The NFL has made an official decision on whether or not the Black National Anthem will be sung ahead of Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans on Sunday.
The game will pit the Philadelphia Eagles against the Kansas City Chiefs, with the Chiefs heading into the game as the favorites while chasing a third straight ring. The Eagles, also motivated to win a ring of their own, will be keen on exacting revenge for their loss from two years ago.
While the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the Black National Anthem, has caused plenty of controversy in recent years, with plenty of Black people calling it out, the NFL will include it in their pregame affairs.
A 15-Time Grammy Award Nominee Will Sing The Black National Anthem At The Super Bowl On Sunday
According to CBS, Grammy Award-winning artist Ledisi will perform the song ahead of the big game this year. The 52-year-old will perform the song originally written by James Weldon Johnson in 1899 before “The Star Spangled Banner” is sung.
Otis Jones IV will perform the song alongside her in American sign language.
As for the National Anthem, Jon Batiste, a native of New Orleans, will do the honors.
“I’m excited to figure out an arrangement that lasts the test of time, and I look forward to sharing it,” he told Entertainment Tonight last month.
