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.
Follow OurLegaci on Facebook at Facebook.com/OurLegaci.
Our Legaci with J.A.M. Aiwuyor 
Jay Z gives to charity and that’s not good enough. So its not really about giving back. Its pure jealousy and folk with the “where mine brother” attitude. GTFOOH.
Jay-Z made $60+ million dollars and gave $6,000 to his own charity? I make six-figures annually and gave more than that to charity last year. Jay-Z is a chump. #shawncarter
Yea but how much did he give to other charities? Oh, wait you don’t know? But you are quick to bump your gums in judgement.
Jay Z is a pimp, I’ve been saying it for years… and like my Dad would say “I know a Pimp when I see one” ………what’s the difference with now and what he used to do on the street? Geography.
Come on people, He’s not a pimp.He’s a slave!
EXACTLY. I MAKE LESS THAN 6 FIGURES AND GAVE MORE THAN THAT TO MY CHURCH!
You are right!! I was waiting for someone to mention that before I speak my mind on JZ, $ HA $6 grand to what you earn JZ? W T F? and Harry was RIGHT!!
you must be a groupie
Stop your ignorance, please. Just because you like to listen to his music doesn’t mean you should fall victim to Jay-z hype.
I don’t think its jealousy, but I think that someone with so much doesn’t need barneys to help with his charity cause.
A lot of people look to celebrities to be the voice that will be heard and some answer the call while others act like the problems don’t exist. If it wasn’t for people like Harry Belofonte and others like him Jay-Z and so many other black celebrities would still be coming in the back door to perform at venues. Everyone is entitled to their own view and their own way of handling things but his reaction to this comes off a little cheap. Large corporation drop their affiliation to celebrities for smaller things than this because it’s bad press, it associates them with something that is wrong and gives them a bad name. Jay-Z knows that Blacks are not the ones most likely to buy these clothes so he could really give two craps and that’s what he should have said. Keep it real
It is regrettable that you think this way. Often times, people forget how their wealth is attained. It is usually on the backs of the middle to lower income bracket who look to them for inspiration. Not realizing that artist or public figure who rises to the top don’t always embrace the concept of giving back. Sad but it is the reality.
Naw, I’m not buying that. White kids in the burbs with disposable income foot the bill on most of these rappers good fortune. The hood is bootlegging their sh*t.
Jay Z is a pimp, I’ve been saying it for years… and like my Dad would say “I know a Pimp when I see one” ………what’s the difference with now and what he used to do on the street? Geography.
Bingo!
Jay-Z can’t boycott or sever ties with “racist” organizations when HE represents EVERYTHING that causes black men to be profiled in the first place. THAT would be hypocritical and laughable. Someone who glorifies black stereotypes getting mad because a fan falls victim to those VERY stereotypes. Please! He’s doing EXACTLY what he should. Keeping his horse mouth shut and pimping those dumb enough to keep him rich.
Its enough not to make real difference, with as much affluence as he has, he could do more good, and gain a new fan base, which would include folks like me. I have more respect for Tupac a dead man than I do for a-jz. The one good thing about this is we get to see his TRUE color GREEN.
We cant get upset with jz. We all have the freedom to do eith our money what we choose. If u dont like his ways then simply do not support him.we need to teach our children who they should look to as a role model… just because someone obtains fame and fortune does not mean they are good role models for our children. His goal was to make alot of money and he has been successful at that and as long as he is happy with what he has accomplished…. thats between him and God. I need to concern myself with what I am doing to make this world a better place and not the next man, because even though I dont have his wealth, there is dtill plenty of selfless good that I can do for those in my community.
How much does he give to charities? That is not even the point of the issue. The Klan gives to charities.
I agree with ernie, just because he has money doesn’t mean he now has to be an activist. The writer is quick to point out that jay-z sold crack to put him down, is this seriously someone you want as an activist, had she known him when he was selling crack (which he could have been making tons of money at the time also), I don’t see her writing this article about him, she would not have wanted him to be an activist on anything but now that he has fame and barney’s line, he owes you something?? Come on, if he wasn’t an activist when he wasn’t famous, it probably wasn’t something he was into. He’s a business man, that’s it. He can do whatever he wants with his money. We need to find activists and role models that want to make a change and look up to them.
The KLAN gives to charity. so…..What does harry have to be jealous over? jay z types dont SEE 80 yrs old. he will be dead by 55. Or in jail. You see, BLACKS HAD CLASS…they didnt go on stages and snatch awards out the hands of others, like kanye, they dont kick men on the ground in hotel lobbys with their friends, like 2pac. They didnt shoot at one another at awards shows, like BET awards. AND THEY WERE RICH FOR THEIR TIME, and FAMOUS FOR THEIR TIME, like THIS man is. By the way, remove beyonce, and who would give a fruty patoodie about jay-z?
Seriously, you think Jay-Z gives to charity for any other reason than tax purposes? A selfish drug dealing thug that uses the same skills he used to survive with his street business, he is currently using to make it in legitimate business. Anytime a common criminal “changes”, his life everyone (or mostly everyone), thinks a story of over coming. It could be a great thing but here’s a man that thinks it’s OK to demean his people with derogatory language, he doesn’t know his African American history and I find it insulting that our children think it’s cool to look up to a rich but very ignorant man.
