(AllHipHop News) Apparently, R&B/Pop singer Sevyn Streeter was denied the opportunity to sing the national anthem at a Philadelphia 76ers game because of her attire.
Streeter claimed the team blocked her performance because she was wearing a “We Matter” jersey.
“The organization told me that I could not wear my shirt while singing the national anthem at their game,” the Florida native revealed to the Associated Press. “I was never given any kind of dress code. I was never asked beforehand to show my wardrobe.”
The 76ers have not directly addressed why Streeter was prevented from singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” but the franchise did release a statement.
“The Philadelphia 76ers organization encourages meaningful actions to drive social change. We use our games to bring people together, to build trust and to strengthen our communities. As we move from symbolic gestures to action, we will continue to leverage our platform to positively impact our community,” read the statement.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked nationwide protests and a national conversation after the NFL player refused to stand during the anthem at a preseason game.
Kaepernick was attempting to bring awareness to racial injustice and police brutality.
“I also felt it was important to express the ongoing challenges and ongoing injustice we face as a black community within the United States of America – that’s very important to me,” added Streeter. “Yes, we live in the greatest country in the world, but there are issues that we cannot ignore. This can’t be ignored.”
Was suppose to sing the anthem at @sixers & @okcthunder game but mins b4 @sixers said I couldn’t because I was wearing a “We Matter” jersey pic.twitter.com/wjoJN3rq0r
— Sevyn (@sevyn) October 27, 2016