Many young Black folks (and completely misguided old Black folks) think that Derby Cruising is the Black Derby event. I’ve heard and read people say that Abramson is taking the wrong approach to the situation and the city should just let the cruising happen. I work with a lot of police officers and I’ve heard that last year’s Derby cruising was the worst public display of lawlessness they have seen in their career. There were so many guns on Broadway on Derby Day it could have been mistaken for a military installation. Plus the National Guard had the ghetto bird out flashing spotlights all over the street. There were 65 arrests, one murder, rapes, sex in public, illicit drug use in public, and countless other acts of destructive ignorant behavior. Anyone who went to college and is over the age of 30 can tell it sounds a lot Freaknic, aka Black College Weekend, in Atlanta. (And most people will also tell you that the trouble makers were from out of town and not college students.) Atlanta put a stop to it. It was out of control and Atlanta authorities did not tolerate it. Atlanta has had a black mayor for years and tons of black police officers for years as well, so it was not a race issue. They put their collective foot down on the insanity caused by cruising in their city. Louisville has done the right thing by ending Derby cruising. It’s not a race issue, it’s a safety issue. People don’t need to ride in a circle wasting gas acting like a bunch of immature donkeys (I would use the other word but this is a family show!) to have fun. Ok, many would say: what about the In-Field and cruising on Preston and other parts of the South End?? Simple: they don’t have guns. They’re drunk. They’re rowdy. They may even have a couple of FIST fights. But, they are not walking around with assault rifles (one officer told me he saw one last year). Gimme a break, people. Derby cruising is a menace and dangerous. And as quiet as it’s kept most of the residents on Broadway and neighboring streets (black folks) want it to stop. They are not vocal because many don’t want to seem disloyal to the “black community” or be perceived to be siding with “the Man.” But guess what: I could give a damn about this elusive, phantom ‘black community’ think. I’m on the side of right and obeying the law. Simple. Any good Christian or Muslim or Jew should be on the side of being a law-abiding citizen and not a criminal no matter what race. Malcolm X said if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything; Stand up for what’s right. But like my mother said: if it were easy to do what’s right, everyone would do it.
Listening to Weary by Amel Larrieux. This girl is good. Great lyrics.
20 comments:
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This was a poor decision. Regardless of it being over race or not the appearance is less than stellar. Louisville could have done many other things to cultivate this phenomenon. I’m glad that others in the community have taken it on themselves to attempt to cultivate something else. However it should have been done sooner. Louisville had an event which attracted young African-Americans. This is something which could have been used to showcase Kentucky to African-Americans. The city has stated before that it needs to become more diversified and attract fresh minds and ideas. It’s not fair to characterize the entire event because of some bad seeds. These so called acts of criminal behavior happen each and everyday. You deal with situations as they arise. However, the city of Louisville has found it more convenient and expedient to cancel it all together. This seems characteristic of Louisville. We want the easy way. It is better to cancel something than to cultivate it. I live in Atlanta. I know what happened at Freaknic. While the cruising on Broadway was similar, it was not the same. Freaknic attracted threes the amount of people to a city already populated extensively by African Americans. Freaknic caused major interstates to be closed. Even then, Atlanta attempted to cultivate this event. There were college fairs, job fairs etc… Many young educated and soon to be educated African Americans saw what the city had to offered and made plans to relocate! Freaknic grew out of control and the city finally cancelled it. I disagreed with that decision too, but that’s another story. Even when it was cancelled, it took THREE years before the message was received and people stopped coming. Louisville can expect the same.
Louisville didn’t want this event. It was never welcomed. There was never and official attempt to truly cultivate this phenomenon into what it could’ve been. I hope with the other event coming into fruition that this opportunity hasn’t been completely lost.
