Case Middle School Choir and Music Explorations students sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the President’s Pavilion this week in honor of Black History Month. Students also read poetry by Langston Hughes and Amanda Gorman.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written in 1900 by two brothers, James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson, in honor of Abraham Lincolnʻs birthday on Feb. 12. Since then, it has become commonly known as the “Black National Anthem,” and was recently performed by the gospel duo, Mary Mary, before the Super Bowl.
Guest speakers included President Mike Latham ’86, Chaplains Lauren Medeiros and George Scott and Punahou Trustee Emily Reber ’92 Porter, who all shared personal stories about their connection to the song, as well as the power of both the individual and community voice to inspire change.