Lift Every Voice: A National Hymn for All Americans
The James Weldon Johnson Foundation is spearheading a historic initiative to recognize "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as the National Hymn of the United States. Written by James Weldon Johnson in 1899 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, the hymn was originally titled "National Hymn" and is archived in Johnson’s own handwriting at Yale’s Beinecke Library. Johnson’s vision was to create a song that transcended race, celebrating the shared humanity and struggles of all Americans.
This hymn is more than a song, it’s a testament to faith, hope, and resilience. It belongs to everyone who believes in freedom, justice, and the triumph of the human spirit. Its message resonates with those who have fought oppression from America’s founding to the civil rights era and beyond.
Art That Heals and Unites
First performed by 500 schoolchildren in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1900, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" quickly became a cultural cornerstone. Its lyrics and melody have united communities for over a century. James Weldon Johnson saw it as a beacon of hope and a rallying call for progress that belonged to all Americans, regardless of background.
Within African American history, the hymn symbolizes resilience and faith in the pursuit of equality. As Johnson’s lyrics declare, “True to our God, true to our native land,” the hymn calls on all citizens to reaffirm their faith in the nation’s highest ideals.
A National Symbol of Unity
In 2021, Rep. James Clyburn introduced H.R. 301, proposing to designate "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as the National Hymn. The initiative underscores that the hymn is not a replacement for the Star-Spangled Banner but a complementary symbol of unity and healing. It joins other national symbols like "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (National March) in helping Americans connect with their shared heritage.
Honoring this hymn pays tribute to the diverse contributions that shaped America’s history and underscores themes of perseverance and hope that inspire both reflection and action.
Historic Celebration at Super Bowl LIX
On February 9, 2025, at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, a landmark celebration will honor the hymn’s 125th anniversary. Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi, a proud New Orleans native, will lead a performance alongside the Greater New Orleans High School Choral Collective, directed by Dr. Jeffery Redding, a GRAMMY Music Educator Award recipient. This 125-member choir, drawn from schools across New Orleans, highlights the enduring importance of music education and cultural heritage.
According to Choral Director Jessica Harvey, the performance is both a milestone and the beginning of a lasting legacy for the collective. “With the NFL's invitation to perform ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ marking the hymn’s 125th anniversary, we recognized the perfect opportunity to launch this initiative,” Harvey stated.
A Call to Action
Supporting the National Hymn Act is a chance for Congress to reaffirm America’s core values through art and culture. The hymn’s message—“Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us”—urges every citizen to learn from history and strive for a better future.
This bipartisan effort reflects the shared dreams and aspirations of Americans. Now is the time to vote YES on H.R. 301 and officially honor this hymn as a symbol of national unity. Together, let us lift every voice and inspire future generations.
