Analyze the Poem "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by James Weldon Johnson
This hymn has been called the "Black National Anthem" because it celebrates how far blacks have come from their days in bondage, and recognizes they still have far to go in their journey toward freedom. Johnson writes, "Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod / Felt in the days when hope unborn had died / Yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet / Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?" (Johnson, 1900). Blacks in bondage longed for their freedom, that is certain, and to know their children gained it had to be a matter of satisfaction for them. This hymn celebrates that freedom, while acknowledging there were many others along the way who never enjoyed it. Thus, it speaks of all African Americans who ever had a family member that was a slave. His hymn reads like poetry, and it captures in graphic ter
In addition, many feel the Civil War was fought, at least in part, over the issue of slavery, and so Lincoln served as a saviour to many African Americans. Without Lincoln, Blacks might not have gained freedom from slavery so soon, and had the freedom to write hymns to commemorate his birth. Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation that freed the slaves at the end of the Civil War. While Lincoln is not mentioned in the hymn itself, just knowing that it was written to celebrate his birthday adds depth and emotion to an already emotional work. Blacks can see how far they have come, and how they will enjoy better times as long as they follow the path of God throughout their lives. Johnson is saying that no matter what, God will support those who have faith in Him, and this is the ultimate message of hope and support. It gives African Americans hope that by following the path of God they will continue to prosper and enjoy liberty. The most compelling message of this hymn is faith in God. " Just as they should not forget or forsake God, they should not forsake their country, even during the struggle for equality. Faith in God offers hope for the future, and it offers Blacks a reason to continue fighting for more freedoms, as well It also ends with the words "Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand, / True to our God, true to our native land" (Johnson, 1900), which shows allegiance to God and to America, the African Americans "native land. Johnson continues, "God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, / Thou Who hast brought us thus far on the way; / Thou Who hast by Thy might, led us into the light, / Keep us forever in the path, we pray" (Johnson, 1900). It acknowledges the struggles African Americans experienced as slaves, while expressing faith in the future. It is not surprising that Johnson would write the hymn to celebrate Lincoln's birthday. This "Black National Anthem" does not overlook the past, rather it celebrates all there is to look forward to in the future.
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