What song is often referred to as the Black National Anthem? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover RL Burnside (John R. Johnson)
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" is a seminal piece of African-American music, often called the Black National Anthem. Written by James Weldon Johnson (lyrics) and his brother J. Rosamund Johnson (music) in 1900, it was originally composed for a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday. The song powerfully expresses the struggles and hopes of the African-American community, becoming a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement and enduring as a cultural touchstone.