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<p>On Wednesday, the <a class="notranslate" tabindex="0" href="https://www.instagram.com/nba/">@nba</a> <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/gladys-knight-alessia-cara-to-sing-national-anthems-at-nba-all-star-2021">announced</a> that <a class=" xil3i" tabindex="0" href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/gladysknight/">Gladys Knight</a> will perform the national anthem at the 2021 NBA All-Star Game taking place in Atlanta. Being that Gladys graduated from Shaw University, <a href="https://dev.theshaderoom.com/?s=gladys+knight&;post_type=post">one of the oldest HBCUs in the country,</a> it only makes sense.</p>
<p>According to the press release, this is part of a tribute to <a class=" xil3i" tabindex="0" href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/hbcus/">#HBCUs</a>, as the league is honoring Black institutions throughout the night. Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society Choir will perform a rendition of &#8216;Lift Every Voice and Sing&#8217; from its campus location.</p>
<p>Also, Florida A&;M University Marching 100 and Grambling State University Marching Band will also perform at their campuses. It&#8217;s also reported that the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities will introduce Atlanta&#8217;s &#8220;most reputable step teams from Spelman College and Morehouse College.</p>
<p>While many may be happy about the NBA All-Star game in Atlanta, Mayor Keshia Lance-Bottoms is not. She recently released a statement and said, <em>“Under normal circumstances, we would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to host the NBA All-Star game, but this is not a typical year. I have shared my concerns related to public health and safety with the NBA and Atlanta Hawks. We are in agreement that this is a made-for-TV event only, and people should not travel to Atlanta to party.”</em></p>
<p>She also added that there will be “no NBA-sanctioned events open to the public” and that the city strongly encourages local businesses “not to host events in the city related to this game.”</p>
<p>LeBron James has also expressed that he isn&#8217;t too fond of playing a game during the pandemic.</p>
<p>As of now, the NBA has a few protocols in place. Players are only allowed a very limited number of guests, all players must travel to Atlanta by private car or plane, and players will only be allowed to leave their hotels for All-Star events at the arena.</p>
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