"Lift Every Voice and Sing" is often referred to as the Black National Anthem. The lyrics were written by James Weldon Johnson and the music was composed by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson. The song was first performed in 1900 by a group of 500 children in celebration of President Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Over the years, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" has become a powerful anthem for the African American community, symbolizing resilience, unity, and hope in the face of oppression and adversity. It has been performed at civil rights marches, protests, and other significant events in Black history, and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many.