Sports enthusiasts were left divided on social media after commentator Megyn Kelly slammed Andra Day’s performance of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ at the Super Bowl.
The track has been sung at the NFL’s championship game ever since Super Bowl LV. However, many conservatives were not impressed by the tradition, with some Republican politicians and political analysts vowing to boycott the games.
Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly also took to social media and wrote: “The so-called Black National Anthem does not belong at the Super Bowl. We already have a National Anthem and it includes EVERYONE.”
Florida rep Matt Gaetz also wrote: “They’re desecrating America’s National Anthem by playing something called the “Black National Anthem.””
Another account wrote: “There is no such thing as a ‘Black National Anthem.’ If you have a problem with the AMERICAN National Anthem, feel free to leave.’
But others were quick to praise the song being performed in the pregame ceremonies.
New York rep Ritchie Torress quoted Gaetz’s post and wrote: “The Black National Anthem – “Lift Every Voice and Sing” – has been a part of our Nation’s history since the early 20th century. The erasure of African American history as American history is a form of rac*sm that runs deep on the far right.”
Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson also said: “Holy s**t Andra Day absolutely killed Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Another commented: “That was a Black National Anthem to remember… amazing from Andra Day and everyone up there.”
Many slammed the outrage, with one person saying: “time for the obligatory ‘why are there two national anthems that’s so divisive whats a black national anthem aaaa we’re all americans’ tweets!”
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