The Black National Anthem Was Created On This Day. Here's What You Probably Didn't Know About It.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written and composed by James Weldon Johnson and his younger brother John Rosamond Johnson.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” is a powerful hymn with a rich history and cultural significance in the United States. It is often referred to as the Black National Anthem due to its powerful message and its role in the African American community’s struggle for civil rights and equality. Here are some key points about this hymn which was written on November 6, 1899. ESSENCE by Melissa Noel - Updated November 6, 2023.