The 22-year-old was immediately met with both praise and opposition from the crowd, as she bravely took a knee in protest of police brutality and injustice toward minorities. As you may know, the National Basketball Association has required that all players, trainers, and coaches stand during the anthem, but there was no clarity given for anthem singers. The NBA said they’d seen Skye kneel briefly at the end but, but prior to the event they were unaware this would occur. It is unclear of whether actions will be taken against the singer.

Skye could likely feel the pressure such a gesture brings, but she knew it was the right thing to do. Posting the performance on Instagram, Skye admitted:

“Got a bit shaky at the end…was pretty uneasy about singing the anthem and probably won’t ever be invited to sing it again. But I had to take a knee for the opening game in my city and let my voice be heard. We will not be silenced,” adding the #blacklivesmatter hashtag in solidarity with the movement.

This protest and public gesture is a continuation of acts of activism, heavily sparked by Colin Kaepernick, to combat and be intolerant of rules and prejudices against people of color.