To be clear, the proposal is a national hymn, not a replacement for the national anthem. First verse sings as follows:
Lift ev’ry voice and sing,
Till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the list’ning skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea,
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.
Will this place White GOP Christians in a bind? It’s known for its association with Black churches. How many times was this hymn followed up by a firebombing or a lynching. And still, people sang “Let us march on till victory is won.”
Good for Rep. Clyburn for suggesting it.
Catholic Sensibility 