The hymn was performed at this year's Super Bowl in New Orleans by the Louisiana-born singer Ledisi, sparking backlash from ...
Some right-wingers charged that the performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" ahead of the Super Bowl promoted "segregation.
His brother, John Rosamond Johnson, composed the music. James Weldon Johnson referred to the work as a "National Hymn," but his work spread and was later popularized as the Black national anthem.
Before 'The Star-Spangled Banner' was the national anthem, 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' was the Black national anthem. This year, it turns 125.
Here's what to know about Ledisi, the Grammy award-winning singer who will sing the Black national anthem at Super Bowl 59: ...