May We Forever Stand

A History of the Black National Anthem

By Imani Perry | Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

About the book

The twin acts of singing and fighting for freedom have been inseparable in African American history. May We Forever Stand tells an essential part of that story. With lyrics penned by James Weldon Johnson and music composed by his brother Rosamond, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was embraced almost immediately as an anthem that captured the story and the aspirations of black Americans. Since the song’s creation, it has been adopted by the NAACP and performed by countless artists in times of both crisis and celebration, cementing its place in African American life up through the present day.

In this rich, poignant, and readable work, Imani Perry tells the story of the Black National Anthem as it traveled from South to North, from civil rights to black power, and from countless family reunions to Carnegie Hall and the Oval Office. Drawing on a wide array of sources, Perry uses “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as a window on the powerful ways African Americans have used music and culture to organize, mourn, challenge, and celebrate for more than a century.

Editions of May We Forever Stand

Hardcover
ISBN 9781469638607
Paperback
ISBN 9781469666099
EBook
ISBN 9781469638621
EBook
ISBN 9798890855763
EBook
ISBN 9781469638614
PDF
ISBN 9798890855756
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9781469672182

Read an Excerpt

The twin acts of singing and fighting for freedom have been inseparable in African American history. May We Forever Stand tells an essential part of that story. With lyrics penned by James Weldon Johnson and music composed by his brother Rosamond, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was embraced almost immediately as an anthem that captured the story and the aspirations of black Americans. Since the song’s creation, it has been adopted by the NAACP and performed by countless artists in times of both crisis and celebration, cementing its place in African American life up through the present day.

In this rich, poignant, and readable work, Imani Perry tells the story of the Black National Anthem as it traveled from South to North, from civil rights to black power, and from countless family reunions to Carnegie Hall and the Oval Office. Drawing on a wide array of sources, Perry uses “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as a window on the powerful ways African Americans have used music and culture to organize, mourn, challenge, and celebrate for more than a century.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is May We Forever Stand about?

The twin acts of singing and fighting for freedom have been inseparable in African American history. May We Forever Stand tells an essential part of that story. With lyrics penned by James Weldon Johnson and music composed by his brother Rosamond, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was embraced almost immediately as an anthem that captured the story and the aspirations of black Americans. Since the song’s creation, it has been adopted by the NAACP and performed by countless artists in times of both crisis and celebration, cementing its place in African American life up through the present day.

In this rich, poignant, and readable work, Imani Perry tells the story of the Black National Anthem as it traveled from South to North, from civil rights to black power, and from countless family reunions to Carnegie Hall and the Oval Office. Drawing on a wide array of sources, Perry uses “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as a window on the powerful ways African Americans have used music and culture to organize, mourn, challenge, and celebrate for more than a century.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in May We Forever Stand?

Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social groups, communities and identities > Ethnic studies / Ethnicity

Where can I read a sample of May We Forever Stand?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469638607

How long is May We Forever Stand and how many pages does it have?

May We Forever Stand has 296 page(s)

Is May We Forever Stand part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series The John Hope Franklin Series in African American History and Culture

Who is/are the Author/s of the book May We Forever Stand?

Imani Perry

Who is the Publisher of the book May We Forever Stand?

The University of North Carolina Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

May We Forever Stand is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469638607) and paperback(ISBN 9781469666099) and ebook(ISBN 9781469638621) and ebook(ISBN 9798890855763) and ebook(ISBN 9781469638614) and pdf(ISBN 9798890855756) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9781469672182)

Where can I buy May We Forever Stand online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy May We Forever Stand from below

Where can I buy May We Forever Stand?