Jill Scott performed a remixed version of the national anthem at a July 4th musical festival last Sunday, July 2, which included anti-racism lyrics.
The performance sparked a backlash from conservatives, who accused Scott of disrespecting the flag and the anthem.
Jill Scott Sings Remixed National Anthem With Anti-Racism Lyrics
In a powerful display of artistic expression, R&B singer Scott took center stage and delivered a stirring rendition of the national anthem that featured thought-provoking lyrics addressing America's history of racism.
According to Newsweek, Scott's performance of the "Star-Spangled Banner" took a unique twist as she skillfully incorporated lyrics aimed at addressing the deep-rooted issue of racism within the United States (US). The singer-songwriter performed her version of the National Anthem during a performance at the New Orleans' Essence Festival last Sunday. It is one of the largest African-American annual music festivals in the country.
As The Los Angeles Times reports, The R&B singer's rendition tweaked the lyrics to shed light on the struggles of Black Americans. Her version of the anthem included the lyrics, "Oh, say, can you see, by the blood in the streets, this place doesn't smile on you, colored child whose blood built this land with sweat and their hands. But we'll die in this place and your memory erased. Oh, say, does this truth hold any weight? This is not the land of the free but the home of the slaves."
As per a report by Fox News Online, the singer-songwriter previously admitted that she once considered leaving the US, blaming the racial climate in the country.
The performance was met with cheers from some in the audience. But despite that, some were utterly displeased. Some people took to social media to express their disapproval of Scott's anthem rendition.
Conservation Slams Jill Scott's National Anthem Lyrics
In other words, her bold reinterpretation did not come without controversy. The performance has sparked a fierce backlash from conservatives across the nation.
Republican Representative of Colorado Lauren Boebert's recent tweet says that Scott's version of the anthem was "shameful." She stresses that "no one should use the National Anthem to express their hatred for America," adding that "too many men and women have sacrificed their lives for our great nation to tolerate this."
Meanwhile, political strategist Joey Mannarino, an ex-co-host of the pro-Donald Trump radio show, "Your Voice America," also shared his two cents on Scott's performance. He says that it was "heartbreaking" since he was a big fan of the R&B singer to the extent that he could name all of the musical artist's songs.
Despite the backlash, others rallied behind her. A Twitter user, who goes by @GJChamberlain, says that artists like her deserve the freedom to express her pain "whether we agree or not."
