"Lift Every Voice and Sing" Continues to Inspire as Black National Anthem

The song, written by a Clark Atlanta University alumnus, has endured as a symbol of hope and empowerment for African Americans.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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On the campus of Clark Atlanta University, the school's student choir, the Philharmonic Society, takes great pride in performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing," also known as the Black National Anthem. The song was written in the early 1900s by Clark Atlanta alumnus James Weldon Johnson as a poem and later set to music by his brother. The song has endured as a powerful symbol of hope and inspiration for the African American community, especially during times of struggle and adversity.

Why it matters

"Lift Every Voice and Sing" was written during a time of racial injustice and violence against Black Americans, including the era of lynchings. The song provided a sense of unity, pride, and inspiration for the African American community when representation and symbols of hope were scarce. Today, the song continues to be a cherished part of Black culture, performed at major events and sporting occasions to celebrate identity and resilience.

The details

James Weldon Johnson, a 1894 graduate of what was then Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University), originally wrote the lyrics for "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as a poem while working as a school principal in Florida. Johnson's brother later set the poem to music. The song depicts the struggles of Black Americans during that time period and has become a beloved part of African American culture, regularly performed by the university's student choir.

  • The song was written in the early 1900s.
  • Johnson graduated from Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University) in 1894.
  • The song will be performed by singer Coco Jones at the Super Bowl on Sunday.

The players

James Weldon Johnson

A 1894 graduate of what was then Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University), he originally wrote the lyrics for "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as a poem while working as a school principal in Florida.

Cheney Pooler

A Clark Atlanta University student who regularly performs "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and takes great pride in singing a song written by an alumnus.

Dr. George French Jr.

The president of Clark Atlanta University, who noted that the song was written during a time of "lynchings" and "evil," and that it provided a "symbol of hope" for the African American community.

Gay-linn Gatewood Jasho

A Clark Atlanta University historian who said the song has "stood the test of time" and is now "sung at sporting events" and "opened up to the world to show who we are as a people."

Coco Jones

A singer who will perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at the Super Bowl on Sunday.

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What they’re saying

“Every single time I hear it, I get so empowered being an African American.”

— Cheney Pooler, Clark Atlanta University student (cbsnews.com)

“This was written during the times of lynchings. This was not a time of peace. This was a time of evil. They understood that we needed symbols of hope. We need something that will inspire us.”

— Dr. George French Jr., President, Clark Atlanta University (cbsnews.com)

“Not only is that song a part of the African American community, it is sung at sporting events. It's opened up to the world to show who we are as a people.”

— Gay-linn Gatewood Jasho, Clark Atlanta University historian (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Singer Coco Jones will perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at the Super Bowl on Sunday, bringing the song's message of hope and empowerment to a national audience.

The takeaway

"Lift Every Voice and Sing," written by a Clark Atlanta University alumnus during a time of racial injustice, has endured as a cherished symbol of African American identity, resilience, and pride. The song's continued performance and prominence, including at major events like the Super Bowl, underscores its lasting impact and relevance in celebrating the strength and unity of the Black community.