Students at Pinewood Elementary will present a Black History Month Program on Thursday, February 28th at 6:00pm after the SAC meeting.
Lift Every Voice and Sing
Lift Every Voice and Sing
Many people are surprised to learn that “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was first written as a poem. Created by James Weldon Johnson, it was performed for the first time by 500 school children in celebration of President Lincoln’s Birthday on February 12, 1900 in Jacksonville, FL. The poem was set to music by Johnson’s brother, John Rosamond Johnson, and soon adopted by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as its official song. Today “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is one of the most cherished songs of the African American Civil Rights Movement and is often referred to as the Black National Anthem.
Lift every voice and sing
Till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us,
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun
Let us march on till victory is won.
– “With our thoughts,” (both hands to forehead)
– “We welcome you!” (both arms extended towards audience)
– “With our words,” (both hands to mouth)
– “With our hearts,” (both hands cover heart)
– “See, we have nothing up our sleeves.” (point one hand to other arm)