Final answer:
The poem 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' represents the journey and perseverance of African Americans through severe oppression, which is best described by option c. It aligns with themes found in the works by Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, and Zora Neale Hurston, who vividly depicted the African American's pursuit of dignity and equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poem "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is best described by option c. The journey of a people who have suffered greatly but persevered. This piece is often referred to as the Black National Anthem because it encapsulates the adversities and the resilience of African Americans throughout history. The poem, which was later set to music, not only acknowledges the painful past of slavery and segregation but also expresses hope and determination for a just and equitable future. It serves as a unifying hymn that celebrates the cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of the African American community.
Poets like Langston Hughes and Claude McKay echoed similar sentiments in their works, highlighting the struggles of black Americans and their escalating strength in spite of it. Hughes, in particular, in his poems "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" and "I Too, Sing America," conveys the richness of African-American heritage and the resilience that characterizes the community's spirit. Similarly, Zora Neale Hurston's novel Their Eyes Were Watching God explores the challenges faced by African Americans through her characters' experiences.
These narratives, birthed from a history of conflict and endurance, were not just stories but were reflections of the real-life aspirations of African Americans for freedom and equality, which they strived to achieve despite systemic obstacles. They collectively form a creative testament to the communal pursuit of the American dream, free from the chains of discrimination.