"Black national anthem" causes stir at Hick[Denver rayor] speech

The Denver Post ^ | 7-1-2008 | By Christopher N. Osher

[Jonah Johansen]

As Denver dignitaries gathered today for Mayor John Hickenlooper's State of the City address, City Council President Michael Hancock introduced singer Rene Marie to perform the national anthem.

But that's not what she did.

Instead, Marie performed the song "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," which also is known as the "black national anthem."

When she finished, the proceedings moved forward, and the "Star-Spangled Banner" was never performed.

[exit82]

I learn something new every day on FreeRepublic.

I never knew about the “black national anthem” and I think I’m a really well read fellow.

Regardless, what she sang was NOT the National Anthem, and it was inappropriate. The mayor was also wrong in not having the music stopped and the correct anthem sung.

A house divided against itself cannot stand.

[blam]

I am old enough to remember when all the racists lived only in Alabama.

I guess that was the good ole days, huh?

[TheZMan]

Heads up; there’s a poll on the link.

[doc1019]

I believe that if one person would have made a scene, the audience might have followed … Mayor be dammed. Sheeple we have become … to our everlasting shame.

[Dr.Zoidberg]

You know, I thought for a while that we were getting over our racial issues as a nation.

As long as whites exist, there will be racism. Not because whites are pining for the good old days of Jim Crow, no, but for the simple reason we are the excuse many need for failure.

Decades of failure to embrace the chances their parents and grandparents won for them with blood and sweat, decades of blaming whitey when they refused to accept that they have a place beside every other man and woman who chooses to stand on their own two feet.

Whites are scapegoats for nearly every social and economic ill, it's easier than taking a look in the mirror and accepting responsibility for your own shortcomings then doing something about it.

[maine-iac7]

Heads up; there’s a poll on the link.

67% hated it

There is hope...

The Black Anthem - dedicated to their Mother Land, Africa.

This must not be repeated...,

We stop it - Nov 4th

[BunnySlippers]

There are other lines in there as well ...

[tomkat]

[TLI]

"I was surprised," said Hancock, who said he thought Marie should

Rene Marie sang alternate lyrics to the tune of "The Star-Spangled Banner." (Denver's Channel 8)have cleared her plans with the mayor's office in advance. By Tuesday afternoon he had received several telephone calls from citizens and the media. "But you go on with the show." Hickenlooper said in a statement: "We were as surprised as anyone that jazz singer René Marie did not sing our national anthem at today's State of the City ceremony, as our staff had requested.

As I listened to her sing, I assumed she would eventually move into the traditional Star Spangled Banner. I called her personally this afternoon to understand what happened. She explained her song was an artistic expression of her love for her country. She said she meant no disrespect of any kind and that her song was in no way intended to be a political statement. She apologized for any problems she may have created.

What a load of BULL. She knew exactly what she was doing. Lying b***h.

[zacharycole]

From the article: She said she meant no disrespect of any kind and that her song was in no way intended to be a political statement.

Typical racist: she's a liar.

[Coffee200am]

I'd like to know what she's doing with a "Black National Anthem"..
1. Excluding Whites, Latinos, Native Americans, Asians.
2 I didn't know Blacks had their own nation and are not Americans.

[zacharycole]

This does make a nice sound bite for the next “American” to run for mayor of Denver.

[yankeedame]

Rick & Midge Holme,
Rhodesia, c. 1966

[yankeedame]

You know, I thought for a while that we were getting over our racial issues as a nation...This election has shown in living color (no pun intended) that racial harmony will never be possible because some folks love the attention that controversy brings more than they do peace among the races. follow the money.

[JennysCool]

I thought for a while that we were getting over our racial issues as a nation.

We were. But there's no money to be made in racial harmony, so things had to get stirred up again for a new generation.

[dljordan]

“They’ll get a pass.

They always do.”

They already have. I was just listening to this story on the Gunny Bob show out of Denver.

[beaversmom]

Here is a link to see the video of her singing at the State of the City:

http://cbs4denver.com/politics/Black.National.Anthem.2.761769.html

[2ndDivisionVet]

ROTFLMAO!!

[beaversmom]

Ha, ha—was that Jesse with a fro?

[LiteKeeper]

INTREP