by Rachel Walters at Tribal Tea Co.
As the curtains draw to a close on another electrifying season of March Madness, the spotlight shines on a momentous occasion that transcended the bounds of sports. Amidst the thrill of the NCAA men’s basketball national championship showdown between Purdue and UConn at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, a profound moment of Indigenous pride and empowerment unfolded—a moment symbolized by the soul-stirring rendition of the national anthem by one of our own, Kahara Hodges.
At Tribal Tea Co., we understand the power of representation, the significance of cultural pride, and the resilience of Indigenous voices. Kahara Hodges epitomizes these values, embodying the spirit of empowerment and resilience as she took center court to sing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ in front of a mesmerized audience of 74,423 fans at the stadium and countless others watching via TBS broadcast.
Hailing from the vibrant tapestry of Diné, English, Mexican, and African American heritage, Kahara Hodges’ journey is a testament to the strength of Indigenous identity and the enduring legacy of ancestral wisdom. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, her roots are deeply intertwined with Indigenous culture that thrives within the community.
A proud alumna of Arizona State University, Hodges’ academic achievements, including being named a President Barack Obama scholar and a Gates Millennium scholar, reflect her unwavering dedication to academic excellence and community leadership.
As a model, Hodges has graced campaigns for renowned brands like Nike, Covergirl, and L’Oréal, using her platform to challenge stereotypes and redefine beauty standards. Her foray into acting saw her embody diverse roles, from her appearance in the hit series “Rutherford Falls” to her portrayal of Aunt Lucy in the acclaimed film “Frybread Face and Me.”
Hodges’ rendition of the national anthem in the Navajo language of Diné served as a powerful affirmation of cultural pride and resilience, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity with grace and authenticity.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Hodges remains deeply rooted in her community, serving as a Diné singing class leader at the Phoenix Indian Center and as a wellness ambassador for Indigenous youth at the Native Wellness Institute
As the echoes of Hodges’ anthem reverberated through the stadium, social media platforms lit up with messages of admiration and solidarity, underscoring the impact of her artistry on audiences far and wide. At Tribal Tea Co and SweetGrass Trading., we celebrate Kahara Hodges, not only for her talent and achievements, but also for her unwavering commitment to empowering Indigenous voices.
In a world where Indigenous voices are often silenced or marginalized, Kahara Hodges stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration—a testament to the strength, resilience, and cultural richness of Indigenous people everywhere.