Journalist Natasha Alford, Deputy Editor at theGrio, looks at the history of the song; the video includes interviews with Black people on the street, one of whom asks if it is “an old slave song or something.” Others interviewed note that they sang it in church or were familiar with the song through schools (HBCUs) and sporting events. The video looks at some performances culled from YouTube (some of which are featured in this collection). According to Alford, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is significant to African Americans because it tells a story of “struggle, triumph, and freedom.” Several of those interviewed for this story sing a portion of the first verse.