By Sterling Mosley. Media: DC Enquirer.
Note: This article may contain commentary reflecting the author’s opinion.
On Super Bowl Sunday, Americans from across the country gathered in their living rooms and their local bars to witness a competitive game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Within the pre-game show, however, was a surprising addition: the black national anthem.
The song, titled “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” stirred controversy on social media as critics deemed it divisive and not nearly as powerful as the true National Anthem.
The song was performed by Sheryl Lee Ralph, the star of “Abbott Elementary.” The song has been sung by the NFL since the death of George Floyd in 2020. In contrast, America’s National Anthem was performed by singer Chris Stapleton who moved some to tears with his performance, including Eagles coach Nick Sirianni.
“123 years ago today Lift Every Voice and Sing was performed publicly for the 1st time,” wrote Sheryl Lee Ralph. “Today I will sing it for the 1st time as part of the [Super Bowl] pre-game show in the stadium!”
Ralph’s enthusiasm for the song, however, was not shared by critics.
“There should not be a black National Anthem,” wrote TPUSA President Charlie Kirk.
The Black National Anthem is now the new national anthem, apparently. pic.twitter.com/ZxSwRWrLa9
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) February 12, 2023
“There is no Black national anthem. There is no White national anthem. There is no Hispanic national anthem. There is only THE National Anthem,” explained Students for Trump founder Ryan Fournier, adding, “God Bless America!”
“America only has ONE NATIONAL ANTHEM,” wrote Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO). “Why is the NFL trying to divide us by playing multiple!? Do football, not wokeness.”
While audiences at home railed against the inclusion of the anthem, 2022 Republican Arizona gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake was attending the game and she decided against standing for the anthem.
“Kari Lake sat for the black national anthem. Good for her,” remarked Todd Peterson. “This country has ONE national anthem.”
“Our girl is against the idea of a “black National Anthem” for the same reason she’s against a ‘white National Anthem,’” wrote Kari Lake War Room on Twitter. “She subscribes to the idea of “one Nation, under God.” [Katie Hobbs] is against it because she just simply hates black people.”
As America continues to deal with racial division, the inclusion of the black national anthem showcases yet again how progressive activists seek to divide rather than bring together. The National Anthem is a unifying symbol for all Americans and Americans should not need a replacement song due to the color of their skin.
Watch the true National Anthem below:
Chris Stapleton just delivered one of the best National Anthem performances I’ve heard in a long time 🇺🇸
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) February 12, 2023
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