Lift Every Voice and Sing 125th Anniversary Celebration

The Friends of Brentwood Library, Inc. and its founder and matriarch, Sharon Coon, invite you to celebrate the 125th anniversary of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at free, public events February 12-16, 2025, at the Conference Center at Main Library and in other venues throughout Jacksonville.

Part of a nation-wide tribute, this community-wide celebration honors the roots of the iconic “Black National Anthem,” in the city where it was created. Throughout the week, you will have the opportunity to experience “The Poor People’s Campaign” Smithsonian Institution Exhibition; enjoy engaging speakers from Florida Humanities and their “Florida Talks” program and public dialogues about race relations and community building; catch a film screening with Jacksonville’s own Norman Studios; root for local kids and teens in a Youth Piano Competition; meet local author and civil rights activist Rodney L. Hurst, Sr.; attend cultural celebrations in parks and museums in downtown and LaVilla; and more!

See the full schedule of events below or visit www.friendsofbrentwoodlibrary.com.

Programs & Activities for Children

Throughout February (Black History Month), all 21 Jacksonville Public Library locations will offer a special event program for children (ages 5-12) centered around “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and Jacksonville’s native sons and world citizens, the Johnson brothers. Kids will read an uplifting story, discover the history of the song, explore the role it played in the Civil Rights Movement, and create their own affirmations to carry them into the future!

Featured Book: I Believe I Can, by Grace Byers. Note: Attendance is limited and is first-come, first-served. Please arrive early (check in starts 30 minutes prior to the start of the program).