Sculpture Encourages us to - Lift Every Voice and Sing!
Inspired by the dawn of a new millennium, a
California company, C and M Products, has commissioned a millennium keepsake. It is a
revival of a very important 20th century art work, Lift Ev'ry Voice and
Sing, which was created by the renowned Harlem Renaissance artist, Augusta Savage.
Francis Kwatei Nee-Owoo was hired to recreate
13.5 inch replicas of the original 16.5 foot sculpture that was exhibited at the 1939
World's Fair in Flushing Meadows. This particular artwork was chosen to provide a vision
for the future; to provide a vision of hope; a vision of dignity and discipline and a
vision of a people undaunted.
 In 1939, Ms. Savage, who was commissioned by the New York
World's Fair to create a piece of art that represented the African-American gift of music,
used this opportunity to present more than the requested image.
(Left) Inspired by the poet James Weldon
Johnson's lyrics to the song, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," she chose to create a
16.5 foot harp shaped statue of a choir of 12 members supported by the outstretched arm of
the Creator. A strong male figure kneeling in front of the choir presents the music of the
song. The choir, a symbol of unity and deliverance makes a statement of self determination
and strength. This powerful work represents our strive for liberty until victory is won
over the existing social conditions.
The 100th Anniversary of the song is
February 12, 2000, another reason for the choice of the revival of this image. Several
cities in the US will be celebrating the centennial throughout the year and reenact the
original presentation of the song on Lincoln’s birthday. In part, this bronze
patented replica fulfills the dream of Augusta Savage, which was to have the image a
permanent fixture in our lives. Her original cast in plaster was bulldozed before she
could raise money to have it cast in bronze. The replica has already sparked interest in
reconstructing the colossal image.
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