History of Lift Every Voice and Sing in Timeline
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" is a hymn, written by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson, expressing thanksgiving and hope for freedom. Composed in the late 19th century against the backdrop of African American experiences, the song serves as a prayer for faithfulness and deliverance. Its lyrics evoke imagery reminiscent of the biblical Exodus, symbolizing the journey from slavery towards a promised land of freedom. It became an anthem of the Civil Rights movement and remains a powerful expression of Black resilience and aspiration.
1900: Premiere of "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
In 1900, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" premiered and was communally sung within Black American communities, marking its initial introduction and acceptance.
1900: First Recitation of "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
In 1900, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was first recited by 500 students at the Edwin M. Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida.
1901: Johnsons Move to New York City After Great Fire
After the Great Fire of 1901, the Johnsons moved to New York City to pursue careers on Broadway. Following this, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" spread through Black communities and schools.
1917: NAACP Promotion as "Negro National Anthem"
In 1917, the NAACP began promoting "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as the "Negro National Anthem", solidifying its role as a significant cultural symbol.
1919: NAACP Dubs Hymn "Negro National Anthem"
In 1919, the NAACP dubbed "Lift Every Voice and Sing" the "Negro National Anthem", recognizing its power in voicing a cry for liberation and affirmation for African Americans. The next year James Weldon Johnson became the NAACP's first executive secretary.
1923: Recording by Manhattan Harmony Four
In 1923, the male gospel group Manhattan Harmony Four recorded the hymn as "Lift Every Voice and Sing (National Negro Anthem)".
1938: Death of James Weldon Johnson
In 1938, James Weldon Johnson, the lyricist of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," passed away. He co-wrote the song with his brother J. Rosamond Johnson.
1939: Sculpture at New York World's Fair
In 1939, a sculpture by Augusta Savage named after "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was exhibited at the New York World's Fair. The sculpture, taking the form of a choir of children shaped into a harp, was later destroyed.
1954: Death of J. Rosamond Johnson
In 1954, J. Rosamond Johnson, the composer of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," passed away. He co-wrote the song with his brother James Weldon Johnson.
1969: Featured in "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"
In 1969, Maya Angelou's autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, featured the hymn being sung at Maya's eighth-grade graduation ceremony, after a white school official dashes the educational aspirations of her classmates.
1972: Kim Weston Sings at Wattstax Festival
In 1972, Kim Weston sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as the opening number for the Wattstax Festival in Los Angeles. This performance was included in the film Wattstax.
1975: James Brown Quotes Lyric
In 1975, James Brown quoted a lyric from "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as part of his performance of the U.S. national anthem before the Muhammad Ali vs. Chuck Wepner boxing match.
1990: Melba Moore Releases Modern Rendition
In 1990, Melba Moore released a modern rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" with other singers, and it was entered into the Congressional Record by Del. Walter Fauntroy.
2008: Rene Marie Controversy
In 2008, jazz singer Rene Marie caused controversy by substituting the words of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" into the U.S. national anthem at a civic event in Denver, Colorado.
January 20, 2009: Lowery's Benediction at Obama Inauguration
On January 20, 2009, Rev. Joseph Lowery used a near-verbatim recitation of the hymn's third stanza to begin his benediction at President Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony.
2011: Rene Marie Releases "The Voice of My Beautiful Country"
In 2011, Rene Marie released "The Voice of My Beautiful Country", which featured her arrangement of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" with the melody of "The Star-Spangled Banner".
September 24, 2016: Performance at National Museum of African American History and Culture Opening
On September 24, 2016, Denyce Graves and chorus sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at the conclusion of the opening ceremonies of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
2016: Added to National Recording Registry
In 2016, Melba Moore's 1990 rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was added to the National Recording Registry.
October 19, 2017: Performance at University of Florida
On October 19, 2017, music professor Laura Ellis played "Lift Every Voice and Sing" on the University of Florida's carillon to convey a message of unity during a speech by White supremacist leader Richard Spencer.
April 14, 2018: Beyoncé's Coachella Performance
On April 14, 2018, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was sung by Beyoncé during her headlining performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
May 2018: Tabernacle Choir Performance
In May 2018, the Tabernacle Choir performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing" during an edition of Music & the Spoken Word attended by members of the NAACP.
June 19, 2020: Google's Juneteenth-Themed Animation
On June 19, 2020, Google featured a Juneteenth-themed animation on its home page, set to a spoken word rendition of the hymn's first verse by LeVar Burton.
2020: Increased Prominence After George Floyd Protests
In 2020, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" gained increased prominence following the George Floyd protests, reflecting its continued relevance in times of social unrest.
January 2021: HR 301 Bill Proposed
In January 2021, Representative Jim Clyburn sponsored HR 301, a bill proposing that "Lift Every Voice and Sing" be designated as the national hymn of the United States.
February 7, 2021: Alicia Keys Performance at Super Bowl LV
On February 7, 2021, a filmed performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by Alicia Keys at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was replayed as part of the pre-game show of Super Bowl LV.
2021: Vanessa Williams Sings on A Capitol Fourth
In 2021, Vanessa Williams sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing" on the PBS Independence Day special A Capitol Fourth, commemorating the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
2021: NFL Continued Use of Hymn
In 2021, the NFL stated that it would again feature "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at Week 1 games and other "tentpole" events. Some felt this was pandering.
February 18, 2023: Featured in "The Blues and Its People"
On February 18, 2023, the song was featured as the opening and closing song of The Blues and Its People, a suite by Russell Gunn first performed at Harlem's Apollo Theater.
February 2025: Five Consecutive Super Bowl Pregame Performances
As of February 2025, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" has been performed at five consecutive Super Bowl pregame ceremonies.
