Sage Steele Criticizes 'Black National Anthem' as Forced

Podcaster and former ESPN host Sage Steele recently criticized the use of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” often referred to as the “black national anthem” at major sporting events, calling it divisive and accusing organizers of forcing it on the public.

Speaking with comedian, actor, and musician Reggie Watts on “The Sage Steele Show,” Steele voiced her concerns about the song's inclusion at high-profile events. “I never intended to stir the pot, but now I don’t care. … I don’t like this whole black national anthem thing,” Steele stated.

“What’s the black national anthem?” Watts inquired, to which Steele responded by explaining its recent introduction at events like the Super Bowl. “And it’s been at a couple of major sporting events, and it’s ‘Lift Every Voice,’ and that’s sung now before the national anthem and it’s called the black national anthem.”

Watts humorously suggested the term “blanthem,” which Steele accepted. She elaborated on her discomfort with the song’s use:

“Let’s call it that. Hashtag blanthem. Maybe if it were that I would not think it were so ridiculous and divisive. … With the hashtag we’re good. Cool. To me, and again I’m sensitive, because I’ve been told Dude, we’re one big melting pot. This is good. Why are we now choosing to separate again when we’ve been in a tough time here the past several years, to say, ‘This is only our anthem, but y’all better stand up. Get your a** up.’ …I think we’re all Americans and it’s our anthem; and all the immigrants from across the world that have come here stand up for our anthem. They’re all Americans.”

Steele criticized the forced nature of the song’s inclusion, saying, “First of all, the fact that you didn’t even know,” she said to Watts. “What’s that? The black national anthem. Because it’s new and they’re shoving it down people’s throats. What are we doing?”

In April, Steele discussed her views on race with Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro. She described the backlash she faced for identifying as biracial and her frustration with those who advocate for diversity but criticize her perspective. “I think one of the biggest things that has made me so divisive and disliked … is my conversation about being biracial. So if I’m asked and if I’m filling out a census … I’m going to check black and white, you know, my dad’s black, my mom is white,” Steele said.

“I’m so proud of both. And for some reason that’s controversial,” she continued, questioning why her family's diverse background isn’t celebrated by those who push for diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Why is it bad that I love my mom as much as my dad and want to celebrate her as well? And when I was crushed for that a few times, I got ticked off. I’m like, enough. This is total B.S.,” she said. “And it’s actually complete hypocrisy, the opposite of what we are preaching of diversity and tolerance and acceptance.”

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