The song was written by James Weldon Johnson and his brother J. Rosamond Johnson.
It was written in 1900 as a poem for a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday at a school in Jacksonville, Florida. James wrote the lyrics, while Rosamond composed the music.
While there is no specific record of a specific reason for writing it, the lyrics reflect the hopes and struggles of African Americans at the time. The song is often referred to as the "Black National Anthem" due to its powerful message of unity, hope, and perseverance in the face of adversity.