Louisville needs to grow up and take its place. If our city can’t handle rowdy young people, how does it expect to handle crowds for NCAA tournaments? What about and NBA team? When the NBA all stars came to Atlanta, the crowds were just as large and rowdy as Freaknic. Lennox Mall had to shut down because it was filled to capacity. (For you that don’t know, Lennox Mall is one of the largest malls in the Southeast, it’s anchored by Macys, Bloomindale’s and Neiman Marcus! Imagine Mall St Matthew times 3 or 5 over three levels!) The city of Atlanta didn’t talk about not hosting the even in the future. The difference was, this crowd was largely black too. However, they were older with MORE MONEY. They rented entire lobbies of downtown buildings to have parties! The rented rooms in the Four Seasons, the Marriot, the Ritz etc…) Freaknic was young less affluent African Americans with less money to spend, so the inconvenience wasn’t excused. This is what is happening in Louisville. The city has said these revelers don’t have exuberant bank accounts. Their presence and the inconvenience it causes are not excusable.
So this situation is not only about race, it’s about class and power as well. The city has said you and your revelry are not welcome in Louisville. Isolated incidences are not a reason to cancel something. Illegal activities happen in the infield all the time. However, that has not been hindered. I agree that guns are out of line. However, I wonder how often this was the case?
I used to wonder, why is it that my home state has the lowest percentage of African Americans in the south/excluding W. Virginia. Why did my state fall from 30% black to a mere %7? Why do northern state such as Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio have more blacks? I believe I’m starting to understand. We weren’t welcome in the Commonwealth. It seems that may still be the case. Interesting that 10million dollar was found for a bigoted Christian school in SE Kentucky. Yet Simmons University gets nothing. We’ve asked for years to have a museum built. However we only get hollow words. When it comes down to it, our energies shouldn’t be exerted on Broadway Cruising. Our energies should be directed at some of the things I listed. However, it should be noted that cruising is just another symptom of the issues that African-Americans face in Kentucky. I hope that the other events are cultivated and supported by the community. If theses event succeed then, they will make cruising totally irrelevant and elevate our Community to the place of honor it deserves.
I totally agree with hte last comment.We must learn better ways of govern our black events other than cancelling.If we can't do this , we will never be ready for such events like the winter games, major sport games, or all ethics favorite superbowl.People like me that live in small towns look forward to derby weekend,mule day, and former freaknic. It's the closest outing we got and cancallation will cause us to create our own events.When you have weekends events like these you can plan for the worst be hope for the best.But hte key word is plan.If we create our own events you don't allow the planning and anything may and usually willgo wrong. And when you target and openly degrade our (black) events you leave yourself open to be looked at as if this is a racial issue.ADOLF HITTER did't know how to proper govern the other races so he cancelled them.IS THIS YOUR WAY OF THOUGHTS.
If we start catering to a cetain race that demands special attention for some reason or another, Then you will need to cater to the latino race, asain race, white race, jewish race, ect. and give those races their own special Derby events in different parts of town....Isn't the chow wagon's, Thunder over Louisville, Steamboat race, Baloon Race, Derby Parade, ect. good enough for all of us?
I am a citizen of the western area of Louisville and yes I have participated in the Events on Broadway. This event, with the right planning, could have continued. The city could have set up certain check points to monitor activity or open up the Louisville Gardens (free of charge) just like they do for NEW YEARS EVE and provided entertainment and food.
I hate to see it end cause we experience killings and shootings everyday, but stores still sell guns. Cancelling thie event off of Broadway will only send the cruisers to other parts of town such as Bardstown Road and all streets going north and south.
What about Oak, Muhammad Ali, Dumesnil? Those streets will be just as congested cause they are our main entry and exit routes; drivers still need areas in which to drive and park.
In New Orleans, look at the many years of Mardi Gras and its dirt and nudity, but its not cancelled. In spite of the flood, Mardi Gras still took place, cause u had a determined group of people, but it took an ACT of GOD to postpone it and that still didn't deter the people. So the City in Louisville, may have scared away some folks, but you still have a determined group of people that will find somewhere to cruise and then all will follow.
As far as labeling the people as "revelers", thats discrimination. What do you label the young caucasians who cruise Bardstown Road on the weekends and hang in the TACO BELL Parking lots?
