The NFL is planning to have “Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing,” long referred to as the Black national anthem, played or performed before …
The NFL is planning to have “Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing,” long referred to as the Black national anthem, played or performed before games during the first week of this year’s season, ESPN reported Thursday.
Citing a source familiar with the plans, the sports network reported that the song will be played before “The Star-Spangled Banner,“ and that the league is considering putting the names of victims of police brutality on player uniforms.
The efforts come as the league continues to field criticism for its response to kneeling protests started by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the 2016 season.
Kaepernick was the first NFL player to take a knee during the national anthem to protest racial inequality and police treatment of people of color.
