JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Your child can be a part of celebrating a part of Jacksonville’s history.
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The Friends of the Brentwood Library are looking for 500 children to help celebrate the 125th anniversary of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
You can find information on how to register your child to participate below.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written and composed by Jacksonville natives, James Weldon Johnson and his brother J. Rosamond Johson.
It was first performed in the year 1900, by a group of 500 children at the segregated Stanton School to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.
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The Friends of the Brentwood Library is hoping to recreate that performance, inviting local children from grades 3-12 to sign up to sing.
Event organizer Sharon Coon says the performance will take place on Feb. 12 at The Bethel Church in downtown Jacksonville, as part of a week-long celebration.
“Jacksonville natives James Weldon Johnson along with his brother J. Rosamond Johnson are global figures. It is fitting for us to recognize their iconic song, the Negro National Anthem... The purpose of this event is to promote a deeper understanding of Jacksonville’s rich history and diverse culture. Our goal is to increase human culture and understanding about what binds us,” Coon said.
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