Celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Lift Every Voice and Sing

This month we celebrate the 125th anniversary of Lift Every Voice and Sing, written by Jacksonville’s own James Weldon Johnson. This powerful song, recognized by the NAACP as the Black National Anthem, continues to inspire generations.

Thursday, February 13, 2025 at the Beaches Branch Library 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Join us for a special event designed for children ages 5-12, where we’ll explore the meaning and history of Lift Every Voice and Sing. Through an uplifting story, we’ll reflect on the song’s role in the civil rights movement and create our own affirmations to carry into the future.

🎶 Theme: Lift Every Voice and Sing
📖 Featured Book: I Believe I Can by Grace Byers

🔹 Limited space available – attendance is first-come, first-served. Check-in begins 30 minutes before the program starts. Entry will not be permitted more than 15 minutes after the session begins.

🔹 For youth participants and families – Large groups or organizations should request accommodations at least two days in advance by emailing jplyouthservices@coj.net. Requests are subject to availability.

🔹 Accessibility accommodations – In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodations are available upon request. Please allow 1–2 business days for processing. Last-minute requests will be considered but may not be possible to fulfill. Contact Learning Services at 255-2665 or email JPLprograms@coj.net for assistance.

Join us as we honor a song that has uplifted voices for over a century!

What is Lift Every Voice and Sing?

Lift Every Voice and Sing is a hymn deeply rooted in African American history and culture. It was written as a poem in 1899 by James Weldon Johnson, a Jacksonville, Florida native, and later set to music by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, in 1900.

Origins and Early Performances

The song was first performed publicly on February 12, 1900, at a celebration for Abraham Lincoln’s birthday at the Stanton School in Jacksonville, where James Weldon Johnson was the principal. A group of 500 schoolchildren sang it as part of the event.

Becoming the Black National Anthem

Over the next few decades, the song spread beyond Jacksonville. It was embraced by the Black community, especially in churches, schools, and civil rights gatherings. In 1919, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) declared it the Black National Anthem, recognizing its powerful message of hope, resilience, and unity. It became a rallying cry during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, often sung at protests, marches, and gatherings advocating for racial equality.

Lyrics and Meaning

The song’s lyrics speak of perseverance, faith, and the journey from oppression to freedom. The opening lines set a tone of triumph and unity:
“Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of liberty.”

The hymn acknowledges the struggles of the past while calling for faith and determination in moving forward. It remains an important cultural and historical symbol of Black pride and resilience.

Modern Recognition

• Lift Every Voice and Sing continues to be performed at significant events, including presidential inaugurations and sports games.
• In 2021, it was played as part of the Super Bowl’s pregame events, further cementing its national recognition.
• Many artists, including Beyoncé, Ray Charles, and the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, have performed or paid tribute to the song.

Legacy of Lift Every Voice and Sing

Over 125 years later, Lift Every Voice and Sing still resonates with many, serving as a reminder of both the struggles and achievements of African Americans in the U.S. Its legacy endures as a song of empowerment, unity, and progress.

We warmly invite families and children aged 5-12 to participate in this enlightening program at the Beaches Branch Library on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Spaces are limited, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot!

Let’s come together to honor this beautiful anthem and inspire our youth to carry its message of resilience into the future. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate and learn. We look forward to seeing you there!