The song “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” adopted as the “Black national anthem” by the NAACP over a century ago, has generated controversy and backlash leading up to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Critics have called it divisive, racist, and a symbol of Black supremacy. Despite the backlash, the song has been featured at the Super Bowl for the past five years. The controversy this year coincides with Donald Trump’s return to the White House and his executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
The song was written by civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson and has been celebrated by Black people across the country. A music teacher described it as powerful and inspirational, reflecting the struggles of people of color. Despite the backlash, Grammy-winning artist Ledisi said she was honored to sing the song at the Super Bowl.
The NFL has not indicated whether it will continue to feature “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before the Super Bowl, but has expanded its messages of social consciousness, including “End Racism” and “Choose Love” in the endzone stencils. The league has faced criticism over the lack of Black coaches and the treatment of Black players, with many drawing parallels to Colin Kaepernick’s protest against police brutality. Critics of the song view it as another form of protest in American sports and entertainment.
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