Andy Razaf was an African American composer, poet, and lyricist born in 1895 in Washington D.C. He was raised in Harlem after his father died and his mother was forced to move to America due to the French invasion of Madagascar. Razaf dropped out of school at age 16 and began working with famous musicians like Fats Waller and Benny Goodman writing songs. He was recognized for his contributions to music and lyrics in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Razaf used his work to reflect on the social and racial issues he observed while living in Harlem, providing an African American perspective on the realities of racism in America.

1. Analysis of Andy Razaf African American composer, poet, and lyricist

3. Brotherhood Brotherhood means being kind The weak, the strong, the meek, the brave, thinking with an open mind the rich, the poor, the king, the slave, judging not by race or creeds the wise, the fool, the good, the knave, but by character and deeds. are common clay bound for the grave. Brotherhood means decency The truly great in their brief span love of human dignity are only those who work and plan always doing all you can to benefit the human race to lift up your fellow man. so they can look God in the face Brotherhood means not to be and hear him say, "Thy fruits were good. slaves of hate and bigotry You scattered seeds of brotherhood." but to wisely realize all are equal in God's eyes.