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Black National Anthem
T O P I C Discussion Started: 07-02-2008, 4:35 PM Add to the Discussion
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A performer triggered a wave of angry criticism and hate e-mails when she sang the words to a song known as the black national anthem instead of "The Star-Spangled Banner" before a city function.

Denver jazz singer Rene Marie sang the lyrics to "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" to the tune of the national anthem on Tuesday before hundreds of people at Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's annual State of the City speech.

Tell us what you think. Was it appropriate for Marie to sing the "Black National Anthem"?

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Emmasdad 11-04-2008, 10:55 AM Add to the Discussion
Considering the event she at which she was performing I feel her choice was inappropriate at best. I thought we lived a country where the national athem represented everyone. Singing a black athem to me is a racist move. If she was white and had sung a white anthem, oh my God, the NAACP would have gotten involved, and then what a mess. It was inappropriate and sets us up for a double standard. Then Star Spangled Banner is for everyone and not for one particular race. Let's keep it that way.

Just my .02

PackMule 07-25-2008, 9:53 AM Add to the Discussion
BLACK POWER HAS BEEN ON THE RISE FOR MANY YEARS... IF NOT STOPPED: WHITES WILL LOOSE ALL THEY HAVE, AND WILL HAVE!!!

( ZAN - TI - MOW )

adtenaj 07-09-2008, 12:20 PM Add to the Discussion
I was quite taken aback by this stunt and it was just that a STUNT.

This singer was asked there to sing the National Athem and that is waht she should have done. Not use this as a self serving forum for her own agenda.

As a black person I was offended when she said the National Athem does not represent her as a "black person". Well it shouldn't. It should represent her as an American.

I was also offended that she took a song of struggle and pride that represents our ancestors who fought to have us recognized and counted as just that Americans. With the same rights and opportunities that allowed her to even sing that song. Maybe she should listen to it again. If she felt that way she should have politely and respectfully declined the opportunity.

Lets all remember that on 9/11 when those towers fell its outraged and hurt us all as a nation. Not black, not white, not hispanic, indian or whatever you happen to be...Let us stand up as Americans together and find things that bring us together, not seperate and tear us apart.

Respectfully, Janet Davis

kc1125 07-06-2008, 11:13 AM Add to the Discussion
There is only one National Anthem. This woman's act is a slap in the face and an insult to the American's who love this country. Who does she think she is? Apparently, she is someone who can't write her own music. If Rene feels like a foriegner in this country, I can understand why. Perhaps she should find somewhere else to live.

John Story 07-04-2008, 4:30 PM Add to the Discussion
The majority of black people have never even heard or this so-called Black National Anthem and don't want to.

SATCHMO1 07-04-2008, 12:14 PM Add to the Discussion
Rene Marie's using wording of the black national anthem instead of our national anthem was truly a racist act. The very fact that there is a black national anthem is racist. We are one grand country; and those that feel otherwise are simply feeling sorry for themselves for transgressions long past. Even longer ago, the Jewish people were slaves and you don't hear them dwell on that or carry a chip on their shoulder.

Get over it! Martin Luther King is rolling over in his grave and embarrassed for you.

SATCHMOJAZZ

a49er 07-04-2008, 11:56 AM Add to the Discussion
A little chocolate should fall on everyone's vanilla. This is America the land of free speech. and the right to desent.

I'm appalled at Barack Obama's response.....So political.... Granted his parentage didn't survive slavery so maybe he just dosen't get it.

In these days of apathy in our country. I applaud her for taking a stand for her beliefs. Maybe it's time to unite our states instead of continuing the idiotic racial divide.

Mayor Hick maybe you should reconsider your response and be the bigger person.

1singer624 07-03-2008, 10:25 PM Add to the Discussion
Has anyone thought that instead of a racist act or disdain for all things American, Ms Rene was trying to make a unifying statement. By taking (wonderfully written) lyrics known as the Black National Anthem and combining them with the traditional composition known as the National Anthem, she made a deliberate expression of what our country could and should be. She is a decendent of slaves and slave owners(an AMERICAN), just how unpatriotic could she be????

Regards, D

Brenda999 07-03-2008, 4:47 PM Add to the Discussion
As an American I was outraged! Their is a time and a place for " Artistic creativity "! I believe she knew exactley what she was doing. I hope African Americans are outraged at what she did! It's unfortunite that during an election year once again controversey has erupted! I don't think she helped African Americans or let me put it this way " All Americans " We are one Country! At least I thought we were!

PeteCDR 07-03-2008, 4:24 PM Add to the Discussion
She has widened and deepened the chasm separating the races of this country and that on the cusp of a day we observe to commemorate our resolve and strength. She was unreasonable and not in keeping with the idea of unity of purpose of our people.

I think she breached her contract with the city and should be taken to court. But that court rendering should not necessarily be monetary in nature but declaratory. She should be made to apologize publicly and loudly. She should also be made to serve community service and that community service should be limited to compelling her by court order to sing the Star Spangled Banner in public for various functions and restricted from singing her version until the specified number of renderings of the real national anthem have been fulfilled. I also think that she should not, when performing those renderings (at her own expense) without the customary arpeggios and ad libs which are common to black performers. That is two cents worth of opinion from a Navy Corpsman and combat veteran.

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