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Fredric is a web developer based in Chicago who hopes to one day start a foundation to support young, Black males in programming and computer science.

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Black National Anthem and the Star Spangled Banner

July 2nd, 2008 • Related • Filed Under

In something that I am sure will be boiling over the next few days, jazz singer Rene Marie adapted the harmony of the Star Spangled Banner with the lyrics of Life Every Voice and Sing during a Denver, Colorado City Council event. It has created a bit of a controversy. For those that are not aware, Life Every Voice and Sing is considered the Black National Anthem since it was sung in 1900 at a celebration of Lincoln’s birthday, almost 40 years after Black slaves were set free by the Emancipation Proclamation.

In this very bold statement of art, Marie shocked audiences (as evident by the video) with her rendition, albeit ultimately nailing the harmony and eliciting applause in the end from those who were not bewildered by their confusion.

Rene Marie sang the Black National Anthem to the Star Spangled Banner harmony

Jazz singer Rene Marie sang
the Black National Anthem to the
Star Spangled Banner harmony

As I watched the video, I almost expected something bad to happen. I don’t know why, but I felt like someone was going to run up there and grab the microphone away from her or interrupt her. The fact that she went on, beautifully, is something I can say I will be talking about for a long time.

Art is always meant to push the envelope and stretch our comfort zones, sometimes uncontrollably. Whether its in the form of raunchy comedy like Chappelle show or unique painted art from Picasso, art tickles are practicality and laughs in its face for being so stubborn.

The real question, however, is whether the current political climate and ‘frank conversations about race’ will ultimately drown this event into an argument about what it means to be American. I’m betting that it will…especially after CNN and MSNBC get a hold of it (which they probably already have). Well, I say….keep on sista. We need things like this to remind us of our freedom and to keep us talking. Even crazier, the City Council president has been receiving hate mail from people at an almost egregious level. Marie’s point of view:

She blended the two songs together. She was trying to make an artistic expression of her love for the country. She did not intend to make a political statement or anything.

Viewing 10 Comments

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    Check out all the confused faces, lol. They are like 'wtf'
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    I say more power to her. I do not find it disrespectful at all. However, I'm sure FOXNEWS will find plenty of people that do.
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    No doubt. It's heating up now, though. Google Trends is spiking with searches for 'Black National Anthem' and 'LIft Every Voice and Sing'.

    Can't wait for Fox's Hannity's take or O'Reilly's. It's going to be a storm!

    The funniest thing, to me, is thinking of how Jon Stewart always jokes about how people somehow think Obama is going to enslave the white race when he becomes President. I can see people getting all up in arms saying 'SEE! SEE! I told you! They are already replacing the National Anthem!'
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    ‘SEE! SEE! I told you! They are already replacing the National Anthem!’

    OMG I bet some people will actually say that! I'm Canadian and I think I saw the Black National Anthem once on YouTube but never before that. What a bold thing to do. What a brave person.
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    What does Obama have to do with this? Unbelieveable. Why is it when black folk do something that is not mainstream, it will cost Obama votes? You should read the crazy comments after the article (from the Denver newspaper). There is a fear that Obama will make this a "black" nation...like he told ole girl to do this or this was at an Obama fundraiser...at least now folks know what "Lift Ev'ry Voice.." is. More power!
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    Leaving Obama aside on this, I found it quite interesting. I'm not American, but even I found it slightly uncomfortable listening to it as I know how important the national anthem is in American society. More so than many other societies.

    I don't know the nature or the context of the event in which it was performed, and am not sure if there is any specific relation, but it was definitely a bold and brave statement, and I look forward to the discussions which I am sure will ensue.

    I don't quite agree however with the statement "Art is always meant to push the envelope and stretch our comfort zones". I don't think this is the case. Art often does so, and is often welcome when it does, but is not always intended to. In my opinion, art is the expression of the soul, a physical manifestation of thought and meaning. It does not "always" have to stretch comfort zones. After all isn't it best when art is enjoyed without discomfort?

    Lastly, as a non-American, I have never really paid much attention to the pledge of allegiance. In light of history, and current events, I find it slightly offensive, especially the "liberty and justice for all" part. It seems this, and the flag, a most important symbol of the United States, has been used as an excuse to reek atrocities in the rest of the world. eg. Like bringing peace and justice to Iraq, or Afghanistan, or other countries that have been the subject of US interest. Even with prevailing issues with "liberty and justice" within America, it is interesting that the pledge has meaning.

    This may well be and old observation, but for some reason while watching the video, it struck me. Maybe the attention to the national anthem may bring attention to the pledge also.
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    luv it;)
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    THAT WAS FABULOUS!!!!! She killed it. Yep, there'll be some ugliness, but who cares. She made an awesome statement (whether she intended to or not), and she did it with finesse and class! Rock on.
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    yeah that was great...we had to listen to her choice of a song over Americas Anthem...shes not brave...shes an ignorant, sneaky selfish sycophant...hey lets everyone do it....lets have young jeeezy sing his version...hey look its Brittany w her version....another example of hollywood style people...all about me....so naturally shes is a an obama supporter...hes for change...change to what no one knows...but damn it..just change! hey we get what we deserve
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    That was done wonderfully and you go girl!!!!! Those that matter don't judge and those that judge don't matter peace and blessings
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