"Lift Every Voice and Sing" (Black National Anthem)

[🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲]

Often called “The Black National Anthem” – was written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) and then set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954) in 1899. It was first performed in public in the Johnsons’ hometown of Jacksonville, Florida as part of a celebration of Lincoln’s Birthday on February 12, 1900 by a choir of 500 schoolchildren at the segregated Stanton School, where James Weldon Johnson was principal.

I remember singing this back in elementary school, usually during graduation ceremonies or other special events. My school was a private school that was attended by predominately black students, so we would partake in Black History Month festivities and MLK Jr. parades.

Listening to this really brings back memories of my school days.

[Luckie Starchild]

This is a great song, and I like Melba Moore's version.