johneh's Blog

I am disgusted, disappointed, and completely opposed to Mayor Hickenlooper's and Councilman Charlie Brown's reactions to Renee Martin singing the "Negro National Anthem" at the recent state of the city address. It is blatantly racist to assume that this version of the National Anthem is controversial, and somehow holds less validity then the more popular mainstream version. Councilman Brown said that he thought Miss Martin was singing a "long introduction to the real version." He also said that he was "mad" and that he "almost walked off the stage." In addition Mayor Hickenlooper said that he was "very disappointed" by Miss Martin and said that he "should've sang the national anthem himself." Both men obviously had a very negative reaction to Miss Martin and the song she sang. However if either men were more educated on their American history they would know that this version of the national anthem was written to celebrate the life and service of one of America's most valued statesman, Abraham Lincoln.

 Written in 1899 by brothers John Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson, the song's proper title is "Lift Every Voice and Sing," but has come to be commonly known as the Negro National Anthem. Since its creation the song has been performed at countless public events, both national and local, and in 1990 (due to it's recognized popularity and patriotic lyrics) the song was officially recorded in the Congressional Record as the official African-American National Hymn. Although subtle, Councilman Brown's attack on the song as not being the "real" version of the national anthem, as well as Mayor Hickenlooper's disappointment in it, demonstrates their blatant disrespect for African-American culture. In addition their reaction demonstrates a degree of racial prejudice within both men, with the way they automatically disapproved of the song without doing any research to learn the songs history, its purpose, or its message. Furthermore Councilman Brown and Mayor Hickenlooper must not have listened to any of the words that Miss Martin was singing, because had they listened to the lyrics they would have heard the patriotic message of the song. Instead they simply viewed the situation as a Black woman (whom they didn't know and obviously didn't respect) disgracing our country's national anthem, with some unknown and un-respected song.

            This version of the National Anthem is just as relevant and patriotic as the mainstream version, the problem is that since Black Americans are still considered and treated as second class citizens, mainstream society hasn't taken the time to accept and familiarize themselves with this version of our national anthem. It is extremely disappointing to discover how extremely ignorant city councilman Charlie Brown and Mayor John Hickenlooper are to the history of their own country, and of their fellow African-American citizens. Denver is a city that prides itself on its diversity, and its fair treatment of all its citizens. With this in mind the city should require more sophisticated action from its government officials. Denver's public officials, in addition to its citizens of all races, should be ashamed and outraged with Councilman Brown and Mayor Hickenlooper, and should demand a public apology for their ignorant and disrespectful reaction to this situation.

             More importantly both men should apologize to Renee Martin because they wrongly and publicly disrespected her as a citizen, an artist, and a person. I applaud Miss Martin for her courage in giving a diverse and patriotic performance, and I thank her for being willing to take public ridicule in order to showcase the beauty, elegance, and patriotism of one of America's most valued anthems. Her performance makes me proud to say that I am an African-American.