So grateful not seeing pushback in the Comments on this wonderful story of art lifting hearts.
Seems to me, that tune is well known to most of us. More so, the meaning & aspirational values. Nezza sang so as to connect people with our national spirit at a moment when so many in her community were feeling threatened & attacked. Kinda what anthems are for... as opposed to rote repetition of a couple minutes sometimes ignored, scrolled or daydreamed thru.
I typically enjoy the artistic license taken when the anthem is performed at a public event. Still get chills from Ben Harper's lap steel take for a 2007 NBA finals game (even if it didn't boost the Cavs 🤷♂️)
I am concerned that several readers are apparently happy that Spanish is so predominant in many parts of our country. I agree that Nezza was treated unfairly by the Dodgers organization, and it was appropriate to sing the Spanish version of our national anthem (one approved by FDR) in this instance. Nonetheless, having multiple languages has ultimately been divisive in other countries - Canada, India, and Nigeria come to mind. We need to be aware of this challenge and slow the train down IMHO. Please note I also happen to believe our President should be impeached and Stephen Miller should be imprisoned. Y me encanta el espanol, que es una lengua poetica y musical. No hablo como un hispanoparlante, pero me gusta hablarlo y hablo bastante bien.
Nessa's national anthem en Espanol reminds me of what is arguably the most moving scene in American movies - Casablanca, where Madeleine LeBeau rises to lead the patrons at Rick's in singing La Marseillaise to drown out the Nazi soldiers' songs. Like a lot of people, I've seen Casablanca many times, but I cry for the Marseillaise every time.
We live in dark times, but the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it, thanks to people like Nessa.
On a slightly more humorous note, it might be possible to repurpose "El Pendón Estrellado" for the Trump era. "El Pendejo Gordo" has a ring to it.
Thank you for sharing this story now. I had read about Nezza singing the national anthem in Spanish. She was very brave in that moment of time, with the ICE raids swarming all over LA, to stand up and stand out. Your retelling that moment now at the end of the first year of Trump 2.0 gives all of us hope that we can wrestle back our democracy one step at a time, by everyday people, like Nezza, to show courage in the face of fear.
This is a wonderful story. I am so touched by the courage Nezza showed in doing such a snail yet brave thing. Nezza, please come to San Francisco! We need you!
I remember seeing this video but I never heard her story. We all know what she means about how scary courage feels in the moment but that’s really what courage IS! I’m so glad she has had opportunities open to her for her act of bravery. So many this year have not and we need to see the successes to keep fighting. Looking forward to seeing the documentary!
I read this just after having read Steve Schmidt’s piece on the cowardice of JD Vance. The juxtaposition of these two articles leaves me breathless. Thank you for introducing me to Nezza.
Thank you, Adrian. I loved this story. I look forward to reading all your newsletters in 2026.
So grateful not seeing pushback in the Comments on this wonderful story of art lifting hearts.
Seems to me, that tune is well known to most of us. More so, the meaning & aspirational values. Nezza sang so as to connect people with our national spirit at a moment when so many in her community were feeling threatened & attacked. Kinda what anthems are for... as opposed to rote repetition of a couple minutes sometimes ignored, scrolled or daydreamed thru.
I typically enjoy the artistic license taken when the anthem is performed at a public event. Still get chills from Ben Harper's lap steel take for a 2007 NBA finals game (even if it didn't boost the Cavs 🤷♂️)
¡Viva Nezza!
I am concerned that several readers are apparently happy that Spanish is so predominant in many parts of our country. I agree that Nezza was treated unfairly by the Dodgers organization, and it was appropriate to sing the Spanish version of our national anthem (one approved by FDR) in this instance. Nonetheless, having multiple languages has ultimately been divisive in other countries - Canada, India, and Nigeria come to mind. We need to be aware of this challenge and slow the train down IMHO. Please note I also happen to believe our President should be impeached and Stephen Miller should be imprisoned. Y me encanta el espanol, que es una lengua poetica y musical. No hablo como un hispanoparlante, pero me gusta hablarlo y hablo bastante bien.
Thank you for sharing this, Adrian! Many small acts of bravery like this can add up to inspire real change!
Thank you, Adrian. Excellent work as always
Nessa's national anthem en Espanol reminds me of what is arguably the most moving scene in American movies - Casablanca, where Madeleine LeBeau rises to lead the patrons at Rick's in singing La Marseillaise to drown out the Nazi soldiers' songs. Like a lot of people, I've seen Casablanca many times, but I cry for the Marseillaise every time.
We live in dark times, but the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it, thanks to people like Nessa.
On a slightly more humorous note, it might be possible to repurpose "El Pendón Estrellado" for the Trump era. "El Pendejo Gordo" has a ring to it.
Inspiring story! Nezza did what felt right and followed her instincts! We all should do that, stand up for others , take care of each other
Thank you for sharing this story now. I had read about Nezza singing the national anthem in Spanish. She was very brave in that moment of time, with the ICE raids swarming all over LA, to stand up and stand out. Your retelling that moment now at the end of the first year of Trump 2.0 gives all of us hope that we can wrestle back our democracy one step at a time, by everyday people, like Nezza, to show courage in the face of fear.
Amen. Courage is contagious.
Was not aware of this---incredibly powerful!! Can't wait to see the documentary! WOW
Missed this story from earlier in the year. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story, Adrian.
It's true: Aqui se habla espanol.
This is a wonderful story. I am so touched by the courage Nezza showed in doing such a snail yet brave thing. Nezza, please come to San Francisco! We need you!
Small, not “snail!” I hate autocorrect!
FYI: if you click on the three dots to the right of your name you can edit your comment. (Guess how I know!)
It's small (and big) acts of courage everywhere that help turn the tides. Thank you for highlighting all these stories.
I remember seeing this video but I never heard her story. We all know what she means about how scary courage feels in the moment but that’s really what courage IS! I’m so glad she has had opportunities open to her for her act of bravery. So many this year have not and we need to see the successes to keep fighting. Looking forward to seeing the documentary!
I read this just after having read Steve Schmidt’s piece on the cowardice of JD Vance. The juxtaposition of these two articles leaves me breathless. Thank you for introducing me to Nezza.
All the Ai in the world won't get us a Nezza.