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N.C. A&T headliner drawing criticism
N.C. A&T headliner drawing criticism
Gucci Mane
Credit: Contact us for information/News & RecordGREENSBORO — N.C. A&T’s Homecoming celebration draws thousands to Greensboro every year — students, alumni, families and music fans who want to see the hottest names in R&B, hip-hop and rap.
But this year’s celebration is also drawing controversy.
At issue: Gucci Mane, a headlining rapper at the event whose lyrics center on drug dealing, violence and his ties to the Bloods street gang.
University officials said they began hearing complaints earlier this month from students worried about the rapper representing A&T at homecoming. But by then, contracts were signed.
“After the contracts are signed, it’s very difficult for us to come back and say there are concerns,” said Sullivan Wellborne, the school’s vice president for student affairs.
Wellborne said students were surveyed at the end of last semester about who they would like to see at homecoming this year.
That list went to the student government association’s executive board. The lineup was determined with assistance from Diamond Life Entertainment, the production company helping stage the show at the Greensboro Coliseum.
By the time students came back to school and the administration began hearing complaints, more than 5,000 tickets for the Oct. 31 event already had been sold, Wellborne said.
But Tuesday night, Travis Jackson, the Student Government Association’s vice president for external affairs, said the student survey had gone out on the online social networking site Facebook — something many students felt was well short of an actual poll.
Money from student fees, along with money from the production company, pays to bring artists for homecoming. The Saturday night shows often include some of the biggest names in music.
This year’s bill includes R&B artists Trey Songz and Keri Hilson , rappers Fabolous and OJ da Juiceman .
Rapper Gucci Mane has drawn the most attention. His 2009 album “Murder Was the Case” includes songs such as “Cuttin’ Off Fingaz” and “Murder for Fun.”
He was charged with murder in 2006, but the charges were dropped for insufficient evidence days before his debut album hit stores. He has been a lightning rod for criticism because of his lyrical boasts about drug dealing and gang ties.
SGA president Syene Jasmin publicly apologized for booking the artist in an interview with a local television station earlier this month. That brought criticism from his fellow students at Tuesday night’s SGA meeting, where he was accused both of not involving students in the booking and of making A&T look bad by being interviewed on the subject.
Jasmin largely stood his ground, saying he still believes the artist could hurt A&T’s image but agreeing he and his chief of staff could have handled the booking and the controversy better.
“We all have different tastes in music,” Jasmin said. “There is no way everyone would have been satisfied. But by talking about it and saying what I said, I was addressing concerns from the students, our constituents.”
Tyrane Perry, a sophomore at A&T, said there is a tension on campus between choosing artists with positive messages and bringing in the biggest names to draw the largest crowd.
“I believe we should be more conscious in who we choose, and realize they are representing our school at homecoming, whether we think about that or not,” Perry said.
“But at the same time, it’s hard to say who you could have who would be totally positive in hip-hop right now. The majority of the students are listening to what’s hot, and right now that’s Gucci Mane.”
A&T officials said Tuesday the concert will go on as planned.
Carlyle Phillips, an A&T junior, said he thinks Jasmin was right to address concerns about gang affiliation, especially on a campus where two students have died in shootings since 2008.
“I know when I get to the homecoming, I don’t want anything to happen to me either or to my friends or anyone there,” Phillips said. “But it’s true that on campus, people like Gucci Mane. The question is: Do you know it’s just music? It’s just lyrics. Some people can’t separate fantasy from reality.”
Contact Joe Killian at 373-7023 or joe.killian@news-record.com
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All I have to say is that
All I have to say is that everyone who has something bad to say about the decisions of the students from A&T you are not being proactive. You are only coming up here and making a comment that does nothing to help anyone headed towards gang violence or helping to prevent it. If you care so much about gangs and violence do something about it.I bet that you aren't going out in the community and volunteering with the kids to keep them on the right track. Dont talk about it be about it. A&T to me wasn't just about getting a degree it was about helping people who were as fortunate as yourself. So all i have left to say is if you are an alumni of A&T and you are commenting and not helping the community or supporting the school other than homecoming you are speaking nothing but NONSENSE!!!
It's refreshing to see that
It's refreshing to see that there are college students who are so engaged on a news site. I hope they continue to be as interested in community events that don't directly involved them. Looking forward to more spirited debates in comment threads about city council meetings and perhaps even the bond vote for the Science Center.
Where were all the concerned
Where were all the concerned citizens in previous years when A&T brought TI, Lil Wayne, Buster Rhymes, Young Jezzy, Piles, Rick Ross, Shawty Lo?
Where Were you?
Where Were you?
Where Were you?
\Where Were you?
Where Were you?
Nothing has changed and with a prayer i hope the concert election process stays the same because the concert is for the students not you!!!!!!!!!!! We just like your extra money in our pockets
"We just like your extra
"We just like your extra money in our pockets"
You're right, Nothing has changed. You would rather take my money instead of working for your own.
Not wanting to call you a
Not wanting to call you a racist so I'm asking for clarity....please elaborate on "nothing has change, YOU would rather take my money than make your own". Who is the YOU and what HASN'T CHANGE?! This whole blog is based off of A&T's choice in entertainment for the homecoming concert, which includes A&T students, who are attending college to make their own money. So I need clarity on who's the YOU....thanks in advance.
Yes if the money is used to
Yes if the money is used to buy a concert ticket and those proceeds can put students through college ,then yes.
.....or are you not a fan of sending students to college?
If my money is used to buy
If my money is used to buy concert tickets that promotes gangs, murder and drugs, then yes I am against it. I don't care if it is sending students to college.
Typical. I have firsthand
Typical.
I have firsthand experience working with A&T on contracted projects and I can attest to the fact that incompetence is an integral part of the corporate culture there. Oh, the stories I could tell. I have never met as many buffoons concentrated into several square blocks of real estate in my entire life. Constant passing of the buck. Delays, delays, and more delays. No responses to questions. They just don't care.
Let's be honest. A&T
Let's be honest. A&T homecoming is just as much about having a big party as it is about academics. I worked at a business on High Point road and we benefitted from homecoming and had no problems with the extra income it generated.
Being that it is a big party weekend, of course it's going to attract folks whose only desire is to party....HARD.
At the same time, there are a lot of people who party responsibily. A&T homecoming, like it or not, is something that is celebrated by many blacks in this area whether they personally attended the university or not. Many times it is an opportunity to come together with friends who have moved away. Sometimes, it's just a good excuse to party.
As a white guy who didn't grow up around here, it was a culturally awakening experience. I sampled chitterlins and greens and all kinds of "soul" food prepared in ways I never had before. I saw firsthand camraderie and love that was vividly expressed in ways that a white guy hadn't experienced before.
Sure, there is a bad element when you have such a big party. But some of the comments here are casting too wide an umbrella over the preceedings. I think the artists chosen for the concert fails to represent the school in the best light. Some of these other comments seem to contain a deeply seeded resentment for blacks and I could see how folks would feel hurt or angered by them.
There are statements
There are statements pertaining to race in these comments but none could be seen as racist. There are just facts being stated.
1.FACT The concert promotes gang bangin, murder and drugs.
2.FACT A&T homecoming is a problem. Drive down High Point Rd on Sat night and look for yourselves how many extra police will be working there, as well as the coliseum. Check the arrest reports on Sunday morning.
3. FACT There is a history of violence, albeit students or not, it is at a A&T function.
4. FACT Business owners despise it. I worked in the restaurant business in managment as well as many aquintances. They pay for extra security, their employees get hassled, and fights break out. I've seen it, and I've lived it.
4. FACT my tax dollars go towards local universities including A&T and I have a right to make my opinions known.
5. FACT No matter what relevent arguments are presented against a black establishment they will ALWAYS be construed as racist and dismissed no matter how much water they carry.
CarolinaBorn NO, you do not
CarolinaBorn
NO, you do not know the difference between a Fact and Opinion? Since I am in college and deal with facts and opinions everyday let me help you.
- Every So called Fact that you stated is pure opinion. Show me proof and some creditable sources?
-And if you can not i will refer you to any local high school English teacher!!!!
Would a Dudley teacher be your preference?
404
Well, I'd like to see you
Well, I'd like to see you refute the fact that A&T gets plenty of taxpayer dollars (that was Fact #4). As taxpayers, we all have a voice in this. As taxpayers who are paying for extra law enforcement during large events such as homecoming, we doubly have a voice in this. Taxes, I'm sad to say, can never be refuted, but I'm glad to say that as long as we're forced to keep paying taxes, we'll always have a voice in the affairs of institutions that accept our tax dollars.
