lift every voice and sing printable lyrics

Lift Every Voice and Sing: A Song for Unity and Hope

The iconic song 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' has been a powerful symbol of hope, unity, and freedom for over a century. Written in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson and his brother Rosamond, the song was originally intended to be sung at a school celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday. The lyrics, which speak of lifting every voice and singing till earth and heaven ring, have since become an anthem for the African American community.

In recent years, the song has taken on new significance as a symbol of social justice and racial equality. During the summer of 2020, the NFL committed to playing the Black national anthem before season openers, sparking a renewed interest in the song's history and cultural importance.

One of the most powerful aspects of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' is its ability to bring people together. As Representative James Clyburn, a Democrat from South Carolina, noted, 'To make 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' a national hymn, would be an act of bringing the country together.' The song has been sung at countless rallies, protests, and ceremonies, serving as a unifying force for those seeking justice and equality.

However, not everyone sees the song in the same light. Some critics have argued that 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' is divisive, reinforcing racial divides rather than bridging them. This controversy stems from the fact that the song has been used by different groups over the years to advance their own agendas.

Despite these criticisms, the song remains an important part of American cultural heritage. Its message of hope and liberation continues to resonate with people across generations and backgrounds. As Alicia Engram, Otto Gross, and Franklin Willis, three musicians and educators who have worked together to develop educational resources around the song, note, 'Every student has a voice that should be cultivated, supported, and appreciated.'

Teaching Resources

To help teachers incorporate 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' into their curriculum, Engram, Gross, and Willis have developed a range of teaching tools. These include movement activities, instrument playing exercises, singing lessons, and critical thinking prompts designed to help students engage with the song's cultural importance.

One activity involves having students create their own lyrics for the song, using it as an opportunity to express their own hopes and dreams for a better future. Another exercise encourages students to explore the different ways in which the song has been used throughout history, from its origins in the African American community to its use during the Civil Rights Movement.

By incorporating these teaching tools into their curriculum, music teachers can help their students develop a deeper understanding of the song's significance and its role in shaping American cultural heritage. As Engram, Gross, and Willis note, 'We have included various teaching tools through movement, instrument playing, singing, and critical thinking to get your students engaged in the cultural importance of Lift Every Voice and Sing.'

'Lift Every Voice and Sing' is more than just a song – it's an anthem for hope, unity, and freedom. Its message of liberation continues to resonate with people across generations and backgrounds, making it a powerful tool for teachers and educators seeking to promote social justice and cultural understanding.

Whether used in the classroom or at a community event, 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' has the power to bring people together, inspire hope, and challenge us to work towards a better future. As James Weldon Johnson himself wrote, 'I will lift up my voice and LET IT RING.

Lift every voice and sing printable lyrics