Sevyn Streeter and the Philadelphia 76ers have rescheduled her National Anthem performance for the team’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 16. And she will be wearing a “We Matter” jersey.
The news comes from the Associated Press after the NBA team initially canceled the singer’s performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner” moments before she was supposed to take the court before the 76ers season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Streeter took to social media to inform her fans of what went down and the team apologized, saying it had made the wrong decision in removing her from doing the honor because of the “We Matter” jersey she was wearing.
The singer shared a statement on Twitter today (November 5) saying she has accepted the 76ers apology. She also says that the team will make a donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia and she will partner with the team on “multiple community outreach programs to promote inclusion and acceptance.”
The National Anthem has been the source of controversy this year after San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has led a protest in the NFL against the opening ceremony ritual in order to raise awareness for social injustices in the United States. Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall lost multiple endorsement deals because of his participation in the protest. The NBA was preparing for similar demonstrations as it opened the season last month.
