The NFL is planning to play the “Black national anthem” before American’s National Anthem during every game at the beginning of the season:
USA TODAY – Starting with the nationally televised regular-season opener between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 10, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the Black national anthem, will be performed before every Week 1 kickoff, before “The Star-Spangled Banner,” according to a person familiar with ongoing discussions. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because plans have not yet been finalized and announced by NFL officials.
Both anthems will be televised Sunday afternoon, and on “Sunday Night Football” and “Monday Night Football” contests as well. ESPN’s “Undefeated” first reported news of these plans.
Police Brutality…
The person said after brainstorming with numerous players and the NFL Players Association, NFL officials also plan to honor victims of police brutality through elements such as helmet decals or jerseys. It’s also expected that the Week 1 broadcasts will feature a number of educational PSAs about victims and their families.
How is it that there’s a national anthem for African Americans? I’ve honestly never heard of this and my initial reaction to the NFL’s decision to play it is that it doesn’t make sense. We are all Americans and we have one National Anthem. Period. I’d feel the same if ‘white people’ had their own national anthem – although that would be racist so…
Regarding the victims of police brutality decals for helmets and jerseys, my only fear is that we are going to see names that don’t belong on that list. Like Michael Brown in Ferguson. Also if we’re going to do that, then we need to have a week honoring the brave men and women in law enforcement who protect Americans every day. Because the NFL needs to send a strong message that they stand with police officers around this country.