Democratic Congressman Criticizes Super Bowl Crowd for Lack of Support During ‘Black National Anthem’
The Super Bowl is known for its electrifying performances, thrilling gameplay, and the gathering of fans from all walks of life. However, this year’s Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas sparked controversy when Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen criticized the crowd for their lack of support during the performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the “Black National Anthem.”
Grammy winner Andra Day took the stage to deliver a powerful rendition of the song as part of the pre-game festivities. While her performance drew cheers from the audience at Allegiant Stadium, Cohen took to Twitter to express his disappointment in the crowd’s response. He wrote, “Very very few stood for ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’ The Negro National Anthem. Not a pretty picture of Super Bowl crowd.”
Cohen’s tweet quickly gained attention online, with many people expressing their opinions on the matter. Some criticized Cohen, stating that there should only be one national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” However, Cohen defended his stance, stating, “I stand for both. And in Memphis, most do.” He emphasized that he honors and respects the national anthem but believes it is essential to acknowledge the historical context of both songs.
The decision to include “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in this year’s Super Bowl performance lineup sparked a debate on social media. While it has been an annual occurrence since the 2020 season as part of the NFL’s renewed emphasis on racial justice causes, critics argue that there should only be one true national anthem to avoid further division among races.
Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz also weighed in on the controversy, expressing his disapproval of the inclusion of the “Black National Anthem.” He stated that it desecrates America’s National Anthem and questioned why he and his wife chose not to watch the Super Bowl.
The debate surrounding the national anthems is not a new one. Nikole Hannah-Jones, the founder of the “1619 Project,” responded to critics by highlighting the problematic history of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” She pointed out that it was written by a racist enslaver who believed in the inferiority of Black people and fought against abolitionists in court.
The NAACP has been promoting “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as the country’s “Black national anthem” since 1917. Written by James Weldon Johnson as a plea for liberty, the song has also served as a rallying cry during the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
In addition to Andra Day’s performance, Reba McEntire sang the country’s national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and Post Malone delivered a rendition of “America the Beautiful” before the Super Bowl. The halftime show, headlined by Usher, featured several superstar cameos.
Ultimately, the Super Bowl LVIII became one for the history books as the Kansas City Chiefs rallied from an early deficit and secured a walk-off touchdown pass to defeat the San Francisco 49ers with a score of 25-22. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was named the game’s Most Valuable Player, showcasing his exceptional skills on the field.
The controversy surrounding the national anthems at the Super Bowl highlights the ongoing discussions about race, history, and unity in America. While opinions may differ, it is crucial to engage in respectful dialogue and understand the significance of these songs to various communities. The Super Bowl serves as a platform for both entertainment and reflection, reminding us of the power of sports to bring people together.
