And so by fateful chance the Negro folk-song—the rhythmic cry of the slave—stands to-day not simply as the sole American music, but as the most beautiful expression of human experience born this side the seas. It has been neglected, it has been, and is, half despised, and above all it has been persistently mistaken and misunderstood; but notwithstanding, it still remains as the singular spiritual heritage of the nation and the greatest gift of the Negro people. – “The Sorrow Songs,”
W. E. B. Du Bois

Which of the following statements best expresses the theme of this passage?

Spirituals became America’s music when enslaved people sang in the fields.

Spiritual heritage is not important to African Americans.

The meaning of spirituals is equally understood by all Americans.

The spiritual is important to all American culture, not just to African Americans.