PREDOMINANTLY WHITE SCHOOL APOLOGIZIES AFTER COMPLAINTS OF BLACK GIRL SINGING THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER (1244 hits)

INDIANAPOLIS--Shai Warfield-Cross’s rendition of the National Anthem can be seen here. The 16-year-old student has been performing at games for over a year.

But she never received a complaint until she performed at Martinsville, a predominantly white community some 30 miles south of Indianapolis.

Warfield-Cross’s stepmother told state and local media that the school's demand that the teenager sing in a “more traditional” manner denies Shai’s “rights of expression and individuality.” The family then wrote to school officials seeking an apology.

The family’s letter stated that the national anthem is a historical symbol for the United States' independence. They said it was ironic that their daughter was being denied her right of artistic expression as a result of her natural voice and cultural heritage.

The letter went on to state that the situation made the family question the staff and leadership of the school and their idea of diversity.

After the story hit presses and television on Wednesday, the principal issued a formal written apology on Thursday to the teen singer who said she felt really confused by the discussion.

Shai Warfield-Cross will continue her National Anthem performances.

It is not clear who issued the complaints, but the backlash that followed the complaints sparked a discussion on race, fairness and the neglected contributions of African Americans to the country’s history.

One University of Indiana professor noted that lots of African American artists have significantly altered National Anthem performances. The professor also said those performances are not criticized.

The uproar that emanated from Bloomington High School North demonstrates the sensitivity that many Americans feel about the National Anthem song.

Generally, game fans boo when they are displeased with a singer’s performance. For example, in 1990, fans at a San Diego Padres – Cincinnati Reds game booed comedienne Roseanne Barr after her rendition of the National Anthem.
Posted By: Siebra Muhammad
Saturday, January 29th 2011 at 4:36PM
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