Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake has voiced her opposition to the black national anthem being played before NFL games. In a social media post on Thursday night, Lake criticized the NFL’s decision to include the black national anthem alongside “The Star Spangled Banner” since 2021. A photo of Lake defiantly staying seated during the black national anthem went viral earlier this year, sparking backlash from the left. However, Lake stood her ground and stated that she is against any form of a separate national anthem based on race, sexual orientation, or religion. Lake argues that there is only one national anthem that should unite all Americans, regardless of their background.
Conservatives have rallied behind Lake’s stance, including former NFL player and Utah Congressman Burgess Owens. Owens echoed Lake’s sentiments, emphasizing that playing both anthems and employing terms like “African-American” and “Black History Month” are dividing the American people. He believes that these actions imply a separation between blacks and the rest of the nation, perpetuating the idea of victimization and oppression. Owens firmly stated that there is only one national anthem, the official anthem of the United States, and he will not support any other version.
The black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” has been promoted by the NAACP since 1917 and was associated with the civil rights movement. Sheryl Lee Ralph controversially performed the song before the Super Bowl this year. However, Lake, Owens, and other conservatives argue that the black national anthem only further divides the American people rather than fostering unity.
It is clear that Lake’s refusal to stand for the black national anthem has struck a chord with conservatives who see it as an example of woke liberalism aiming to separate and further divide the country. While liberals may push for the acceptance of the black national anthem, Lake and Owens believe that there should only be one national anthem that represents the entire nation.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the black national anthem being played before NFL games continues to be a contentious issue. Kari Lake, a former Arizona gubernatorial candidate, has taken a firm stance against the inclusion of the black national anthem, arguing that there should only be one national anthem that unites all Americans. Lake’s refusal to stand for the black national anthem has garnered support from conservatives who believe that it contributes to the division of the country. As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how the NFL and the American people will respond to this ongoing controversy.