Black National Anthem at Eagles Opener Sparks Huge Debate

The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off their 2025 NFL season against the Dallas Cowboys on September 4, 2025. Before the game, singer Laurin Talese performed Lift Every Voice and Sing, widely known as the Black national anthem.

The performance, followed by the traditional national anthem sung by Boyz II Men, sparked mixed reactions from fans, media, and social media users.

About the Performance

• Talese’s performance took place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
• The song Lift Every Voice and Sing is considered a symbol of African American heritage and pride.
• The end zone displayed the message : It Takes All of Us, emphasizing unity and inclusion.
• This was part of the NFL’s tradition of including the song at special events and season openers.

Fans Reactions

The performance triggered a wide range of reactions online:

• Many fans supported the inclusion, seeing it as a celebration of Black culture.
• Others criticized it, claiming it was unnecessary or divisive.
• Comments on social media included both praise for the singer and debates about national identity and unity.

Why the Song Matters

• Lift Every Voice and Sing was written in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson.
• It became known as the Black national anthem and was adopted by the NAACP in 1917.
• The NFL started featuring the song in 2020 to highlight social justice and inclusion.

Ongoing Debate

The performance at the Eagles opener reflects larger conversations in the U.S.:

• Some see it as a positive step toward inclusion and recognition of Black history.
• Others view it as divisive or unnecessary, arguing for a focus on a single national anthem.
• The debate continues on social media, news outlets, and sports platforms.

Conclusion

The rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing at the Eagles opener has sparked a nationwide debate about race, identity, and unity. As this conversation continues, events like these show the power of music and symbolism in public life.