Major League Baseball (MLB) has made the decision to permanently ban the performance of the “Black National Anthem,” “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” before games starting next season. The move, which comes as part of a broader shift in the league’s policy, emphasizes a unified stance on national symbols, declaring that “one flag, one anthem” will be the guiding principle at all MLB events moving forward. This controversial decision has sparked immediate reactions from both supporters and critics, drawing attention to the ongoing debate over race, national identity, and the role of sports in social justice.
For several years, MLB has included “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as part of its pre-game ceremonies, particularly during opening day and special events, as a gesture of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and the wider fight for racial justice. The decision to feature the anthem was one of several steps the league took in response to widespread protests following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. The performance of the song was seen by many as a way for the league to acknowledge the racial inequities in the United States and stand in support of the Black community.
However, starting next season, the league has stated that only “The Star-Spangled Banner” will be performed at all MLB events. According to the league, this change is meant to promote national unity, asserting that the focus should be on a single national anthem that represents all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity, or political affiliation. MLB officials have been clear in their belief that the anthem should serve as a symbol of national cohesion, and the decision is being framed as a return to a more traditional approach to pre-game rituals.
“We believe that there is one flag, one anthem, and one unified America,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement. “Our policy moving forward is designed to bring all communities together, focusing on shared values and the collective spirit of the country.”
Despite these statements of unity, the decision has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from advocates for racial equality. Critics argue that removing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is a step backward for racial justice and a failure to recognize the unique historical and cultural significance of the anthem for Black Americans. For many, the anthem is more than just a song; it is a symbol of struggle, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality.
“This is a move that disregards the contributions, struggles, and voices of Black Americans who have fought for their place in this country,” said Maya Harris, a civil rights advocate. “It sends the message that the league is not committed to acknowledging the systemic issues that continue to affect marginalized communities.”
The ban also raises important questions about the role of sports in addressing social issues, particularly the intersection of activism, patriotism, and national symbols. Over the past few years, athletes across various sports have used the national anthem to protest racial injustice, with some choosing to kneel during the anthem to draw attention to issues such as police violence and inequality. The most well-known example of this is former NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 as a protest against racial discrimination. His actions sparked a national conversation about race and the use of the anthem as a form of protest, a conversation that eventually reached MLB.
Some MLB players, particularly those from the Black community, have expressed their disappointment with the ban, viewing it as a missed opportunity for the league to continue to show support for racial justice. Others, however, have supported the move, arguing that the focus should be on national unity and that having multiple anthems at games only divides the country further.
“I understand why people want to honor ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ but the anthem is supposed to bring us together as Americans,” said one MLB player, who requested anonymity. “At the end of the day, we all represent the same country, and the anthem should reflect that.”
The decision has also prompted discussions about MLB’s broader commitment to racial equality and social justice. While the league has taken steps to diversify its ranks and address discrimination, the removal of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” could be seen as a retreat from its earlier efforts to support marginalized groups. The policy change raises concerns that MLB is more interested in appeasing certain segments of its fanbase than taking a strong stance on issues of racial equity.
“The removal of the ‘Black National Anthem’ is a clear indication that MLB is prioritizing the comfort of certain audiences over the moral responsibility to support racial justice,” said Clarence Thomas, a professor of race and sports studies. “It’s disappointing, especially when we consider how the league has positioned itself as a progressive force in the past few years.”
Another aspect of the decision is the growing tension surrounding national symbols and their use in sports. In recent years, American athletes have increasingly used the flag and the national anthem as platforms for political expression. As this trend has gained momentum, sports organizations have found themselves in a difficult position, balancing the desire to remain neutral with the need to take a stand on important social issues.
MLB’s decision may also be a response to the growing polarization in American society. In a climate where nearly every political issue has become deeply divisive, the league might be hoping that limiting the anthem to a single song will help avoid further controversy and keep the focus on the sport itself.
Moving forward, MLB will likely face continued scrutiny over its stance on race and social justice. The league’s commitment to unity will be tested not only by the policy change but also by its future actions in addressing inequality and supporting marginalized communities. Whether this decision is ultimately viewed as a step forward or backward in MLB’s efforts to be more inclusive remains to be seen.
