NFL enthusiasts took to social media on Sunday to express their dissatisfaction following Ledisi's rendition of "Lift Evry Voice and Sing," commonly referred to as the "Black National Anthem."
The performance was strategically placed after the announcement of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and before tributes honoring the victims of the New Year's Day terrorist attack in New Orleans and the wildfires in Los Angeles.
As reported by Breitbart, the NFL incorporated the performance of "Lift Evry Voice and Sing" into its games starting in 2020, a decision made in the aftermath of the unrest following George Floyd's death. This song is traditionally performed before the "Star-Spangled Banner."
Despite the gradual decline of many social justice initiatives introduced by sports leagues during that period, the NFL has persistently maintained several of these measures. These include social justice slogans displayed in the end zones and on the backs of helmets, as well as the continued performance of the "Black National Anthem."
The duration for which the NFL intends to feature this song remains uncertain. However, it is evident that the league's decision is not swayed by fan feedback. If fan reactions were the determining factor, the song's performance would have likely been discontinued by now. This steadfastness suggests a commitment to the values and messages the league wishes to convey, regardless of public opinion.
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