Back in 2020, the NFL made waves when they decided to play the ‘Black National Anthem’ before all games during Week 1. The league has now expanded on that idea and will now play it before major events in 2021 and beyond.
According to Front Office Sports’ Michael McCarthy, the league will include “Life Every Voice and Sing” as part of the pregame ceremonies for the season opener on Sept.9.
Front Office Sports dropped more details:
“The NFL also plans to make “Lift Every Voice and Sing” — often referred to as the Black national anthem — a prominent part of all big league events, said sources. They will likely highlight victims of racial injustice with a “Say Their Stories” project, as well.
In today’s hyper-partisan media environment, most fans experience football through the prism of television. This year’s renewed social justice messaging efforts will be visible to the 200 million-plus TV viewers who watch game telecasts each season.
The league wants to showcase the Black national anthem in all “tentpole events” moving forward, said another source. That will include the Super Bowl, NFL Playoffs, NFL Draft, and NFL Kickoff game.”
The NFL participated in several social justice messaging campaigns during last season, which included putting “End Racism” and “Inspire Change” in each end zone during games.
Just like last season, this news will be met with a ton of backlash.
