Discussion on NPR's Morning Edition featuring Professor Shana L. Redmond - Exploration of the American Anthem Series
In a recent segment on NPR's Morning Edition, Shana L. Redmond, a professor of musicology, delved into the profound significance of the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Often referred to as the "Black National Anthem," this powerful piece of music has a rich history that resonates deeply within African American communities.
Composed in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson, with music by his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson, the song was first performed by 500 schoolchildren at the Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida, as a tribute and prayer of thanksgiving, faithfulness, and hope amid the struggles of African Americans following Reconstruction and during the rise of Jim Crow laws.
The song became a symbol of resilience, hope, and the African American experience, expressing a longing for liberty and justice. Its lyrics invoke biblical imagery from the Exodus story, symbolizing freedom from slavery and the pursuit of a promised land. By 1917, the NAACP had adopted it as the "Negro National Anthem," and it played a significant role through the Civil Rights Movement, being sung at marches, sit-ins, and gatherings as a call for racial equality and perseverance.
Today, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" continues to be viewed as a healing and unifying song with clear Christian theological themes of hope, justice, and faith. Institutions such as the Museum of the Bible have highlighted its biblical foundation and impact on American society.
Shana L. Redmond, in her discussion on NPR, emphasized that although the difficulties referred to in the song have not fully receded, its lyrics reveal a hopeful future. She stated that the song is a testament to the ongoing fight for freedom and equality in the United States.
In the segment titled American Anthem: Music that Challenges, Unites and Celebrates, Redmond further explained that "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is a song that challenges, unites, and celebrates. This segment, which aired on NPR's Morning Edition today, is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the deep cultural and spiritual significance of this timeless anthem.
The song "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often seen as the "Black National Anthem," was initially composed for education and self-development purposes during a performance by schoolchildren, underscoring its profound potential in fostering resilience, hope, and unity within African American communities. Today, its significance extends beyond its historical roots, serving as a call for entertainment that both challenges and celebrates, while also embodying clear Christian theological themes of hope, justice, and faith.
