Angel Reese, star of the Atlanta Dream, recently captured attention by singing the Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the home of Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. Her performance on Thursday preceded Juneteenth. Following a victory over the Fever on Saturday, Reese addressed the boos she received from Indiana fans two days earlier.
Reese explained her feelings during the event, stating, “It was just one in the moment of where I was, and how it felt, and how it hit, and the things that I’ve had to experience the last couple years, and they haven’t always been great.
She highlighted the significance of being a Black woman and the privilege it entails, especially while hearing boos in the arena. The song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” made her reflect on those who paved the way for her.
Representation Matters
The importance of representation in sports is emphasized by Reese, as she believes it’s vital for young Black girls and boys to see role models like her on the basketball court. She voiced a commitment to using her platform to stand up for her beliefs and represent Black culture in Atlanta.
The song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is known as the Black National Anthem. It originated as a poem by James Weldon Johnson in 1900, with music by John Rosamond Johnson. Initially performed by 500 schoolchildren, the anthem has become an integral part of WNBA’s Juneteenth events, aligning with the league’s social justice initiatives.
Allegations of Racism
Previously, Reese accused some of Clark’s fans of displaying racist attitudes in the first episode of her podcast in September 2024. While acknowledging the loyalty of Clark’s supporters, Reese noted that some behaviors have crossed into racism.
In response to concerns of racism during games, the WNBA conducted an investigation but found no evidence of hateful behavior. Despite this, Reese once again acknowledged the importance of addressing such issues within the league.
Reese remarked, “Obviously, there’s no place in this league for that,”
stressing the importance of league and team support in empowering players to navigate challenging situations.
Recent Achievements
This week marked significant moments for Reese and Clark, as they faced off in two games. Atlanta triumphed over Indiana twice, with Reese securing 21 points and 11 rebounds in the first game and contributing 18 points and eight rebounds in the second. Her performance in the latter also celebrated her reaching 1,000 career rebounds faster than any other player in WNBA history.
The acquisition of Reese in April from the Chicago Sky was a strategic move for Atlanta, coming off a historic season in 2025. Reese and Clark have been linked since college, notably after LSU’s victory over Iowa in the 2023 women’s basketball championship, a game watched by millions.
Sports reporter Jackson Thompson provides extensive coverage of these crucial political and cultural issues within sports for Fox News Digital, contributing to a broader discourse on matters like Title IX enforcement and other related topics.