According to reports, the NFL will play the Black national anthem before games.
This season, the NFL has promised to prominently incorporate “Lift Every Voice And Sing,” which has long been regarded as the Black national anthem.
The song will be played before key “tentpole games,” such as the NFL playoffs, NFL draft, and Sept. 9 NFL kickoff game, as part of the NFL’s 10-year, $250 million vow to combat racism. According to Front Office Sports, the league will also promote social justice through signage, player helmet decals, and public service announcements.
An unknown source told the outlet that “They’re bringing back a lot of elements from last year.”
The song was played before “The Star-Spangled Banner” at various games last season, including Super Bowl 55 in February. According to FOX News, athletes from the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers locked arms during Alicia Keys‘ performance.
As the Black Lives Matter protests swept the country, particularly in reaction to criticism over the NFL’s mishandling of kneeling protests, the league began adopting “Lift Every Voice And Sing.”
