Yale Bulletin and Calendar

April 11, 2008|Volume 36, Number 25

The lyrics of the song the students performed were written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900 to music by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954). They begin: "Lift every voice and sing / till earth and heaven ring / ring with the harmonies of liberty."

'Lift Every Voice and Sing'

The sight and sound of 1,000 schoolchildren filled Battell Chapel on April 4 when they came together to perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938), a song that is popularly known as the "Black National Anthem." A smaller group of 300 schoolchildren reprised the song that evening during a publicprogram of readings, dance and music honoring Johnson.

Photos by Michael Marsland.

Johnson, pictured on the program, was a writer, educator and civil rights activist.

Professor and musician Willie Ruff hosted the event, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the assassination of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Study shows rare genes have big impact on blood pressure

Yale volunteers once again to lend a helping hand to city non-profits

Studies suggest women, but not men, lose status in . . .

Branching out

Info still pending on gathering of governors

Scientists’ crystal structure provides view of RNA splicing mechanism

State grants will advance stem cell research by Yale scientists, center

Scott Strobel wins prestigious award for his multidisciplinary . . .

Scientists link asthma to a mutation in the gene that also . . .

'Lift Every Voice and Sing'

Librarian of Congress to open new exhibition on medical inventions

Researchers’ study sheds light on the effect of random . . .

Michael Gasper named a Carnegie Scholar for his examination of . . .

Yale Opera’s production rife with deception, mystery

Visitors to Peabody Museum can learn fun facts via new audio tours

Composer Claudio Monteverdi’s works focus of concerts, conference

Exhibit features drawings and remarks from Tanner Lectures

New business trends in biopharmaceutical industry to be . .

Jazz concert celebrates the life of Stanton Wheeler

Campus Notes