Now that Shawnee Park is not as open to us as in the past, Derby cruising is canceled; 4th Street Live isn't geared towards young african americans (u get the picture), whats left for us? By the way, if Screaming Eagles still host their motorcycle gala, then, what is the traffic plan for that or will the city take that too??
To our churches, we all need to come together and host events within to pull our youth in, free of charge.
Canaan/St. Stephens events are great, but should be free of charge so that everybody can have a chance to join in. Not everybody has $50 for entertainment. But right now, its all about the "BENJAMINS".
Like all other situations, we learn from experience.
The word, revelers is not a discriminatory term. Where do you get that thought from? I find this term to be fairly safe to use…that’s why I used it. I’m an African American. However the use of this word shouldn’t bring into mind discrimination. The people in the East End are revelers also. If you are confused to the definition of this word, I suggest you look it up.
To the person who said, “If we start catering to a cetain race that demands special attention for some reason or another, Then you will need to cater to the latino race, asain race, white race, jewish race, ect.” That’s fine. Yes you should do this. The fact of the matter is that most things in this country ARE designed to cater towards the Caucasian population. Many times white people don’t notice this because they are so homogenized. However, catering toward a specific group does not equal segregation or special treatment. While most fans of R&B are black, that doesn’t mean whites or other group cannot enjoy it. The same goes for Rock & Roll. While most fan of it tend to be white, that doesn’t mean blacks cannot enjoy it also.
I am an African American I enjoy the cultural aspects of my own culture. I enjoy our music, our arts, and our cuisine. However that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the aspects of other cultures. I’m a bilingual Spanish speaker. I annually attend the Greek Festival here in Atlanta. I like to eat different ethnic cuisine.
This is the misunderstanding I believe white people have about this whole issue. I believe that white people hear African American events and believe this means they are not welcome. That is not the case. There were plenty of white teens cruising Broadway along with the blacks. You can’t have anything in the State of Kentucky with out including whites. They represent 90% of the population.
I don’t understand why Caucasians, do not understand other groups desires to be affirmed.
I never hear this question when an event is geared towards Caucasians. Whenever there is a country western event or club, do you ever hear any suggest including African Americans? However, if you go to a black music concert or event you will find whites. How many whites now play Jazz and the Blues? One of the most popular rappers right now is a white man.
We need to stop thinking of this as taking away from the whole. When we include others we are making the pie bigger and not taking another’s piece away.
It might be a good Idea to have some Jewish, Asian, and Latino events in Louisville! It might be good to have the even during the Derby or some other time. More events only mean more economic growth for the Commonwealth, not less. The Horse was domesticated in Asian in the first place! It might be good to have some acknowledgement of that in Kentucky, where we say we love horses.
Blacks raised, trained, and rode some of the first horses in the Derby. We have a heritage in this tradition along side whites.
When we ask for events catering toward our interests, we are not attempting to be discriminatory. We are asking for acknowledgement. We are stating with are not nor have we been an after thought. We were here in the beginning along side Caucasians. However, some people don’t want that to be acknowledged. Wasn’t one of our Kentucky distilleries started by a white man and a slave? Doesn’t the white man’s family still own this distillery? I wonder what happened to the black man’s family?
The next time you feel that blacks are attempting to segregate themselves by having events geared towards their interests, remember your history lessons and current life. Why is the West End predominately black today? Was that the case over 40years ago? It is because of the actions of African Americans? Was there ever a neighborhood where blacks attempted to prohibits whites from living in? Today, at our current public events, how many black artists are invited? When you are at Churchill downs or any other Derby event, what type of music is played? What type of food is served? What kinds of clothes are worn? Don’t gloss over these questions. Don’t view them as stupid. They are valid questions. Think about it.
IF the gangstas and otherwise uneducated young brothas want to kill themselves then let them. Give them all guns and have a show down on who's pants is falling off the most.
Cry me a river is all I can say about it being canceled. Act like humans and not a bunch of animals that came from the jungle and maybe you'll get what you want, otherwise keep on preaching about the man putting you down. They've put themselves down but are too stupid to realize it.
IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT ANYONE OF ANY OTHER RACE CALLS THE AFRICAN AMERICAN PEOPLE, IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW YOU SAY WE ACT, WE ARE THE TRENDSETTERS, THE ROLE MODELS, THE ICONS OF MILLIONS OF WHITE SURBURBAN CHILDREN AND ADULTS. SO MANY KINDS OF PEOPLE DONT HAVE AN IDENTITY OF THEIR OWN SO THEY USE US. JUST HOW THEY ALWAYS HAVE. IT DONT MATTER WHERE WE ARE TURNED AWAY FROM WE WILL GO SOMEWHERE ELSE AND MAKE THE PARTY. WE ARE THE PARTY, AND EVERYONE KNOWS IT. WE WERE NOT HERE TO BEGIN WITH. WHITE PEOPLE, WHO HAVE SUCH A PROBLEM WITH US BEING HERE, SHOULD HAVE LEFT US WHERE WE WERE. BUT NOW WE ARE HERE, AND YALL WANNA BE JUST LIKE US. DEAL WITH IT! WE ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE, WE ARE HERE TO STAY. I HAVE MORE MONEY AND NICER THINGS THAN HALF OF THE PEOPLE IN MY COMMUNITY THANKS TO THE LORD JESUS. SO NOW HAHA THE JOKE IS ON YOU!
Let's see what happens tonight...
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I personally don't get out to this such of events every year, but when I do.. I really enjoy myself!! Yes true enough that the whole even of the Derby Cruisin' has gotten a little of control year after year but it hasn't taken away the fact that it is the only time that we are able to party "our way".
Now don't get it twisted, it is not far that for the most of the community of which involves the older generation, I can relate to the very much of a inconvience it has become to those who do not wish to participate those kind of events... and all they are trying to do is get home after a long, hard day of work. I really have sympathy for them in deed.. but on the other hand I think that we as a young african american community should not all be accountable for the ingnorance of others who choose to go way out of line as far as being just disrespectfl and out of control.
I too feel what James Johnson is saying in his dictations and then there also comes to that this whole decision on whether or not that the Derby Cruisin' should be all together be cancelled is to me I think... a slap in the face. I see it as this taking away the one thing that us young african americans (and some other ethnic people who enjoy the cruising atmosphere), then that jus leaves us with not much of a choice but to find something better else to do with our time as far as the whole Derby 123 as concerned.
I mean for some of the readers and writers who have responded to this topic have to really and should sit back, take a step back, and really ,REALLY look at the situation. Everyone is intitled to their own opinion as well as I. But I too feel that there seems to me that there could possibly, not that I am saying that there is. But I am thinking that this cruising situation is going to be frowned upon to some exstint as a racial issue.
If you look back, there has been changes around the downtown louisville area. I just want to jump of the subject for one moment, but there was once a galleria that every mostly hung at after school and on the weekends. Now when I say everyone, i'm meaning african american. Anyway, I know that it wasn't much and they didn't have many stores to shop from but it was just a spot to just hang out, grab a bite to eat, meet ur buddies. Basically, there was nothing really wrong with the mall for it to be torn down into wshat is now called, "Fourth Street Live!!"
I felt that the day, that happened,was gonna be the day that the governor was going to take alot more from us as far as the "young african" communtiy was concerned.
So basically all I am saying is that I too think that if you take away one thing from one, then why not do for all. But you know is my opinion, so you can't get mad!! I too have other race of friends and I to have my pros and cons about how the government is somewhat trying take over on the idea of how and what louisville should look like. Shouldn't I have a say so in what is done to my "Ol' Kentucky Home?" Hell, I pay hard earn tax dollars just like anyone else, no matter what the color of their skin.
I'm just saying people of all ethnic backgroud, lets just all try to grab a better aspect of life than just trying to see who can out-do the other. And for those shallow minded, low self esteem people who don't think that we don't have as much a right to share this one a year event the way we want to celebrate, then I feel sorry for you. and to the two idiots who said that if we want to run around acting like animals, and killing ourselves, then all is i'll let god deal with you on judgement day.
