“Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing”, traditionally known as the Black National Anthem, is expected to be played live or played before each Week 1 NFL game, and the league is considering a variety of other measures. During the upcoming season to recognize victims of police brutality, a source familiar with the league’s discussions told The Undefeated on Thursday.
The song would be performed before “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the source said. The NFL season opener is slated for September 10, with the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Houston Texans.
After recently showing increased awareness of systemic racism issues, the NFL, in collaboration with the NFL Players Association, is also considering including the names of victims on uniforms through decals on helmets or patches on Tshirts. The NFL may also produce victim education programs, among other plans.
Earlier last month, Commissioner Roger Goodell in a video admitted that the league had erred in how it handled the peaceful protests of NFL players over police brutality and systemic oppression. Goodell condemned racism and claimed that black lives matter, pledging his allegiance to players in the battle for equal justice under the law.
Also in June, the league revealed plans to increase its social justice footprint by committing to donate $ 250 million over a 10-year period.
The league expects its efforts to demonstrate “genuine commitment to the public, the players and the coaches and that the voices of the players will continue to be heard,” the source wrote in a text message. “This is key to educating fans and becoming a prominent voice in the fight to end racism.”
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