When I was in college I paid
When I was in college I paid attention, what kind of proof do you want from me. Go look at HP road sat night, I'm not going to take pictures for you....read his lyrics to see what he's promoting, stay up to date on what's happening in your city if you dont remember violence and murder during homecoming. Better yet go get a job in the service industry on homecoming night. See how you like being disrespected, yelled at, lied to, trying to convince people to pay for what they bought while keeping them from running out on their tabs like a bunch of thieves. Try having someone you know get cold cocked in the face while doing his job and simply asking someone to pay for the drinks they purchased. I cant live that for you. And NO that doesnt happen until homecoming roles around.
So yes that is FACT, and maybe now you realize why further promotion of violence and gang banging during homecoming is a sore subject with me.
Plain and simple there are some, not all, but plenty of people who dont know how to act like a civilized human being during this time of the year so I dont think they need any more help from a stupid rap artist. THAT is my opinon.
1. FACT All your so called
1. FACT All your so called “Facts” are opinions and can be disputed.
2. FACT A&T Homecoming brings in $12 million revenue to the City of Greensboro.
3. FACT A&T Homecoming is one of Greensboro’s largest tourist attractions.
Given fact 2 & 3, you had better start taking your vacation homecoming week, because we are here to stay.
1. FACT All your so called
1. FACT All your so called “Facts” are opinions and can be disputed.
OK, let's hear you dispute the facts. I don't think you can. All of what CarolinaBorn said is true and base on experience.
True, A&T homecoming is here to stay. The only thing the citizens of Greensboro ask is: act like responsible young adults. As stated earlier when the ACC tournament is in town (which brings in more people and more money) there is not the problems that come with A&T's homecoming. A&T maybe one of the largest tourist attractions, but it is also one that many citizens and businesses could do without, because of the trouble and problems these tourist brings with them to Greensboro. It's really pretty simple. If you act like decent human beings, you will be welcome. If you act like thugs, gangsters and drunks you may be here to stay, but people will despise the fact that you are here.
I would love for you to
I would love for you to present an argument on how my facts are opinions? Feel free to dispute them, as I dont think you know the difference between fact and opinion. You too bring good points to the table, but to simply dismiss the stated facts without any sort of rebuttal other than claiming them to be opinions shows your ignorance on the subject. I am not here to change your mind as you seem to have already closed it off to differing opions. And it is attitudes like yours that perpetuate the problem and the reason there will never be any progress. You cant accepet fact.
"we're here to stay" comments prove you want things to be your way or the highway. When all else fails scream 'racism' at the top of your lungs.
Why would I waste my time
Why would I waste my time refuting your “facts”? We both have our opinion. It’s obvious to me that we are on two separate pages. I can agree to disagree. As an alumnus, I don’t see anything wrong with saying, ”We are here to stay”. I’m not an outsider to the university. I graduated from A&T. I am part of the Aggie family.
Also, saying I am “ignorant of the subject” lacks any significant cogitation. My fifth grade daughter can tell the difference between facts and opinions. It would be ignorant for me to engage in a futile debate with you, which is precisely why I have nothing else to say.
Thank you for proving my
Thank you for proving my point.
Very easy to cry foul on something without having to back up your words.
NatTurner What are you
NatTurner
What are you talking about? Just because someone on this post criticizes the pick for entertainment at A&T, you have the nerve to call them a racist. When it comes to racism, you are more of the problem. When you have no debatable argument, you make false cries of racism.
Beachwalk, What are you
Beachwalk, What are you talking about? Read the first three posts. Some of these comments are undoubtedly racist. People trying to justify African slavery, diminish the brutality of the KKK, all while insinuating that A&T is somehow advocating Black on Black crime. Furthermore, I take exception to comments such as, “Nice going A&T, you call yourself a university? What are you teaching?” And “No wonder a degree from A&T is considered worthless in the business world.”
If you are not racist, then my post was not meant for you. BUT DON”T PRETEND LIKE RACISM DOES NOT EXIST. It’s obvious certain posts have racial undertones. Don’t be naïve.
Also, like I said, the students should be commended for engaging in serious dialogue. At issue is the perception of the university v/s entertainment & freedom of speech. Both sides have a legitimate argument. A&T Class of 99
NatTurner. I looked back at
NatTurner. I looked back at the earlier post. No where did I see anyone "trying to justify African slavery" or diminsh the brutality of teh KKK. I do have to question if A&T is advocating Black on Black crime, when they invite an artist whose lyrics promote gangs, murder and drugs.
