Super Bowl LVIII will include a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Black national anthem, in addition to "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful," The National Desk reports.
"Lift Every Voice and Sing," recognized by the NAACP in 1919 as the "Negro national anthem," was originally written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900 and set to music by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson.
The song, which borrows biblical themes from the book of Exodus, explores ideas of freedom from slavery. It was prominently used as a rallying song during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
But the inclusion of the song has sparked varied reactions. Some view it as a positive step forward, while others, such as former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and conservative commentator Benny Johnson, see it as divisive or inappropriate.
R&B artist Andra Day, known for her hit "Rise Up," will perform the song.
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Nick Koutsobinas, a Newsmax writer, has years of news reporting experience. A graduate from Missouri State University’s philosophy program, he focuses on exposing corruption and censorship.
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