Museum of the Bible to Host Symposium Honoring 125th Anniversary of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’
Washington D.C., May 28, 2025 — Museum of the Bible announced that on June 12 it will host a special one-day symposium commemorating the 125th anniversary of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the iconic African American hymn.
The gathering will feature a lineup of distinguished musicians, theologians and scholars revealing the hymn’s origins and lasting cultural impact, capped with an evening performance by the world-renowned Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University and Washington Performing Arts choirs.
“This will be an unforgettable celebration of this treasured hymn and its biblical influence on African American culture and history,” said Dr. Bobby Duke, chief curatorial officer at Museum of the Bible. “The birth and enduring relevance of this hymn is truly an American story, and the museum is honored to help tell it through this renowned lineup of artists, theologians and scholars. We invite everyone to come experience the powerful legacy of biblically influenced art that continues to uplift and unite.”
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written by poet and educator James Weldon Johnson and first performed in 1900 to mark Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Widely recognized and celebrated across generations, it is often referred to as “The Black National Anthem” and stands as a lasting symbol of hope, memory and honor.
The symposium will feature keynote lectures, panel discussions and art sessions highlighting the significance of song, storytelling and performance in fostering community. The lineup of speakers and performers includes:
Dr. Roland Marvin Carter, a distinguished scholar of African American music celebrated for his arrangements, including a festival setting of "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
Dr. Stephen Michael Newby, professor of music who holds the Lev H. Prichard III Endowed Chair in the Study of Black Worship at Baylor University
Pastor Ovella Davis of Always in Jesus’ Presence Ministries
Rev. Dr. Donté Alexander Ford, director of the Worship Arts Certificate at Wheaton College
Rev. Dr. Joy Jittaun Moore, president and professor of homiletics at Northern Seminary
Theodore Thorpe III, music director and staff musician at the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia; artistic director for Washington Performing Arts; director of choral activities at Alexandria City High School
Dr. Chelle Stearns, theology professor at Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, current president of the Society for Christian Scholarship in Music.
Rev. Dr. Raymond Wise, renowned church minister of music and musical director
Dr. Courtney-Savali Andrews, ethnomusicologist specializing in Afro-Pacific identity and music
Dr. Dwight Andrews, professor of music theory and African American music, Emory University and pastor of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Atlanta
Stevener Gaskin, director, Intercultural Arts and Media (ICAM) Office at Wheaton College
Dr. Stephen Newbie, who is speaking at and acting as an advisor for the symposium, adds, “Lift Every Voice and Sing still rises, 125 years strong, as a sacred testimony of hope, resilience and Black dignity. In its harmonies, we hear the pulse of freedom, the prayers of our ancestors and the call to justice echoing through generations.”
Full-day and partial-day tickets, as well as tickets for the evening performance-only, are available for purchase online at the event page, A livestream of the full-day symposium and performance is available for a $30 virtual ticket purchase.
About Museum of the Bible
Museum of the Bible is an apolitical, non-sectarian organization that invites all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible. Located just three blocks from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the stunning 430,000-square-foot museum showcases rare and fascinating artifacts spanning 4,000 years of history and immersive experiences exploring the Bible. In addition to its educational programs, exhibits and experiences, Museum of the Bible hosts the beautiful 480-seat World Stage Theater. To learn more, visit museumoftheBible.org.
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Contact: Kellie Koch, PR Manager
press@mBible.org