district attorney for the nation’s capital, where he prosecuted race and slavery laws to the fullest extent, even to the death penalty. In his 50s, Key became an adviser to President Andrew Jackson, who was also a wealthy self-made Southern slaveholder.Īt the same time, Key was named by Jackson as the U.S.
So beside the anthem, his political legacy as a critical political player in upholding slavery is devastating. Supreme Court, which he helped shape, stood strongly for slavery. He liked it that way.Īs he grew older and darker, Key sought to buttress slavery, known as our own “peculiar institution.” He did just that, past his last breath. Lawyer-poet Key, born to massive slaveholding wealth in Maryland, was one of the richest men in America. Whatever side you’re on, we all need to know the roots of “The Star-Spangled Banner” run deep in slavery’s soil. But the backstory and crosscurrents of the anthem are as unresolved as the NFL player challenges still likely to come on game days. It might seem like Key is up past his historical bedtime. His actions, joined by other players, drew President Donald Trump’s fury and divided public opinion. How deep is seldom told.įor the record, Kaepernick’s peaceful protest was aimed at police brutality toward black men. Whatever side you’re on, we all need to know the roots of “The Star-Spangled Banner” anthem run deep in slavery’s soil.
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