With the current controversy surrounding high-end retail store Barneys and racial profiling allegations, one thing stands evident. Harry Belafonte was right about Jay-Z. In the midst of this controversy, fans have called on Jay-Z to end his partnership with Barneys, in which his new holiday fashion line is going to be sold. Jay-Z’s response has been a calculated public relations effort in which he negates any real responsibility to his default, “I’m doing it for charity” statement. Currently, Jay-Z is continuing his partnership with Barneys with his collection set to launch next week.
This “doing it for charity” response only further highlights Jay-Z’s disconnect with the masses that he often claims to represent. This notion of accepting racism in exchange for charity is downright laughable. If a charity is supposed to be helping people, why work with a store that appears to marginalize his own fan base due to class and race perceptions. Now, Jay-Z claims he’s being demonized for his partnership with Barneys. He’s not being demonized. He’s being realized.
This is where Harry Belafonte comes in. Months ago Belafonte called on Jay-Z to play a more active role in social movements and help to drive social change. Jay-Z’s response was to refer to the 86-year old civil rights icon as “boy.” Jay-Z went on to state that due to his mega star status, his very presence was “charity.”
Harry Belafonte’s critiques were not superfluous statements. They were part of an insightful analysis of how star power can be used to affect societal movements. With over 50 years of civil rights activism, Belafonte can spot both genuine and superficial involvement. The latter, is what Jay-Z is often engaged in. This superficial support of “the people” is laden with corporate driven interests.
For example, during the height of the Occupy Wall Street Movement, Jay-Z decided to make a t-shirt line based on slogans from the movement. His plans changed, once Occupy Wall Street activists asked if he would share the profits. The idea of having to share the profits (which would have helped provide much needed financial support to activists) was unthinkable to the hip-hop mogul.
Then, there’s the controversy that surrounded 2010 tax records from The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund. During that year he reportedly earned, over $63 million but only donated roughly $6,000 to his own charity. This is not a normal practice for charity founders, who often provide a large portion of their charities’ financial costs. Out of all donors, Jay-Z reportedly gave the lowest donation to his own cause.
Finally, there is the N*ggas in Paris fiasco in which his friend Gwyneth Paltrow, decided to tweet the title of the song after attending his concert. This resulted in Twitter backlash over her usage of the term. Jay-Z, who is an enthusiastic advocate for the usage of the N-word, was silent on the controversy. Having millions among his fan base embrace the N-word is a part of his crossover hood status appeal that provides further economic security.
According to the Recording Industry Association of America, in 2012 White/Caucasian audiences represented 79% of music buys, 81% of CD buyers and 80% of digital buyers. So don’t expect Jay-Z to engage in any significant dialogue with fans about using the word. With him it’s the same old, “people give words power” and “this is the least racist generation” excuse. It’s not economically feasible for him or any other corporately invested hip-hop artist to do anymore than brush off the issue. Yet this is someone people expect to fully grasp or care about race related issues?
The African American community has to get beyond this belief that just because someone from our community attains fame or wealth, that they’re somehow intellectually superior, a role model and someone to be admired. The same can be said for Russell Simmons with his Rush Card, Blood Diamond, and Harriet Tubman controversies. And Kanye West, who often laments about racism but strives to uphold the same materialistic values that help drive economic disparities. Do you really expect any of them to be deeply invested in activism against a classist system from which they benefit?
Harry Belafonte was right. Jay-Z isn’t genuinely standing up against racism or classism because this activism may affect profit margin (something he learned while selling crack).
Jessica Ann Mitchell is the founder of OurLegaci.com & BlackBloggersConnect.com. To reach JAM, email her at OurLegaci@gmail.com.
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Our Legaci with J.A.M. Aiwuyor 
The reason why a lot of rappers use the “N” word is because that is what they are! I grew up around a lot of these thugs, drug dealers and Niggers; these rappers are no different, they’re simply niggers who sold drugs that are only concerned with displaying how “fat” their pockets are! That’s it, no more, no less.
Great article. Well written and apropos of our current societal conundrum. I’ll go a step further and also include a vast majority of Blacks in the entertainment/corporate industries. I feel the same way about many actors/actresses who, on a weekly basis emphasise the upper crusted groveling that adds to our cultural and economic quagmire. However, we cannot excuse the parents, families and “emotional first responders” that have (in frustration and fear) relinquished their accountability. Turn these clowns OFF your radios while driving your kids. Shut the TV off when this mess comes on. Talk to your kids AND their friends AND their friends parents. Take back our spirits and re instill some pride. You may not get rich, but you CAN get respected.
I think you are 100% spot on. Harry Belafonte involved himself in the waves of political change at a time when even the Presidents– Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson etc., were doing little except showing up for public relations opportunities. Belafonte was out there in the flesh, amid all the warts and scars of what was put in place for society and understands the turmoil, but can also see enormous possibilities for ALL Americans. I wish there were more entertainers who would do this, but I’m not sure where it will come from or if it will happen. Just my opinion folks. Thanks for reading my 2 cents.
then he leaves his black wife married a white woman, just saying.. i frankly don’t see any difference
Love your comment. Perfectly said.
While I agree with the argument making reference to his drug dealing demises it. Their very few if any white millionaires and billionaires that have not engaged in illegal activities. So reference drug dealing you begin to sound self serving.
I used to respect Jayz n Live all he I’d when he came back to the community on holidays n give back he don’t do that anymore. I thiught this racism. JAYZ would nor stand for. I don’t even buy his cds anymore nor my friends people get fame n forgot WHERE THEY COME HUM N His WIFE.
There is a difference, my friend. His black wife left him after he was accused of being a communist because of his activism. He married who he fell in love with, but he NEVER abandon the fight for injustice to his people.
Love, love your comment!!
awww stop ya whining; ya’ll have Kanye for that; and you hate him. He called out bush you hate; he called the big 3 and record execs; you hate. You never want to hear the truth; you just want your heads patted about how evil the “white man” is. do you buy black? I know few asians do; and most white don’t; but many black don’t also. Quit trying to make every dude with a dollar your big mouth; when you’re hating on the big mouthes you have.