I am not a racist and I don't pretend that racism does not exist. But I also do not pretend racism does not exist within the African American community as well. To quickly and falsely accuse someone of racism is just as much a form of racism as anything. So I would encourage you not to be naive.
The SGA President at A&T is
The SGA President at A&T is inconsiderate of the majority of students at the school and clearly was only speaking on his behalf. The homecoming concert is for fun and enjoyment and not for the promotion of gang affiliation.
Rappers, singers, comedians, are all under the umbrella of ENTERTAINMENT. Entertainers use their lyrics and jobs to project a perception that pays their pockets. The opinion that artist are gang related is HERESAY!!! NO police Authorities have said that Gucci Mane or OJ Da Juiceman are ganged affiliated. My SGA President is a senior and in the future he will not have to deal with the effects of his opinions when trying to book artists or selecting artist. He was WRONG and should be punished accordingly. Having Gucci Mane at our homecoming concert is no different than if the student body at UNCG brings Hannah Montana in concert at their school. Because Hannah Montana and her farther promote that it's okay to take sexually appealing pictures with your daughter. So the homecoming concert is for fun and enjoyment, let the students have fun and enjoy the artist they selected. If the SGA President does not like the line up of artist he can STAY HOME and WATCH MUSIC VIDEOS ONLINE!!!!!!
404
NCATSTUDENT2012, I'll assume
NCATSTUDENT2012, I'll assume that you attended the university last year and have a good understanding of the "majority" mindset of our student body. It seems you may also associate yourself with that majority. At the end of your comment you write 404 (Atlanta area code), I'm here to inform you are in the 336 and more importantly Aggie Land. An institute of higher learning that Produces Renowned Individuals Dedicated to Excellence. How in the world does Gucci Man and OJ the Juiceman stand for that at all?? You are soo concerned with having fun and entertainment. There is nothing wrong with that but honestly it should not be the duty of the university or even encouraged by the University to make sure that you get your "chicken george on" and have a good time. Soo concerned with things that you nor your parents paid for. Where were you at the SGA sponsored event discussing UNST classes? Are you planning on attending Dessert with the Deans? Were you in attendance when the SGA President and other members of SGA gave an open address in front of the caf? These are all things that should get a stir out of you. 2012 you are def in need of a reality check, when did the enjoyment of an artist that doesn’t give a crap about you override the safety of not only yourself but your fellow Aggies?? Gucci Man came to Music City last year, and you know what happened fights broke out and someone got killed. Why do you feel so strongly about these people performing at a concert sponsored by your Student Government that YOU voted for that could lead to potential harm for others? I completely agree with the fact that the way the situation was handled was incorrect, but what's done is done. Look at the drastic acts that need to be taken to raise students awareness it's sad. What is even more painful is that it's all over Gucci Man and OJ the Juice Man, two individuals that will never be exposed to the faculty, opportunities, and legacy that North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has offered to you. How dare you condemn the efforts taken by students bold enough to enhance the strides made for us by Willie Grimes and The A&T Four. Next time you are attending class I hope you are as enthusiastic about the subject as you have been about this situation. Like I said the means about distributing the message were off BUT THE MESSAGE IS DEAD ON!!! WAKE UP AGGIES!!!!!!!!!
. How in the world does
. How in the world does Gucci Man and OJ the Juiceman stand for that at all??
Exactly, those rappers have nothing to do with our education or our mission statement. We cannot connect everything we do to our mission statement or the meaning of AGGIE PRIDE. There is no way that the concert has or ever will affect students gpa's. The perception that those rappers portray is not endorsed by our school and does not affect A&T. The homecoming concert has nothing to do with academics thats why it’s okay to have those rappers perform to provide our school with more money for scholarships and other materials. Or would you rather jeopardize our intuition's integrity like the SGA President by opening a door for possible law suits!!!
2. Where were you at the SGA sponsored event discussing UNST classes?
Yes I was there were u? I gave my opinion as well. I also was at that WEAK state of the campus address and I barley could hear with the Winning flag football team in the back ground......whose bright idea was that yours???
3. Why do you feel so strongly about these people performing at a concert sponsored by your Student Government that YOU voted for that could lead to potential harm for others?
