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Lift Ev'ry Voice & Sing
Community-based non profit
works to Rekindle Black National Anthem
by Joaquin Calderon, III
 There is a new foundation formed "to celebrate, increase awareness of and pay homage to the Black National Anthem, 'Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing,'" according to Jaye Russell Allen, founder. The National Lift Every Voice and Sing Foundation, based in Baltimore, Maryland, is a not-for-profit organization whose goal is to preserve the legacy of the Black National Anthem. The once revered composition celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
Written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900, the composition, which means a lot to people of African descent, and has been recorded by a bevy of recording artists over the years, is an American treasure. Although the composition will be use as the catalyst for African Americans in the new Millennium to experience adequate recognition and appreciation of their rich heritage and culture, it is hoped that all Americans will gain a better perspective and appreciation for the sterling legacy of African Americans.
When Rosa Parks was recently honored at the White House for her sterling legacy in the Civil Rights Movement, President William Jefferson Clinton and African-American dignitaries lauded her with the singing of the Black National Anthem.
During the highly touted occasion, President William Jefferson Clinton and black leaders serenaded the occasion with the singing of the Black National Anthem, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing".
Interestingly, while the national press cameras panned the crowd of African-American dignitaries, America's Urban Network White House Correspondent, April Ryan, was heard giving an eyewitness account of President Clinton's knowing the words of the Black National Anthem, and that many of the African-American invitees did not.
"The time has come to bring this idea to the national stage for African Americans to rekindle our pride, family, dignity, community, unity, and an uplifting spirit for our people!" beamed Allen.
"We are in the sunrise stage of the idea, but the campaign will culminate with the observance of November as 'Lift Every Voice and Sing!' Month," he added.
President Clinton is expected to proclaim 2000 as "The Year of Lift Every Voice and Sing!" and the nation's governors and mayors will be asked to do the same.
One of the qualities of the Campaign 2000 is designed to implore families to obtain copies of the music sheets and to sing the song during or after Thanksgiving (Harvest) dinner prayer and, also, on other occasions.
 "'Lift Every Voice and Sing!' Campaign 2000 has a national community agenda, including a male mentoring program and a scholarship fund for youth," added Allen, a respected motivational speaker and soon-to-be-author of the book, "You Are The BEST!"
While engaging community participation will be crucial to the success of the campaign, Allen, also the national organizer for the movement, concluded, "'Lift Every Voice and Sing !' Campaign 2000 is an idea whose time has come!"
Fact Sheet: Campaign 2000
- Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the composition known as the Black National Anthem, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing", written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900 Proclaims the Year of 2000 as "The Year of Lift Every Voice and Sing!"
- Observes November as "Lift Every Voice and Sing!" Month; LEVS Church Sunday, Nov. 19, 2000
- Inspires Race Pride and Unity
- Increases homage for African-American Culture and Heritage
- Promotes community activities to stimulate learning through academic achievement, scholarship, and economic duplication.
For comments or support:
call 410-466.8243
Email:
lifteveryvoiceandsing@africana.com
Web site: www.geocities.com/lifteveryvoiceandsing_2000
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