The 76ers might have made a small issue a bigger problem on opening night.
Sevyn Streeter was set to perform the American national anthem at the Philadelphia 76ers season-opener on Wednesday, but the organization stopped the performance minutes before the game due to the slogan on her jersey, according to Streeter.
What was the unacceptable phrase on Streeter’s jersey? It said “We Matter,” lending support to the Black Lives Matter movement. The 30-year-old R&B singer posted a video on Twitter, describing how the 76ers organization had a change of hearts right before she was set to perform.
Was suppose to sing the anthem at @sixers & @okcthunder game but mins b4 @sixers said I couldn't because I was wearing a "We Matter" jersey pic.twitter.com/wjoJN3rq0r
— Sevyn (@sevyn) October 27, 2016
“I’m at the 76ers game to sing the national anthem and the organization is telling me I can’t because I’m wearing a ‘we matter’ jersey.”
The 76ers could be overreacting following last Friday’s Miami Heat anthem singer wearing a Black Lives Matter t-shirt and kneeling during her performance, which wasn’t even the first time that happened during the preseason. If Streeter’s claims are true—and why would she lie?—it’s a bad look for the most progressive pro sports league. The NBA world has been active in promoting social activism, as its biggest stars made a bold statement about violence towards African Americans at the ESPYs and the league sponsored a float at the New York City Pride parade. Earlier this month, the Toronto Raptors also stood arm and arm to pay respect to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Street did absolutely nothing wrong. Yanking her from performing is cowardly and unacceptable. ‘We Matter’ shirts should be encouraged, not punished. The 76ers organization has some explaining to do.