You sound like a fool just because it doesn’t affect your dumb ass. You just keep livening it will get to you!!
Kanye doesn’t represent for us in anyway… He’s just arrogant and self centered… There’s a difference and I highly doubt you would see Kanye out in a march for civil rights unless it’s to turn his already damaged ego around
Doodoo dee dee pee pee. Trample reef Terdy paper! Gubble poppers slipstream wet Hogg shit!
AGREED!!!
STEVE I AGREE WITH U!!JUST BECAUSE A HUMAN WONT DO WHT U THINK HE SHOULD DO HE’S WRONG? HE’S NOT OBLIGATED TO DO SHIT BUT LIVE HIS LIFE IF YALL WANT THIS COMPANY DELT WITH DEAL WITH THEM HE DOESNT HAVE SHIT TO DO WITH THE ALIGATIONS MADE THIS WORLD IS A MESS!!!
Agreed!!!
He does what he wants…fine but don’t act like you are doing something to help the larger black community. You can’t be “the man” and be “the activist” and it looks like he has chosen. I hope he has a change of heart because we are always looking for a hero.
This article verbalizes the thoughts I have had about Jay-Z for quite some time. What a slap in the face for him to continue to do business with a company guilty of racial profiling. The Black community has made this man a god therefore he feels he has the right to do and say anything he pleases, even if it belittles the very community that made him a success!! I wish we would all take a stand against all Artists who continue to promote the thug lifestyle and who refer to their brothers as the N-word. Awesome article!!!
donta i have been saying this before he did the barclays and when he did it he did not care about people losing their homes or that the kids down there need something to do not something they can barely afford to go to. he used bk as usual stating he was giving back to where he came from and that it would create jobs -that pay nothing comparedto what he is getting paid thank you. he dont care about bk he cares about his pockets but people want ti say i am a hater because i said that and then what did he say he made his money and he bounced. end of story. this right here with barneys which they would have done to him if he was not jay z when he was a little knucklehead on the corner not a big time drug dealer that he like to proclaim, shows exactly what i and others were saying so am i still a hater or a real person who does not have time for phoney people. what comes around goes around and the same people he is screwing are the same people he is going to see coming back down
So true says the lord
Well at least your not a hater with your wish for him to fail. Your last sentence exposes your true wish. gtfoh.
I agree with you Ms. Johnson. I bet Barney’s wouldn’t have sold Jay-Z line he wasn’t so mainstream. Its the law of nature “what goes up will come down”. I wonder, if Barneys going to there than.
I agree they made him a god, which is a wrong on all levels. But just wait until
the day when mainstream turn their backs on Jay and he come running back to the Black and Brown Communities.
Fantastic article! So on point!
Jay-Z is what he is a business man a hustler. He never claimed to be a social activist. It would be nice if he was but he never claimed to be something that he is not. His main hustle is making music and that has led to marketing opportunities of products in other areas. The fact that we are even scolding him for not behaving in the manner we feel he should is putting him on a pedestal of other greats entertainers that were actually activist. Please don’t degreed will activist by putting Jay-Z in their some bucket.
***degrade other activist
I absolutely agree.
I absolutely agree with Katherine Hudsn.
Ray Charles was a business man as well, but when the blacks were being treated bad in the south he walked away from performing in Atlanta, and took his lifetime ban for his people. Jay is a classy selfish ass business man, a true hustler gives back, he donates 6 grand to his own charity, wow where do that at…
Who said a hustler gives back? Hell that’s what makes a person a hustler to begin with, they don’t give they take! Don’t try and romanticize the crook. People do that enough with the mob and mob wives and all that BS. A crook is a crook, he does for himself. Any giving is about an agenda, not a desire to do good from the heart.
Great article.
Its one thing to be a business man. Its another thing to stand up for what’s right. He can make money and do what he needs to raise money for charity without Barney’s.
Great point! The scolding is an example of crabs in he barrel. When Michael Jackson was in his prime, he was ridiculed by blacks about everything that we thought he should be doing. Jay Z is not a politician or elected official with the responsibility of doing things based on the wants of the people, so let it be.
The problem with your reasoning, Katherine, is that he DID claim to be a social activist. He did that the moment he started the charity he egregiously neglects (a charity he probably only started for the tax write-off purposes) AND the moment he condescended towards another activist (Belafonte) for expressing his opinions AS a social activist.
I understand what you intended to do with your general point, excuse him of all responsibility (probably . . . LIKELY because you’re a fan of his music), but you only came off as a fanatic who didn’t actually read the article.
Plain and simple, the second you start a charity, you are LITERALLY claiming to be a social activist, and you should therefore be receptive to you predecessors, not disrespectful.
Hmm .. Does being “receptive” mean you have to do and be what someone expects of you?
on point Alexander Banks
I agree with Ms. Hudson. He’s not an activist although it would be nice. I get it. He trys to promote himself as connected to his community and his people but he is so far removed that I dont know if he realizes it. His people are struggling they are in need of support rather it be social programs to deviate violence, teen pregnacy, drugs and etc, or taking a stand against any form of injustice to our community.
Jay-Z calling Mr. Belafonte “boy” is more offensive than any of the other allegations. His lack of respect for those who paved the way for him to be able to do what he does now is maddening.
He’s such an egomaniac. “Magna Carta Holy Grail”? He has never produced anything with the magnitude of importance of either of those historical items. The hubris is sickening.
Clint…I just said the same exact thing to myself. Disrespecting Mr. Belafonte was horrible. If it wasn’t for Belafonte and Lena Horn, we wouldn’t know Jay-Z. He’s a Entertainment uncle Tom and its about money. He doesn’t give a damn about a charity or anything else, if it wasn’t for the people in the hood buying his music mainstream wouldn’t give two rat A$$ who he was. This man has made Millions and he’s making the entertainment billions, they don’t give a damn about Barney’s mistreating black or brown people.
Harry B. was an actor and considered himself an activist. I agreed with some of the things he stood for, but looking in another man’s wallet and trying to dictate his business decisions, is at best inappropriate. Harry and Lena, has nothing to do with the success of JZ. Neither as an entertainer or as a business mongul. I don’t stand for Harry or JZ, I stand in the face of what’s real. This is America, if you has a problem with equality, then tell America to stop Bull sitting…..
@Katherine, I agree. He just is not it. I did see him & his wife at a Trayvon Martin rally, which was nice, but I don’t think social activism is what he is about. This article sounds good to an extent, but she & Mr. Belafonte are wishing upon a star.. jay Z is not their man. He is ALL ABOUT THE $$$$$$$$…..& the n word. Wrong dude. As for Barneys, I think he also is being wrongly blamed. He did say that he asked Barneys to create some type over board or something, so at least he is trying to set a wrong right. Every brown person does not represent me or speak for me & vice versa. we at some point need to stop w/all of this tribalism stuff. Your immediate family is about as close as one should go as far as expecting anything. After Sharpton & Belafonte & the like pass on, we as brown folks will be in a quandary anyway, unless we as individuals do not raise our own voices, & stop waiting for others to do it. Peace.
*some type OF
So True…..
People have the right to there opinions. But if you want to cast a stone, cast a stone at everyone, don’t just pick and choose. There are a lot of wealthy people in the same position but nobody is pointing the finger at them. Does anyone point the finger at wealthy Caucasian people for not uplifting there communities. IE….. Miley Cyrus , Britney Spears, Christina agulierra, pink…. Etc… They can have the same impact on people, after all they have followers also. But hey the goal is for all African Americans to bring each other down. Good job African Americans. Your doing great at destroying each other!!!!!
Um, really? Just think about what u said….and then realize how stupid it sounds….
Yes really. I know what I said I wrote it. Jay z don’t owe nobody shit!!!!! Neither does anybody else. You want to be heard become wealthy and let me know so I can criticize you.. Until then gtfoh!!!! You don’t know the truth and never will because you sweetheart are no one. Go boycott or something if you want to have your voice heard..
*their
I agree. We can’t tell people what to do with their money or their time.
If there was a black owned business, racially profiling white people- White folk would have the same conversation we are having now!!! Get out of here!
Nope I could care less. People are going to be people. Nothing more nothing less. Do you protest police or congressman who racially profile….. No because you need there ass when you are in trouble….. Again gtfoh because no one knows the truth maybe if they went into a store looking like they had any class they wouldn’t of been profiled!!!!! You fit a profile then get mad when your chosen…. Dumbass!!!!!
You think that doesn’t happen?
Maybe, but instead of criticizing JayZ, hit him where it counts. Don’t shop at Barney’s (albeit most of us don’t anyway), don’t buy his CDs, doing buy his clothing being offered at other retailers, leave him alone to wallow in his “greatness”. It’s his money, let him do what he wants, but it’s your money too so don’t spend your hard earned money to continue helping him make his.
Ivw been racially profiled in a black owned business and im white…..I was told to take my craka honkey ass on somewhere….did I bitch and protest ….nope….I took my monet somewhere else…..playing the race card is what certain people want…..how do u think sharpton and jackson make their money……..martin luther king jr would hang his head in disgust at so called african american activists now a days….no one owes anyone anything no matter how muchibey they make…..dont like it change it…dont bitch
That would make sense if whites were in the exact same situation that we are in. Rich whites do give back make no mistake about it. If Jay Z was Jewish and some company discriminated against Jews or were seen as “anti semitic” all hell would break loose and he would be ostracized.
Stacei smh….but you are funny….
Where they are from is no different from where we from, do you hear them screaming they it real with the hood.
“they it real with the hood” And can you please tell me where he says that, he speaks of his story from the hood, he speaks of where he came from, His life, he never says I keep it real with my hood. that sweetheart is a misconception…. before you talk… Know… don’t think. have a great day sugar….
And you said it in public, how embarrassing. Yes, we all know all the caucasians suffering from racism in America and all around the world…ugh give me a break! Somebody left the lid off the looney bin with this one! I just can’t with the deep seeded ignorance.
I’m sure everything I wrote was spelled correctly and so is the spelling of my name IE grammatically correct. All of y’all are racist in some way so again I will say no one has the right to judge someone because he is not doing what you want he still going to sell records and clothes hahahaha get your money jay!!!! Loyal fan and business women here… Fuck whoever don’t like it…..what you eat don’t make him shit…..
Everyone suffers from racism in one way or another, so don’t criticize one. Nobody’s racism is better than the other, so your looney ass can go get a life somewhere else. Now that is ignorance, because I stooped to your dumb ass level. but all in all have a great day beloved…… LOL
What would be REALLY nice…….is if you could sound a little less ignorant……while you’re busy being totally ignorant in your comments. Try learning to spell correctly, Stacei.
Laura welcome to the real world… Grow up sweetheart !!!!!
The irony of you comments, Stacie is “[insert successful African-American here] don’t owe nobody shit!” is the EXACT type of mindset that facilitates “[You’re] doing great at destroying each other!”
The way some of you sycophants excuse the Black celebrities of their liking from all responsibility to the very community they have so much influence over is a cancerous phenomenon.
Even more asinine is how wrong you are about him (and his ilk) not owing his own community “shit!”
See, if we dismissed his music as bullshit early in his career, rather than SUPPORTING him, he would be just another clown with a drum machine and a mixer at his mom’s house or — in his case — he’d be in a prison somewhere for the possession and distribution of illegal narcotics.
The way some of you blindly worship celebrities is embarrassing.
I worship business. If you listened to the way of the world people would always be broke. Try living the dream for a second. Who looks out for you when your in need?? Not the same people saying jay z pull your line….are they going to feed you… I doubt it, they can’t even imagine what that life is about. So on a lighter note… Fuck them and maintain business.. By any means…..
Brilliantly stated. The real enemy lies within. How do you generate $63 million for a charity and donate $6000??? That’s borderline criminal. Jay-Z is a musical Don King…another in a long line of shucksters who suckered naive black folk into business by claiming to be about what’s best for them. I give him credit, he’s taken a big page from the playbook of many non-blacks in America.
