Andra Day Performs Iconic Song at 2024 Super Bowl
Singer Andra Day was chosen to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” commonly known as the Black national anthem, at the commencement of the 2024 Super Bowl. The song was performed by 500 schoolchildren in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1900. This song was originally written in honor of President Abraham Lincoln to celebrate his birthday.
A well-known author, civil rights activist, and lawyer, James Weldon Johnson, wrote the hymn as a poem specially for the president. While James wrote the poem, the musical composition for the song was provided by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson.
Initially referred to as a “National Hymn” by James Weldon Johnson, the piece gained recognition as the black national anthem. Crafted at the turn of the 20th century, the lyrics eloquently conveyed a solemn yet hopeful plea for the liberty of black Americans. The NAACP, where Johnson held a leadership position, adopted the song as a powerful rallying cry during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
Despite being designated as the black national anthem, the song has not been without controversy. Representative Lauren Boebert, a Republican from Colorado, criticized the NFL’s decision to feature multiple anthems, stating, “America only has one national anthem. Why is the NFL trying to divide us by playing multiple games? Do football, not wakeness.”
Actor and choreographer Shaheem Sanchez is set to deliver an American Sign Language performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The song has been showcased at previous Super Bowl ceremonies, with artists such as Alicia Keys, Mary Mary, and Sheryl Lee Ralph taking the stage.
Andra Day’s performance at the Super Bowl holds significance as it coincides with the 123rd anniversary of the song’s inaugural public performance on February 12, 1900. In 2020, the NFL featured “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before all 16 Week 1 games as part of its commitment to addressing social justice issues.
Jones emphasized that “Lift Every Voice and Sing” predates “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which became America’s national anthem in 1931. In early 2021, Rep. James Clyburn sought to honor the song as the national hymn.
The pregame lineup for the 2024 Super Bowl also included Reba McEntire singing the national anthem and rapper Post Malone performing “America the Beautiful.” Andra Day expressed her gratitude on social media, stating, “Peace and blessings!!! Performing the Anthem at the SuperBowl, y’all! Grateful! Thank You God.”
