The James Weldon Johnson Foundation, in collaboration with the NFL, is celebrating the enduring legacy of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" on the occasion of its 125th anniversary. This momentous event will feature a special performance by Grammy-winning artist Ledisi at Super Bowl LIX, bringing the hymn’s powerful message of resilience, unity, and hope to a global audience.
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
Since 2020, the National Football League (NFL) has partnered with the James Weldon Johnson Foundation to use its platform to promote social responsibility, unity, and healing. Through pregame ceremonies at major events such as the NFL Pro Bowl Games and the Super Bowl, the NFL has highlighted James Weldon Johnson’s inspirational hymn, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” This collaboration reflects a commitment to honoring history and fostering dialogue around equality and progress.
A Community-Centered Performance
For Super Bowl LIX, Rufus Jones, President and Co-Founder of the James Weldon Johnson Foundation, and local community-based choir directors have worked to select 125 children's voices from across New Orleans to form the Greater New Orleans High School Choral Collective. Under the leadership of Conductor Dr. Jeffery Redding, a 2019 GRAMMY Music Educator Award recipient, and Choral Director Jessica Harvey, the choir will serve as the backing ensemble for Ledisi's performance of the hymn.
According to Harvey, “The Greater New Orleans High School Choral Collective began as a vision just weeks ago, and with the NFL's invitation to perform ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ at Super Bowl LIX, marking the 125th singing anniversary of the hymn, we recognized the perfect opportunity to launch this initiative.”
Harvey, along with ten fellow directors, envisions this ensemble as a legacy choir that will endure beyond this historic performance. The collective is committed to preserving and advancing choral music excellence while emphasizing the vital role of vocal music programs in New Orleans schools.
The inaugural 125-member choir features high school vocalists from multiple charter organizations, including:
KIPP New Orleans Schools (John F. Kennedy and Frederick A. Douglass)
InspireNOLA Schools (Eleanor McMain, Edna Karr, and McDonogh 35)
Collegiate Academies (G.W. Carver and Livingston)
L.B. Landry High School
Warren Easton High School
New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School
L.W. Higgins High School
St. Mary’s Academy
A Call to Reflect and Celebrate Together
The partnership between the James Weldon Johnson Foundation and the NFL highlights how collaboration can amplify cultural heritage and foster healing through shared experiences. As we honor the 125th anniversary of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," we are reminded of the enduring power of art to unite and inspire.
Together, let us reflect on the hymn’s message and continue striving for a more just and equitable world. Tune in to Super Bowl LIX to witness this powerful celebration of history, legacy, and hope.
