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The NFL recently announced its pregame lineup for Super Bowl LVIII, revealing its intentions to have the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” played before the game. However, the decision has drawn criticism and controversy, with concerns raised about the divide it may create rather than fostering unity.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing,” referred to as the Black national anthem, has been a point of contention since its debut at Super Bowl LV. The 2024 Super Bowl will feature Grammy-winning R&B singer Andra Day performing the anthem, further fueling the debate surrounding the song’s inclusion.
Originally named the Negro National Anthem by the NAACP in 1919, the song holds significant historical and cultural importance as it references the experience of slavery and expresses hope for liberation. It became a rallying cry during the Civil Rights movement and has since been adopted as a symbol of unity and resilience within the Black community.
The NFL’s decision to feature “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as part of its social justice initiative has been met with mixed reactions. While some praise the league for its efforts to address issues of racial injustice, others argue that the inclusion of the Black national anthem may inadvertently create division among audiences rather than promoting unity.
Critics of the decision have pointed out that the Black national anthem’s performance could further polarize audiences, especially in today’s highly charged and politically divisive environment. Some argue that instead of unifying the country, the anthem’s inclusion could intensify existing divisions, hindering the spirit of inclusivity and togetherness that major sporting events like the Super Bowl aspire to promote.
The NFL’s continued commitment to incorporating “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at its major events, including the Super Bowl, also underscores the league’s broader efforts to raise awareness about racial injustice and promote social justice initiatives. The “Say Their Stories” project, which will be featured alongside the anthem, aims to highlight and honor victims of racial injustice, adding an element of remembrance and advocacy to the league’s messaging.
In a media landscape where millions of fans experience football through televised broadcasts, the NFL’s amplified social justice messaging during the Super Bowl will undoubtedly reach a vast audience. However, the apparent division surrounding the inclusion of the Black national anthem at such a widely viewed and celebrated event raises questions about the intent and impact of these initiatives.
As the NFL prepares for Super Bowl LVIII, the inclusion of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” continues to spark debate and reflection on the complexities of leveraging cultural symbols and expressions of identity within the context of sports and social justice. While the anthem’s performance may carry deep significance for some, the broader implications of its inclusion in a major national event warrant careful consideration of both its intended message and the potential for unintended consequences.
