The U.S has been amid a major social and political upheaval for the last six months, and some of these problems aren’t so new as they are connected, unfortunately, to the racial inequality. Many American citizens are reaching out and voicing their qualms over the situation that seems to get more intense as the months go by.
And, of course, the sports domain which is highly multicultural and interracial was one of the first areas where people started to show their true beliefs and feelings over the general situation. Who doesn’t remember Colin Kaepernick’s posture during the national anthem back in 2016 when he knelt as the anthem was heard? And, who doesn’t remember the debate that was flared, following his action?
As the time passes, more and more protestors raise awareness around the never ending issue of racial inequality in the American society and thus many sport organizations choose no to play the national anthem at their pregame ceremonies. Moreover, the number of the athletes that kneel during the anthem, like Colin Kaipernick did, also rises as they protest against the police brutality and racism.
As Charles Ross, a history professor and director of African-American Studies at the University of Mississippi, told to the New York Times, “I would have said something has really happened in America to cause that. Clearly what’s happened in America and in Minneapolis on May 25 fundamentally changed people’s perspectives as it relates to racism in this country.”
But that is not what our story is truly about, it’s actually about a high school football team which was so disappointed when they heard that the national anthem wouldn’t be played before the beginning of their game that they decided to do something about it.
The Granbury Pirates, a high-school football team from Texas upon learning that the national anthem wouldn’t be heard they were so “outraged” that they decided to sing the anthem by themsleves, a capella.
They stood proudly on their feet and from the sidelines with their hands crossed over their hearts, they sang from their soul. Soon enough, the Crowley Eagles and the fans joined in too .
The twist in this story is that the anthem wasn’t initially heard not as a sign of protest, but due to the weather condition. You see, the day of the football game the weather was quite agressive that the school band was uanble to go out on the field and perform. As a matter of fact, the game was eventually cancelled and rescheduled for the following day.
The anthem was heard and the game took place on the next day, but unfortunately for the Grandury Pirates, they eventually lost to Crowley 35-34. It was a close one!
The anthem is a very important part of a nation’s identity and history. When it’s heard locally or internationally, it is supposed to bring pride in the hearts of people; and when they sing along, they praise in their turn their country.
However, there has been an open debate about the “The Star-Spangled Banner” and particularly the 3rd verse which contains slavery references. Time will tell where this debate will lead and how things will evolve!
If you would like to listen to the Grandbury Pirates sing, check out the video below!
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