Angel Reese’s Impact in the WNBA
Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream showcased her cultural pride by singing the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” at the home of Indiana Fever, led by Caitlin Clark, prior to Juneteenth. This act came before Reese’s team claimed another victory against the Fever on Saturday.
Reese faced booing from Fever fans earlier but found solace in her performance. “It was a moment reflecting my experiences over the years,” Reese explained on Saturday. “Being a Black woman is a privilege. Hearing the anthem reminded me of those who paved the way for me.” Her representation of Black culture in Atlanta is paramount. “When young kids see a Black girl thriving on court, it’s significant. I’ll never remain silent for what I believe,” Reese said.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing,” deemed the Black National Anthem, was initially a poem by James Weldon Johnson in 1900. His brother, John Rosamond Johnson, set it to music. First heard in Jacksonville, Florida, by a choir celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, the song now features in WNBA’s Juneteenth events. In 2021, WNBA committed to playing this anthem during Juneteenth alongside other social justice initiatives.
Recently, Reese highlighted alleged racism from Clark’s fans, calling them “very disrespectful” during her podcast debut in September 2024. “Clark’s fans often cross lines, with racist undertones,” Reese stated.
Reese also shared her concerns about AI-generated nude images sent to her family. “The WNBA found no hateful evidence,” Reese noted previously. Despite investigations finding no racism proof, Reese acknowledged the allegations. “If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone,” she stated, thankful for WNBA’s support.
A high-profile collision between Reese and Clark marked the week. Atlanta triumphed over Indiana in two games within three days. Reese’s remarkable performance included 21 points and 11 rebounds in the first game, and achieved a league record on Saturday as the fastest player to reach 1,000 career rebounds within 79 games. Reese’s total in the game’s win was 18 points, as Atlanta rose to 11-4 while Indiana slipped to 9-7.
Reese joined Atlanta from the Chicago Sky in April, traded for future first-round picks. Her arrival followed Atlanta’s historic 2025 season. Reese and Clark’s rivalry extends to college days, notably after LSU overpowered Iowa in the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship, attracting 9.9 million viewers—the record at that time.