House Majority Whip Clyburn Testifies on the African American National Hymn

Rufus Jones visits with Rep Clyburn to discuss his “national hymn” bill. (2023)

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) testified at a House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution hearing on his proposed legislation, H.R. 301, which would designate the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as a national hymn. Scholars and academics also testified, speaking to the importance and historical significance of the hymn. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written and composed in 1900 by brothers James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond during the Jim Crow era, depicting the struggles and appeal for equality for Black Americans.