US national anthem replaced by ‘Black national anthem’ in Denver

The city of Denver is buzzing about the wrong anthem sung yesterday.

Mayor John Hickenlooper's annual State of the City address may get more attention for what wasn't included than what was.

Rene Marie was asked by Denver mayor John Hickenlooper to sing the national anthem.

Instead, the black singer performed "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," which is also known as the "black national anthem." The U.S. national anthem was never performed.

Denver has a weak mayor in Hickenlooper (pictured) and it showed yesterday in his reaction when his handpicked singer performed the wrong national anthem.

The mayor says he believes Marie did not intend to offend anyone or make a political statement.

When asked if he was offended, Hickenlooper said, "You know I was more confused and I think I was more – what I was, was disappointed and confused and that's why I wanted to talk to her."

Confusion is not new to the mayor of Denver.

Governor Bill Ritter, however, was not confused and called it “inappropriate.”

The Governor went on to say Marie's actions were "wrong" and "outside the bounds."

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