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“Lift Every Voice and Sing”
House Judiciary Committee Nomination
Melanie Edwards, granddaughter of J. Rosamond Johnson, and grandniece of James Weldon Johnson, composer and poet who wrote “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” made an eloquent statement to the House Judiciary Committee urging that “Lift Every Voice and Sing” to be granted National Hymn status. Her statement is as follows:
“The song that you are considering today for national hymn status was composed by my grandfather, J. Rosamond Johnson, not John Johnson, not John Rosamond, simply J. Rosamond Johnson. Thank you.
The lyrics were written by his brother, James Weldon Johnson. When people have asked me before this occasion how do I feel about the song, I answered honestly, much to their disappointment and dismay. This melody is one of many, some 200, according to ASCAP, [American Society for Composers, Authors, and Publishers], that my grandfather created, while the lyrics, which began life as a poem, was just one of many others, that my granduncle wrote.
This song is a small part of both men’s artistic output. So I have no sense of it being a remarkable achievement. I am, however, always humbled and impressed by the staying power it has had. Few things over 100 years old are referenced for their relevance or timeliness. This quality is what I hope you, making your decision today, keep in mind. ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ still speaks to many people in this time and this place, while it speaks also to people of many races, faiths, and conditions around the world. Like the black men who created it, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ comments eloquently and accurately, about history, hope, vision, and perseverance.
In 1913 my grandfather was working in London when he married my grandmother Nora, and they conceived my mother, Mildred. Although Rosamond experienced the wrenching social changes of the post-Reconstruction and burgeoning Jim Crow era, he chose to return to his home, his country, so that his daughter would be born in America, in Jacksonville. His brother also had opportunities to see other countries, but he, too, chose to stand by his native land, even when it didn’t always stand by him.
So, I ask for your support of Bill HR 301, not for me. I get no benefit personally or financially. The song is in public domain. I do appeal, however, to your sense of history and legacy. I have pride in the legacy that is ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’ By your designating it the National Hymn, which is what James Weldon himself called it, you add another piece to America’s already great cultural legacy and heft. Greatness is not just defined by strength or use of force. Great nations, like great people, are additionally, magnanimous, self-aware, and self-correcting. By approving this bill, your legacy will be acknowledging the “dark and gloomy past” of American history yet assuring others that grace and continued effort are rewarded by change–social, economic, and spiritual. This song, penned by my forebearers, to America, for America, I invite you to claim it as your legacy and your gift from America to the world.”
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SOUPAPALOOZA FINAL WEEK!
NWUUC Book Groupies
YUM…. AND HUM ALONG!
and serving and provide the drinks. (Coffee, Tea, Water, or other choices)
