So my childhood was spent learning this song. We sang this and other songs like it for assemblies. I get out into the world and learn not only have ot
So my childhood was spent learning this song. We sang this and other songs like it for assemblies. I get out into the world and learn not only have others not heard the song but they see it as “hateful”?
Me: But you don’t know anything about it?
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” is a cornerstone of American cultural history, carrying a weight and resonance that has spanned over a century. Often referred to as the Black National Anthem, its journey from a school presentation to a global symbol of resilience is remarkable.
Here are 10 facts about this historic hymn:
Written by Brothers: The lyrics were written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson in 1900. His brother, John Rosamond Johnson, composed the music five years later in 1905. It was written during the era of Jim Crow segregation in the American South.
A Birthday Tribute: It was originally written to honor the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. The song was first performed on February 12, 1900, by a choir of about 500 Black schoolchildren at the segregated Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida. James Weldon Johnson was the principal of the segregated Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida, at the time.
Spiritual Ties: The lyrics draw on biblical imagery, especially the Exodus story, and are both a prayer of thanksgiving to God and a plea for faithfulness, freedom, and perseverance
Adopted by the NAACP: In 1919, the NAACP officially dubbed it the “Negro National Anthem.” James Weldon Johnson would later serve as the organization’s first Black executive secretary.
A Symbol of the Civil Rights Movement: During the 1950s and 60s, the song became a rallying cry. It was frequently sung during marches, meetings, and sit-ins to provide spiritual and emotional strength to activists.
The “Black National Anthem” Title: While widely used, the title “Black National Anthem” was intended to signify a distinct cultural identity and shared struggle, rather than a desire for a separate physical nation.
Musical Structure: The song is a hymn, but it incorporates elements of African American musical traditions, including subtle “blue notes” and a rhythmic build that culminates in a powerful, triumphant finale.
Global Reach: While deeply rooted in the African American experience, its themes of liberty and endurance have seen it translated and performed worldwide, often in solidarity with various liberation movements.
Modern Resurgence: In recent years, the song has seen a massive “mainstream” revival. It has been performed at major televised events like the Super Bowl and the Democratic National Convention, sparking both celebration and national dialogue.
Congressional Recognition: In 2021, U.S. Representative James Clyburn introduced a bill to nominate “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as the national hymn of the United States, further cementing its status in American law and culture.