The viral photo of Kari Lake, a former Arizona Republican gubernatorial hopeful, attending Super Bowl LVII has been shared for reasons you may not have expected.
Former news anchor and GOP firebrand, the former anchor was seen sitting during controversial Black national anthem performance before the game. It took place at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona.
On social media, a photo of her refusing the anthem was shared. It quickly generated a frenzy with people who praised her decision.
Another Twitter user said: “Good for her. This should not be supported. It was designed to divide the country.”
Lake replied to a tweet about the photo, “I’m just there for THE National Anthem.”
The Black national anthem was called “Lift Every Voice, Sing” and it was performed prior to the National Anthem. It sparked intense debate on social media.
According to the NAACP website the song was composed by James Weldon Johnson, a leader of the NAACP in 1900. It began as a poem and then became a hymn.
It was performed during the 2020 Super Bowl. The league’s 2020 season also included the song during its Week 1. The song was also announced prior to the 2021 season.
Critics opposed its inclusion and sought to prevent it from being elevated to the National Anthem level. They also criticized the National Anthem’s racist lyrics and called it “segregation and racism.”
The controversy surrounding the song has spread beyond the NFL. One Florida elementary school sent permission slips to parents earlier this year to allow students to learn the song.