Lift Every Voice and Sing essays

Lift Every Voice and Sing essays "Lift Every Voice And Sing" is a high-spirited gospel song that was written by the famous black poet and civil rights leader, James Welden Johnson. Performed by Melba Moore and a few others, I downloaded a version of the song to play. Originally in honor to celebrate Lincoln's birthday, it was performed in a Florida school to children who were being educated in a segregated environment. I happen to think it also has something to do with Martin Luther King Jr. and the marches he led in order to overcome discrimination and prejudice. Indeed, this song can be considered uplifting and courageous to the people that think God has left them during their times of trial. Specifically, this message focuses on the hard times of African Americans, during segregation and slavery. The speaker is someone who is trying to be inspirational and uplifting to those who need it. The audience is not only concentrated on blacks that went through or viewed hate crimes, but also to anyone that has felt the t errible burden of intolerance and hatred. The writer of this song entitled it "Lift Every Voice And Sing" because of the fact that he's telling all blacks to do the very same thing. Blacks were told to be quiet when they were slaves; they were there for service. Moreover, blacks were to be seen, not heard, like children. James is telling blacks to speak up, not to be ignored, or disregarded. His plea is to empower the oppressed so that the world is forced to notice the beauty and integrity of you as a person, as a fellow human being. The first stanza and chorus of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" reads: Ring with the harmonies of liberty; Let it resound loud as the rolling sea In this stanza, James is advising blacks to let people know they're here. The lines "Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty;" (1.2-3) encourages blacks to make sure everyone hears what they have to say. It's also telling them that their words can teac...