All about "Lift Every Voice and Sing," known as the Black national anthem

American singer and actress Coco Jones is scheduled to perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing," famously recognized as the Black national anthem, at the 2026 Super Bowl in February 2026 to continue the NFL's recent tradition of honoring African American musical heritage during its flagship championship game. The selection of Jones for this high-profile performance at the undisclosed stadium hosting the event marks a significant milestone in her career and reinforces the league's commitment to cultural representation during the pre-game ceremonies. This inclusion aims to provide a platform for a song that has historically served as a cornerstone of the American Civil Rights Movement and Black communal identity. Originally written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson in 1899 and later set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson in 1900, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was first performed by a choir of 500 schoolchildren in Jacksonville, Florida. Since its inception, the hymn has evolved from a local celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday into an official anthem adopted by the NAACP in 1919. The lyrics are deeply evocative, detailing the historical struggles and the resilient hope of Black Americans, making it a staple in churches, schools, and civic gatherings for over a century. The NFL's decision to integrate the song into the Super Bowl pre-game lineup began in 2021 as part of a broader social justice initiative following the global protests of 2020. While the move has been met with both widespread acclaim for its inclusivity and some political debate regarding the concept of a secondary national anthem, the performance remains a permanent fixture of the broadcast. By featuring the song alongside the traditional Star-Spangled Banner, the league seeks to acknowledge the diverse experiences of its players and fans while celebrating a piece of music that symbolizes perseverance and freedom.