The Star Spangled Banner is traditionally performed before all sporting events throughout the United States. But ahead of the Super Bowl this year, another special song will accompany the national anthem during the pregame ceremonies.
According to a report from NFL insider Adam Schefter, the NFL is planning a performance of the historic hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which is considered by many as the “Black National Anthem.” The song is set to be performed by Grammy Award-winning artist Andra Day.
“Super Bowl LVIII lineup in Las Vegas: Reba McEntire with the National Anthem, Post Malone with ‘America The Beautiful,’ and Andra Day with ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,'” Schefter wrote in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
Super Bowl LVIII lineup in Las Vegas: Reba McEntire with the National Anthem, Post Malone with “America The Beautiful,” and Andra Day with “Lift Every Voice and Sing”.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 18, 2024
The song, which is featured in 42 different Christian hymnals, makes an allusion to the biblical Exodus from slavery to the freedom of the “promised land.” It has been an important part of Black culture, especially following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
However, the song seems to have sparked outrage among conservatives, who do not believe that a song other than The Star Spangled Banner should be played before sporting events and are unhappy at Black people embracing and celebrating their culture.
https://twitter.com/sasha_monet41/status/1748179811212963977?s=20
There's only one "national anthem."
— Paul Gadot (@gadot_paul) January 19, 2024
There’s no such thing as a “black national anthem”!! Americans are Americans!! https://t.co/ul4Na7QAsA
— ULTRA MAGA shaggyJT (@JtShaggy) January 19, 2024
Black national anthem ? There only one an that's not it !!
— steve wayne (@stevenw4220) January 19, 2024
Won't be watching!! there is no black anthem, there's only one anthem and that's our national anthem!
— Patti Rivers🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@PLRivo936) January 19, 2024
It’s worth noting that The Star Spangled Banner will still be performed at the game.
