Typically, before sporting events are held throughout the United States, competitors and spectators gather for the playing of The Star Spangled Banner, which is the national anthem of the United States of America. But ahead of Thursday night’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions, another special song was performed along with The Star Spangled Banner.
Before the playing of The Star Spangled Banner on Thursday night, the Kansas City Boys and Girls Choir performed the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which is considered by many as the “Black National Anthem.”
The song was used during the Civil Rights Movement, making it an important part of history, according to executive director Mia Ramsey.
“The history that is steeped in it speaks volumes to where we have come, but how far we still have to go,” Ramsey said according to KCTV.
“In that time, those that were fighting for freedom, those that were fighting for equality, and just to be recognized as a human would know that we could sing this song and we could have pride in our being.
“As we sing this song, we sing it with pride and we honor our ancestors, we honor those who are present before us, and those who are yet to come.”
This is not the first time the song has been sung on a big stage. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” also was played before Super Bowl LVI and the NFL Draft in April 2021.
[KCTV]
