Black History is an important component of cultural memory. There are various elements that collectively comprise our experience in the world, and wherever we happen to reside influences the flavor of that experience. To be aware of these experiences helps determine our future course. We look backward in order to move forward. This has been referred to as “Sankofa,” an Akan Twi word from Ghana that means “to go back and get it.” Chiefly, it is used to encourage people to learn from their past to apply that knowledge to the present and future.
It is important, therefore, to use the lessons of history to forge a better set of current experiences. It is for these reasons that Black people should not allow anyone to pressure them into ignoring the past. The existence of oppression, and especially white supremacist oppression, provides an outstanding reason as to why it is important for American Blacks to uphold and display their history.
One recent example of the obstacles faced in this regard can be seen in the unofficial “Black national anthem,” “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” with lyrics by James Weldon Johnson and music by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, first performed in 1900. Lately, there has been a lot of pushback when African Americans have sung this song during the opening of sports events. The most recent iteration of this phenomenon was evident during Super Bowl 2025, which took place recently in New Orleans, Louisiana. As is customary, the program featured the “official” American national anthem, the “Star-Spangled Banner.” In addition, however, there was a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Some white people took serious issue with its inclusion.
This was not an isolated situation. Lately, there has been significant pushback by some white people who say that there is only one national anthem, and that is “The Star-Spangled Banner.” They seem to lose their minds when “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is performed. Though it is true that “The Star-Spangled Banner” is the official national anthem, it is also true that “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is the unofficial anthem of Black America. It was, in fact, a rallying cry during the Civil Rights movement.
Today, we are experiencing a retrograde motion regarding the Black experience in America, largely influenced by the presidency of Donald J. Trump. It is well-known that Trump’s goal is to Make America Great Again, which can be seen as code-speak for returning to a previous state and condition. This does not bode well for African Americans, who have endured horrendous experiences in this country. Black people have suffered from a type of American apartheid, which initially started when they were snatched from African shores to be transported to America for the purpose of providing slave labor. After the slaves were “freed,” they were further subjected to years of Jim Crow oppression and existence as second-class citizens. In short, Black people have suffered greatly at the hands of white bigots since the beginning of co-existence in America.
That is not the end of the story, however. The attempt to inhibit Blacks has not been totally successful. Obstacles faced have resulted in huge successes. The pressure that Black people have endured has created masters in many fields of endeavor. One of those areas is in music; Black people are the originators of the only indigenous American music, which has branched in many directions. The Black national anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, is part of that legacy.
The tendency of white people to criticize Blacks who insist on observing it is short-sighted and is just a continuation of the bigotry that the community has endured. This is especially egregious when you realize that the third verse of “The Star-Spangled Banner” contains the phrase, “No refuge could save the hireling and slave.” Many Blacks take offense to that statement. Ultimately, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” should not need the “approval” of white people. It is an important part of Black history and is uplifting in that regard. It is especially relevant to the Black community in this age of America’s retrograde motion. Aluta continua.