I feel that neither rapper is responsible for what the uneducated citizens of the greater Greensboro area decide do and say. So if the citizens that attend are not smart and intelligent enough to carry themselves in a civilized manner then they need to go to jail.
So if this concert is a big deal what happens every summer when Greensboro has that Weak Summer Jam (small imitation of Atlanta's Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash)!!!
4. How dare you condemn the efforts taken by students bold enough to enhance the strides made for us by Willie Grimes and The A&T Four.
This is the problem every hour, minute ,second does not have to do with the A&T Four and what they stood for. Having rappers from your opinion that promote gang affiliation has nothing to do with the situation at hand.
5. Next time you are attending class I hope you are as enthusiastic about the subject as you have been about this situation.
When I'm in class i am very enthusiastic and i believe my cumulative gpa of a 3.6 shows that.
.....and yes I am in the 336 but my culture, family and beliefs were all developed in the Great ATL.......and I’m glad you were able to break the Morse code(404)....
Did you have to goggle it to figure out where it was from??? Lol
Next....
404
True example of if you stand
True example of if you stand for nothing then you will fall for anything. Just because you have a good gpa doesnt mean you are intelligent. Having stated this and I really don't mean to insult just help students especially open their eyes and see the bigger picture I really wish you would take more of a moral and wise approach to the situation. How sad is it to see a complacent generation that cares so much about things and people that really could give a d**n about you. Yes every hour, minute and second should be dedicated to honoring the legacy left behind by people that made strides not to only help themselves but to help you as well. That is the problem with our generation, no respect for the past. You should take pride in your past and as an Aggie pride in the past of this historic University. How do you not want more for your institution, how can you just accept the way things are just becuase you want to have fun. I am not saying its wrong liking or even listening to Gucci or OJ, but A&T should not be promoting these acts. What is so wrong with taking a stand and saying NO this will not happen here, not at my University that stands for something, has morals and values? Why can't Aggies do that anymore, they used to, what happened? AGGIE PRIDE didnt die, students slowly killed it! Killed it with our complacency, killed it with not supporting our student leaders, (how can a winning flag football practice hold more importance than an Address given by SGA, the message was made clear it was up to you if you wanted to hear it). It's things like that that give people the audacity to say A&T is not a respected institution. How can we demand respect from others when we don't even respect ourselves. I wish you would give a more open mind and heart to this situation.
For someone who supposely
For someone who supposely has a 3.6 gpa, you sure are dumb.
How can you compare the strides made by Willie Grimes and the A&T 4 with the decision to invite an "artist" who promotes gangs, drugs and murder?
you are sure dumb for that
you are sure dumb for that statement because if you would have read the comment that i commented on then you would have saw that i stated that you can not compare what the A&T 4 did
dummy
By the way, the same road
By the way, the same road that brought you to 336 from 404 can also take you back. Anytime you feel homesick and want to go back, please hit the road.
Why does it have to go down
Why does it have to go down like this? Wake up and smell the coffee. No need to personally attack any- one -individual. Trust me the SGA president does not hold the check book nor does he have the complete authority to make these type of contract decisions with out anyone "on the payroll" at A&T being aware of this. The university does have checks and balances. No the chancellor "did not sign off on this project" is not anything abnormal. Trust that he didnt have time in his schedule for that, but now he has time to take public a stand. Its PR guys.
The bottom line is, the concert headliner is a money maker. You may not agree ............however the show must go on or there w b a lawsuit and more money w b spent that A&T doesnt have. Learn from this and next year make better choices. Be mindful that No one individual is at fault.
"Because Hannah Montana and
"Because Hannah Montana and her farther promote that it's okay to take sexually appealing pictures with your daughter.
First of all, some might have a question as to whether the pictures of Hannah Montana were "sexually appealing" (although I too thought they were not apropriate). There can be NO DOUBT that the lyics of Gucci Mane promote murder, gangs, and drugs.
Second of all, (from my earlier post) What if a country music artist wrote a song saying all blacks are lazy and stupid. Would you still say "Be more open-minded to what the word entertainment really is " or "it is just music to listen to"? Without a doubt if such a artist wrote such a song you would be saying (and rightfully so) that person was promoting racism. It maybe true that "Gucci Mane was not found guilty of murder." and "He was not found guilty of selling drugs." But do you not see anything wrong with him promoting gangs, murder and drugs through his music?
