On Wednesday of last week, we were shocked and saddened to learn that Sevyn Streeter was not allowed to perform the national anthem at a 76ers game in Philadelphia because she was wearing a jersey that said, “We Matter.”
Thankfully, Streeter did not swallow this offense quietly. She took to social media to explain the situation. The story was picked up across several news outlets. And the uproar and confusion caused the organization to issue this apology.
“We are sorry that this happened. After receiving feedback from our players, basketball operations staff and ownership group, we believe the wrong decision was made, and Sevyn should have been welcomed to sing. We apologize to her, and in an effort to move the conversation forward, we have reached out to offer her an opportunity to return and perform at a game of her choice. We are waiting to hear back.”
It’s so interesting how people want to applaud America for being a land of freedom and of free speech but the restrictions become very apparent when that freedom of expression seeks to declare the rights and humanity of Black people.