Relevance Of The Black National Anthem!!!

The "Black National Anthem," also known as "Lift Every Voice and Sing," is a song written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday. The song has since become a symbol of African American pride and resistance, and is widely considered an anthem for the Black community in the United States. The lyrics, which speak of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity, have inspired generations of Black people and have been performed at a variety of events, from political rallies to sporting events. Despite its status as an iconic song of the Black community, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" remains relatively unknown to many people outside of the African American community, and its message is still highly relevant today, more than a century after it was first written.

Another key difference is the song's focus on the experiences and perspectives of Black people. The lyrics of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" speak directly to the struggles and triumphs of the Black community, addressing issues of slavery, discrimination, and injustice in a way that is specific and unique to their experiences.

The song's message is also one of hope, resilience, and empowerment, calling on Black people to stand together and fight for justice and equality. This message is particularly relevant and powerful in the context of ongoing systemic racism and discrimination faced by Black people in the United States and around the world.

In conclusion, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is unique compared to other national anthems in its origin, purpose, and focus on the experiences and perspectives of Black people. The song serves as a symbol of the Black community's struggle for equality and justice, and its message of hope, resilience, and empowerment remains powerful and relevant today.

Here are ten things to know about the "Black National Anthem":

1. The Origins: The song was written by James Weldon Johnson, a civil rights leader, author, and diplomat, and his brother John Rosamond Johnson, a composer. It was first performed by 500 schoolchildren at a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday in Jacksonville, Florida in 1900.

2. The Lyrics: The lyrics of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" reflect the experiences and struggles of African Americans, and express hope and determination in the face of adversity. The first stanza reads: "Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring, ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies, let it resound loud as the rolling sea."

3. The Significance: The song has been called the "Black National Anthem" and has been used as a symbol of African American identity and unity for over a century. It has been performed at numerous civil rights events and continues to be a source of inspiration for Black Americans.

4. The Legacy of James Weldon Johnson: In addition to writing "Lift Every Voice and Sing," James Weldon Johnson was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. He served as the national secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was a leader in the fight for voting rights, equal education, and equal treatment under the law.

5. The Music: The music for "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was composed by John Rosamond Johnson, James Weldon Johnson's brother. The song has been arranged and performed in a variety of styles, including gospel, jazz, and classical.

6. The Impact on the Civil Rights Movement: "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was a powerful expression of Black pride and solidarity during the civil rights movement. It was frequently sung at events and rallies, and served as a symbol of resistance and hope for African Americans during a time of segregation and discrimination.

7. The National Anthem of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has designated "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as its official song. The organization has used the song to inspire and unite its members in their efforts to secure equal rights and justice for African Americans.

8. The Recognition as the "Black National Anthem": While "Lift Every Voice and Sing" has not been officially designated as the "Black National Anthem," it is widely recognized and referred to as such by African Americans. The song has been performed at numerous events, including the inaugurations of President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris.

9. The Contemporary Performances: "Lift Every Voice and Sing" continues to be performed today at a variety of events, including civil rights rallies, church services, and sporting events. The song has been recorded by numerous artists and has been covered in a variety of musical styles.

10. The Legacy Today: The legacy of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" continues to be felt today, as the song continues to inspire and unite African Americans in their struggle for equality and justice. The song remains a symbol of Black pride and resilience, and continues to be an anthem for African Americans in the 21