logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2021
33m 12s

Lift Every Voice and Sing

CNN
About this episode

The so-called Black National Anthem was composed in 1900, and it’s provided a soundtrack to Black life ever since. For this special Black History Month episode, CNN’s Don Lemon speaks with Rep. James Clyburn, historian Prof. Imani Perry, and Howard University choir conductor Eric Poole about the song’s history, cultural significance, and impressive staying power over the past century. Today, it’s more relevant than ever. 

To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Up next
Feb 2022
Remembering Trayvon Martin
The death of Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012 sparked a social justice movement that still reverberates today. In this special episode of CNN's 5 Things, Don Lemon examines why the killing initially struggled to make headlines, traces the rise of the “Black Lives Matter” movem ... Show More
12m 22s
Jul 2021
How the King of Calypso Helped Change the World
For nearly 70 years, superstar actor and singer Harry Belafonte has used his platform to advocate for freedom and equality in America and around the world. Don Lemon speaks with Belafonte about his dedication to humanitarian causes, and how Belafonte has inspired Don to speak up ... Show More
24m 55s
Jul 2021
When Catwoman Met Lady Bird
Don’t call Eartha Kitt an “angry Black woman.” That’s how Eartha was portrayed when she spoke truth to power and criticized the Vietnam War and wealth inequality in front of President Johnson and the First Lady. The bold move cost her career opportunities and even prompted a CIA ... Show More
31m 13s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2021
National Anthem Day
Lee discusses the history of the national anthem on this anniversary of "The Star Spangled Banner" becoming the official national anthem for the US.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
9m 36s
Sep 2019
The Birth of American Music
Black music, forged in captivity, became the sound of complete artistic freedom. It also became the sound of America. On today’s episode: Wesley Morris, a critic-at-large for The New York Times.“1619” is a New York Times audio series hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones. You can find mo ... Show More
34m 33s
Feb 2021
The Lasting Power Of Whitney Houston's National Anthem
Why does Whitney Houston's 1991 Super Bowl national anthem still resonate 30 years later? Sam chats with author and Black Girl Songbook host Danyel Smith about that moment of Black history and what it says about race, patriotism and pop culture. You can follow 'It's Been a Minute ... Show More
24m 18s
May 2024
16 | America Has A Problem | For Real, For Real
Black culture is a pivotal pillar of broader American culture. From fashion, to language, to being the sonic foundation to much of American music. In this special episode, our hosts do a deep dive into country music and how its roots are grounded in Black music. Using Beyoncé’s l ... Show More
33m 50s
Dec 2021
What Does Black Ambition Sound Like?
James Reese Europe was already famous when he enlisted to fight in World War I. But the band he took to the frontlines — as part of the famous 369th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Harlem Hellfighters — thurst him, and Black American music, onto the global stage. Moran sits ... Show More
50m 55s
Feb 2024
Encore: How did Black Americans forge a cultural identity?
In honor of Black History Month, UnTextbooked is sharing a favorite episode from our archive. UnTextbooked producer Sydne Clarke thinks that African American history is often oversimplified or overlooked. Often that history is taught as things that happened to African Americans. ... Show More
19m 31s
Feb 2025
TDS Time Machine | Black History Month
A Daily Show salute to Black History Month. Take a peek back at what TDS might have sounded like in 1965. Trevor Noah unpacks the lives and legacy of Nelson and Winnie Mandela. Roy Wood Jr. recalls the history of civil rights marches in CP Time. D.Ll Hughley challenges Los Angele ... Show More
31m 39s
Jan 2019
America's Other Anthems
This week, we're uncovering the stories behind three American Anthems. First, we hear from two musical greats about their respective versions of "Fight the Power." Next, we learned about the transformation of the children's choir staple, "This Little Light of Mine." Finally, we t ... Show More
30m 32s