Congressman Cohen Presides at a Hearing on the Examining the History and Importance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, today presided at a hearing "Examining the History and Importance of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing' " and H.R. 301, a bill introduced by House Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina that would make the song America's national hymn.

In his opening statement, Congressman said in part:

"A careful look at the hymn's words makes clear that it advances some very American values -- values like liberty, equality, justice, and unity. It also speaks of optimism and hope in the future, even as we draw lessons from the ‘dark past.' And it ends on a deeply patriotic note, imploring us to be ‘true to our native land' even in the face of the country's flaws, calling not for blind loyalty to a political entity, but to the values our Nation is supposed to hold itself to—to be deeply "true" to our native land…

"This is all the more reason why it is critical for us to embrace inclusive national symbols and patriotic customs. While we already have great national symbols and customs, the history, creativity, and ingenuity of the American people is much broader and deeper than what these symbols and customs embody.

"Adding ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing' to our Nation's canon of official music could be just the thing that serves as a ‘form of healing' that ‘brings the country together,' in Majority Whip Clyburn's words."

See Chairman Cohen's entire opening statement here.

The hymn is the national hymn of the NAACP, which has endorsed H.R. 301.

Witnesses at today's hearing were:

• Congressman James E. Clyburn of South Carolina;
• Dr. Naomi Andre, Professor, Arts and Ideas in the Humanities Program, Department of Afroamerican and African Studies, and Women's Studies, University of Michigan;
• Ms. Melanie Edwards, Office of Government and Community Affairs, Columbia University;
• Mr. Clarence Henderson, President, Frederick Douglass Foundation of North Carolina;
• Dr. Dwandalyn R. Reece, Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs, National Museum of African American History & Culture Smithsonian Institution;
• Dr. Shana L. Redmond, Professor of English and Comparative Literature, Columbia University;
• Mr. Leon W. Russell, Chairman, National Board of Directors, NAACP;
• Mr. Lloyd Washington, President, Durkeeville Historical Society Museum.

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