Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing - Stanford Talisman Alumni Virtual Choir

We are Stanford Talisman, a group of singers on Stanford’s campus who since our origins have sung music stemming from Black liberation struggles across the world. Our alumni and current group came together to create a virtual choir of Lift Every Voice and Sing, the Black National Anthem in America. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our fundraising campaign for the American Civil Liberties Union, Black Visions Collective, and the Transgender Gender-variant and Intersex Justice Project (TGIJP), we were able to raise over $10,000 for these causes!

Arrangement
Nalini Calamur
*Z* McClelland

Soloists (in order of appearance)
Imani Roach, Garry Mitchell, Taylor Crutison, Akua Nyarko-Odoom, Bria Holmes-Lewis, Willie Hercule, Shantelle Williams-Valadié, Jelanie Munroe, Uche Amakiri, John Okhiulu, Taylor Wright, Samantha Williams, Stephanie Fischer, Will Tarpeh

Speakers
John Okhiulu
Chisara Asomugha

Production
Video: John Okhiulu
Audio: Noelle Chow and Kai Fox

[Edit] Including Singer Chris Kiagiri, Talisman Alumni

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[Mrasalazar]

Beautifully sung!!! I was introduced to this powerful hymn by my beloved neighbor Mrs. McGowan, who invited my poor family to her home for Sunday evening meals. Gathering around her dining room table, we would hold hands and give thanks to God for the lives that made it possible to have us united together. We would start with "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" then we would conclude with "He's Got The Whole World in His Hands." Thank you Mrs. McGowan for opening my family's heart and mind and giving us the knowledge that we need to have respect for each other. Rest in Power Mrs. McGowan.

[angieschaffer]

This should be out national anthem, period. Happy Juneteenth to my Black fellow Americans. We wouldn’t be the country we are today without you,

[chriscarson]

So I vote for a new National Anthem. Well done all.

[dwel]

I married my pretty Black college girlfriend 50 years ago, and it was at her annual family reunions that I came to know James Weldon Johnson’s powerful hymn. This is far and away the most moving, emotional, overwhelming rendition I have ever experienced. Stunningly beautiful! (She thinks so too!)
To all those who have heaped accolades on these talented performers and producers, a loud Amen!

[acjohnson]

This song gives me chills no matter who's singing it. It brings up so many feelings of pride, pain, kinship, sorrow, and hope. And this is one of the more powerful renditions I've ever heard.

[carlac]

Soooo, I'm a Mom of an 11 year old, and I was looking for a rendition to show him, as we e- learn I figured, now is the time to deep dive into our history, American, African American and African history.... did not know I would be literally crying five minutes after I started looking. I've never seen our National Anthem sung with such much diversity and just talent; I am moved beyond words, I have faith in our future, b/c you youngins are carrying the torch together... I'm only 51...that's youngish! lol but anyways thanks so much; this was an amazing find, and I can't wait to show it to my son; he attends a diverse school, so seeing this, I want him to continue to believe that this can be and in many cases is the norm... his norm is our new norm, and I'm really proud of you guys. Peace and Blessings!

[cynthiamitchell]

Beautiful! It makes you cry when see how far the creator has brough us.

[dzifasepenoo]

Never heard a more powerful and beautiful rendition to this song. Doing it justice. Well done folks

[MrFreedomtalks]

The song was written in 1899 by James Weldon Johnson, who had been tasked with delivering an address to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln's birthday the following year. He began prepping for it, but as he writes in his autobiography, "I wanted something else also."
He took his words to his younger brother, a classically trained composer named J. Rosamond Johnson, and "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" (as it is accurately titled) was born.

[PoeCommunicateATL]

Oh. My. GOSH! Stanford Talisman!!!!
My uber talented brothers and sisters of all shades and ethic backgrounds, you guys are beyond amazing.
Thank you for this gift.

[quintana]

This is so uplifting. I don't see why such a peaceful, inclusive hymn could not represent all of us instead of the dubiously racist hymn we have now. It also such a beautiful piece of music that can be adaptable to wonderful renditions like this one. I do hope the US adopts it.

[janicejoplin]

THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!!!
I WANT TO HEAR THIS AAALLL AT ONCE ACROSS THE NATION !!! AT EVERY " BLACK LIVES MATTER " MARCH!!!
WE CAN DO IT, PEOPLE !! LET US DO THIS!! LET US MARCH ON, ' TIL VICTORY IS WON!!!☺️☺️
MUCH LOVE, THE HOLY ONE GUIDES US !! THE PLANET NEEDS US TO SHOW THEM THE WAY TO TRUTH AND LIGHT.

[victoriazahka]

I was so moved by the beautiful voices and faces as I listened to this video on this country's newest federal holiday, Juneteenth... so long in coming.

[carolyncovington]

Awesome Song sung by beautiful harmonious voices! Very up lifting!!! God Bless you All!!! LOVE!!!

[howardbarto]

Speechless and truly soulful. The Spirit is definitely present during this presentation. God bless each of you.

[nancylowenthal]

I've heard and sung this piece many times, but Talisman's arrangement and performance have got to be the most moving version I've ever encountered. Phenomenal.

[Thediscohkidd]

Goose bumps and tears at same time. Wowwww🔥🔥🔥 Bravoooo👏👏👏

[juliatutko-balena]

What a gift. Everyone from the speakers to the singers to the audio editors - for all your talents, time, and love — thank you.

[alainlabrique]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing this into the universe.

[sandiesing]

Beautiful song. Sing it often before events and soon, everyone would have heard it. The more times the people hearing it, the more they will want to sing along. Get it on the radio.