Well, as I supposed. They upset things. I’m sorry to see that most of the events weren’t supported as well as they could’ve or should’ve been. I hope this doesn’t discourage the promoters from next year. Everything needs a beginning.
So Louisville, how do you feel now after your hang over? You attempted to promote economic activity and ended up squelching it in the West End. It never ceases to amaze me how people allow good things to be corrupted. Several business are reporting that they LOST money on the biggest weekend in Kentucky. The police intimidated the people to the point they didn’t even want to leave their homes. I’m sure that some people are saying that, “You shouldn’t fear the police if you are law abiding.” However, I’m sure many of the people with that sentiment aren’t young black men.
I’m a law abiding college educated black man. However, I get nervous when I see too many police. To make matters worse, my legal name is James L. Johnson. How many possibilities do you believe exist for mistaken identity in my life? The police look at African Americans differently than they do Caucasian Americans. This is something many people don’t want to believe. However, it’s more likely for the police to run a black person in for a minor infraction versus a white person for the same minor infraction. However, that’s another discussion.
This is just another stupid issue being used to distract the masses from the real issues. Why is there such uproar over driving cars in the street? Why is it that violence happens everywhere everyday, however, the spotlight is being focused on the West End? Lewd and depraved action occur in the infield, however we aren’t canceling that event. Alcohol leads to drunk driving yet, we aren’t closing bars. People, you need to wake up!!
Let’s just get ready for next year. Let’s dictate what type of police presence we want in our community.
However, don’t allow this to distract you from the major issues. Why is our history center being delayed? This has been on the drawing board and proposed since I was a child and lived in Kentucky. Why are they auditing this project in particular? Why is Simmons University still struggling? Why is Kentucky State University still struggling? These are the things you should be concerned about. Canaan Baptist went in the right direction with inviting Tavis Smiley to Louisville. Let’s continue on this path.
Just don't invite the cops to be a presence next year, let the elders of the community patrol the actions of the younger generation and deal with problems that arise. Get the world out hooliganism will not be tolerated, and I'm sure you'll have a better celebration.
And don't be so quick to dismiss what caucasions think, we know more than what you realize. I lived in an an Asian society for 4 years. I was spit at, shoved, slapped, and even dragged down the street, institutionally discriminated against--all due to the color of my skin. I would never compare my experiences to what the black race has been through, but I've had a taste of it so now understand something of the modern day experiences of minorities in North America.
And by the way, making sweeping statements about all caucasions is racist behaviour too you know.
Hi ;)
wow... what demented comments!
what do U suppose about it?
James, your comments were so long-winded that I didn't bother to finish reading them. And, no, it's not because you're black.
It's quite a stretch to compare Derby cruising to actual planned festivals and events, don't you think? If the black population of Louisville wants to create an event of their own to celebrate Derby, I will support that. I will not, however, support a group of idiots driving around on public streets with guns and bad tempers.
This isn't a black and white issue, it's an issue of common sense.
Derby cruising is not a planned, funded or sanctioned by the Kentucky Derby Festival, so it can't be cancelled. It is an improptu gathering of people by the grace of the city. In the past it has been fortunate that the police and city tolerated it and assisted by closing streets and increasing patrols. It is the fault of the participants who chose to violate the law that the event can no longer be held. It has nothing to do with race or the 'man'. It has everything to do with breaking the law ad being bad citizens, wetehr you are form Louisville or not. The laws that were broken are not unique to our city.
If you do drugs, speed, or carry unregisted fireams in public you are breaking the law. Drunk and disordely behavior and public lewdness are against the law.
I have a hard time believing that the participants of this so called "event" are the people who would bring diversity and educational opportunity to our fair city.
What do you expect, brandishing weapons, smoking pot in public and having sex in the street? A free pass?
