The "Mine Eyes: Festival of Choirs," produced by the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA), is inspired by the iconic "Battle Hymn of the Republic," composed by Julia Ward Howe in 1861. This powerful anthem became a rallying cry for the Union during the American Civil War, embodying the fight for justice and equality. As Howe wrote the hymn, she intended to fuse the struggle against Slavery with a moral and spiritual imperative, intertwining themes of divine righteousness with the urgent need for social change.

Howe aimed to inspire and mobilize individuals toward the Abolitionist cause, infusing her lyrics with a sense of hope and determination. She sought to elevate the moral stakes of the Civil War, framing it not merely as a political conflict but as a righteous battle against oppression. Her work resonated deeply with the abolitionist movement and captured the essence of a collective struggle for freedom.