From the NYU Archives: “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Author James Weldon Johnson. James Weldon Johnson with Fisk University students and faculty in 1932. Two years later, he accepted the role of visiting professor of creative writing at NYU. (All photos appear courtesy of the Carl Van Vechten Papers Relating to African American Arts and Letters, James Weldon Johnson Collection, in the Yale Collection of American Literature, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library; the Carl Van Vechten Trust; and the James Weldon Johnson Foundation.)

The two anthems sung at the Super Bowl — “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” — remind us that we really can stand shoulder to shoulder as citizens.

For the creator of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ the intention was to create a hymn.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, second from right, stood with teammates during a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before a home game on Sept. 7.

I hadn’t anticipated writing another Black History Month column, but then I received two prompts about James Weldon Johnson.

Restoring a cabin and a legacy in the Berkshires

By MARTHA MERROW THE BOSTON GLOBE

The cabin in which African American poet, lyricist, and author James Weldon Johnson wrote in during the late 1920s and ‘30s on his property, Five Acres in Great Barrington, has not been renovated since its construction.

Now Rufus Jones and Jill Rosenberg -Jones are trying to save and preserve the cabin where Johnson most notably wrote "God's Trombones," which works the rhythm of the African American preacher's sermon.

The five artists selected to come to Great Barrington used the Berkshires as their inspiration to create new works in painting and found objects.

Great Barrington - For several weeks each summer, five established, mid-career, and emerging artists are granted time and space to create works inspired by the values that James Weldon Johnson dedicated his life to creative expression, social justice, civil rights, erudition, and community.

"Scene outside the cabin" by Selwyn Garraway

Great Barrington — Like his contemporary, W.E.B. Du Bois, the writer, and educator James Weldon Johnson, best remembered for his leadership of the N.A.A.C.P., was a prominent historical figure with ties to Great Barrington.

GREAT BARRINGTON — Ten thousand marchers come down Fifth Avenue. They walk silently to the sound of a steady drum-beat. At the front, children six years old carry banners: "Give me a chance to live. Treat us so that we may love our country."

Exhibit to open at Simon's Rock

Bard College at Simon's Rock, in partnership with the James Weldon Johnson Foundation, will present an exhibition of the inaugural artist-in-residence program participants. The exhibit opens tomorrow and is on view through March 9.

Located in the Hillman-Jackson Gallery at the Daniel Arts Center, the exhibition is open to the public daily while the college is in session. A panel discussion and reception with the artists will be announced at a later date.

Five artists selected to come to Great Barrington — Daniel Hibbert, Selwyn Garraway, Susan Powers, Meclina Priestley and Cheryl Riley — used the Berkshires as their inspiration to create new works in painting and found objects. During their residencies, which ranged from one to three weeks throughout the summer of 2017, the artists created new work in a studio space provided by Simon's Rock, and were also given access to the former home and writing cabin of James Weldon Johnson, now owned by the Johnson Foundation, located next door to the Simon's Rock campus on Alford Road.

Members of the Macedonia Baptist Church Praise Ensemble. Far-right: Simon's Rock junior Arielle King.

The second annual celebration of Harlem Renaissance founder James Weldon Johnson at his home and writing cabin on Alford Road in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Photo Credit: Felix Augustine Photography

"The Creation" is the first poem in James Weldon Johnson's seminal work, God's Trombones. Pete Malinverni has composed and produced a 28-minute piece for Gospel Choir and Jazz Ensemble based on the text of the poem. Premiered at SUNY Purchase in February 2016, The Creation is a stunning work of art that combines 70 singers, 15 jazz musicians, and 25 dancers into an experience not to be missed. The Foundation is currently raising funds to produce the piece for a national audience. "The Creation" features the Purchase Soul Voices, the Purchase Jazz Combo and the Purchase Dance Company, choreographed by Kevin Wynn.