“Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing”
Origin of the Song
James Weldon Johnson
James Weldon Johnson wrote the lyrics to the song "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" to commemorate the birthday of Abraham Lincoln as part of a community celebration in Jacksonville, Florida in 1900.
John Rosamond Johnson
John Rosamond Johnson set the words to music. He was the younger brother of James Weldon Johnson. The brothers often worked together to compose songs.
Manuscript, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (page 2)
In this manuscript version of the song, James Weldon Johnson titles it "National Hymn," and writes "Written for the celebration of Lincoln's birthday, Jacksonville, Florida 1900."
Along This Way,
manuscript draft (excerpt)
Along This Way,
typescript draft. (excerpt)
In his autobiography, Along This Way, James Weldon Johnson describes and the process of writing the song with his brother.
James Weldon Johnson, Principal, with students at Stanton Institute, circa 1900
Students at Stanton Institute in Jacksonville, Florida were among the first to sing the song.
Stanton Institute
Stanton Institute in Jacksonville, Florida was founded in 1868 for the education of black children. James Weldon Johnson was principal of Stanton Institute from 1894 to 1902.
Sheet Music for "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" for Three Part Choral
