Woman Sings 'Black Nat'l Anthem' at Denver State of the City
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Posted: 8:29 PM Jul 2, 2008
Woman Sings 'Black Nat'l Anthem' at Denver State of the City
A performer caused a stir in Denver Tuesday by singing the words to a tune known as the black national anthem when she was expected to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Reporter: Associated Press
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A performer caused a stir in Denver Tuesday by singing the words to a tune known as the black national anthem when she was expected to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Denver jazz singer Rene Marie sang the lyrics of "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" to the tune of the national anthem. It happened Tuesday before hundreds of people gathered to hear Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's annual State of the City speech.

The lyrics include, "Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us."

Hickenlooper says he didn't know of Marie's plans in advance.

Marie says artists don't have to ask for permission to express themselves.

City Councilman Charlie Brown says Marie should have stuck to the original words.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


Latest Comments

Posted by: Maria Location: Colorado Springs on Jul 9, 2008 at 01:38 PM

I know there are alot of hispanics who do not feel they need to learn English, and I don't agree with them. I'm not saying anyone should be shot, but to respect the country you are in. Those who refuse to learn the language of the country they choose to live in should not expect people to tip-toe around them.
Posted by: Sharon Location: CS on Jul 7, 2008 at 08:25 PM

Maria, Many Hispanics do impose their heritage on others by speaking Spanish instead of English. Some don't even attempt to learn the language. I recently had someone come to me and try to tell me what they needed and was irate that I did not speak Spanish. So should all the Hispanics who do this be shot??
Posted by: Maria Location: Colorado Springs on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:43 AM

When I first heard this story, I was shocked. So what if theres a "Black National Anthem?" If she's an American, she should be proud to be an American, not try to cause conflict with something like this. She knew what she was doing and she knew the reaction she would get. I'm hispanic, and proud of my heritage, but theres a difference between being proud of your heritage and imposing it on others. If you pulled something like this in any other country you would get shot! If she is American, she needs to be proud to be an American. Even if you are not a citizen of the country you are in, you need to respect the people who are. You need to respect the country and the men and women who are fighting for freedom!
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