LOS ANGELES — Singer Gladys Knight has defended her decision to perform the US national anthem after receiving criticism from supporters of former quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who used the pre-game tradition to protest racial injustice.

Knight, a 74-year-old native of Atlanta, where the game will be played, agreed to sing “the Star Spangled Banner.” Her decision was blasted on social media by supporters of the “take a knee” stance championed by NFL players who kneel during the anthem to protest racial injustice. US President Donald Trump and other conservatives have called the players unpatriotic.

Knight, known as “the empress of soul” for a career that stretches back five decades, said she wanted to “give the anthem back its voice” to include Americans struggling for racial justice. She said she did not need to prove her commitment to civil rights.

“I have fought long and hard for all my life, from walking back hallways, from marching with our social leaders, from using my voice for good,” the “Midnight Train to Georgia” singer said in a statement. — Reuters