Opinion: The NFL’s decision to sing the Black national anthem during opening week seems performative

Publication: The Daily Aztec, , San Diego State University, San Diego, CA

by Trinity Bland, Opinion Editor
August 13, 2020

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced in July that fans can expect to hear “Lift Ev‘ry Voice And Sing”, traditionally known as the Black national anthem, to be performed live or played before every Week 1 NFL game. The plan is for the song to be played before “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” is a symbol of Black life, a celebration of a tumultuous experience; the struggle and triumph, the joy and pain of being Americans. The song was originally a poem, written by historian, author and civil rights activist, James Weldon Johnson.

Folks are infuriated that the NFL is not addressing systemic racism, police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement seriously. The league’s decision to respond to the unprecedented times with the singing of “Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing” before the national anthem for the first week of the season before each game commences, can now be added to the growing list of insincere apologies and empty promises. 

Many people have shared their opinions and feelings on the league’s decision but the predominant question that people are asking is “why?” 

Even Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry also...