In this jam-packed “Hymn Sing with Sarah” episode, Sarah leads Erin, Bri, and Rachel through a celebration of African American hymns and spirituals in honor of Black History Month.

Beginning with the story of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (often referred to in the U.S. as the “Black national anthem”), Sarah discusses the remarkable lives and creative work of brothers James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson, who penned the hymn’s lyrics and music, respectively.

The Ladies then dive into a broader discussion of African American spirituals—their history, meanings, and ongoing contribution to American faith and culture.

Watch the African American Spirituals of the Civil War concert from the Library of Congress at youtu.be/PQviOAz5584. Learn more about the history of spirituals from the Library of Congress, The Spirituals Database, and Britannica.

Connect with the Lutheran ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and follow Sarah (@mrsbaseballpants), Rachel (@rachbomberger), Erin (@erinaltered), and Bri (@grrrzevske) on Instagram.