Angel Reese, a star player for the Atlanta Dream, was seen singing the Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever game just ahead of Juneteenth. Reese later referred to this moment after her team secured a second consecutive victory over the Fever, despite receiving boos from some fans in Indiana.
“It was a moment of reflection and emotion for me, recognizing the challenges I’ve faced and the significance of being a Black woman,” Reese stated after the game. She expressed pride in using her platform to inspire others, especially young Black girls and boys, emphasizing the importance of representation in sports.
The song “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often regarded as the Black National Anthem, began as a poem by James Weldon Johnson in 1900. John Rosamond Johnson composed the music, and it was first performed by 500 schoolchildren in Jacksonville, Florida, for President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday celebration. The anthem has become a key part of Juneteenth programming in the WNBA, alongside other social justice initiatives.
Reese has previously addressed instances of racism from Clark’s fans on her podcast in September 2024. While expressing respect for passionate fan support, Reese noted instances of disrespect and targeted racism.
The WNBA investigated alleged racist behavior by Fever fans in March 2023 but found no evidence. Despite this, Reese acknowledged the unpleasantness of such experiences, highlighting the support from her team and the league.
During a high-profile week, Reese and Clark, two of the league’s most-watched players, faced off twice. Atlanta Dream defeated Indiana Fever 108-101 and then 113-96. Reese achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 career rebounds, surpassing Tina Charles’ record by 10 games.
The Dream acquired Reese from the Chicago Sky in April in exchange for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. The trade brought the two-time WNBA All-Star and 2023 national champion to Atlanta. Reese and Clark have been linked since college, most notably in the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship game between LSU and Iowa, which attracted a record viewership of 9.9 million.