Laurin Talese took the mic and cruised through a beautiful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” prior to Thursday night’s NFL opener between the Eagles and Cowboys.
But when it comes to that song these days … well, it has become controversial, particularly in the eyes of the MAGA crowd, with calls for it to be cancelled.
Why?
Well, it’s also called the “Black National Anthem,” and that doesn’t sit well with some folks.
At all.
So before Talese could even finish the song, Elon Musk’s X was on fire with the MAGA crowd burying it, and some of the non-MAGA crowd laughing at them for it. It was, as always is the case with the song, interesting.
“Very disappointing to see @NFL is still sponsoring this divisive ‘Black National Anthem’ (expletive),” Lars Nilsen wrote on X.
“Please stop with the black national anthem,” another wrote. “We’re one country. We have one anthem … stop already.”
“This ‘lift every voice and sing’ black national anthem is a disgrace to the NFL and USA!” Lane Keedic wrote.
“NFL, you gotta stop opening the season by signing the ‘Black National Anthem’” Jon Root wrote. “We have one national anthem.”
Those were probably some of the nicer criticisms.
There was a whole segment of folks who brought up the fact that NBC had an obvious audio issue where it left an open mic on in the crowd that filled the background of the song with fans talking.
“All of those Eagles fans talking and what-not during the Black National Anthem tracks,” Erin Medley wrote. “@NBC could have at least cut the audience mics.”
Others, meanwhile, sat back and had a good laugh at everyone getting worked up over the song.
“Knowing racists about to be mad about the Black National Anthem!” THEE Auntie with no kids account on X wrote. “LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING!”
Thoughts on “Lift Every Voice and Sing?” Right to have it pregame? Wrong? It might not matter what folks think because MAGA folks were already tagging Donald Trump asking for him to put an end to it all.
“Dear @realDonaldTrump: Please sign an Executive Order banning the singing of the Black National Anthem at all sporting events,” Uri Blago wrote. “Sincerely, Every Sane American.”
Now the ball may be in Trump’s court so it will be interesting to see if he has a response.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.