NFL community outraged over ‘Black national anthem’ to be performed at Super Bowl LVIII: “Stupidity never ceases to amaze”

The NFL 2023 season is nearing its end soon. The football world is just a few weeks away from the coveted Super Bowl event. Following the high-voltage season finale week, the NFL wildcard playoff matches witnessed some intense battles. Some big teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami Dolphins had their seasons dashed with playoff losses. However, teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens kept up their aspirations by securing wins.

Now, the remaining teams are waiting to lift the Super Bowl LVIII title. The showdown will be played on February 11 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, the event has already stirred controversy regarding the inclusion of ‘Black national anthem.’

NFL announced ‘Black national anthem’ to be played at Super Bowl LVIII

The NFL has recently confirmed that the event will feature the performance of the “Black National Anthem” before the game. Andra Day, a Grammy-winning R&B singer, has been chosen to perform the iconic song “Lift Every Voice and Sing”.

Originally penned by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900, the anthem gained prominence as a symbol of unity and resilience during the civil rights movement. Its inclusion in the NFL’s programming dates back to the 2020 season. It was inserted in the event in response to the death of George Floyd and the subsequent nationwide protests against racial injustice.

The NAACP officially designated “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as the Black national anthem in 1917. Since then, it has become a fixture at significant NFL events, including Super Bowls and the NFL Draft. This decision aligns with the league’s commitment to addressing social issues and acknowledging the cultural significance of the anthem within the African American community.

The tradition of featuring the Black national anthem during Super Bowls began at Super Bowl LV, which pitted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Kansas City Chiefs. Over the past years, artists like Sheryl Lee Ralph and Mary Mary have lent their voices to this powerful anthem.

In addition to Andra Day’s performance at Super Bowl LVIII, the pre-game show will feature country music legend Reba McEntire singing the national anthem. Musician Post Malone will also be seen delivering a rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

‘Black national anthem’ announcement angered NFL community

The NFL’s announcement to feature the ‘Black National Anthem,’ also known as “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” at Super Bowl LVIII has stirred controversy within the football community.

Originally designated as the ‘Negro National Anthem’ by the NAACP in 1919, the song carries historical significance. It references the struggles of slavery and the aspiration for liberation. During the Civil Rights movement, the song became a powerful rallying cry, as it attempted to fill gaps in the unifying message of the Star-Spangled Banner.

However, the decision to include a separate anthem for the event has sparked criticism. Some fans argued that it divides audiences rather than fostering unity.

A fan wrote, “Once again, the NFL is bending a knee to woke bullshittery. At the Super Bowl, they plan on playing the “Black National Anthem”. To be clear, there is no such thing. There is only THE. National Anthem. Period. Full stop. This decisive nonsense has got to stop.”

Questions were raised about the necessity of a separate anthem. Fans raised questions about the continued use of the Star-Spangled Banner if it is deemed racist. Skepticism also arose regarding the origin and actual purpose of the anthem.

A netizen wrote, “WTF is a black national anthem? Who asked for it? Who created it? Is it supposed to celebrate BLM? Don’t they know it is a B.S. anthem? Stupidity never ceases to amaze. The Star Spangled Banner is the only anthem.”

A fan wrote, “I have questions. If the real national anthem is so racist, why are they still playing it before games and why are black folks performing it? Will a white person be performing the black national anthem?”

What’s your take on this? Do you think that the decision to include the ‘Black national anthem’ at Super Bowl LVIII is unnecessary?