Like so many famous songs of yore, "The Star-Spangled Banner" started as a poem, called “The Defence of Fort McHenry.” It was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during the War of 1812.

As such, it is appropriate to consider what the transition means for Black America, and how its musicians have interpreted the “Star Spangled Banner” during times of stress in our racial politics.

When feelings are good between the United States and Canada, the traditional playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "O Canada" back-to-back before games between the two countries' sports teams can ...