Her Work

Lift Every Voice and Sing

1939

Plaster

h. 16 ft

ARTstor Slide Gallery

This is one of the most interesting pieces that Augusta Savage made for many reasons. One of them being the fact that she was commissioned by the New York World’s Fair of 1939 to make this piece. Secondly, she was the only Black woman to be commissioned at this fair, in which she was paid $360. In addition, this particular piece is inspired by the Negro National Anthem: “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. The significance and the imagery of this sculpture speak so much volume on African American history. During the New Negro Movement, Augusta had many accomplishments that contributed to the development of Black artists and acceptance in the art community. By being the only black woman to be commissioned for her artistry, it gave those she mentored at her studio and other organizations, reassurance that this is something they can do! In regards to the sculptor and its relation to the Negro National Anthem, the repitition in the line of singers symbolizes the constant fight for equality that Blacks undergo. Therefore, this piece is very impressive because we see the result of Savage’s hard work over time and a poem recited by generations to salute the work of our predecessors.