R&B singer and actor Jill Scott blasted America by changing the words of the National Anthem into claiming it’s an oppressor state during a live performance on stage.
Jill Scott was acting on the second day of the Essence Festival on the perceived systemic racism in America, saying the country is “not the land of the free.”
Essence, a way of life magazine that hosts the festival, commented, “Everyone please rise for the one National Anthem we will likely be recognizing from at the present time forward. Jill Scott, we thanks!”
The lyrics said:
“Oh say are you able to see by the blood within the streets / That this place doesn’t smile on you coloured child / Whose blood built this land with sweat and their hands / But we’ll die on this place and your memory erased / Oh say, does this truth hold any weight / This is just not the land of the free, however the home of the slaves!”
Scott has previously said in an interview with Jemele Hill that she has considered leaving America as a result of the racial climate, and would look ahead to a higher education system.
“There are some belongings you don’t should take care of in other countries. We’re taking a look at Holland… The education is dope, the healthcare is dope. There’s only a few confines in your personality. If you desire to go get some a– or buy some a– ain’t no person tripping on you… I like the concept of individuals having the ability to be free so long as you’re not harming anybody.”
In protest of perceived racial injustice, entertainers and athletes have used their stage performances and games to drive home their concerns.
Athletes within the NBA, the NFL and other sports have kneeled for the National Anthem, starting in 2016 when Colin Kaepernick, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers.
The choice to kneel began a firestorm across the league and even reached the upper echelon of the White House.
Other singers like Beyoncé have released songs with similar messages, including “Black Parade,” which discusses racial division.
“Put your fists up within the air, show Black love,” she sang. “Need peace and reparation for my people.”
“I can’t forget my history is her story,” it continued. “Being Black, possibly that’s the rationale why they at all times mad.”
“Rubber bullets bouncin’ off me. Made a picket log out your picket fence. Take it as a warning”
