The Black National Anthem: Lift Every Voice and Sing
The installation of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” stands as a symbol of unity, strength, and hope. This piece encapsulates the history of resilience of the Black and African American community and serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring spirit that inspires movements towards justice.
Often referred to as “The Black National Anthem,” Lift Every Voice and Sing was a hymn written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900. His brother, John Rosamond Johnson composed the music for the lyrics.
The song was first performed in Jacksonville, Florida to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday by a choir of 500 school children at the segregated Stanton School, where James Weldon Johnson was the principal.
At the turn of the 20th century, Johnson’s lyrics eloquently captured the solemn yet hopeful appeal for the liberty of Black Americans. The song was later adopted by NAACP and prominently used as a rallying cry during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
Excerpt from The Black National Anthem: Lift Every Voice and Sing
Lift every voice and sing,
‘Til earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on ’til victory is won.