It’s also gained increasing relevance in recent months amid a purported racial reckoning as the U.S. Today the song is an integral piece of Black patriotism. In 1990, singer Melba Moore released a modern rendition of the song, which she recorded along with others including recording artists Anita Baker, Stephanie Mills, Dionne Warwick, Bobby Brown, Stevie Wonder, Jeffrey Osborne, Howard Hewett BeBe & CeCe and The Clark Sisters. It is heavily performed at predominately African-American venues, especially in Black churches across the nation. Deep symbolism was found in its lyrics, allowing African-Americans to subtly speak against racial bigotry. For many African Americans, singing the song was their way of showing patriotism and hope for the future, considering the plight of racism they greatly faced.
