The Black National Anthem: Unveiled 123 Years Ago

by PPH resident Lawrence H. Geller

The Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida was the site of the first ever performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" on February 12, 1900.

James Weldon Johnson wrote the words and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson, the music, as a part of a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Both brothers shortly moved on to New York "and the song passed out of our minds." But the school children of Jacksonville kept singing it. They went off to other schools and sang it. When they then became teachers they taught it to other children. Within 20 years, it was sung all over the South and other parts of the country.

It was endorsed by Booker T. Washington in 1905 and became the official song of the NAACP in 1919. Since then, it has become a cultural touchstone, sung in schools, stadiums and churches across the country.

Employee of the Month:  Domonic Gonzalez

Domonic started with our Security Department at PPH in February 2020. He has a great deal of patience when working with residents and staff. We are happy to have him as part of the PPH family!

Congratulations Domonic!

Thank you for doing "Whatever it takes."

Volunteer of the Month:  Marie Tucci

Congratulations to Marie Tucci, “Volunteer of the Month” for April 2023.

Marie is a resident of Gateway Manor and has been a PPH Volunteer since 2021. She is a very busy lady who can be seen transporting residents to and from the Pathways Beauty Shop and also working in the PPH Library. Marie also delivers inhouse bills for our Finance Department. Wherever Marie volunteers you can be sure she will do an excellent job.

Thanks Marie, you are a blessing to our Volunteer program.