Book Review: Eleanor Smith’s Hull House Songs: The Music of Protest and Hope in Jane Addams’s Chicago, by Graham Cassano, Rima Lunin Schultz, and Jessica Payette

Abstract

With time, these types of formal social contacts faded, and Perry notes that a weakening in importance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was observable in black communities. Given the changing political climate and the increased struggles facing African Americans, new songs known as Freedom Songs, like “We Shall Overcome,” began to emerge as contemporary anthems. This was most evident during the post–Civil Rights era and the rise of the “Black Power” movement. Perry identifies general community connectedness and community-building as principles more influential in its popularity than in efforts to teach the song. Since its composition in 1900, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” has symbolized the pride, expectations, dreams, and aspirations of black Americans. In short, it has helped many to understand what it means to be an African American. Perry’s inclusion of minor events in Africa or other parts of the world in reference to the anthem was distracting. Still, she noted, the concerns and values shared among black communities were similar regardless of location, even within the different regions of the United States. May We Forever Stand is well researched and easy to read. To create a realistic retelling of the story, recollections of community contacts were arranged both chronologically and thematically. Written initially for individuals interested in African American cultural studies, the book has significant importance to musicologists, ethnomusicologists, and music educators. While little musical analysis is provided, the importance of singing together, the contexts in which the song was sung, and the evolution of the song over time is what makes this book most worth the attention of educators. Perry provides a wealth of cultural knowledge for individuals wishing to gain a more socially and culturally relevant perspective of this song. She brings to light many events typically not addressed in mainstream histories. It is a uniquely honest view of what life truly was like for many and how the meaning of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” has helped shape generations of African Americans to the present day. The book is an interesting explanation of the social, political, historical, and cultural aspects of music in African American culture. Although the actual musical connection to the Black National Anthem itself was weaker than expected, music historians and educators seeking a deeper understanding of the evolution of the song and its cultural significance will find this a book worth reading. May We Forever Stand: A History of the Black National Anthem is a historically and culturally significant book of which all members of the music education profession should be aware.