Sevyn Streeter Reschedules Philadelphia 76ers Appearance
The singer will perform the National Anthem at the basketball team’s December 16 game.
The latter part of the year has seen social justice disrupt the world of sports in a way it hasn't since Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised the Black Power salute at the 1968 Summer Olympics. While Colin Kaepernick continues to draw the awe and ire of football fans, it was singer-songwriter Sevyn Streeter who had one of the earliest Black Lives Matter-related run-ins with another sports institution, the NBA, when she was barred from singing the National Anthem at a Philadelphia 76ers game for wearing a "We Matter" jersey.
Less than 24 hours later, the team apologized, saying in a statement that "in an effort to move the conversation forward, we have reached out to offer her an opportunity to return and perform at a game of her choice." According to the Associated Press, Streeter has officially accepted the team's offer and will sing the National Anthem at the 76ers' December 16 home game versus the Los Angeles Lakers. Streeter will wear her "We Matter" jersey again while the team plans on making a donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia.