What are the lyrics to ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’, and what is the song’s history?

The Story Behind "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the Song that Became the Black National Anthem

The Black National Anthem is a song called Lift Every Voice and Sing, written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson in 1900 and later set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson. It was first performed by a group of Black schoolchildren in Jacksonville, Florida, and quickly became a powerful symbol of hope, faith, and resilience within the African American community. The song reflects the struggles of Black Americans, including the pain of slavery and discrimination, while also celebrating per