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Black National Anthem to be sung by Ledisi
"Lift Every Voice and Sing," known as the Black national anthem, will be performed at Sunday’s Super Bowl for the fifth year. First introduced by the NFL in 2020, the song has faced conservative backlash and boycott calls. Originally a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson, it became a Civil Rights anthem. While no major figures have opposed it this year, past critics include Kari Lake and Megyn Kelly. Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. defended its significance, calling the backlash "disturbing" and highlighting its ongoing relevance.
February 8, 20256:54 AM GMT+8
On February 7, Reuters reported that "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often called the Black national anthem, will be performed by local artist Ledisi at Sunday’s Super Bowl in New Orleans. This marks the fifth consecutive year the song has been featured in the NFL championship game.
First introduced by the league in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, the song has faced criticism, boycott threats, and conspiracy theories from some conservative Americans. Originally a poem written in 1900 by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson, it was later set to music and became a key anthem of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s, calling for justice and equality.
Ledisi’s performance will take place before the 6:30 p.m. EST (2330 GMT) kickoff, preceding Jon Batiste’s rendition of the U.S. national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," and "America the Beautiful," performed by Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle.
While some social media users are once again calling for a boycott over the song, no major public figures have voiced opposition this year. In the past, figures like former Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake, media personality Megyn Kelly, and former attorney general hopeful Matt Gaetz have criticized its inclusion.
Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., president of the Hip Hop Caucus, condemned the backlash, stating that opposition to the song is "disturbing, disrespectful, and distasteful," underscoring its ongoing relevance today.
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