Reese Sings Black Anthem Amidst Boos in Indiana

Atlanta Dream player Angel Reese recently sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing," widely known as the Black National Anthem, in Indiana. This performance followed audible boos directed at her by fans of the Indiana Fever. Reese explained that the act was a tribute "for the ones that walked for me," reflecting on her experiences and expressing deep gratitude for her opportunities as a Black woman.

Reese emphasized the significance of representation, particularly for young Black individuals who can see themselves succeeding in professional sports. She affirmed her commitment to using her voice and platform to advocate for causes she believes in, stating she will "never stay silent." "Lift Every Voice and Sing" has a historical connection to the NAACP and was adopted by the NBA in 2021 for Juneteenth celebrations.

The context of these events includes past accusations by Reese regarding racism from some of Caitlin Clark's fans, with specific incidents involving disturbing AI-generated images. While the WNBA investigated alleged racist fan behavior in Indiana in May 2025 without finding evidence, Reese continues to speak on these issues. These recent interactions occurred during a highly publicized week for both Reese and Clark, as two of the league's most prominent players.

In recent games, the Atlanta Dream, with Reese, defeated the Indiana Fever, led by Clark. During one of these matchups, Reese achieved a significant career milestone, reaching 1,000 career rebounds in her 79th game, surpassing Tina Charles' record. Reese was traded to Atlanta in April 2026, joining a team seeking to build on a successful prior season. The rivalry between Reese and Clark dates back to their college careers, marked by a highly viewed 2023 championship game.