For over a hundred years, the Black National Anthem has held great power for those that listen to it. It is not just a poem or a song, but it has been a staple and a way of life for many Black Americans. The “Lift Every Voice and Sing” originated back in 1900, written by two brothers, James Weldon Johnson, and John Rosamond Johnson. Having been through a surplus of things in their lifetime, especially living in the south during segregation and other prejudices against black people at the time, they wrote this poem as a reminder to every generation to come together and fight for their rights, all of their rights. James, being the lyricist for this song, wrote the words from the heart. During his upbringing, James faced a lot of discrimination during his college days
…show more content…
His brother, John, also took up teaching at a black boarding school that led him to compose the music for “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. These two men have inadvertently created a steppingstone for Black Americans all around the world to be heard and stand firm in what they know they deserve. Since the formation of this poem there have been many covers or different takes on it. One being “Lift Every Voice and Sing” done acapella by a group called “Committed” from Oakwood University. Their rendition of the Black National Anthem was indeed a head turner. Apart from the usual slow tempo and brooding music, this acapella version is what some would call uplifting. The five black men performing the song show how the once sorrowful song can be performed to show the good. Instead of choosing to hear the past suffering African Americans went through in the song, they shine a light on how far they’ve come and how far they have yet to
His brother, John, also took up teaching at a black boarding school that led him to compose the music for “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. These two men have inadvertently created a steppingstone for Black Americans all around the world to be heard and stand firm in what they know they deserve. Since the formation of this poem there have been many covers or different takes on it. One being “Lift Every Voice and Sing” done acapella by a group called “Committed” from Oakwood University. Their rendition of the Black National Anthem was indeed a head turner. Apart from the usual slow tempo and brooding music, this acapella version is what some would call uplifting. The five black men performing the song show how the once sorrowful song can be performed to show the good. Instead of choosing to hear the past suffering African Americans went through in the song, they shine a light on how far they’ve come and how far they have yet to