The NFL played the Black National Anthem before Super Bowl LVII on Sunday night.
Influencer and “Victoriously Aware” actress and author Sheryl Lee Ralph sang the anthem.
FOX did not identify the song as the Black National Anthem. Instead, they introduced it by its name, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The NFL announced in July 2021 will be playing the “Black National Anthem” as “a prominent part of all big league events,” including the Super Bowl, NFL Playoffs, NFL Draft, and NFL Kickoff game.
The league plays the song to reinforce its 10-year, $250 million commitment to combat systemic racism. 58% of the NFL players are black.
in 2021 Front Office Sports reported that the NFL “will introduce more social justice messaging on fields and player helmets during the upcoming 2021 season, following up on initial efforts from 2020.”