Lift Every Voice and Sing

Lift Every Voice and Sing
Beth Felice · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Lift Every Voice and Sing
Also known as	The Black National Anthem
Written	1899
Published	1900
Writer	James Weldon Johnson
Composer	John Rosamond Johnson

Lift Every Voice and Sing

Lift Every Voice and Sing is a song that has become a powerful symbol of the African American struggle for Civil rights and Social justice in the United States. Written by James Weldon Johnson and composed by his brother John Rosamond Johnson, the song was first performed in 1899 and has since become an iconic anthem of the US Civil Rights Movement. It is often referred to as the "Black National Anthem" and is widely regarded as one of the most important songs in African American music.

● History of

the Song The history of Lift Every Voice and Sing is closely tied to the African American experience and the struggle for Racial equality in the United States. The song was written by James Weldon Johnson, a prominent African American writer and Civil rights activist, and composed by his brother John Rosamond Johnson, a talented Musician and Composer. The song was first performed on February 12, 1900, at the Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida, as part of a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday. The song quickly gained popularity and became a staple of African American culture, with performances at Churches, Community centers, and Civil rights rallies.

● Lyrics and Meaning

The lyrics of Lift Every Voice and Sing are a powerful expression of the African American experience and the struggle for Freedom and Equality. The song's opening lines, "Lift every voice and sing, / Till earth and heaven ring, / Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; / Let our rejoicing rise / High as the list'ning skies, / Let it resound loud as the rolling sea," are a call to action, urging African Americans to come together and demand their rights. The song's lyrics also reference the History of slavery and the ongoing struggle for Racial justice, with lines such as "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." The song's message of hope and resilience has made it an enduring anthem of the US Civil Rights Movement, with performances by notable artists such as Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, and Sam Cooke.

● Role

in the US Civil Rights Movement Lift Every Voice and Sing played a significant role in the US Civil Rights Movement, with the song becoming an anthem of the movement. The song was often performed at Civil rights rallies and Protests, including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous I Have a Dream speech. The song was also performed by Freedom Riders and other Civil rights activists as they traveled through the Southern United States, facing Racism and Violence. The song's message of hope and resilience helped to inspire and sustain Civil rights activists during this period, and it remains an important symbol of the movement today. Other notable Civil rights leaders, such as Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and Thurgood Marshall, also referenced the song in their work and activism.

● Composition and Publication

The composition and publication of Lift Every Voice and Sing are closely tied to the African American musical tradition. The song was composed by John Rosamond Johnson, who was influenced by African American spirituals and Hymns. The song's melody is based on a Hymn tune, and its harmony is reminiscent of African American gospel music. The song was first published in 1900 by the National Baptist Convention, and it quickly became a popular Hymn in African American churches. The song has since been recorded by numerous artists, including Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, and Langston Hughes.

● Performances and Tributes

Lift Every Voice and Sing has been performed and referenced in numerous contexts, including Music festivals, Awards ceremonies, and Sports events. The song was performed by Aretha Franklin at the 1968 Democratic National Convention, and it was also performed by Jennifer Hudson at the 2009 inauguration of Barack Obama. The song has also been referenced in Literature and Film, including in the works of Toni Morrison and Spike Lee. In 2016, the song was performed by Beyoncé during her Formation World Tour, and it has since become a staple of her live shows. Other notable performances of the song have been given by Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Alicia Keys.

● Impact and Legacy

The impact and legacy of Lift Every Voice and Sing are profound and far-reaching. The song has become an iconic symbol of the US Civil Rights Movement and a powerful expression of the African American experience. The song's message of hope and resilience has inspired generations of Civil rights activists and Social justice advocates, and it continues to be performed and referenced today. The song has also had a significant impact on American music and Culture, with its influence evident in Gospel music, R&B, and Hip hop. In 2018, the song was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress, recognizing its importance as a cultural and historical artifact. The song's legacy continues to be felt today, with performances and tributes by artists such as John Legend, Common, and Andra Day. Category:US Civil Rights Movement Category:African American music Category:American anthems