Monday night’s meeting between the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals began with both teams taking a knee prior to the singing of the national anthem. As the anthem began, both teams stood, arms linked in unity as Jordin Sparks began to sing.
SB Nation reports that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and team coach Jason Garrett both joined their team in kneeling before the anthem, drawing boos from the crowd in Arizona.
Former American Idol star Jordin Sparks drew the most attention, however, with her silent protest in the form of a biblical Scripture, Proverbs 31:8-9, written on her arm and displayed visibly for all the cameras to see as she sang.
The Scripture reads, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
A powerful message, indeed, given the current political climate in this country and the statements made over the past weekend by Donald Trump, who seems to think people should be fired for exercising their constitutional rights.
Her silent action garnered plenty of praise across Twitter, and she began trending shortly after.
Thank you, Jordin, for doing your part and helping to amplify this important issue.