Sheryl Lee Ralph has been a consistent and formidable voice for the civil rights movement for many years. She is best known for her performance in the Broadway musical, “Dreamgirls” and her supporter of LGBT rights. She is also a philanthropist who’s involved with a number of organizations that support education, health care and an end to poverty. One of her many accomplishments is the inspiring lyrics she penned for the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”.
The song, originally written by her grandparents, James and Sarah Randolph, is a powerful reminder of the supportive role the African American community had to rally around during the civil rights era of the 1960’s. Sheryl Lee Ralph infused her own words into the timeless hymn which gave it a more contemporary feel. With its refrain of “Lift every voice and sing,” Sheryl Lee Ralph emphasizes the strength and resilience of African Americans in the face of oppression and injustice.
Sheryl Lee Ralph’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing” has also been used as a source of inspiration for many political campaigns and rallies for civil rights. In 2020, for example, Congressman John Lewis’s family chose “Lift Every Voice and Sing” to be sung in honor of John Lewis’s lifetime commitment to the fight for justice. The song was performed at his funeral procession in Atlanta.
In addition to its lyrics being used in political arenas, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is widely accepted as an integral part of African American culture. It’s a favorite for many singers to perform during special occasions such as Black History Month, church services and other important events. Beyond its use in musical gatherings, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” found a more traditional place in 2011 when it was inducted into the Library of Congress as part of their National Recording Registry.
Sheryl Lee Ralph’s contribution to the civil rights movement is remarkable. Her tune “Lift Every Voice and Sing” will forever be viewed as a testament to strength, resilience, and courage. It is a reminder of the power of unity and the importance of the African American community coming together to fight for their rights. As long as this anthem is performed and its message remains relevant, its contribution to the civil rights movement will be remembered through the ages.
Transformation! 