The NFL announced as we speak that Gladys Knight shall be singing the National Anthem throughout the Super Bowl LIII pregame. Following the announcement, Knight has shared a statement in response to Variety’s “question about her stance on the NFL’s treatment of Colin Kaepernick,” the previous NFL quarterback and political activist who’s been blacklisted from the league on account of his peaceable protests towards police brutality.
“I understand that Mr. Kaepernick is protesting two things, and they are police violence and injustice,” Knight instructed Variety. “It is unfortunate that our National Anthem has been dragged into this debate when the distinctive senses of the National Anthem and fighting for justice should each stand alone.” Read the full statement.
Knight continued, discussing her personal historical past of activism and hopes of unity:
I’m right here as we speak and on Sunday, Feb. three to provide the Anthem again its voice, to face for that historic selection of phrases, the way in which it unites us once we hear it and to free it from the identical prejudices and struggles I’ve fought lengthy and laborious for all my life, from strolling again hallways, from marching with our social leaders, from utilizing my voice for good — I’ve been within the forefront of this battle longer than most of these voicing their opinions to win the fitting to sing our nation’s Anthem on a stage as giant because the Super Bowl LIII.
No matter who chooses to deflect with this narrative and proceed to combine these two in the identical message, it’s not so and can’t be made so by anybody talking it. I pray that this National Anthem will convey us all collectively in a manner by no means earlier than witnessed and we are able to transfer ahead and untangle these truths which imply a lot to all of us.
Back in September, it was revealed that Maroon 5 would headline the halftime present. Travis Scott and Big Boi had been additionally confirmed as visitor acts. Despite many artists’ boycott of the present, Travis agreed to perform on the condition that the NFL be a part of him in making a donation to social justice group the Dream Corps. Colin Kaepernick has since voiced his opposition of the efficiency.
Last yr, Pink kicked off the Super Bowl with the National Anthem (regardless of having the flu). In earlier years, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, Billy Joel, and lots of others have taken on the efficiency.
This article was initially revealed on Thursday, January 17 at 6:11 p.m. Eastern. It was final up to date at 9:42 p.m. Eastern.
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