Major League Soccer (MLS) recently made headlines with a controversial decision to ban the Black National Anthem, also known as “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” from being played at its games. The league has made it clear that it will now adhere strictly to a “One Anthem, One Flag” policy, meaning the traditional “Star-Spangled Banner” will be the only anthem played at MLS matches moving forward.
The decision has sparked significant debate and raised questions about the role of sports organizations in promoting inclusivity and diversity, particularly when it comes to social justice issues. For some, the move is seen as a step backward in the league’s efforts to address racial inequality, while for others, it’s a reaffirmation of unity and patriotism, focusing on the country’s official anthem.
The Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” has been an important symbol in the African American community for more than a century. Written by James Weldon Johnson and his brother John Rosamond Johnson in 1900, it has long been considered a powerful anthem of resistance, resilience, and hope for Black Americans. In recent years, particularly after the killing of George Floyd in 2020, the song gained even more prominence during protests and in various public events, including sports games, as a means to highlight racial injustice and promote unity.
In the wake of widespread social justice movements, many sports leagues, including MLS, incorporated the Black National Anthem into their games as a way to recognize the struggles of the Black community and show solidarity with the fight for racial equality. The anthem was played before MLS matches during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, and its inclusion was seen by some as an important step in acknowledging the historical and ongoing challenges faced by African Americans.
However, the league’s recent decision to ban the song and stick to the traditional national anthem has drawn criticism from advocates of racial justice and inclusion. Many argue that by banning the Black National Anthem, MLS is effectively silencing an important symbol of Black identity and undermining its efforts to be more inclusive. For those who had hoped that the league would continue to support marginalized communities through tangible acts of solidarity, this move feels like a step backward.
In a statement explaining its decision, MLS emphasized its commitment to national unity and stated that sticking to one anthem was in the best interest of the league as a whole. The league’s statement suggested that the focus should remain on the American anthem to ensure unity among fans, players, and communities. “One Anthem, One Flag” was cited as a guiding principle for the decision, suggesting that the country’s official anthem should be the only one played during sporting events, with no exceptions.
While the decision is framed around unity and patriotism, it has not been without backlash. Critics argue that it is precisely in times of division that sports organizations have a responsibility to use their platforms to support marginalized voices. By sticking to the traditional anthem and banning the Black National Anthem, MLS is seen by some as ignoring the unique struggles faced by Black Americans and failing to recognize the importance of creating space for diversity and inclusivity within sports.
The move also raises questions about the role of sports leagues in addressing social and political issues. MLS, like other major sports organizations, has faced growing pressure in recent years to take a stand on issues such as racial inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate change. The decision to limit the anthem played at games is seen by some as a retreat from these efforts, signaling a preference for neutrality rather than continued advocacy for social justice.
On the other hand, supporters of the “One Anthem, One Flag” policy argue that the inclusion of multiple anthems could lead to division, potentially alienating fans who may not share the same views on these political issues. By focusing on the American anthem, they argue, MLS is promoting a sense of national unity and celebrating the country as a whole. For these individuals, the anthem is a symbol of patriotism that transcends race and political ideology, and having multiple anthems could distract from the shared values of the country.
As the debate continues, it’s clear that the decision by MLS is part of a larger conversation about the intersection of sports, politics, and social issues. The inclusion of the Black National Anthem in sports has become a flashpoint in a broader cultural debate about how best to address racial inequality and whether the spotlight should be on unity or on acknowledging the specific struggles of marginalized communities. As the country moves forward, this issue will continue to be a point of contention, and it remains to be seen whether MLS’s stance will evolve or if other sports organizations will follow suit.
For now, MLS has made its position clear, sticking to the anthem it believes represents the country as a whole. Whether or not this decision will impact its relationship with players, fans, and communities remains to be seen, but it is clear that the league’s choice to focus on “One Anthem, One Flag” has ignited an important conversation about the role of sports in social change.