Alexander Banks, your comments on Stacie are on point. (Stacie, obviously you’re a person of little education and lacking in exposure to the world outside of ghetto-fabulous, so people should not expect much out of your line of thinking.) Jay-Z is one of those “but-not-for” kind of rappers…but not for promoting a stereotype of blackmales in the 1990s, and pushing black males into the prison system, and his love for money (an idol woshipper)…he would still be living in his momma’s house with a “B” wantabe… Your closing remarks need to be said over and over again, not unlike a mantra for our ghetto-fabulous folks: The way some of you blindly worship celebrities is embarrassing (and assinine).
@Stacei, I agree, you have a point. I pretty much said the same thing in my post.
Reblogged this on This And That Blog.
This is so true…I have to try reading your blog more!
If Jay-Z was a regular 9-5 black man with no street credibility (as if that impresses open minded and educated blacks) doing business with Barney’s he would be called every kind of sell-out in the book!!!
We we even spend so much energy on these clowns aka rappers. Let’s talk about real hip hop artist like mos def ( Yasiin Bey) and KRS One. I don’t ever envision jay z volunteering to be force fed to protest human rights violations committed by our government against detainees at Guantanamo bay. And why are people so upset with Obama he ain’t running this country he is the equivalent of Samuel Jackson’s character in Jhango. He just another boy that does what his massa tell him do like a good lil boy suppose too.
Well Said!!!!! Role models are people who fight for change.Period!!!!!
Thank You!!!!I agree.
I agree the legends have made the stand for change..jay z stating his presence is his charity confirmed mynew thoughts of him..my previous thoughts of the entertainer saw a young african American man with talent and great business sense…now I c the typical rags to riches still charging his fans their rent money,their children’s food money to buy his concert tickets!! At this point his concerts and his wife’s concerts should be FREE…FREEDOM!!!SEEMS THEY HAVE 4GOT!!
I knew there could not be a conversation on here without mentioning President Obama, and he do not have anything to do with this. Who in their right mind would listen to J-zay anyway. The dude cannot even rap. That just shows how stupid ppl can be. Everything in this country has to be about black or white.
@Raheim, you are on point. Those rappers you mentioned (I’ll mention Chuck D also & I’m sure there are a few others),that are down for the cause of social activism.
Great article! I straddled the fence on this subject for a while but this was the nail in the coffin for me. We are long gone from the days of Nina Simone and Ray Charles who understood that principle trumped any and everything else. If only we could use our voices and really be the change we want to see in the world. Jay Z has cross over appeal and he has everything he needs to create the dialogue but he chooses not to. It’s sad and a slap in the face in a sense. Just wait ’till concert time comes… $100+ for one ticket and we fall for it hook, line and sinker. Best way to hurt anyone whether it be these artists, Barney’s or whomever else is to hit them in their pockets. Period!
Totally agree! We don’t expect them to change the world but bringing change to our communities whether it’s economic, or social is a step closer to ending disparities.
You don’t expect them to change the world just all the black communities in the country. please sit down.
I definitely agree with the statement about hitting him in the pockets. Oftentimes, that’s the only way to get folks’ attention. I have never purchased any of his albums or concert tickets and that goes for his wife as well. And I don’t plan to…
This is a great article. I am glad people are finally starting to see the truth about Jay-Z and many others like him. They claim they care about the community until it is going to hit their pockets, then they’re like “No Comment”. I am so glad Mr. Harry Belafonte called his bluff a few months ago. I believe that is why people were paying such close attention to this Barney’s story. Now we know what Jigga truly stands for….the almighty dollar and not his community. Maybe we should show his the same love he shows us by not buying his music, tickets to his concerts or supporting any of his other business ventures.
As if the illuminati conspiracies weren’t enough, now he doesn’t do enough for his own race. Black people are something else.
Exactly!!! If you feel passionate about a cause, do something about it and stop looking for someone else to make the change you want to see. JayZ is demonized because he is successful and takes risks that slaved minded people are afraid to do for themselves.
True that!
Wonderfully written and so on point. As a former crown heights native I know oh to well about Jay and his greed! He really rarely shows any support without having some sort of financial gain for himself. Mr Belafonte is in my opinion is correct.
A DEV IL IS A DEVIL IS A DEVIL, AND A TREE IS KNOWN BY ITS FRUIT…QUIT ACTING SURPRIZED….AREN’T WE ALL FACES ON THE SAME COIN. WE ARE ALL ONE RACE SET AGAINST EACH OTHER; AND “THE HEART IS DESPERATELY WICKED ABOVE MEASURE, WHO CAN KNOW IT ?”.Let God be judge….
Jay-Z owes me NOTHING. It is OUR jobs as parents and grown ups to raise and correct our children. I always say if you are looking to our entertainers for social guidance then you already lost. What Jay-Z eats does not fill my belly. Folks kill me holding others responsible for their success. Jay-Z did his thing and got rich. He is no different than the Kennedys, DuPonts and the like. I don’t use the n-word, it is not allowed in my house and MY children, family and friends KNOW this. STOP idolizing him. We have a nasty habit of building folks up just to tear them down. Don’t shop at Barney’s, don’t buy his music and don’t go to his concerts. Stop supporting him economically. It’s that simple.
Well said!!!!
True statement but this is more about taking a stand for your community not some much as giving money back….if that was someone in his family or him that was racially profiled he would have plenty to say….it’s plenty of racist people that do business everyday but when they slap you in the face with it and you don’t take a stand shame on you…..
Skdamc, I’m glad you have it together and can do so for your kids. Kudos, but that sounds a little selfish. No Jay-Z don’t owe any of us anything nor what he eats fills our belly but he can sure aid in making communities better by participating in social change especially for those that looks up to him and don’t have what you have (will power & determination) Yea, real talk! What about those that don’t due to lack of parental guidance due to drugs, incarceration, absenteeism. There are kids raising themselves because their patents are not there; and if they are there they are tuned out due to some sort of mental illness (it real). Kids starts fending for themselves, which in-turn creates gangs becoming a burden on our communities. Look around, how many young-AA men and women runs into conflict with the law before their 18 birthday. It’s not by chance. Yes AA celebrities such as those mentioned in the article and many more can aid in this consensus of social change especially for our marginalized youths who aren’t fortunate as you are mentally.
