Flyers remove Kate Smith statue after reviewing racist allegations – By Arun Srinivasan (Yahoo Canada Sports) / April 21 2019
The Philadelphia Flyers first covered up the statue of Kate Smith outside the Wells Fargo Center and then ultimately removed it, as well as pledged to stop using her recording of “God Bless America” as an allegation of racism against the singer has come to light.
The Philadelphia Flyers removed a statue of Kate Smith outside the Wells Fargo Center after investigating allegations of racism against the late singer.
The organization previously determined to cover up the statue, only to remove it after further researching the allegations levied against Smith.
Smith’s rendition of “God Bless America” has been used by the Flyers since 1969, but will no longer be played as a result of the investigation.
Several of Smith’s songs contained racist lyrics, with many pointing to her rendition of “That’s Why Darkies Were Born” as a prime example of her unacceptable sentiments.
The Flyers released the following statement:
#Flyers statement on Kate Smith: https://t.co/IkvBKFPGs4 pic.twitter.com/FHQIttpFWJ
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 21, 2019
