Washington Informer
Gladys Knight Defends Decision to Sing Anthem at Super Bowl
WASHINGTON INFORMER — Legendary singer Gladys Knight defended her decision to perform the national anthem at next month’s Super Bowl.
By WI Web Staff
Legendary singer Gladys Knight defended her decision to perform the national anthem at next month’s Super Bowl amid the NFL’s ongoing dispute with Colin Kaepernick.
Kaepernick, a former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who led the team to the Super Bowl in the 2012 season, began protesting the anthem in 2016 in the wake of several police-related deaths of Blacks nationwide. The quarterback, who is half-Black and half-White, said he refused to stand for a flag he said represents oppression against Blacks and people of color.
Kaepernick became a free agent after that season, but has been out of the league since. He is currently suing the NFL for colluding to blackball him.
In a statement issued Thursday to Variety, Knight answered the backlash she received for accepting the invitation in light of the Kaepernick situation.
“I understand that Mr. Kaepernick is protesting two things, and they are police violence and injustice,” wrote Knight, 74, who will be performing the song in her Atlanta hometown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “It is unfortunate that our National Anthem has been dragged into this debate when the distinctive senses of the National Anthem and fighting for justice should each stand alone.
“I am here today and on Sunday, Feb. 3 to give the Anthem back its voice, to stand for that historic choice of words, the way it unites us when we hear it and to free it from the same prejudices and struggles I have fought long and hard for all my life, from walking back hallways, from marching with our social leaders, from using my voice for good — I have been in the forefront of this battle longer than most of those voicing their opinions to win the right to sing our country’s Anthem on a stage as large as the Super Bowl LIII,” Knight said.
“No matter who chooses to deflect with this narrative and continue to mix these two in the same message, it is not so and cannot be made so by anyone speaking it,” she wrote. I pray that this National Anthem will bring us all together in a way never before witnessed and we can move forward and untangle these truths which mean so much to all of us.”
NFL officials announced earlier this week that Maroon 5, Travis Scott and Big Boi of OutKast would perform the halftime show. All three acts have fielded similar criticisms as Knight for choosing to appear.
This article originally appeared in the Washington Informer.
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The Election Isn’t Over Yet! Vote for Best of The DMV 2026
The polls are still open for Best of The DMV 2026! Cast your vote for your favorite local businesses and community leaders before the deadline on November 8.
The election isn’t over yet, DMV!
There’s still one more vote to cast this year!
From your favorite restaurants and neighborhood businesses to local artists and community leaders, it’s time to recognize the best of D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
Best of The DMV 2026 voting closes Sunday, November 8!
Make your voice heard and vote for your favorites!
Vote now: https://www.washingtoninformer.com/best-of-the-dmv/
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In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, learn how to protect your digital life and discover career paths in tech with BDPA-DC’s Perry Carter.
How can individuals, families, and businesses protect themselves from growing cyber threats?
In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes sits down with Perry Carter, President of BDPA-DC, to discuss online safety, protecting personal information, and navigating today’s digital world.
From recognizing scams to understanding cybersecurity education and career opportunities, Carter shares insights on why digital security matters to everyone.
The conversation also highlights BDPA-DC’s commitment to technology education, professional development, and opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Watch, learn, and share! Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
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The Washington Informer and GWBCC hosted a night celebrating DMV leaders and vital environmental solutions. Catch the highlights from this impactful community event.
On October 5, 2026, The Washington Informer and the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce (GWBCC) hosted the Best of The DMV x Clearing the Air Meet and Greet at The Guest House in Washington, D.C.
The evening introduced guests to two Washington Informer initiatives. Best of The DMV celebrates the businesses, leaders and creatives shaping our region, as chosen by readers. Clearing the Air is our solutions journalism series on environmental health in the DMV, covering air quality, data centers and the responses making a difference across D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
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