` ` ' Every Voice and Sing '' was written by James Weldon Johnson in 1921 . Marie said it was a matter of artistic expression , but critics viewed the lyrical switch as disrespect toward the national anthem , a lack of patriotism and an insinuation of racial division . The spiritual song is recognized as the ` ` black national anthem '' HBCU President Timothy Askew believes a national anthem for one race is racially divisive and separatist .
` ` ' Every Voice and Sing '' was written by James Weldon Johnson in 1921 . The spiritual song is recognized as the ` ` black national anthem '' HBCU President Timothy Askew believes a national anthem for one race is racially divisive and separatist .