In a recent Twitter post, Tennessee Democratic Representative Steve Cohen expressed his disappointment and outrage at the Super Bowl LVIII crowd for their lack of response during the performance of the black national anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Cohen criticized the crowd, stating that "very very few stood" during the rendition of what he referred to as the "Negro National Anthem."

Sunday marked the second consecutive Super Bowl where the ballad was performed live on-field, sung by Andra Day, and it garnered much fanfare from the audience. "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was composed by civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson in the late 19th century, serving as an ode to hope for African American freedom.

Representative Cohen, who is Jewish and represents Tennessee's 9th Congressional District, which is 66.8% black, defended his stance on the issue, stating, "I stand for both. And in Memphis, most do." Cohen emphasized that while he honors and respects the national anthem as representing the country and its pride, he believes that the anthem's historical context relates to slavery.

Notably, in previous years, the NFL had faced controversy over players kneeling during the national anthem, triggering backlash and divisive public discussions about race relations in the United States. In response, the NFL implemented a policy in 2018, prohibiting players from kneeling during the anthem and suggesting they remain in the locker rooms if they had any issues.

Cohen has a history of stoking controversy with his comments on race relations. In a previous Twitter post from 2013, he shared a seemingly nonsensical comment related to a DNA test and a tow truck driver, which he later claimed was a joke. Nevertheless, Cohen has emphasized that his black constituents consider him one of them, despite being a white person.

Since 2007, Cohen has served in Congress and has previously defeated black Democratic primary challengers, including one who attempted to link him to the Ku Klux Klan.

The Super Bowl LVIII incident has reignited discussions about racial divides in America and the need for continued efforts towards equality and understanding. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Rep. Cohen's outspoken position on race and national anthems will impact his political career moving forward.