The NFL is set to play a song widely known as the 'Black National Anthem' before the 'Star-Spangled Banner' at each and every game on the opening day of the new season, ESPN has confirmed.
The anthem in question, 'Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing', was written by J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson.
The song ultimately became a "rallying cry" for Black Americans at the height of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s, per NAACP.
The move comes as NFL officials display a greater emphasis on the importance of tackling systemic racism.
In fact, last month, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell admitted that the league had mishandled the protests by NFL players against systemic racism and police brutality.
In a minute-and-a-half-long video shared on Twitter, Goodell said: "We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people."
He continued: "We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all players to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe that Black lives matter."
It comes after the NFL announced a 10-year, $250 million commitment in a bid to help fight systemic racism.
A source told The Undefeated that the NFL hopes playing 'Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing' will show "a genuine commitment to the public, players, and coaches and that player voices continue to be heard. This is key to educating fans, and becoming a prominent voice in the fight to end racism."
The song will have its official debut before the league's season opener with the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans on September 9. It will also play at other tentpole events such as the Super Bowl, NFL Playoffs, NFL Draft, and NFL Kickoff games.
As to be expected, the move hasn't gone down well in right-wing circles - but has generally received a positive response.
Noting the negative rhetoric about the inclusion of the 'Black National Anthem', one fan tweeted: "Right-wing media & personalities are treating 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' (informally referred to as the Black National Anthem) like it’s a new rebellious Black Lives Matter revenge porn song when it is a 120-year-old song of cultural pride & equal inclusion in America."
Another said of the song: "It's inclusive, progressive, positive & spirit-lifting. It's wonderful! Folks who talk dirt about never listened to the words."
