pinions were divided among Super Bowl fans regarding Reba’s rendition of the national anthem, with some considering it the best ever while others felt it could have been improved. Similarly, many internet users held contrasting views on Andra Day’s performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also recognized as the Black national anthem.
This marked the fourth occasion the Black national anthem was featured in the Super Bowl pregame festivities. Originating in 1900, the song encapsulates the solemn yet hopeful plea for the liberty of Black Americans.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” holds significance as it was embraced by the NAACP and prominently utilized as a rallying cry during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
.@AndraDayMusic performs Lift Every Voice and Sing before #SBLVIII! pic.twitter.com/gNRZ9XyibV
— NFL (@NFL) February 11, 2024
In the days leading up to Andra Day’s performance, comments about her rendition filled the internet. However, the response intensified after her performance.
Republican lawmaker Rep. Mike Loychik expressed his view on X, stating, “There’s no such thing as a black national anthem. We are all AMERICANS, united by our great and beautiful Star Spangled Banner. The Super Bowl is supposed to bring us together. It’s a disgrace that the NFL decided to push the politics of racial division again.”
Megyn Kelly tweeted, “The so-called Black National Anthem does not belong at the Super Bowl. We already have a National Anthem and it includes EVERYONE.”
Another individual highlighted, “Growing up I wasn’t taught that the National Anthem was for white or black people. We were taught that it was for all Americans. A black national anthem isn’t meant to give black Americans a voice, it’s meant to cause more division. We are all American regardless of race and it’s time we start acting like it.”
Some also remarked on the crowd’s apparent lack of enthusiasm.
Despite the mixed reactions, many appreciated Andra Day’s performance, with one stating, “I don’t know about you, but I thought Andra Day did a wonderful job.”
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