Before Sunday’s NASCAR race at Pocono, saxophonist Mike Phillips performed an incredible take on the pre-race national anthem that has people talking.
Phillips performed a section of James Weldon Johnson's "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which is often referred to as the Black national anthem, before transitioning to the Star-Spangled Banner and then back again to Lift Every Voice and Sing.
This was by design, as NASCAR has tried to address racism following the discovery of a noose in racer Bubba Wallace’s garage. Their recent decision to ban the Confederate flag from races caused some controversy among fans, but they clearly remain committed to providing an inclusive environment for Black fans and racers.
