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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums'Black national anthem' makes its debut at the NFL
It started as a song to celebrate the president who emancipated America's slaves. Its writer thought little about it afterwards, but it took on a life of its own.
Now "Lift Every Voice and Sing" - a ballad widely known today as the US black national anthem - has been played at the opening game of the National Football League's (NFL) 2021 season.
The song was played after a year of racial tumult that touched almost every corner of American society, including professional sports.
Male professional leagues are dominated by young black men, and in an effort to show more solidarity with players, the NFL said it would play "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at the beginning of games this season. It's the first time the song that has meant so much to so many will regularly open American professional sports games.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58482970
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I had to see this on the Beeb. Meanwhile, Kaep still doesn't have a job.....
Dream Girl
(5,111 posts)JustAnotherGen
(31,683 posts)When people lost their minds over the decision. Like - those of us who grew up in black congregations - we just 'know' it. It's not new. It's more than 100 years old - and a lovely joining of hearts in faith.
StarfishSaver
(18,486 posts)is the fact that he knows every stanza of Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing by heart ...
JustAnotherGen
(31,683 posts)StarfishSaver
(18,486 posts)Even most black folk don't know ALL of the words. But Bill Clinton can sing verse after verse after verse loud and proud just as big as you please without a stumble or mumble.
And he looks so happy when he does it, chin tilted up toward the sky, swaying back and forth, patting his foot.
You gotta love the guy...
alphafemale
(18,497 posts)Very inspiring