NFL to play ‘black national anthem’ before all week one games
Decision comes four years after former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick protested during the national anthem by taking a knee
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The NFL will play “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a song often referred to as the Black national anthem, prior to the kick-off of week one games, a source familiar with the league’s discussions told Reuters on Thursday.
The song, written by James Weldon Johnson and his brother J. Rosamond Johnson in the early 1900s, will precede the traditional pre-game playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” the official national anthem.
The season will open 10 September with the Houston Texans visiting the Super Bowl champion Chiefs in Kansas City in a nationally televised game.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” will also be played during the full slate of Sunday afternoon games and then Sunday Night Football and the two ESPN Monday night games.
During the 2016 season, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” to protest racial injustice and police brutality and said he was denied a job in the league after the gesture sparked controversy.
His protest came under renewed focus in recent weeks as demonstrations spread across the country after George Floyd, a Black man, was killed in police custody in Minneapolis in May.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last month said the league had made mistakes in not listening to players. He said he would encourage teams to sign Kaepernick, adding the NFL would also welcome the quarterback’s off-the-field guidance on social justice.
The league is working with players to recognise victims of systemic racism through a variety of activities, the source said.
Among items being discussed is the possibility of putting names of victims of police violence on helmet decals or jersey patches and airing public service announcements about the victims and their families.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments