Angel Reese Fires Back At National Anthem Behavior Criticism

Angel Reese is firing back at those who took issue with her behavior during the Black National Anthem over the weekend.

The third-year WNBA star, who is playing now for the Atlanta Dream, was seen loudly singing the Black National Anthem, otherwise known as "Lift Every Voice and Sing," during a. WNBA game this weekend.

Reese was seen loudly singing prior to the Thursday night game against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. The game was the night before Juneteenth, a U.S. federal holiday.

Reese was booed by some Fever fans throughout the game. However, Reese stood by her behavior during the national anthem.

The former LSU Tigers and Maryland Terrapins star made it clear that she's going to stand up for what she believes in.

Reese defends her national anthem behavior

"It was just one in the moment of where I was, and how it felt, and how it hit, and the things that I've had to experience the last couple years, and they haven't always been great," Reese told reporters Saturday.

"It's not supposed to be easy, but I am very, very grateful for this opportunity to be a Black woman, it's a privilege... being where I was, hearing the loud boos when I was in the arena, and then when I heard 'Lift Every Voice,' it just made me feel like, this is for the ones that walked for me."

Reese is happy to be a leader in Black culture.

"Those young girls, those young boys out there, when they see a Black girl being able to run up and down the court and just have this life and have this experience, I think it's really important. Representation is important, for me to use my voice, for me to use my platform, I'll never stay silent for things I believe in," she added.

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This story was originally published June 21, 2026 at 8:43 AM.