Black National Anthem - Lift Every Voice and Sing

Posted by Alicia on 16 February, 2009 in Black History

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” (now also known as “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”) was publicly performed first as a poem as part of a celebration of Lincoln’s Birthday on February 12, 1900 by 500 schoolchildren at the segregated Stanton School. Its principal, James Weldon Johnson, wrote the words to introduce its honored guest Booker T. Washington.

The poem was later set to music by Mr. Johnson’s brother, John, in 1905. Singing this song quickly became a way for African Americans to demonstrate their patriotism and hope for the future. In calling for earth and heaven to “ring with the harmonies of Liberty,” they could speak out subtly against racism and Jim Crow laws—and especially the huge number of lynchings accompanying the rise of the Ku Klux Klan at the turn of the century. In 1919, the NAACP adopted the song as “The Negro National Anthem.” By the 1920s, copies of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” could be found in black churches across the country, often pasted into the hymnals.

4 Comments on Black National Anthem - Lift Every Voice and Sing

By Patricia Franklin on 30 August, 2009 at 7:58 pm

I’ve recently gone through racial discrimination and the words of our Black National Anthem really rang true, instead of my just repeating the words at Urban League Annual Banquets and at the Second Baptist Church of Warren, OH. As when I began to think of my weary years and the bitter chast’ning rod, I began to feel just what the song was trying to say. Having grown up in a predominantly white neighborhood for the better part of my childhood, I was like a baby thrown in water; as I had no fear of mingling and playing with my white friends. However, after I grew up and worked in a mid-size factory’s office, I became introduced to racism, without realizing it for over 30 years. However, now I can see that the hope does live on, as I’ve studied civil rights struggles and wins, including Dr. King’s advice for us to continue to stand up for our rights in this multipluralistic society. So we can continue to enjoy the same freedoms as all U.S. citizens.

By Danielle Lindley on 17 September, 2009 at 7:43 pm

I think that the Black National Anthem is so incouraging to ALL BLACK people all over the world! -Danielle Lindley a kIPP WAYS SCHOLAR !!!!!

By Salimatu Hilliard on 23 September, 2009 at 6:33 pm

I absolutely love the Black National Anthem. When I was a kid that was my favorite song to sing. Today I sit here with my daughter and she knows nothing of it. Growing up it seemed to me that it was mandatory to learn this song in school. It seems to me that as time goes on the schools are teaching less and less about black history. It’s ashame because our ancestors fought very hard for us so that we can get to where we are today, and we never show how grateful we are. I to have fallen short, but from this day forth I will make sure that I will never forget where I come. like the song says ” LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING TIL EARTH AND HEAVEN RING.” Those are some very powerful words. meaning that we should never settle we must tell everyone of the good. So people lets’ not forget let’s embrace it and keep it alive.

By Shantell Maxwell on 7 October, 2009 at 5:55 am

I have always loved “Life Ev’ry Voice and Sing”. It really lifts my spirits when I may have had a tough day, it’s just natural for me to sing as I’ve been doing it since kindergarden when it was first introduced to me. I actually started to truly understand it as I’ve gotten older, I’m only 24.
It upsets me that my peers, even my sister, sometimes looks at me like I’m crazy when I sing it, but the truth to me is they’re crazy for not remembering… they would rather learn ridiculous rap lyrics. The youth today will never know about it unless its taught at home because here in New Orleans they’re barely learning on their grade level, but I hope for a better change everyday.