John Legend has called on U.S. politicians to change the country’s national anthem.
The “All of Me” singer is supporting American footballer Colin Kaepernick, who recently stirred up controversy by announcing he would not stand for the Star Spangled Banner before games until there is a “significant change” in the oppression of U.S. people due to their race, and he insists it’s time to change the tune.
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Legend has taken to Twitter to offer up an article which suggests Francis Scott Key’s anthem features an often unsung verse which “literally celebrates the murder of African-Americans”.
My vote is for America the Beautiful. Star spangled banner is a weak song anyway. And then you read this… https://t.co/iAE62FAbxj
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 30, 2016
For those defending the current anthem, do you really truly love that song? I don't and I'm very good at singing it. Like, one of the best
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 30, 2016
Calling the current anthem “weak”, the singer/songwriter offers up an alternative, stating: “My vote is for America the Beautiful.”
He adds: “For those defending the current anthem, do you really truly love that song? I don’t and I’m very good at singing it. Like, one of the best.”
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Kaepernick hit headlines last weekend, after it was noted he had refused to stand for the anthem during the San Francisco 49ers pre-season games.
Asked about his decision, he told NFL Media, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.
“To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
His comments appeared to be aimed at the spate of killings of African-Americans at the hands of white police officers.
The sickening trend hit new heights this summer and resulted in the sniper deaths of five cops patrolling a Black Lives Matter rally in Texas.