Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known as the Black National Anthem, at Caitlin Clark’s home in Indiana. This event occurred before Juneteenth, and she remarked on it after winning against the Indiana Fever for the second straight time on Saturday. Fans had booed her at the previous game in Indiana.
“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 told reporters Saturday.
Reese expressed that being a Black woman is a privilege, despite the boos she heard. The anthem reminded her of those who paved the way for her.
When asked about representing Black culture in Atlanta, Reese emphasized the importance of being a role model for young Black boys and girls. She stated the value of using her platform to speak on matters she believes in.
“Those young girls, those young boys out there, when they see a Black girl being able to run up and down the court and just have this life and have this experience, I think it’s really important. Representation is important,” Reese said.
The song, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” originated as a poem by James Weldon Johnson in 1900 with music by John Rosamond Johnson. It was first performed by 500 schoolchildren in Florida during a celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. The WNBA includes the song in Juneteenth programming, playing it during celebrations and supporting social justice initiatives.
Reese previously accused fans of Caitlin Clark of racism on her podcast in September 2024, mentioning disrespect despite acknowledging fans’ loyalty to Clark.
“I think it’s really just the fans, her fans, the Iowa fans, now the Indiana fans, that are really just, they ride for her, and I respect that, respectfully. But sometimes it’s very disrespectful,” Reese said.
Following a game between Reese’s former team, the Chicago Sky, and the Fever, the WNBA investigated racist behavior allegations but found no evidence. Reese acknowledged the situation, emphasizing the league’s support.
“Obviously, there’s no place in this league for that,” Reese said at that time.
This week Reese and Caitlin Clark drew attention as they faced off twice in three days. Atlanta beat Indiana 108-101 on Thursday, where Reese scored 21 points with 11 rebounds, while Clark scored 26 points. Atlanta captured victory again on Saturday with a 113-96 win. Reese set a league record by becoming the fastest player to 1,000 career rebounds in 79 games.
The Dream acquired Reese from the Chicago Sky in April, trading for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. Her arrival followed a historic 2025 season for Atlanta. Reese and Clark’s rivalry dates back to their college days, notably when LSU defeated Iowa in the 2023 NCAA championship, which attracted 9.9 million viewers, marking the most-watched women’s college basketball game recorded.
Jackson Thompson continues reporting on sports with a focus on political and cultural issues.
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