The 120th anniversary of the black national anthem will be celebrated Feb. 4-13 in Jacksonville. [Provided by Hank Rogers] The Jacksonville community can celebrate Black History Month this year several different ways. They include the unveiling of murals, baseball games, a kidney cancer symposium and a teacher’s new book. This is also the 120th anniversary of the black national anthem.
From a kidney cancer symposium to the 120-year anniversary of the black national anthem that has origins in Jacksonville, there’s plenty to celebrate for this year’s Black History Month.
Starting Feb. 1, the month-long celebration remembers the significant achievements in history by the African-American community. Jacksonville has its own place in history making a lasting impact on the lives of others.
It was 120 years ago that Jacksonville brothers Jame Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson created and performed the anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.”
To celebrate this milestone, the I’m a Star Foundation, Jacksonville Branch of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Duval County Public Schools, Ritz Theatre and Museum as well as other organizations formed a coalition to put together over a week of events.
The appreciation for the two brothers runs deep in the community. According to former state senator and co-chairman Tony Hill, the hope for these celebrations is that they will highlight the major contributions the Johnson brothers had locally and nationwide.
“My hope is that we express our appreciation to them while educating a new generation on the impact and meaning of this great song,” Hill said.
The song first played for an all-black segregated school on Feb. 12, 1900, in tribute to Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.
“Lift ev’ry voice and sing, ‘Til earth and heaven ring, ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise high as the list’ning skies, let it resound loud as the rolling sea,” the lyrics go.
It grew into an anthem that is still in the hearts of the African-American community today.
“James Weldon Johnson publicly performed the song with 500 school children at the Stanton School while he served as principal,” said former School Board member Constance Hall.
Starting Tuesday the Stanton College Preparatory School will perform the song while the Duval County School Board passes a proclamation commemorating the anniversary. This event will be at 6 p.m. and at the school district’s offices at 1701 Prudential Drive.
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Source: Florida Times-Union/Jacksonville.com
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