Ledisi performed the controversial anthem (NFL/YouTube).
For five years the “Black National Anthem” has been sung at the Super Bowl. Every single one of those five years, the decision to include the anthem has been a point of controversy. Some people who may not be familiar with the anthem should know its rich history.
James Weldon Johnson, civil rights activist and member of the NAACP, wrote “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as a poem. He collaborated with his younger brother to make the poem into a song. The lyrics of the song can be viewed here. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” resonated so strongly with people that it was hailed the “Black National Anthem.”
Now that we know the history of the anthem, let’s dig into the controversy.
Why the Anthem?
The NFL has chosen to include the “Black National Anthem” along with the United States Anthem at each Super Bowl after 2020. This was in response to George Floyd being murdered by police officers in 2020. The league has taken a stance to “address” racism since then with messages on the end zones, on the back of helmets, and the anthem. Thankfully, they have also donated large amounts of money to initiatives. Ones that will also make an impact in the African American community. Small gestures on the field can often feel contrived.
The Audacity
What this author cannot wrap her mind around is the amount of audacity and entitlement surrounding the “Black National Anthem.” The league is predominantly Black, so it feels like the decision to include or not include the song likely isn’t something some of the chief complainers need to have a say in. If your own house is made of glass, don’t go throwing rocks at someone else’s. Especially if you are a public figure that has way more to worry about than the Super Bowl. That’s what I’ll say about that.
Positive Feedback
The song being performed is very meaningful for many individuals. It is a moment of pride, hope, and representation. Instead of being derisive, it is perceived as empowering by many. I will share the voices of African American people who have expressed the importance of the song to them.
Gerald Early, a pop culture essayist who teaches in the African and African American studies department of Washington University in St. Louis, spoke about the anthem controversy like this: “The performance of the song should be framed to the public not as a protest song but as a song of Black affirmation, perseverance and inspiration. It is unfortunate that the song’s performance has become a culture war issue.”
Ken Knuckles, a music teacher in Georgia, said he feels the song is a “powerful, inspirational song.” He also went on to comment on the song being performed at the Super Bowl: “And they sing it the way it’s supposed to be sung: with pride. It’s the words. Words have power and this song is about achievement. The song means the world to people of color. It reflects how long we had to struggle to get where we are now. The song is inspiring and aspiration.”
In Ledisi, the artist that sang the anthem in New Orleans, shared this beautiful message: “I feel like I’m in alignment with greatness to stand in this moment and sing that song. I’m used to that pressure. I just remember who I’m doing it for. I remember everyone waiting for this moment to feel hopeful and to feel represented.”
The Dissent
Some frequent complaints were that it was derisive in a time when many people feel divided. It supposedlly harkened back to recent protests (Kaepernick) which left a sour taste in many people’s mouths. Some felt “preached” at by the NFL or like a statement was being made. Others felt like the only anthem that should be sung at the Super Bowl is the countries.
Where People Got It Wrong About the Anthem
Let’s discuss each issue above with some good old-fashioned education. Some people just don’t know, so in good faith we will address them.
If you feel divided by a song as beautiful, powerful, and positive as “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” then it might be important to consider that the anthem is not the source of the problem. Also, if there are negative associations with Black empowerment during the Super Bowl in the form of a song and past protests, it shows that there is a lot of room for personal growth and reflection, and an individual may have a general inability to move on.
It may also show a general cultural insensitivity and bias, since it seems that any form of Black empowerment and/or protest will upset some of the audience no matter how peaceful it is. If someone felt preached at, it might be one of those “if the shoe fits, wear it” kind of moments as well.
History Speaks
As a historical note, it’s important to remember the NFL has always been a place where statements on world events have been addressed. There was this time in the 1960s, these times in the 1930s and 40s, and all of these protests spanning from the 1800s to a few years ago in the general sports world. Like it or not, the sports world appears to be an avenue of protest for individuals, as proven by history. It does, in fact, appear that during an NFL event is the perfect time to protest if we’re basing it on the past.
Last but not least, the national anthem is sung at the Super Bowl. So is America the Beautiful. Songs sung at the Super Bowl are not restricted to just one anthem, and there is a freedom of choice to include other beautiful American songs. America the Beautiful is, of course, not an anthem at all. Considering how many African Americans are in the NFL, the choice of representation makes sense. We have room for other American-created anthems like the National Black Anthem. There’s no limit on songs. Enjoy them all.
Conclusion
Hopefully this article was helpful in better understanding the controversy surrounding the Black National Anthem being sung at the Super Bowl. We addressed why the anthem was added to the lineup in the first place, as well as how positive and empowering the anthem is to viewers of the game. Lastly, we discussed some of people’s biggest problems with the anthem being performed—and why they’re wrong.
This is the final article for Black History Month of 2025. If you haven’t caught articles 1, 2, and 3, celebrating Black History this month, make sure to give them a read.
