The Black National Anthem has become a source of controversy in recent weeks, with concerns being raised over its divisive nature at Garfield assemblies.

Also referred to as “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem addresses the importance of perseverance and hope, themes that remain as pertinent today for African Americans as they have been in the past. Unfortunately, the song’s racial tone may be doing more to divide the student body than it is to unify it.

Accordingly, Garfield’s Associated Student Body (ASB) initiated discussion about the problem during its second period class.

“As ASB, we talked about how we can represent all cultures, and hear every voice,” says student body president Najee Siu-Chang. “We decided to tentatively discontinue the singing of the [Black National Anthem].”

However, ASB’s proposal was rejected by Principal Ted Howard II.

“We spoke with Mr. Howard,” says Siu-Chang. “He felt that we should continue to sing [the Black National Anthem].”

In light of Mr. Howard’s executive decision, ASB remains open to the idea of supporting open dialogue amongst the student body.

“If half the school thinks [the Black National Anthem] shouldn’t be sung then we can start talking about partnership debates,” says Siu-Chang, “But if it’s only four or five people, then we’re not going to stop.”

Personally, Siu-Chang believes that the Black National Anthem should always be sung with the American National Anthem.

“I feel [the Black National Anthem] should be sung, because the song itself represents more than just black people,” says Siu-Chang. “The song represents what America is: uplifting.”

On the other hand, the arguments against the song’s performance at Garfield assemblies are compelling.

“To segregate us by emphasizing our differences is counterproductive,” says junior Angela Zhang. “The [American] National Anthem applies to everyone that lives in the United States and is proud to be an American citizen.”

Similarly against singing the Black National Anthem is junior Annika Brauer.

“I think that it’s inappropriate for a school that represents so many different cultures and ethnicities to sing a song that only represents one,” says Brauer.

Garfield often boasts of its cultural diversity; how can we acknowledge and celebrate the African American minority with the Black National Anthem without similarly celebrating the other Garfield minorities?

If we sing the Black National Anthem at assemblies, shouldn’t we also sing the Gay Anthem, Nuestro Himno, the Feminist Anthem, and other anthems to represent all of the other cultures at Garfield?