Andra Day’s rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” commonly known as the Black national anthem, during the Super Bowl pregame show ignited a heated online debate. The song, adopted by the NAACP, originated in 1900 and played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

While opinions on Day’s performance circulated before the event, the post-show reactions intensified. Representative Mike Loychik criticized the inclusion, stating, “There’s no such thing as a black national anthem.” Megyn Kelly echoed this sentiment, tweeting, “The so-called Black National Anthem does not belong at the Super Bowl. We already have a National Anthem, and it includes EVERYONE.”

Critics argue that the Black national anthem, intended to amplify Black Americans’ voices, fosters division. One person emphasized the need to unite as Americans, irrespective of race. The controversy extended to the perceived lack of enthusiasm from the crowd during Day’s performance.

.@AndraDayMusic performs Lift Every Voice and Sing before #SBLVIII! pic.twitter.com/gNRZ9XyibV

— NFL (@NFL) February 11, 2024

The debate surrounding the inclusion of the Black national anthem at the Super Bowl reflects differing views on its significance and appropriateness, with some emphasizing unity and others expressing concerns about potential division. As discussions persist, the role of such symbolic gestures in major events continues to be a topic of national conversation.