It’s not selfish. Its the REAL WORLD. You sound like such a bleeding heart. Jay Z doesn’t owe you. Again, rappers are not there to raise your kids. There is no sweet, pull at the heart strings way to put it. Nice try though.
It’s not about holding anyone accountable or idolizing. I’ve never built Jay Z up not do I plan on participating in tearing him down. In order for people to know that their are those that stand contrary to their beliefs, we need informative pieces such as this to help us to make those choices. When I read articles such as these, I can make some serious choices. Two being, where I spend my money and what type of discussions I will be having with my children. Just because you don’t allow something in your house, doesn’t mean it is or readily available to children so the discussion needs to be had. My hope is that when one of my children finds themselves in situation dealing with goes against our belief system, they too can make an “informed” decision rather than going with crowd. What I do NOT believe in is walking past someone in need with the attitude of “I got mine”. When we say things like “that’s his choice, he shouldn’t be held accountable for picking up someone else along the way” then we are no better then those that only worry about themselves. We are promoting and installing into our children the very same thing we claim to be against. If you want you children to have this very same outlook on life, I say go for it…but stop reading and commenting because it sounds like you do care about the very thing you claim not to.
Excuse the typos…my passion moved faster than my thumb on this phone
Well Said!
Doodoo dee dee pee pee. Trample reef Terdy paper! Gubble poppers slipstream wet Hogg shit!
There is always a simpleton trolling on serious discussions…
Thank you so much for this article. We need to wake up and take accountability for our own actions. When black people “come up” we do take on a leadership role, whether we want it or not. It is time to cultivate more conscious minded individuals.
Real talk!
It certainly would be nice.. But I have come to see that not everyone has the heart for leadership. That requires a very special type of being imo.
Wonderful article! Beautifully written.
Ok. Seems Jay-Z has been recognized and stingy for some years now. A money hungry business man who doesn’t have giving on his mind while he is getting it. Ok. Accept that this man don’t really care or keep sitting here pointing at him calling out what he doesn’t do. I’m not a fan of his music……so I don’t listen to it. I don’t sit and have discussions with the fellas all the time explaining why he’s not an awsome rapper to me. Let’s start recognizing rappers and other celebrities WHO ARE giving back. Shine light on them. Let’s give them praise instead of calling out folks. It’s like we are trying to force Jay-Z to be caring and giving. Let God judge.
Let’s not just rally against Jay-Z, but against all of the “superstars” of athletics, music and business who do not make significant contributions to uplifting through positive role-modeling for our people. This means not using language that degrades blacks and other people of color, promoting a criminal mentality that destroys black folks over drugs and murder, and individuals who have countless children abandoned with father figures. We have lots of issues that have fallen to the wayside due to the quest for dollars and not self-respect and self-esteem. Harry Belafonte has been and continues to be a true pillar for civil rights. Jay-Z and his wifey can never stand toe-to-tow with our past activists and will continue to promote the worst of reasons for doing what they do…selling the souls of black people for dollars. Don’t they know you can’t take it with out, but the weight of selling souls travels with them.
Truth. Point blank. I love it.
Jay z is doing for the 80%
He’s not doing for the people that don’t buy his product.
And why should he .
He’s just a man.
No more no less .
we did not make him a god
The 80% that buys his product worship him.
Jay Z is just a hypocrite and a pretender but black folks should not be surprised of his action. It’s all about making dollars and remaining marketable. Luv his music but that’s just it. These guys aient no role models unlike Mr. Belafonte. They can make a bigger difference and impact to our social causes however we shouldn’t expect then too because of the greedy culture we live in. Great article and I do hope our people wake up!
Yes, with business, you make money. Very good. stfu.
Jay Z’s thought is this…..well, they never called ME n*gga!
To his face…(smile).
exactly!
Jay-Z needs to respect his elders. Mr. Belafonte has been on the front lines of civil & social activism for decades. If it wasn’t for pioneers like Mr. Belafonte & others….Jay-Z wouldn’t be where he is today. Do more your community. Remember the one you used to sell drugs in.
Please! Belafonte had NOTHING to do with his success. Was Belafonte on the phone negotiating deals for him? please chill with your symbolism and hidden jealousy.
The very fact that he used to sell drugs in his own community speaks volumes. He’s apparently never cared about giving to his comnity, only taking at the expense and dradation of his people. So now he has just continued to ignore his own for that almighty dollar. Drugs destroy people and neighborhoods, and yet he brags about his drug slinging days. He is just oa line of prominent AA WHO remain silent on important issues that affect our communities.
Heard an interesting discussion by Jim Brown and others who called out one very, very prominent basketball player on this very same issue!
Excellent article. How dare he refer to this elderly gentleman as “boy?” Has he learned nothing about his history or the powerful opportunity to speak and stand for truth before the masses that many of us never receive? Hmmmm.. History is a teacher from whom he has learned nothing. One can only hope is that while he chooses self-denial in favor of physical comfort, that history doesn’t repeat itself at his or someone he love’s expense.
I don’t agree with everything Jay does but this article while factual is still misleading and short-sighted. The specific charity that Jay-Z partnered with Barney’s goes to send millions of dollars into a scholarship funds for poor minorities in Brooklyn and other parts of NY so they can pay for college. It doesn’t matter how much he puts into his own charity as long as the charity itself does what it is supposed to do. While he only donated $6000 into his own charity in 2011 I believe he donated 2.3 million into other charity. I agree with Skdamc he owes me nothing and we hold him and others like him to a higher standard than we do ourselves and our own neighbors. Do you correct your friends and family when they do things that are counterproductive to black people. How much money do you actually spend in the black community? Do you really stop spending money with brands and stores that have a history of mistreating us or companies backing politicians who past legislations that are not in our best interest for the most part? We know as much about what goes on with these people’s financial lives as your neighbor knows about what goes on in yours. I give my time and money to charities that help others… hell I run a foundation that is dedicated to that but someone looking at a small portion of my finances would never know. Lets stop holding entertainers to a higher standard than we do the people we see everyday.
Thank you! If I stopped shopping/giving money to a company just because something happened at one of their establishments that I didn’t like/agree with… Well, I’d be homeless and hungry.