REDDHOTT, it’s pointless
REDDHOTT, it’s pointless to argue with racists that search the internet for articles to justify their social Darwinism. Instead of ‘throwing stones’ at A&T, we should be commending the students that engaged the serious conversation which pertains to the perception of the university. A&T Class of 99
NatTurner, it is you who are
NatTurner, it is you who are the racist. When you have NO reasonable argument, you cry racism. You are more of the problem, instead of the solution.
You catch more flies with
You catch more flies with honey, folks. The tone most of you have struck isn't likely to engender a constructive conversation, let alone change anyone's mind.
Good morning to you too!
Good morning to you too!
What an ignorant comment that was! It shows ur one of the closed minded people that woke up this morning........ There are many upstanding, well respected, hard working individuals that have a degree from A&T. Most of them have wonderful careers. Everyone at Every university will not always be successful . U cant put all graduates from A&T in a little box.
No wonder a degree from A&T
No wonder a degree from A&T is considered worthless in the business world.
I think the choice of
I think the choice of performer is digusting.
That said, where are you getting your facts Tristar500? I've seen many people from A&T do well. So would you mind linking to your stats or is this just your personal assumption?
Well Randolh I agree with
Well Randolh I agree with you on one point, the choice of performer is well, disgusting, surprising, no, disgusting yes!
Seriously, do you honestly believe a piece of paper from A&T carries even a fraction of the weight as one from UNCG, Guilford or even GTCC?
As another poster mentioned, the entire campus with few exceptions is made up of buffoons and the inept.
No wonder race relations haven't improved much in this city, even the black who go to "college" at A&T are no better equipped to contribute to society much more then their gang banging buddies.
This is why I was asking for
This is why I was asking for some kind of proof. I've heard that an engineering degree from A&T was actually respected. I've never heard of a single thing of UNCG's being referred to in that way. I've only seen UNCG as just another school to consider for kids in the area with nothing to set it apart. (Admittedly, I don't know too much about either school.) But outside of NC I have heard A&T mentioned in a positive light and never heard anything either way about UNCG.
Tristar500 is obviously a
Tristar500 is obviously a bigot. Bigots don't use facts, so don't bother expecting them from him.
The A&T Homecoming is an
The A&T Homecoming is an absolute plague on this city. I used to manage a bar on HP Rd. and I had trouble every year staffing for this event. People would request off 6 months in advance. Sales were fine, but:
No tipping.
Fights.
Walkouts on tabs.
Theft.
Damage.
And I can't tell you the number of times I had to listen to; "No, man. I bought this 24oz can of Icehouse at the BAR!"
We didn't sell those.
Just an all around terrible crowd. Funny thing is it wasn't the students - it was the posers who came to town for the party. It's the exact reason Myrtle Beach stopped their bike week. Same crowd, same results.
"You all" (business owners)
"You all" (business owners) have a choice to open ur business and/or refuse service to anyone. It's nothing new! Everyone makes money off of Homecoming and will continue to do so in the future. Why stop discriminating now! But u made a valid point, most of the traffic is from outsiders and not University students. Again why blame A&T for putting on a fundraiser that will make money for the SGA. As soon as they ask the community for donations to fund there events it falls on deaf ears. Stop the hate. Provide better security at ur business for the weekend to police ur establishment .............................or take a vacation!
True, the businesses could
True, the businesses could close and face the wrath of a blatantly racist Greensboro city government. But that fact is a different argument...
WHY would the city and the school allow and support a function that brings this demographic into our town? There were just as many people on High Point Rd. when the ACC tournament was held at the coliseum, and believe me, NO problems - whatsoever - during those long weekends. Places were packed, people were spending money, no theft, no damage, no fights, no issues.
Business owners should not be forced to close down or even to consider that choice. The city has a responsibility to those who choose to set up business here. I can promise you, coming from a former business owner on HP Rd: does the Homecoming crowd spend money? Yes. Is it worth it? NO. "Close your doors!" you say. And upon doing so, immediately be labeled a racist, regardless of facts.
""You all" (business owners)
""You all" (business owners) have a choice to open ur business and/or refuse service to anyone."
That is not true. In Myrtle Beach when restaurant owners and hotel owners would close during "black" biker week (because of no tips, walkout on tabs, damage, etc.), the NAACP threaten law suits. They were forced to be open. Even though they were only trying to protect their business and workers. Undoubtabily the same would happen here, if owners closed during A&Ts homecoming.
