In celebration of Juneteenth I am re-releasing my reprise of "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing", initially released in 2011 under my previous artist name, A.v.
"Lift Ev'ry Voice" was originally written as a poem by then NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in the early 1900's. This song is widely regarded as the Black National Anthem and a common spiritual sung in celebration of Juneteenth.
Being that my song would not be possible were it not for the one-time leader of the NAACP, it only seems fit to give back to the source from which I have borrowed my inspiration. That is why I am donating all proceeds from this song's downloads from 6/19/20 - 6/22/20 to the NAACP.
In 2020 it is still painfully evident that though freedom has long since been granted to us, Black Americans are not afforded the same equal rights, justice or treatment as other non-black citizens. The same country which was founded on the labor of Black People has built a system that allows the continued mistreatment, exploitation, brutalization and murdering of Black People - the majority of time, at the hands of police. Freedom, as a Black American, is conditional. We are seen as citizens less deserving of justice but required to be kept in order.
This can, will and MUST change. I urge you to re-examine the role you play in perpetuating systemic racism and the conditional freedom of Black People. Advocate (read: demand) for equality within your home, your community and, most importantly, at the voting booth.
For more ways to take action, please visit:
blacklivesmatters.carrd.co
For more information on Juneteenth please visit:
naacp.org/latest/juneteenth-education-is-freedom/
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All Black Lives Matter, All The Time.
Wishing you love and liberation,
Sam Kofa
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Note: Proof of donation can be found by following me @samkofa on instagram. I would love to celebrate your donations. If you wish to be noted for your donation please indicate that in the notes of your payment.
released February 3, 2011
Artwork by Michael Stevenson. Original beat by Weslee.
Lyrics reworked by Sam Kofa from original composition written by James Weldon Johnson.