The National Anthem, A Prisoner's Perspective

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ~ It's been well documented that Colin Kapernick, former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, refused to stand last year during the singing of the national anthem in his protest against police brutality and injustice towards marginalized people. His message has been convoluted by the diverse interpretations of many people causing a lack of focus and an inability to recognize white supremacy for what it is. In 1911, a hundred and six ago, black social scientist, W.E.B DuBois complained about police officers' excessive use of deadly force against blacks. Today, Colin Kapernick is repeating the same theme from times past.

**** Question **** Do you think it's about CK disrespecting The National Anthem synonymous with the American flag or more about his criticism of uncontrolled white police authority. Francis Scott Key (1779 - 1843 ) was the author of the "Star Spangled Banner" which Congress would later adopt as the The National Anthem in1931. What most people don't know is that Francis Scott Key was a member of a white nationalist/ supremacist organization called the American Colonization Society (ACS) established in 1816 at the Davis Hotel in Washington D.C. Other notable members of the ACS were Supreme Court Justice Roger B. Taney, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, James Monroe, and Andrew Jackson.This organization was created on the notions that: 1. Blacks were considered a threat to challenging the supremacy of white males. 2. Fear of interbreeding. 3. By nature blacks are rebellious and insubordinate. 4. Biologically inferior. The sole purpose of the ACS was to advocate the best solution in getting rid of black people from the United States of America. **** Question **** Why should Colin Kapernick or any person who has a constitutional right to freedom of speech be compelled to stand reverencing a National Anthem written by a racist who blatantly viewed blacks as excludable objects or non citizens within American society?

Jerome Beale

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