Those lawsuits were never
Those lawsuits were never brought to court! NAACP made threats! No one never took it that far! Investigate before you comment. I was at Bike week 2009 and many business were closed and many refused to serve people because they were understaffed. Were u there or is this something u read?
REDDHOTT I'm sorry to tell
REDDHOTT
I'm sorry to tell you this, but you do not know what you are talking about. I own a condo at Myrtle Beach and I also know many business owners there. No law suits were brought BECAUSE of the THREAT of a law suit. Business owners could not take the chance of being sued and having to pay a high fine on a false accusation. And yes I was there. And I have been there during "black" biker week for the last 6 years. So I know exactly what I am talking about. You are the one who needs to investigate before you comment.
Beachwalk: I, too, own
Beachwalk: I, too, own property in Myrtle. South Myrtle, to be exact, which thankfully kept me away from most disturbances during the black bike week.
The business owners and the city were threatened with a nationally-exposed lawsuit, once the NAACP found out that each year, more and more businesses closed shop during that week. In order to be 'fair and balanced', they eliminated ALL bike weeks. Sad, because the Harley week was a huge stimulus to the economy.
It's not about color. It's about the mindset. The Harley riders I met, both white and black, were content to cruise slowly, gun their engines, and enjoy the beach weather. The speed bike riders (which is what black bike week was primarily comprised of), both white and black, whipped in and out of traffic, sped excessively, and generally were frowned upon. Not based on the color of their skin, but moreover on their ignorant behavior.
A golf buddy of mine who is a CRNA at a MB hospital told me several years ago that there were usually 10-15 serious, sometimes fatal bike crashes during black bike week. During Harley week, he remembered 1 over a 10 year span.
Who's acting foolish? You decide.
You are exactly right, It's
You are exactly right, It's not about color. I would actually say the majority of problems during (black) Bike Week was more because of the younger age. The Harley riders are generally a more mature age. But the fact remained there were always many more problems during Bike Week than there were during Harley Week. The NAACP are the ones who were making it a race issue. Businesses that closed were only trying to protect their business and workers. It had nothing to do with race.
Unfortunately as you are probably well aware, Myrtle Beach has had to raise taxes just to make up the difference of not having the revenue from Harley week. Thanks to the NAACP everyone loses. No longer will Myrtle Beach support Harley Week or Biker Week, therefore bikers no longer are welcome, therefore Mytle Beach loses the revenue, therefore they have to raise taxes.
No kidding. Ahd how about
No kidding.
Ahd how about the insurance hikes recently? My flood insurance is up to nearly 10K a year. That's insane. When I bought the house in '94 it was a third of that.
Tell me about it. I'm on our
Tell me about it.
I'm on our condo HOA board and we have had to have an assessment for the past 3-4 years just to make up the short fall for our insurance. Hopefully this year insurance should stay about the same. If there is an increase it shouldn't be more than about 3%. At least that is what we are being told for now.
Wow why does the SGA's
Wow why does the SGA's choice for a concert have to be responsible for history that was made so many generations ago? This is just another attempt to throw stones at a Black University. The fact is white kids will attend that concert also and they probably were some of the first to purchase one of the 5000 tickets. Dont be so judgemental to assume that ones past history will cause such physical harm to the ones that attend. Most musical artist that are making money have a controversal statement, thats what rap is about. It sells! Gucci Mane was not found guilty of murder. He was not found guilty of selling drugs. People we need to give our students more praise and not assume that attending a controversal concert (in ur opinion) will have a negative effect (as a whole) to the city of Gboro and our students. If you dont want to c the concert then dont purchase a tix. If you dont like what Homecoming represents then take a vacation. The problem is that Homecoming is going to continue as it has for many years. Your opinions r just that, ur opinions. It doesnt hold any water. Just a note to enlighten the readers. The deaths at A&T were not by students enrolled in the University but by outsiders. Crime can find u anywhere u are. Be more open-minded to what the word entertainment really is. Stop trying to police every action that young people do! They are young and this is there time of the year to shine. Instead of being a party pooper, pointing fingers in addition to just being ignorant lets support he University and the SGA. Leave the students alone and let them enjoy themselves! I am not a fan of Gucci, but I respect the fact that it is just entertainment! Lets not assume that "all" of A&T's students ignorant! Many of them know that hip hop/rap is just music to listen to and not instructions to live by.