An Alternate National Anthem in Denver

Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 8:45:43 am PDT

Wow. A little taste of what we can expect at the Democratic Convention: ‘Black national anthem’ causes stir at Hick speech.

As Denver dignitaries gathered Tuesday for Mayor John Hickenlooper’s State of the City address, City Council President Michael Hancock introduced singer Rene Marie to perform the national anthem.

But that’s not what she did.

Instead, Marie performed the song “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” which also is known as the “black national anthem.”

When she finished, the proceedings moved forward, and the “Star-Spangled Banner” was never performed.