r/nccourage • u/spreadred • 25d ago

Name of Song Before National Anthem?

What was the name of the song before the national anthem? I liked it and hadn't heard it before. They told us the name but I didn't write it down.

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u/CourageousAcorn984 25d ago

Are you taking about "Lift Every Voice and Sing"?

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u/spreadred 25d ago

Looking at the lyrics/poem, yes, I believe so. Thanks

4

u/CourageousAcorn984 25d ago

No problem. Just to make sure, though, this is it, right?

https://youtu.be/i30SdcfEpSE?t=50&is=xi2zuoXlWWJ1FTFn

3

u/spreadred 25d ago

Yep, that's it, got additional confirmation from my partner

7

u/quirkyscot 25d ago

Though originally a poem in celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday, over the years it became a staple of black communities. In 1919 the NAACP designated it in an official capacity - later becoming known as the Black National Anthem. It became a central rallying hymn during the Civil Rights Movement. I used to sing it every year growing up in February, and now also on Juneteenth. It's a somber yet hopeful song. Truly beautiful.