American broadcaster PBS is facing an intense backlash due to its decision to have singer Vanessa Williams perform the “Black national anthem” during its July 4 coverage. The critics of the move have blasted the network, saying such a gesture is divisive and un-American. 

The issue of having a separate “Black national anthem” has divided the social media in the country.

The performance by Williams on PBS’s annual Capitol Fourth program on Sunday intends to celebrate the establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

“It’s in celebration of the wonderful opportunity that we now have to celebrate Juneteenth. So we are reflective of the times,” the Associated Press quoted Williams as saying.

Though “Lift Every Voice and Sing” will not be replacing the country’s national anthem but social media is still divided on the issue.

Comedian Tim Young lashed out at the move, asking. “Does it tear a hole in the space-time continuum if you take a knee for the “black national anthem?”

Another Twitter user asked if ‘Lift every voice and sing’ is the Black National Anthem, is “the Star-Spangled Banner” the White National Anthem?

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Those supporting the move asked why conservatives are losing their mind after discovering the anthem.

Another user asked those outraging if they had learned anything on Juneteenth.