Please join us on Friday, January 29th, 10-11:30a for the next lecture in the Social Science and Education Speaker Series on racism and social justice. The speaker will be Dr. Timothy Askew, Professor of English, Clark-Atlanta University. The title of the lecture: African-American Patriotism: An Analysis of the Song, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’.
“Behind the rather dense academic title — “Cultural Hegemony and African American Patriotism: An Analysis of the Song, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ ” — is a scholarly argument bound to provoke much discussion.
Based on 25 years of research, Askew’s book explores the literary, musical and cultural history and significance of the song that was written in 1900. With words by Atlanta University graduate James Weldon Johnson and music by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, it quickly came to be known as the “Negro National Anthem” (later, the “Black National Anthem” or “African American National Anthem”).
Askew’s book raises some intriguing questions about the song’s origins, including the previously undisputed notion that it was written for and first performed at a Lincoln’s Birthday celebration. But what’s sure to spark conversation is Askew’s contention that calling a song the black national anthem “can be construed as racially separatist and divisive.”” — Jill Vejnoska, Atlanta Journal Constitution
To read the entire article, click here.
Click here to register for the event. Please be sure to use your GHC email address when you register. Zoom link will be emailed to you the evening before the lecture.
Should you have questions contact Dr. J. Sean Callahan (scallaha@highlands.edu).