Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Reacts Emotionally to ‘Star Spangled Banner’ Being Sung by a ‘Diverse’ Group

Published 06/27/2022, 8:30 PM EDT

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar expressed his utmost delight and jubilation after listening to this wonderful rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner. The NBA veteran couldn’t contain his joy after hearing the beautiful chorus of a multiplicity of voices from different backgrounds. The song represented the microcosm of America to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Abdul-Jabbar admitted that he doesn’t enjoy listening to different renditions of the national anthem anymore. In fact, the former Lakers Center has listened to a lot of different versions of the song in his career. Therefore, he doesn’t have the same passion to discover the work of new artists anymore.

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However, the 7’2″ giant had to change his mind after hearing this version of the song. American filmmaker Michael Moore sent the song to Abdul-Jabbar from his daughter’s graduation. And the NBA legend was astonished by its brilliance.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the importance of diverse voices

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar couldn’t contain his excitement after witnessing a glimpse of America’s progress throughout his lifetime. In fact, he thought that this national anthem, sung by so many diverse voices, is the true representation of America.

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“But this is truly an inspiring version, not just because of the resounding spirit and exquisite voices, but also because of the diversity of singers that represent exactly what the song should be about“, said the Lakers legend.

Abdul-Jabbar emphasized the importance of diversity in the country through his support for the beautiful chorus. Meanwhile, he has also revealed his favorite rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner. The Marvin Gaye version performed at the 1983 All-Star game.

Kareem’s activism for social equality

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has always been a staunch advocate of social justice in America. In fact, he was one of the first NBA athletes to speak out against discrimination and injustices in American society.

From women’s issues to college athletes’ pay demands, Kareem has been at the forefront of activism for a long time. In 1967, Kareem publicly supported Mohammed Ali’s decision to defy the Vietnam war draft. Back then, he was in his early twenties.

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Later on, Kareem’s dissent would cost him a place in the 1968 Olympics. But that didn’t deter him from speaking out. In fact, Abdul-Jabbar has continued to speak on various contemporary issues, including racial injustice in the African-American community.

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What is your opinion of Kareem’s reaction to the song? Comment your thought below.

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Written by:

Satagni Sikder is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. He has a Master's degree in English from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, and has been following the NBA since 2017. Moreover, he supports the Dallas Mavericks, and unsurprisingly, Luka Doncic is his favorite player.

Edited by:

Bagavathi Eswaran

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Reacts Emotionally to ‘Star Spangled Banner’ Being Sung by a ‘Diverse’ Group

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the importance of diverse voices

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