In "Lift Every Voice and Sing," God is a good guy who's been there for African-Americans. The poem suggests that religion, faith in God, is central to the speakers' experience (and to the African-American struggle). Though Johnson wrote this poem way before Martin Luther King Jr. came along, the poem reflects just what an important part faith and religion have played in the African-American struggle for freedom (Martin Luther King Jr. was himself a minister). "Lift Every Voice and Sing" focuses on how, in our darkest hour, the only hope we have is God. Its message is that, if we believe enough, God will help us.
Questions About Religion
- The speakers of this poem suggest that God is on their side. But He also lets them suffer a lot. How do these speakers reconcile their suffering with their faith in God?
- Why do you think religious faith is so important to these speakers? Why do they rely so heavily on faith in God?
- What's the relationship between this poem and religious prayer?
Chew on This
In an odd way, the speakers' suffering only deepens their appreciation of God.
This poem wants us to know that God is the only thing that can help us endure our suffering.