Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese spoke candidly about her emotional response to performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” during a road game against the Indiana Fever on Thursday. The moment occurred just before Juneteenth celebrations, with Reese audibly singing the anthem while facing boos from the home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The 6-foot-4 star addressed the experience following Saturday’s victory over Indiana, explaining how the hostile reception amplified the significance of the performance for her.
The two-time WNBA All-Star connected the moment to her broader journey as a Black woman in professional basketball. Reese told reporters the experience encapsulated challenges she has navigated throughout recent years, acknowledging the difficulty while expressing gratitude for her platform. The anthem’s performance took on deeper meaning against the backdrop of the crowd’s negative reaction, transforming what could have been an uncomfortable moment into one of personal affirmation and cultural pride.
Personal reflection on representation and cultural identity in Atlanta
“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,” Reese explained to the media. She emphasized that her path wasn’t designed to be easy, but maintained deep appreciation for her position. The LSU national champion described hearing the loud boos throughout the arena before “Lift Every Voice” began, stating the song made her feel connected to those who paved the way for her opportunities.
When questioned about representing Black culture in Atlanta specifically, Reese highlighted the importance of visibility for young people watching her compete. She stressed that seeing a Black woman succeed at the highest level of professional basketball carries significant weight for the next generation. The forward made clear her commitment to using her voice and platform, declaring she will never remain silent on issues she believes in. Her comments reflect a broader understanding of her role extending beyond athletic performance to cultural representation.
Historical context and league integration of anthem performances
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” carries deep historical significance within African American communities across the United States. The NAACP recognizes the composition as originating from a poem written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900, with musical arrangement by his brother John Rosamond Johnson. A choir of 500 schoolchildren delivered the first public performance in Jacksonville, Florida, during a celebration honoring Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.
- The song became known as the Black National Anthem through decades of cultural adoption
- WNBA incorporated the anthem into Juneteenth programming beginning in recent seasons
- The NBA announced in 2021 that WNBA teams would perform the song during Juneteenth celebrations
- The initiative aligned with broader league social justice programs and commitments
The league’s decision to include “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in official programming reflects ongoing efforts to address racial equity and celebrate Black culture. The anthem’s presence at WNBA games during Juneteenth observances provides a formal recognition of African American history and contributions to basketball. For players like Reese, the institutional support creates space for personal expression within professional competition.
Previous allegations of racism and fan behavior investigations
Reese has previously spoken about experiencing racism from opposing fan bases, particularly those supporting Clark. During the inaugural episode of her podcast in September 2024, she addressed what she characterized as problematic behavior from Iowa and Indiana supporters. While acknowledging their loyalty to Clark, Reese described instances she considered disrespectful and racially motivated. She detailed disturbing incidents including artificial intelligence-generated nude images circulated to family members, causing confusion and distress among relatives.
Following the first game between the Fever and Reese’s former team, the Chicago Sky, in May of last year, the WNBA launched an investigation into alleged racist behavior by Indiana fans. The league’s probe concluded without finding evidence to support the allegations. Despite the official findings, Reese acknowledged the claims following that contest, stating no place existed in the league for such conduct. She credited the WNBA and her organization with providing strong support throughout the investigative process, noting that if such situations could affect her, they could impact anyone.
Milestone achievement and rivalry dynamics with Clark
Saturday’s game marked a significant career milestone for Reese, who became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 career rebounds. She accomplished the feat in her 79th game, surpassing the previous record held by Tina Charles by 10 games. Reese finished with 18 points and eight rebounds as Atlanta defeated Indiana 113-96 at State Farm Arena. The victory gave the Dream an 11-4 record while dropping the Fever to 9-7 on the season.
Clark led Indiana with 26 points in the loss, matching her output from Thursday’s 108-101 defeat at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. In that earlier contest, Reese posted 21 points and 11 rebounds in the Dream’s road victory. The Atlanta franchise acquired Reese from the Chicago Sky in April through a trade involving first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028. The move brought the established star to a team the organization described as coming off a historic 2025 campaign.
The connection between Reese and Clark extends back to their college careers, most notably the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship game. LSU defeated Iowa 102-85 in that matchup, which drew 9.9 million viewers and set a record as the most-watched women’s college basketball game at that time. The two players have remained linked professionally as the WNBA’s most-watched competitors, with their recent two-game series in three days generating significant attention and viewership for the league.