I suppose it is difficult for young people to fathom the fact that Jay-Z and those like him are bought and sold by the power brokers just like slaves with what appears to be a lavish lifestyle. These people are major distractions so that the greater issue in this country is ignored…and indeed it has to do with racism, colonialism, human rights violations, genocide, involuntary slavery, apartheid, and blatant and deliberate economic disparities. These conditions exist in America for indigenous and minority peoples because these people are not aware of their standing, their human rights nor their economic potential. Our standing as indigenous people in America is that we have a legitimate claim on the land and the resources according to the provisions of international law and international human rights law. But here in America instead of our young people learning such things about their freedom and heritage, individuals like a Jay-Z are thrust into their face to keep them confused about truth and honor and who they really are.
The problem in America is that unfortunately people will look up to the ones with money and fame regardless of who they are. A drug dealer will help the very community that he is poisoning with his drugs and everyone will say “he is a good man” not realizing the real motive. The best way to see real person is when you see them give up something they need as oppose to something they have in abundance
My mind is conditioned to the fact that I’m responsible for what I say not for what you hear. People react according to how they feel. You can’t control how other people are going to act.
Thank you for writing this piece. The information you shared about Jay Z is not common knowledge and it makes me think twice about continuing to support him. While I can respect his business prowess, he is turning his back on the people that originally got him there – before he went commercial. Time will determine how the public ultimately responds.
The article is spot on. I wonder where Jay-Z learned this behavior from…Oh that’s right! He learned it from Micheal Jordan. If I am correct, while in his prime Micheal Jordan was asked about his political views etc etc. His response: Republicans buy shoes too….
That is the BBplayer I was referring to who was called out by Jim Brown. If he was silent when he was marrieds first wife, you know he has it in Mute now that he is “remarried”
When are we going to establish viable entities whereas our celebrities can form partnerships with them? That is the key. Society gives you nothing. We must take what we want in a strategic fashion. Stop all the talk and get busy!! This blog makes it seem that we are enslaved and unable to create and do for ourselves. We are more than capable. Present a plan instead of complaints about what Jay Z is doing.
Babies CRY. That’s what they do. So they will keep crying about how Jay won’t give them a cut of HIS money. I agree with your point though.
I don’t think anyone means that Jay Z owes anyone anything. I agree with the article in a lot of areas though. This is not complicated. If I made a lot of money selling doughnuts, that’s the line of work I’m in, I may not be a AL Sharpton or any other civil rights leader but I will never be okay with someone degrading my race in any way. It doesn’t matter where I know them personally or not. I will never be okay with that. If I am a millionaire and someone degrade my race, how could I not see that whoever did that, is referring to me also without my millions. People please. Everyone is entitled to their own comment but a lot of them are just ways of JUSTIFYING things. Sure, Jay Z and whoever else has a right to not want to defend their race, but don’t mislead people to think you are pro-black. I am strictly going off the article. My opinion and thoughts.
Jay-Z was demonized for taking a non-knee jerk approach like we can typically do sometimes. He said… let me find out through the court system if this company is guilty of these allegations. That is what someone intelligent does… that is one reason he is successful because he thinks and he is calculating. The author mislead you about what he spends on his charity while he still spends millions of dollars in other people’s charity. People need to stop worrying about Jay-Z because no one knows how he is spending his money. He has paid for a lot of poor blacks to go to college. Unless we have a record of people’s finances we have no clue of what they spend with their money and time. An article can’t tell you that.
Reblogged this on C-Haze77… and commented:
I have never been a fan of Jay-Z, for the same reasons detailed in this blog. I try to raise my beautiful-black-women-in-training to understand the same points this author is making. Great post.
The Black community is the most forgivable & forgettable and it never works in our favor! Black communities for years has guided Black athletes, Rap stars, Black Movie stars and highly successful Blacks in the talk show circuit and what do we get in return,..you guess it “NADA!” All of these groups from Oprah to Jay Z, has you Black pain telling their stories to the masses and once the press go away, back to business as usual. Look at Oprah, she propped up 5 white people for shows and not once propped up a Black Professional for a show, but it’s funny watching her all of a sudden playing the Black victim to push a movie and que the numbers 5,4,3,2, 1 and she won’t mention black again! It’s also comical watching Rap stars live in Mansions, not having a clue how to fill one up or fill up a fridge, because they’re perpetrating, living phony! Our people are suffering and you rarely see our people that got rich comeback with investment, besides a chicken joint! I’m talking about true investing for a return not only in future monies but also in Black life showing the world blacks can swing a big stick in the business world, all we have now is Minstrel Black entertainers.
This artilce is well written with good intentions.However to think that JayZ can pull out of a business deal with Barney’s that was signed month’s before the racial profiling incident occurred is very naive of the writer and readership.You have no idea what the ramifications and lawsuits of that action would create.I feel the timing of the incident coincided with the delivery of the Jayz Collection gave the naysayers an opportunity to speak out against Jay Z.Racial profiling in department stores has been an ongoing saga for generations.Instead of critizing JayZ we should encourage him to open discussions with the National Retail Federation as well as Barney’s and Macy’s to have an open forum to discuss Racial Profiling in their stores to find a solution.This problem is larger than these few incidents that have been publicized.Security is trained to seek out blacks like every other law enforcing agency in America.However department stores were one of the first corporations to offer credit to African Americans in the 50’s.Blacks in America have been and will continue to be strong supporters of department stores.We are some of the largest consumers of designer brands,store brands,celebrity and the like.We continue to believe if we can sport the latest and most expensive that we become better then the Black majority and accepted by whites.Let’s not forget that America rules capitalism.Every major designer in the world is here to capitalize on the American people.Black people are the first in line to consume the merchandise.We are the last to support Black owned businesses.Black Leaders and Celebrity don’t invest in black business in the way that Will and Jada Smith did with Carol’s Daughter.Black Designers and entreprenuers need financing and investing to have our own.If every African-American donated $10 to a fund to build a black owned retail store representing products made for all by us that would provoke change in our position in America.People come to America from all over the world and create businesses because they pool their resources.They understand what entreprenuership means to economic success in America.We fall short.Our biggest problem is we do not celebrate and support each other.We are Slaves without Masters.The majority of Blacks continue to believe that White is better and best.Thanks to the opression of our people by the white power structure.We have to establish ownership in all walks of life.Essence is white owned.The Apollo theater is white owned.Carson hair products are white owned.Ownership is key to economic success.Let’s begin to create statigic alliances that build Black Business in America.In the spirit of MadamC.J.Walker and John Johnson let’s make progress in ownership in America.
