Her principal, James Weldon Johnson, and his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, had written the hymn for a celebration of President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.
The girl wanted to make them proud. She hummed the song on her way home from school. She practiced it as she did her chores.
On the big day-February 12, 1900 she was part of a choir 500 strong. Back straight, head high, heart and mouth open, she sang.
Lift ev’ry voice and sing. Till earth and heaven ring. Ring with the harmonies of Liberty:
Comprehension Questions
1. Who's Birthday are they celebrating?
A. George Washington
B. Abraham Lincoln
C. Bill Clinton
2. Why did she practice the songs so much?
A. She liked the song
B. She was bored
C. She wanted to make them proud
A. She liked the song
B. She was bored
C. She wanted to make them proud
Your Thoughts
3. Did you like this excerpt? Why or why not?
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.