Gilchrist's powerful Afro-centric images picture offer an emotional match for the classic words of Johnson's famous anthem. Her watercolor paintings suggest a painful history and the pride of heritage while celebrating African-American struggle and survival. The jacket art features children looking forward and up, while the title page offers a personified image of continental Africa, weeping into the ocean. Water becomes a life force in illustrations picturing elders from past centuries next to their descendants today. Hope is offered through images of a rooted tree and liberation by flying. Although the artistic concepts are sophisticated, all family members can appreciate this important 12 1/4 x 9 1/4" book in one or more ways. Honor Book, 1995 CCBC Coretta Scott King Award Discussion: Illustration (Age 3-adult)