'Lift Every Voice and Sing' is a hymn that was written in 1899. James W. Johnson wrote both the words and music. It is a rousing spiritual piece that continues to be popular today. It has been called 'the black national anthem' because of its expression of great struggle and hope for the future.
Johnson lived from 1871-1938. He graduated with a Masters of Arts degree from Atlanta University. He was the first African American to pass the bar in the state of Florida. He worked as a writer of songs and literature, a lawyer and a teacher. Also, in 1920, he was appointed as the Executive Secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People.
Johnson wrote the following books: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, 1920; The Book of AmerIcan Negro Poetry, 1922; God's Trombones, 1927; and Along This Way, 1933.
Johnson lived from 1871-1938. He graduated with a Masters of Arts degree from Atlanta University. He was the first African American to pass the bar in the state of Florida. He worked as a writer of songs and literature, a lawyer and a teacher. Also, in 1920, he was appointed as the Executive Secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People.
Johnson wrote the following books: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, 1920; The Book of AmerIcan Negro Poetry, 1922; God's Trombones, 1927; and Along This Way, 1933.
