Kari Lake remained seated during “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (Dubbed the “Black National Anthem”) before kickoff at Super Bowl LVII
2022 Gubernatorial candidate in Arizona, Kari Lake, remained seated during the “Black National Anthem” before the kickoff of Super Bowl LVII, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Many took to Twitter and other social media platforms to ridicule Lake following her decision to sit through the performance of the “Black National Anthem,” however, her argument appeared to resonate with many – arguing “I’m just here for THE National Anthem 
.”
The @NFL played two different “National Anthems” tonight. Someone just sent me a photo of @KariLake sitting during the first one. pic.twitter.com/HVdiu5xRBG
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 12, 2023
I’m just here for THE National Anthem🇺🇸
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) February 13, 2023
Lake, who appears to have an almost Trump-like ability to continue to ruffle her oppositions feathers on social media, would continue making pro-American NFL points on social media, tweeting:
The rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our Flag was still there 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/RCkEdJc9dD
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) February 12, 2023
Pat Tillman is one of the greatest Arizonans to ever live. He makes me proud to live in this state. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/za9JtJeekM
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) February 12, 2023
Following country music star Chris Stapleton’s performance of the National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (Dubbed the “Black National Anthem”) was performed before Super Bowl LVII by actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph, and controversy immediately arose, with many feeling as though the country is reverting to segregated times, with African Americans now having their own National Anthem, an anthem intended to represent the nation as a whole.
On the other hand, many felt empowered by the anthem having been sung before the United States largest viewed and traditionally most anticipated sporting event. This comes during Black History Month, and having two Black quarterbacks going head-to-head for the first time in Super Bowl history.
However, in response to this argument in favor of the “Black National Anthem,” many feel as though the NFL and supporters of the anthem are intentionally attempting to dismantle the cultural significance of the unity behind the National Anthem. Opting for racial division as opposed to racial unity in the United States.
“Black National Anthem” is an oxymoron. We are ONE nation under God. If you think otherwise, you’re in support of segregation. It’s that simple.
— Xaviaer DuRousseau (@XAVIAERD) February 12, 2023
Spoiler Alert: The people pushing the “Black National Anthem” aren’t trying to unify the country, they’re trying to divide it.
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) February 12, 2023
The “Black National Anthem” largely rose to prominence following 2020, a year that saw the BLM protests and riots following the death of George Floyd. Many believe a separate national anthem for a particular race could be seen as divisive and harmful to the idea of a unified nation. Many also believe that a separate national anthem for a specific race is not necessary, and that American citizens of all races should be coming together to celebrate the United States, not specific ethnicities within the United States.
