The 76ers Stop Sevyn Streeter From Singing The National Anthem Due To Her “We Matter” Jersey

Oppression At It’s Best

Moments before singer Sevyn Streeter hit the arena to sing the national anthem, the 70Sixers basketball organization stopped her from singing because her jersey read; “We Matter” as apart of the political movement to educate people about police brutality and systemic racism. Sevyn was asked to sing at the Sixers and the OKC Thunder game. In recent news singers have taken a knee during their singing of the national anthem. In an effort to avoid bad press, I’m assuming the Sixers stopped Sevyn for that reason.

My question is, why invite a Black artist to sing at a game dealing with mostly Black players to sing, if they cannot wear what they wish, and support what they wish? Who’s to say if she was going to take a knee or not? Either way, a t-shirt with the message “WE MATTER” should never be the reason someone is stopped from WORKING. Considering how contracts work, I’m sure she was still paid, but this is utter disrespect.

UPDATE: The Sixers Release An Apology;

“We are sorry that this happened,” the statement said. “After receiving feedback from our players, basketball operations staff and ownership group, we believe that the wrong decision was made, and Sevyn should have been welcomed to sing. We apologize to her, and 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. We are waiting to hear back.”

UPDATE: Nov 8th – The Sixers Invited Sevyn Back To Sing;

“After thoughtful conversation, the 76ers and Sevyn Streeter have worked together to develop a plan we hope will bring meaningful action in the Philadelphia Community…………After receiving feedback from our players, basketball operations staff and ownership group, we believe that the wrong decision was made, and Sevyn should have been welcomed to sing..”

This is what Sevyn had to say;

Sevyn Explains;

#SOULdiers, IM I OVER REACTING!?

– Thanks For Reading #SOULdiers