Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Who christened it the 'Black National Anthem', anyway?
Who wrote the lyrics?
Written in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson, lyrics by his brother John Rosamond Johnson.
I believe that when the anthem was written, Jim Crow segregation in residences, schools, public accommodations, employment, and even in the military, was prevalent. The majority of blacks in America lived in the South, and none could vote.
Why anyone has a problem with the existence of this song is beyond me.
Should every kid have been forced to stand for the song? Maybe not.
Should every kid be taught a version of history that for the most part leaves out everyone who is not a white male? You tell me.
The song, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," was played in the morning right after the American national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance, and students were forced to stand for all three.
I just hope they're performing the Pledge properly:
Do you think they should reinstate it? & is the anthem only for blacks?
I don't think it's "only for blacks", it just has a special place in AA history and is very meaningful.
Maybe, students shouldn't have to remain standing for the song, if it causes that much outrage for them.
I think it is a beautiful song and I remember singing it, even as a white kid in my majority black elementary school.
Written in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson, lyrics by his brother John Rosamond Johnson.
I believe that when the anthem was written, Jim Crow segregation in residences, schools, public accommodations, employment, and even in the military, was prevalent. The majority of blacks in America lived in the South, and none could vote.
Why anyone has a problem with the existence of this song is beyond me.
Should every kid have been forced to stand for the song? Maybe not.
Should every kid be taught a version of history that for the most part leaves out everyone who is not a white male? You tell me.
My daughter attended a public school magnet program back in '88-'91. The school was predominantly black, the magnet program brought in the only white students. She was made to stand for the "black national anthem" - I was on the phone with the principal the next day. I did not believe then and I don't believe now that children should be taught that black and white live in separate Americas that sing different national anthems.
They're doing it the correct way. That's the way it was done then. The hand over the heart dates from around WW II
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
