To Heal Racial Wounds, Black National Anthem Would Become America’s Hymn Under Proposed Law

In an effort to begin the healing of racial wounds U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., is proposing to make the Black national anthem or “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” America’s hymn under a new law he’s proposing.

“To make it a National Hymn, I think, would be an act of bringing the country together. It would say to people, ‘you aren’t singing a separate National Anthem, you are singing the country’s National Hymn,” says Clyburn.

The song has been an important part of African American history and is sung during graduations, school plays, church services, and Clyburn believes all communities should take part in singing the song.

Some people disagree with Clyburn and deem the song being named an American Hymn as symbolic and would do little to help race relations in America.

Clyburn drafted a four-page bill to get “Lift Every Voice and Sing” passed as the National Hymn and says it doesn’t take away from the National Anthem but will bring unity and will be recognized as an important part of American history.

Do you think “Lift Every Voice and Sing” should be recognized as the American Hymn?