“Lift Every Voice and Sing” by J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson emerged at a time when African Americans faced intense backlash following Reconstruction. Jim Crow laws were solidifying, lynchings were widespread, voting rights were being stripped away and segregation was enforced by law. For African Americans, the song became a way to reclaim humanity and hope in a nation that repeatedly denied both, especially during moments when legal and social systems failed them. Singing it now connects modern struggles for racial justice to a long legacy of resistance, resilience and the ongoing fight to make American liberty real for the BIPOC of America. 

In celebration of Black History Month, seniors Mariah Barber, BeGlad Kasongoma, Ja’Sirah Barber and Newte Roberts have been singing the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, at several Columbia Heights High School (CHHS) basketball games. Their performances honor the history, resilience and ongoing fight for equality within the Black community.

Ja’Sirah Barber spoke with “Lift Every Voice and Sing” cover singers about what the song means in their lives and why singing it is important:

“I first learned ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ at seven years old during a performing arts summer camp led by Lorraine B. Smaller Park,” Mariah Barber (12) said. “At the time, I didn’t fully understand the history behind it, but I felt the pride in the room when we sang. As I grew older, I realized this song carries the weight of our ancestors’ struggles, resilience, and hope. Singing the Black National Anthem feels like honoring those who came before me while standing proudly in who I am today”.

“‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ conveys a great sense of empowerment and community for me. To sing it makes me feel great and connected to history,” Newte Roberts (12) said.

“‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ is not only a song to me, but faith that sustains me through my doubts,” BeGlad Kansongma (12) said. “It is the hope that peace will reign in every nation. It is not only a tune that I am privileged to sing or harmonize to, but a living story that helps me remember the hardships faced and endured in the past. This song is my way of using my gift to not only continue honoring those who came before me, and paved a way, but to also continue spreading the message that our voices can and will be heard!”