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Friday, House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) weighed in on former President Donald Trump's Senate impeachment trial as a growing number of Republicans try to distance themselves from supporting Trump. | Clips
CNNduring a conversation with host and journalist
Don Lemon during the
Silence Is Not an Option podcast. “I just think that if we were to make this hymn our national hymn, it will help us to really create a climate within which we can find common ground.”
The song, recognized as the Black National Anthem, was written as a poem by
James Weldon Johnson and set to music composed by
John Rosamond Johnson. According to the NAACP
, the song was first performed in Jacksonville, Fl. during former President
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday on February 12, 1900.
Today, the powerful lyrics are often sung at the beginning of sports events, especially where Black athletes are contenders and regional celebrations of Black culture including Juneteenth and Black History Month celebrations.
Many casual NFL fans were surprised to hear Grammy winner Alicia Keys singing the Black national anthem before the Super Bowl LV game.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” has long been a staple at Black gatherings such as church events and social empowerment meetings. In fact, the lyrics, written by novelist and NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson, comprise the official song for the civil rights organization.
But Sunday’s previously recorded performance by Keys elicited mixed emotions from viewers. Some were overjoyed that the anthem that means so much to them has found a place in national professional sports. Others were incensed, calling it another example of divisiveness among the races. Some said they had no problem with the song but didn’t feel a sporting event was the appropriate venue.