As a child growing up in rural Virginia, the all black public school that I attended was named for a black attorney that had gained national prominence. We were very proud of him and his strong belief in the value of an education as a way to improve the quality of life for black Americans saddled with the daily restrictions of a segregated United States.
The neighboring county to our south had the same type of public school system and the black school was named James Weldon Johnson. Although our schools were rivals, we all knew exactly who James Weldon Johnson was and the impact he had in improving the lives of blacks in our nation. He wore many hats including a school principal, lawyer, professor and NAACP national leader. He was also one of the leading figures in the Harlem Renaissance movement. James and his brother John wrote the lyrics to the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which later became the official anthem of the NAACP. It was written as a poem and later put to music.
The song invokes the powerful struggle of African Americans and the belief and hope for a new day that will be free of the struggles for equality and equity.
Dr. Lyle recalls that as a child he would sing this song in school assemblies, as well as in many public gatherings, and everyone would stand. It was referred to as the black national anthem. In the summer of 2020, the song has had a resurgence as the world has joined in the historic chorus of liberty and justice for all in the United States. In responding to the criticism of the song encouraging separatism and division, Dr. Lyle would say “To the contrary, this song has been a bridge for all who would sing and study its lyrics, that it looks to a brighter and more unified America.”
In the wake of global movement in the racial pandemic, Dr. Lyle felt a deep desire to offer this song as a tribute to those who have left far too soon and to inspire hope in the continued struggle.
Special thanks to Daniel Ogunyemi who accompanied him.