Some right-wingers charged that the performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" ahead of the Super Bowl promoted "segregation."

Before 'The Star Spangled Banner' was the national anthem, 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' was the Black national anthem. This year, it turns 125

Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” a song often called the Black national anthem, was sung before the Super Bowl for the fifth year in a row Sunday.

R&B vocalist Ledisi performed the black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” ahead of the 2025 Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The 52-year-old wore all white and was joined by 125 New Orleans high school students for the performance, in honor of the hymn’s 125th anniversary.

On this day 125 years ago the Black National Anthem was first performed, written by James Weldon Johnson and with music brother John Rosamond Johnson.

Photo courtesy of Roland JackThis year's Super Bowl featured R&B singer Ledisi performing the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." This

In a striking white gown and backed by a New Orleans youth choir, The Root 100 honoree brought the house down with her out-of-this-world vocals, doing incredible justice to the historic and powerful song. Her rendition immediately went viral on the internet moments after it aired, with viewers rushing to social media to praise the singer.

From Beyoncé to Whitney Houston, here are the most searched Super Bowl national anthem performances since 2004, according to Google Trends.