasty and whose son eventually bought the plantation on which they were once enslaved.

They also spoke of Aaron and Queen Jackson, whose descendents were members of the choir.

The presenters also spoke of the free blacks of Natchez, which included William Johnson and the famed opera singer, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield.

Even though they were not slaves, free blacks still had to carry papers identifying themselves and often faced discrimination, Harris said.

“The free African Americans did not have the same freedom that other citizens took for granted,” Harris said.

Later, when the Civil War divided the country, many slaves and free blacks fought for the Union, Harris said.

The choir sang two contrasting songs to illustrate the black experience of the war, a solemn version of “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and a jubilant version of “Down by the Riverside,” which repeats the lines, “Ain’t gonna study war no more!”

Religion played an important role in the black experience, both during slavery and afterward, Harris said.

“Sunday church service was the only time they would have to express their feelings freely,” he said. “Those expressions included clapping, foot stomping and ‘Amens.’”

To show this, the choir performed a rousing version of “I can take it to God in prayer,” which featured all of the expressions Harris mentioned.

The performance included a brief history of Holy Family Catholic Church and Rose Hill Baptist Church, as well as addressing such 20th century events as the Rhythm Night Club fire.

Near the end of the performance, the choir invited audience members to join them in singing “Amazing Grace.”

Holy Family Choir President Lisa Johnson said doing Southern Road to Freedom has helped many of the choir members learn more about local history.

“When we started going this, we would get the parts and learn about the people, and then we would say, ‘We need to find out a little more,’” she said.

The other thing the choir tries to keep in mind when preparing for the performance, is the fact that, while “Southern Road” is a performance, it is a performance composed of spiritual songs that will be performed in a church, Johnson said.

“We always remember to put God first,” she said.

This was the first year for local resident Shemeka Ware to sing with the choir.

“They are a welcoming, friendly group of people, so I have really enjoyed it,” Ware said.

“Southern Road to Freedom” is performed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during Pilgrimage, and will last until April 14. Tickets may be bought at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center.