“Lift Every Voice and Sing”
In the 2001 edition of African American Heritage Hymnal by GIA Publications, Inc. hymn number 540 is “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” It is categorized as a freedom hymn, and its related Scripture passage is Psalm 148:13. James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) first wrote the hymn as a poem in 1899. Then in 1900 he collaborated with his brother, John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954), who set the words to music, and it became known as “The Black National Anthem.” It was first performed by a 500-member children’s choir at an event celebrating Lincoln’s birthday on February 12, 1900 in the Johnsons’ hometown of Jacksonville, Florida.