Jessica Sanchez takes the knee after singing US anthem
Singer Jessica Sanchez. AMERICAN IDOL
OAKLAND, California — Filipina and Mexican American Jessica Sanchez took a knee at the end of her performance of the National Anthem before the Oakland Raiders-Los Angeles Chargers games in Oakland on Sunday.
Sanchez went down on her knees while singing the words “home of the brave” at the end of the song, reports Asam News.
“I don’t want to be quiet anymore. This is how I feel. It’s what I stand for. I encourage you guys, if you feel a certain way, don’t be afraid to be part of the conversation. Stand for what you believe in.”
The season 11 runner up on “American Idol” took to Facebook to explain her decision, trying to find the words to explain her actions. The singer described reaction to her protest as “crazy stuff on the internet.”
Marshal Lynch of the Raiders sat during the anthem and Chargers Russell Okung raised his fist.
“I can’t sit here and help them understand why I did it…but it’s something I stand for and believe in,” she said on her Facebook post. “I don’t know. I’ve always been quiet about how I felt and my opinions about things like this, like big things like this.”.
Sanchez also released a song during the presidential campaign in support of Hillary Clinton.
