Lift every voice and sing
Who originally wrote the song?-James Weldon Johnson
What year was it written?-1900
Why did the author write the song?
How did the songs’ popularity spread?
Who endorsed the song?
What NAACP stand for? When did this organization make Lift every voice their official song?
What do you think the theme of Lift every voice is?
What 3 lines in the song stand out to you and why?
The author, James Weldon Johnson, wrote the song in 1900 as a poem to commemorate Abraham Lincoln's birthday. He wrote the song to celebrate freedom and hope for African Americans, and to give them a sense of unity and pride.
The song's popularity spread through performances by various African American organizations, especially the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), as well as through recordings by prominent artists like Paul Robeson and Ray Charles.
The NAACP officially adopted "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as its official song in 1919. NAACP stands for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
The theme of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is one of struggle, perseverance, and unity in the face of adversity. It celebrates the strength and resilience of African Americans and calls for hope and faith in a brighter future.
Three lines in the song that stand out are:
- "Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us" - This line acknowledges the hardships and struggles that African Americans have faced in the past and the lessons learned from those experiences.
- "Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us" - This line speaks to the optimism and hope for a better future that exists despite the challenges faced in the present.
- "Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, let us march on till victory is won" - This line emphasizes the resolve and determination of African Americans to keep moving forward and striving for progress and success.