February 12 – 16, 2025 the James Weldon Johnson Branch of ASALH was honored to participate in the 125th Anniversary tribute to the historic iconic hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The historic iconic hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was penned in 1899 by world citizen and Jacksonville’s native son, James Weldon Johnson, and composed by J. Rosamond Johnson. The song was performed in Jacksonville by 500 students on February 12, 1900.
Several news outlets carried articles covering the event including Jacksonville Free Press Newspaper, WJCT News 4, First Coast Connect, WJCT Reporter Will Brown, and others.