I agree with is one of the best responses to I have seen up here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ownership_society
I like your idea of ownership too – for all races.
Jamie Foxx said it better when he asked Mr. Harry Belafonte how could he do more for his people and community and Mr. Belafonte set a dinner date with Jamie Foxx. When the day came for him to meet with Mr. Belafonte Jamie Foxx demanded his daughter to go with him and told her this will be apart of history for you and I . At the dinner date Jamie Foxx daughter asked Mr Belafonte how old was he and he replied I’m 86 years old and he asked her how old was she and she replied 19 years. He asked her was she in college and she replied yes and etc and she then in returned asked Mr Belafonte what were you doing when you were my age? Mr Belafonte replied at 19 I just got home from WWII fighting 2 wars and i was on my way to the jail with all the money I made in the military to yes it to bail out Dr. Martin Luther King. At that point Mr Jamie Foxx said he broke down in tears. And Jamie said Mr Belafonte you and the great Dr. Martin Luther King fought got our rights with no money in your pockets broke so we could do the things that we are doing now.
Mr Harry Belafonte told Jay Z that he will be called upon his people one day and that day came sooner than he thought and told him since you have the money me and Martin didn’t have you and Beyoncé could do wonders for your people me and Martin fought for your rights broke.
Jay Z respect your elder and your disrespectful mouth came back to bite you in the ass. Your opportunity came to take a stand with your people and you didn’t.
Mr Harry Belafonte was right
Mr. Belafonte later said that he was also wrong and he should have sat down with Jay-Z and discussed community issues with him. He stated he understood how his statements could have come across wrong especially with the media. Mr. Belafonte is a class act any way.
Interesting Article.
I like the idea of not expecting anyone (Negro, Caucasian or what have you) to be looked at as role model. That said, I remain a firm believer that to whom much is given, much is expected. As such, society is part to blame because its filters for those in position of influence has been faulty since time immemorial.
My reaction to the Jay-Z issue is to leave him be rather that paint him in a negative lite because it is so hard for Negroes to make it in a racially charged society that worships Money.
Just as Mr. Belafonte can say whatever he wants; Jay-Z is free to act as he sees fit–its America.
Prince
Excellent article and excellent take by both the authoress and the well-respected and constantly committed Harry Belafonte. Had Mr. Belafonte not spoken out and marched along with other civil rights leaders, Jay-Z might still be selling crack on the corner, or worse yet, dead from stealing from another crack dealer. He’s have NEVER been able to sell a thing in Barney’s…only out of the back of his Cutlass! To call Mr. Belafonte “boy” is like calling Dr. King “whatshisname”. Assh*le!
just to add my two cents, jayz doesnt owe anyone anything! it wld have been “nice” if he had taken a more socially involved stance, but he has no obligation to anyone. furthermore there are countless people who can\should have a spotlight on them (maybe) ex. michael jordan, lebron james, pres. obama..etc. the truth is, once wealth and fame are obtained most wont give it up (and make no mistake you will give it up) if they were to take a socially active role. basically im saying we all want equality but dont want to take the responsibility in our own hands. if barneys is profiling black people cause they feel we shouldnt shop there or cant afford to shop there, and if it offends you(as it should) dont shop at barneys. thats the beauty of choice. sad thing is most of those people only shopped there because jayz or someone famous shops there and only want to be on the “in” crowd. so you get what your hand calls for. now your famous!!! if you dont want to be profiled dont shop there, if you dont want pizza dont go to little ceasars!!! also, dont get mad at someone because they wont take a stance. YOU take the stance!!! thats how change starts. and dont support people who dont support your interests. Bottom line!!!
just to add, harry belefonte is a present day icon of what fearlessness stands for and should be treated as such. just wish more people wld take a stand on there own instead of waiting for some “leader or public figure” to say something. i have personally stood out for injustice on a much more smaller scale and have bitten the bullet everytime because most wont stand up. but thats what i feel is right and will continue to do so.. but to “force ” someone else to get involved because of their social status is not the answer. take initiative. “if we knew better we would do better”
I once seen a movie in where the actor says the one who has the most toys at the end of their life is the winner.well it seems all these people subscribe to this theory and it’s ok you should do what ever you need to do in life to achieve greatness and provide for you and yours if everyone did and relayed on their own efforts we all would be better off.i can’t blame Jay-z ,Michael Jordan ,Oprah,Russell Simons or anyone else for that matter for not having they don’t oppress us we oppress ourselves why would you stand out in the streets for a pair $400.00 sneakers but your family is struggling to pay rent your child needs diapers and milk.now that seems crazy and we all have the hustle gene so why is it some have and some don’t trapped in that hood state of mind.a month from now it will be 2014 when are we gonna stop playing the race card the class card shit happens black,white,latino ,asian and other we all get pegged for something at sometime in our lives we have choices in life and we forget that this country was built on others backs Indians,Asians,Blacks Latinos and Whites so instead of telling people that they should not associate or do business with a group of people because someone in the company may be a fascist or racist seems to me like a crock system because thats just another hustle if i do business with Gucci and i’am in the public and our main comp is dolce and gabana and someone has a bad experience at Gucci i should jump ship and stop making my chips because of this nonsense these companies are all the same the bottom line is money in the 1990’s timberland came out and said the clothing they made where targeted for the hunters,outdoors man ,weekend warriors i was raised in Jacob riis projects and my friends and i did not fit any of those categories but we still rocked timberland like they where not saying (basically we make our clothing for rednecks not for urban niggas) but we said will show them i’m buying ten pairs of timbs.so lets stop being ignorant if you want to support a store a brand a person do it if you feel that’s what you want to do don’t let some lobbyist sway you with their beliefs just remember all these superstars and business people are millionaires and billionaires they have a different objective in lives they our no longer in our class we have to accept that they no longer live where we live so how can you control what anyone does when your neighbors don’t even say good morning and there 20ft from your door.and as far as building black businesses thats a joke we never support our own we build up to teardown.i when people say build black businesses they act like if i open any different the same obstacles are there if i catch a one of my own stealing and hand them over to the police now everyone will come out and want to boycott me i’m an uncle tom i got to big for my own good well there are no hand outs there no freebies i’m a half black half latino male 46 years old living modestly own a small business and yes i’m from the hood but moved out as fast as could because as i seen nothing has changed in the hood as far mentally dreamers abut not doers. SO IN CLOSING JAY-Z IS GONNA GET HIS CHIPS AND I TIP MY HAT TO HIM FOR NOT BUCKLING TO PRESSURE THE LESSON HE SHOULD HAVE TAUGHT EVERYONE IS WORK HARD AND YOUR REWARDED STAY IN YOUR AND DON’T LET NOONE TAKE WHAT’S RIGHTFULLY YOURS PEOPLE JUST WANT TO USE YOU FOR THEIR OWN AGENDAS PICK YOUR BATTLES YOU CAN’T FIGHT EVERY WAR FAMILY AND SELF PRESERVATION .
