I have to admit, I patted myself on the back while reading this passage:

The Orators' ranks include not only the most disadvantaged youth. Well aware of the siren song of rap culture even for middle-class kids, suburban parents enroll their children, too. The crowd at the Smith School next week will be a soccer mom (and dad) group. They will all join in singing James Weldon Johnson's "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (once known as the Negro National Anthem) before the competition begins. It is, says Mr. Hunter, "a feeling of pure joy to see kids receive a medal, to see the accomplishment in their eyes, the pride when a parent looks up at that stage." It's a happy ending worthy of Hollywood.

Specifically, I was proud of myself for known not only who James Weldon Johnson was, and that he wrote the Negro National Anthem, but also being able to conjure up a line or two of his poetry. Very good for the self esteem.

Oh, the article I was reading can be found here. It profiles a public speaking program that targets black youth, to avoid the workforce stigma of speaking Ebonics. Great article, quite inspiring and a bit of smug satisfaction for myself.