Lift Every Voice and Sing: The Negro National Anthem

Julian Bond talked about the book Lift Every Voice and Sing: A Celebration of the Negro National Anthem, 100 Years, 100 Voices, published by Random House, which he co-edited with Sondra Kathryn Wilson. One hundred years ago, James Weldon Johnson and his brother J. Rosamond Johnson wrote the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in celebration of Lincoln’s Birthday. Later this song became recognized as the Negro National Anthem. The book includes one hundred essays on the song written by writers, performers, and politicians. Mr. Bond read essays, talked about the song and its writers, and answered questions from the audience. The Black Voices of the University of Virginia Choir started the event by singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” close