Well, I do support my black businesses. I think it was LIz Claiborne back in the 80 or so that said that her clothing line was not for blacks, only whites, well guess what? She can take her clothing line and stuff it. It is my decision and I will not support anybody like that. If you have the gust to come out like that so do I. I do not need your clothes, I will support other people , and in the process I hope your clothing line do not make it.
The funny thing timberland,liz claiborne,tommy,perry ellis,gucci,louie they’ve all expressed their dislike for us and we still support them don’t get it twisted we put more money in these peoples pockets then the rich do . celebrities usually get stuff for free and ware labels that we probably never heard of. Again me or you are not gonna make a difference when you got ignorant robots . little wayne drink syrup on stage,other cat rapping about popping molly’s this generation has more problems then just racial. Education on them streets make better choices drop the gun and pick up the books.The problem isn’t white america or rich people it’s sagging pants,getting pregnant at twelve ,smoking and drinking with your parents.Mom chilling at club with children fathers acting more hood then there kids.So before you tell me why you won’t support them or me answer this question how many of us made a difference in our homes today in our neighborhoods,our community .Did you speak to a youth today or their parent on how they can get ahead did you help someone with resume today if the answer is no then how can you ask of someone else to pick up where you haven’t even started.I no hypocrite i don’t pretend to be perfect but my race will not determine my actions if i feel comfortable somewhere i’m gonna continue to go there this not 30’s 40’s 50’s or 60’s we all have the right of choice and if your next statement (well people for that right) yes they did an we keep slapping them in the face with are behaviors this generation has not done anything to even measure . This generation has a sense of entitlement so before we pull the race card let start cleaning our yards and get dirty and then and only then ask of others because saying to me has been (NEVER ASK SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING YOU WOULD’NT DO FIRST) I’M NO INTERNET THUG OR BULLY I JUST FEEL WE HAVE LOST OUR WAY AND ARE QUICK TO CAST BLAME ON OTHERS .FATHERS ,MOTHERS, TEACHERS ,PREACHERS ,POLICEMAN, FIREMAN ,AND COMMUNITY STAND UP .WHERE THE FIRST LINE OF LEARNING LET’S GO BACK TO TIME WHERE EACH PERSON IS HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THERE ACTIONS AGAIN IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RACE IT’S UP BRINGING.IF YOU WANT TO DISCUSS IN DETAIL AND HAVE A CIVIL DISCUSSION HIT ME 561-386-6746 GRAFFITI ICONZ INC
Jay Z as he states “grew up with roaches & rats” he mastered the art of connecting with the masses through his thoughts & experiences delivered by music. This success has made his ventures money magnets, like many who gain both fame & fortune he has to navigate social opinion & operate between being Jay Z & Sean Carter. I will not judge his actions on what I think he should or should not do, most people never do anything & sit on the sidelines screaming the loudest. There are so many people who never become successful at anything who are not helping anyone. If just 10% of the people who voice their concerns regarding this & other matters affecting the social rhythm of the U.S. Would put in action as opposed to mainly talking from behind their cubicles their would be change.
Same here. These people get money from the poor, but have no intentions of losing money ( or financial gain) to support the same people ( fan base) who made them millionaires. Hence, why I will NEVER buy their CDs. They only care about themselves. Not a fan!
Once we all…ALL realize we have to take personal responsibility for our choices, actions, in our lives….Then things will change. Jay-Z will battle his own demons some day I suppose. Using Star Power to create change…it helps…but if you truly want change…It starts with you, me…and everyone else on this planet. Take Personal responsibility for your actions. I don’t need Jay-z to stop selling anything…I DON’T Shop a Barney’s…Why not because of Jay-Z…Because of Barney’s profiling…Jay-Z made the choice .
First off let me say that I don’t agree with Jay Z about the whole Barneys situation . He has stated before he is a BUSINESS MAN not a role model so there for you can’t expect him to be anything else BUSINESS IS BUSINESS. If your a successful business man or women you know that you will have to step on toes lose few friends to get to where you want to be. There has NEVER been ANY SUCCESSFUL businessman or women in the world that didn’t get to where they are now without CONTROVERSY it just wont happen. As for Mr Belafonte I think he was wrong on how he handled the situation. lets take the celebrity status away from both Jay Z and Harry Belafonte and look at them as everyday citizens for a minute (as they should be) So Mr Belafonte has a problem with Jay Z and wishes to voice his opinion about it So he goes to the media and calls out HIM AND HIS WIFE. This is WRONG on so many levels and heres why First of all If you have a problem, with ANY MAN you talk to him NOT call out him and his wife and expect everything to be cool. You just dont do that so Mr Belafonte deserved what ever he got from Jay Z on those grounds. Mr Belafonte is no saint when it comes to business himself. How can you have the BALLS to take the king family to court over some documents MLK gave you so you can sell them. If anything you should be willing ready to give them to the king family to preserve a piece of black history. I wonder what he plans to do with the money he gets from those documents if he wins?
Reblogged this on Jusleyla.com.