The lack of an enthusiastic response to the so-called Black National Anthem at the Super Bowl is drawing criticism from a member of Congress.
On Monday, Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) wrote on X, “Very very few stood at Super Bowl for ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’. The Negro National Anthem.”
“Not a pretty picture of Super Bowl crowd,” he added.
Very very few stood at Super Bowl for “Lift Every Voice and Sing”.
— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) February 11, 2024
The Negro National Anthem.
Not a pretty picture of Super Bowl crowd.,
Cohen’s post refers to singer Andra Day’s performance of the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the Super Bowl on Sunday.
Video showed some fans applauding, but it appeared there was not much of a rousing response.
In case you missed it:
.@AndraDayMusic performs Lift Every Voice and Sing before #SBLVIII! pic.twitter.com/gNRZ9XyibV
— NFL (@NFL) February 11, 2024
Some followers on X criticized Cohen for chiding people for not standing for Day’s performance.
“You’re a great guy Steve but we don’t have dual anthems and only one gets the respect of standing. If they want an anthem , all good, but you should only stand for the national anthem,” one user wrote.
However, Cohen responded, “I stand for both.And in Memphis, most do.”
I stand for both.And in Memphis, most do.
— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) February 12, 2024
Another user wrote, “The AMERICAN national anthem doesn’t see color. Dems have been the front line in dividing this country with race wars.”
“Well, I honor our national anthem and respect it as representing our country and in our pride in it. However if you look at the history and some of the verbiage, it does relate to slavery and not in a questioning manner,” Cohen responded.