This week for Writer’s Quote, I selected the first stanza from the song, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which was originally written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson. His brother, John, set the poem to music; and, it later became the anthem for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
The video below features Aretha Franklin, one of my favorite R&B and Gospel artists, performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
ABOUT: JAMES WELDON JOHNSON
Johnson is known as one of the creators and leaders of the Harlem Renaissance. In addition to writing the poem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” he and his brother collaborated and wrote songs for over 200 broadway musicals.
During his lifetime, he published many stories and poems and was the author of two book:
- God’s Trombones (1927),
- The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man (1912)
In addition to his artistic talents, Johnson also gained recognition as an educator, lawyer, and civil rights activist. President Theodore Roosevelt, in 1906, appointed Johnson to diplomatic positions in Venezuela and Nicaragua.
Upon his return to the United Stated, in 1914, he started working for the NAACP. After retiring from there, he became the first African-American professor at New york University.
On June 26, 1938, Johnson died in a car accident. More than two thousand people attended his funeral in Harlem.
SeasonedSistah 
Good Morning,
I met you through Nikki skies. Congratulations on the Award she’s awarded you. Lift Every Voice and Sing is that paradigm shifting song that not only inspired pride but motivates us to be voices in the wilderness, to speak truths unapologetically, to shift the important conversations and remind us that with all good things, there is some struggle, some unrest, some stirring up of the waters, some feelings to get hurt. We must speak, we must sing, we must tell the stories and preserve our legacies while on this here Earth, while we can. This is a lovely and proud tribute to part of James Weldon Johnson’s legacy. Thank you for putting it so nicely together.
Be a blessing. Stay inspired!
Namasté
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I so appreciate your comments. They moved me to visit your blog after reading your About Page, I hit the follow button. I am happy to connect and look forward to the release of your book.
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Bless you SeasonedSistah2! You are most welcome. Thank you for the follow and the visit and the blessing. I’m so glad something kept you here.
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Sorry for the delay in thanking you for your comments. I took a break from blogging because Hubby was facing some health issues. He is on a good recovery path now; and I am reconnecting with my blogging friends.
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I am praying that hubby pulls through to a complete restoration and that you are granted the strength to help make that possible for him, and that you too, get the care that you need. Be well.
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Thank you so much.
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beautifully powerful song!
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Indeed it is, Aretha Franklin’s powerful voice matched this powerful song.
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Wow! This is an excellent. I have goose bumps! Lovely words to the song too. ❤
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Thank you. Because of your. Writers Quote Wednesday, my interest is heightened to find new writers and renew acquaintances with those that have crossed my path. It’s an interesting new journey that is opens me up to a new learning experience.
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