Angel Reese Sings ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ Ahead of Juneteenth
Atlanta Dream player Angel Reese was seen singing the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” at Caitlin Clark’s house, just before Juneteenth celebrations. This occurred early Thursday after Reese’s team secured a second consecutive win against the Indiana Fever on Saturday, where she noted being booed by Fever fans two days prior in Indiana.
“It was just a glimpse of where I was, how it felt, how it affected me, and the things I’ve had to go through over the past few years. They haven’t always been great,” Reese shared with reporters on Saturday.
Reese expressed gratitude for her journey as a Black woman, indicating that her experiences shape her perspective. “It’s a privilege… When I was where I was and in the arena, hearing the boos followed by ‘Lift Every Voice,’ I felt like it was for those who walked before me,” she reflected.
When discussing Black cultural representation in Atlanta, she mentioned the significance of young Black girls and boys enjoying the game and shaping their own narratives. “For me, it’s important to express my voice and use my platform. I’ll never be silent about what I believe in,” Reese stated.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing,” composed by James Weldon Johnson and his brother John Rosamond Johnson, first gained public attention through a school choir in Jacksonville, Florida, back in 1900. The hymn has been integrated into WNBA Juneteenth observances, with teams playing it during celebrations.
Earlier, Reese had accused Clark’s fans of racism during her podcast. She emphasized the respect she has for the loyalty shown by Clark’s fans, yet found their behavior occasionally disrespectful. Reese noted, “I think there’s a lot of racism in that.”
Despite allegations, a WNBA investigation found no evidence to support claims of hate comments directed at Reese. She has since recognized that there’s no place for such behavior in the league. Following a game last May, she acknowledged, “If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.”
This week has been significant for Reese, Clark, and the WNBA, with the two prominent players clashing twice in quick succession. Atlanta triumphed over Indiana 108-101, with Reese contributing 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Clark scored 26 points. The Dream later defeated the Fever 113-96, with Reese marking a milestone as the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 career rebounds.
Reese’s recent comments come during a notable time as the Dream acquired her from the Chicago Sky in exchange for future draft picks, a move that aims to set a historic tone for the upcoming season. Her history with Clark dates back to their college days, particularly noteworthy during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game, which captured a staggering 9.9 million viewers.