Louisville DOES support many multicultural events. Try coming down to the aterfront for the WOrldfest in the spring. You can have some great food from around the world (including Africa people) and watch some very bored off-duty cops. Our center for Performing Arts fetures contibutions from cultures around the world, as does or excellent science museum. Unfortunately, you can't bring your gun to any of these events, so I guess they are discriminatory.
I have no sympathy for the cruisers. I am sure that if the African American community would like to organize a sanctioned event, the city of Louisville would get behind it. And there is no event just for white people. Get a grip, accept some social responsibilty, and don't type in all caps. You look like an uneducated thug.
I am an old white lady (OWL) and I LOVE those low rider, tricked out cars, to heck with yall that want to shut it down.
I feel that the cruising shoud stop. When I was younger, we too used to cruise. But it was preston hwy, and it was under control, and I can't recall seeing assault rifles, or drugs. But you know I myself had to appear in court atleast half a dozen times for "cruising". The definition they gave us for cruising was passing a location more than once. Funny thing is you didn't even have to be cruising to do that! There is an ordinance against cruising in kentucky. That means it is against the law. So that being said, if they let them have cruising on broadway, or any other state/county rd., then I feel that I have been descriminated against. Why is it that when the african american community speaks/ or more comonly acts out, everyone backs off and lets them do whatever? I think if they let them cruise "we" should all go to court for what money we spent on "cruising" fines in the past!
There are countless events that are cancelled because of people who can't control themselves. The cruise on broadway is destructive, plus, makes us look even more like inbred hicks to all of the people coming from out of town.
The media is the real blame for most of this stuff though, for all of the new age rappers that promote ignorance guns and violence vs/ old school hip hop which did not.
Personally i don't see why videos about pimpin, killing people, selling drugs, walking the streets, etc are allowed on TV, but a music video protesting a war can be banned.
The thing is most black people want to play the racist card and get what they can out of it, IE the woman suing the chinese company for the translation mistake where she got a "Nigger Brown" sofa, people always blaming police for being racist when they dont even know how many white people they shoot. Hell when I used to ride the school bus no one ever started shit with the black kids on the bus, but you know what, they all always threw shit at us, one of the punched my friend in the back of the head for no reason, they all smoked weed on the back of the bus.
Now keep in mind, not all black people are bad, I actually have a few close black friends, however, when people behave like this, and their behavior is shut down by the police or whomever it is, playing the race card is just another way to be racist themselves, especially when race wasn't even involved in the decision.
Keep in mind, whoever the poster was that felt it be necessary to post in all caps like it makes your thoughts worth more or something.
How many people who even brought slaves over, are most likely all dead by now. People under the age of 35, haven't even been alive long enough to see segregation.
I don't understand why people like that always say the same thing, we didn't bring you over, my ancestors moved from france and scottland and never event dealt with slaves, nor were they ever racist. You are the ones being racist.
I know half of my comment doesn't even apply to the cruise itself, but rather the root of all of the feelings that go along with it "from the black community", even though most black people I am friends with, wouldn't ever consider doing any of the shit that goes on in the cruise.
That's my 2 cents.
Cruising on Broadway got shut down just like the Central Block party did ~8yrs ago. It got out of hand people got hurt, too many people acting like idiots.
It's the actions of idiots that ruin things for other people and it will always be that way. That is what has happened.
u r totally wrong about derby this event happens in the west and south ends only the poor parts of louville u could say well thats where i live and i know that derby is the only thing we african americans have to do on derby cant go to the track because all the rich white people dont want us there kentucky has the lowest percentage of african americans in the south and i think its because we feel not welcome when im anywhere near some rich fancy white people ifeel out of place they all stare and ive lived inky for 20 yrs and i have been called the n word more times than i can count even by several police i grew up in cottahomes projects and when my brother got killed there all the police and the city said was it was our own fault for living there but thats the only place we can go when u have no money why dont u try living on 4.50 an hour raising kids nobody will help u or even look twice so derby is the only time we could let loose and feel like ourselves and as far as the guns go ur right they shuldent be there but the drugs and sex worse happens at the infield
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