The 2024 NFL season kicked off with a controversial moment as the “Black National Anthem,” Lift Every Voice and Sing, was played before the official start of the first game. This sparked heated reactions, with many calling for unity around the traditional National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, as the sole anthem to represent the country.

Critics of the decision argue that the United States has only one anthem, and dividing it by adding a second anthem could undermine the unity that the National Anthem stands for. One critic remarked, “We only have one anthem in America! Respect our National Anthem and America. Don’t be like them, rejecting their homeland.”

Supporters of the “Black National Anthem” see its inclusion as a recognition of the historical struggles and cultural contributions of Black Americans, particularly at a time when issues of race and social justice remain at the forefront of national conversations. The NFL has increasingly engaged with these themes, with players and teams frequently using their platform to bring attention to societal issues.

For years, the NFL has been at the center of cultural debates surrounding patriotism, social justice, and racial equality, particularly since players began kneeling during the National Anthem to protest police brutality. The inclusion of Lift Every Voice and Sing aims to broaden the conversation on equality and respect within the country.

As the season unfolds, this debate is likely to continue, with Americans divided on whether the introduction of the “Black National Anthem” enhances or diminishes the sense of unity that The Star-Spangled Banner has long symbolized.