Discussing the American Anthem Series on NPR's Morning Edition is Professor Shana L. Redmond
On a recent episode of NPR's Morning Edition, musicologist Shana L. Redmond discussed the powerful song "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the "Black National Anthem." The segment, titled American Anthem: Music that Challenges, Unites and Celebrates, can be listened to in its entirety on NPR.
Professor Redmond emphasized that singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is not just about reviving the past, but also about recognizing a hopeful future. The song, which was originally a poem written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900 and later set to music by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, draws on the tradition of Black spirituals and uses biblical imagery to convey the struggles and hopes of Black Americans during the post-Reconstruction era and the rise of Jim Crow laws.
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" has a rich history, having been adopted by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and becoming a key anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. It was frequently sung at protests, marches, and gatherings advocating for racial equality in the mid-20th century.
In recent times, the song has experienced renewed popularity and visibility, particularly since the killing of George Floyd in 2020. It has been performed at major sporting events and national moments, reinforcing its enduring importance in American culture as an emblem of Black identity and hope.
According to Professor Redmond, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is a song about transcending difficulties. Despite the difficulties referred to in the lyrics, which have not fully receded, the song reveals a hopeful future. Black communities across the globe continue to be vulnerable in unique and unsettling ways, but the song serves as a spiritual and cultural affirmation for African Americans in the pursuit of justice and equality.
In essence, the song’s history and significance are rooted in its origins as a poetic tribute to freedom and struggle, its adoption by Black communities as a unifying anthem, and its ongoing role as a spiritual and cultural affirmation for African Americans in the pursuit of justice and equality.
Engaging in education and self-development, one might delve into the history and significance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," a powerful song that serves as a symbol of Black identity and hope. In the realm of entertainment, this song, often referred to as the Black National Anthem, has transcended boundaries and been performed at major events, reinforcing its cultural importance.
