I think it is important to note Judy Sacks comment--that their book is an examination of local oral tradition, rather than an examination of who wrote or did not write "Dixie"--This story is interesting in the same way that "Urban Legends" are interesting--not because we believe or disbelieve them, but because they resonate with us--

Think about what the story is--that "Dixie", which had become an anthem for segregation and thinly
veneered racism, was actually written by blacks! It is an irony with a moral--in the manner of all the best Urban Legends--


Also--"Dixie" debates aside, the ohiohistory.org link above also has some amazing ex-slave narratives--