In a recent announcement, the NFL revealed its pregame lineup for Super Bowl LVIII, drawing both support and criticism for its decision to include the Black national anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," in the ceremony. The song has been played at each Super Bowl since last year's Super Bowl LV, and its inclusion has sparked heated discussions on social media.

Grammy-winning R&B singer Andra Day has been selected to perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at this year's Super Bowl. The NFL's choice has prompted mixed reactions from fans and observers alike. Some have voiced their disappointment, questioning the necessity of having a Black national anthem before a game that represents American unity.

One Twitter user expressed their frustration, writing, "Sigh... While they're at it, how about the University of Michigan fight song?" Another NFL fan responded to ESPN's Adam Schefter's post about the announcement, asking, "Bro, we're American. Why tf do we need Lift Every Voice and Sing?"

In response to these arguments, others have raised the point of a hypothetical "White national anthem" and its implications. Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones argued that the United States already has a "White national anthem" in Francis Scott Key's "The Star-Spangled Banner." She referred to a Smithsonian article from 2016, highlighting Key's racist views and the song's historical association with prejudice.

The inclusion of the Black national anthem stems from the NFL's decision to introduce it during the 2020 season, following the death of George Floyd and the ensuing protests against racial injustice. The national anthem has become a platform for expressing support for the Black Lives Matter movement, prompting the NFL to adopt this gesture as part of its ongoing commitment to standing against systemic racism.

The NAACP played a significant role in promoting "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as the Black national anthem, starting in 1917. The song's rich history and cultural significance have made it a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and unity within the Black community.

In addition to the controversy surrounding the Black national anthem, it was announced that country music star Reba McEntire will be performing the national anthem, and Post Malone will be singing "America the Beautiful" during the Super Bowl LVIII pregame festivities.

While the NFL's intention to honor the Black national anthem in its Super Bowl pregame lineup has garnered mixed reactions, it is a clear reflection of the ongoing efforts to address racial inequality and promote inclusivity within the league and American society at large. The decision has sparked important conversations about the significance of national anthems and their role in representing diverse communities.