Written originally for Lincoln, 'Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing' now revered as Black National Anthem The Independent News By: Corey Williams 20 October 2026 at 20:58 In 34 lines, James Weldon Johnson told of the pain, anguish, frustration, faith and hope former slaves and their descendants experienced in a land and country they were forced to call home © Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.