Inside the News

Black America's new stanza on patriotism

   For black Americans, a population historically marginalized because of  skin color, traditional displays of patriotism haven't been easy to embrace.

   And for some, that can even include the national anthem.

   Instead, the song, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," is revered.

   The Rev. Joseph Lowery began the benediction of President Obama's inauguration with a recitation of the last stanza of the popular hymn. Long considered "The Negro National Anthem," it is not uncommon for "Lift Every Voice and Sing" to compete and, sometimes, even supplant the "Star Spangled Banner" during  momentous events in the black community.

    An alternative to the national anthem is an example of the complicated nature of patriotism for African-Americans, whose history in this country is rooted in slavery and defined by racism -- fueling  feelings of distrust and resentment.

   But the unprecedented political success of President Obama is changing opinions and redefining the idea of patriotism among  some African-Americans, many of whom stood on the National Mall on Jan. 20, waving flags, immersed in a visible display of patriotism.

   What are your thoughts?

   -- Emma D. Sapong

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Jackson praises UB's 'heroic' '58 team

   Jesse Jackson didn't know about the story of the University of Buffalo's decision not to play in the 1958 Tangerine Bowl until recently but the founder and president of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition promises to spread the word nationwide.

   "The story of Buffalo," Jackson said, "must be told."

   Jackson was the keynote speaker at the International Bowl Kickoff Luncheon Friday at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, and called the team's decision not to play in the game one of the greatest pivotal points of the civil rights movement. Jackson appeared at the luncheon in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of the UB's 1958 team, which took a courageous stand against segregation.

   "We found a well kept secret of the heroics of the '58 Buffalo team," Jackson said. "It was a heroic act. Significantly it was really led by white players who defied the cult of segregation."

   The team declined its invitation to the Tangerine Bowl after learning that the Orlando High School Athletic Association, which held the lease to the Tangerine Bowl, had a standard rental agreement containing a clause prohibiting mixing of races in sports contests. That meant that Willie Evans and Mike Wilson, the only African-American players on the '58 football team, were not welcome at the Tangerine Bowl. The team decided unanimously against playing in the game.

    "There's a line from the University of Buffalo standing up to Barack [Obama] being the president in 2008," Jackson said. "There's a line between them signaling that culture can
change under a different environment."

-- Rodney McKissic