Harry Belafonte has his ideals and lived his life the way he wanted to. JayZ never approached Harry and asked for advice nor did he sign up to be the NEW AGE Harry Belafonte. Live and Let people live for crying out loud. There are plenty of black celebrities who are continuing the legacy of Harry Belafonte and others before him. If he really wanted to encourage JayZ to help more, he should have approached him privately and not try to SHAME him into doing more. This fiasco at Barney’s was something that has been happening in many stores over the years to high profile blacks (Oprah) and normal everyday blacks. For Jay to cancel the deal, would have helped NO One. Im not here to defend his business deals and neither should he. Just saying trying to compare those two men who come from different lives, and expect one to follow the other’s footsteps is unfair.
This is were ignorance lies right here in this statement. Without the Harry Belafontes of the world, there would be no JayZs of the world. It’s the Harry Belafontes that have paved the way for the latest African American singers, rappers, actors and actresses. Know your history before making such a general accusation about what you don’t know!!!
This is what I know…. Harry B. has been around almost a century, yet I’ve seen no change for the better in black america. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, pick their their fights carefully, that they may not go out like MLK, MX and the Panthers. Harry is a better actor than an activist and needs to really focus on what he can do as an individual to make things better in black america, as opposed to down grading an individual for his personal business decisions. Harry can do black america more justice by attacking the catholic priest that have been molesting our children. Like usual that’s not a good fight to pick, another soft batch cookie…
They all sell out for $$$$! Not surprised..
The article clearly took jayz to task on his word. Don’t think for a second that jays won’t extort money in the name of charity for his own greed. Yes, he does have money but what Mr. Belefonte said was, why support something that doesn’t support you. He goes on to say, the people that made him rich are the very people that Barney’s are profiling all of whom are black. Know for sure, Mr. Belefonte is a sharp brutha who jayz could stand stand to gain knowledge from. Nobody said he had to follow in Mr. Belefonte’s but, if there hadn’t been Mr. Harry Belefonte, there would not have been a jayz. Ijs
That was well said . If people stop supporting these rappers by not buying there music and downloading there song and attending there concerts . They will see what the average person can go thru , and everybody know when black kids stop doing thing all the other races follow , because its no longer the in thing . Support ypur charity Jay Z . And put your clothes where ypur people are welcome .
I agree. Artist need to remember their history. It used to be a time in America when black artist couldn’t perform in the south and if they did, they had to come through the back door and weren’t allowed to eat with the white people whom which they were performing for. Black people need to WAKE UP! I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Fisk University. The problem with black people is that the majority of them lack education. TuPac was educated, he read all the time. He was perhaps the most known activist to speak out against racism and classism. Remember, “Brenda’s Got a Baby” and “Changes”. Remember the song “Self-Destruction”. These artist today haven’t done any song or mix tape that brings about social change, educates the masses on racism or classism. Most of these hip-hop artist come from single parent homes and they grew up in the hood. Yet, they don’t give back to the same “streets” that raised them. We have just accepted them and supported them without asking or demanding them to support us. Fair exchange ain’t no robbery. Why is there kids killing each other in Chicago and New York daily, but Kayne and Jay-Z haven’t built a recreational center/studio for the youth to go to and express their anger in music, not in violence.? Perhaps it’s time for us (consumers) to require them (artist) to do more than just perform at one or two charity events. It’s time for them to “keep it real” and truly give back from their hearts. They (artist) need to stop being greedy. Remember God loves a cheerful giver.
theres no black people buying his records…..its white middle class rich kids buying his shit. lets just figure what WE AS A COMMUNITY CAN DO FOR OURSELVES instead of getting upset when we dont get a handout from someone! black or white or brown !
Enevola, I am saddened by the fact that you are clueless as the contributions being made by people like Harry Bellafonte which in fact paved the way for new age artists such as JayZ. It is the same reason why black people don’t step up to the plate by exercising their franchise to vote. There is a disconnect between what the martyrs from the civil rights generation did for us to be where we are. Though nonchalance and apathy are deafening among our consciousness, we who know better must be be willing to continue to advocate to keep the fire burning. There is still HOPE.
The personal freedom and the opportunities to make wealth that Jay Z and other rappers, entertainers and athletes enjoy today are due to people like Bro. Belafonte and all those who braved the hoses, dogs, cattle prongs, jailings, beatings and lynchings and asking those who benefited from their struggle to pick up the mantle for the next generation is neither ‘unfair’ nor unreasonable! Jay Z and his contemporaries are the beneficiaries of that struggle that till continues to this day! The ‘Barney’s’ incident is just a reminder that the struggle is not over! And referring to elder Belafonte as a ‘boy’ was incredibly disrespectful not to mention immature! An apology is due to the elder statesman!!
Agreed!!!
Obelking, say it!!!! Well said!
Ok, point well taken, but still, it comes to power, and were does one use their, or choose to go with the powers that think they BE. The creator of all can not be bought nor sold, nor controled. When the masses get how powerful they are j z will cease to be a topic of discussion.
This world will be a better place when folks STOP putting emphasis on color. Until then, it will continue to be “messed” up.
I agree. Jay-z and Beyoncé are all about the money. They are even auctioning rights to their babies pic’s and a baby line. It’s all about the money. No genuineness. It’s sad. And he came from a place of poverty. You would think they would want to give back genuinely. He wouldn’t be where he is if it wasn’t from those experiences.
They are genuine. They are genuinely interested in growing they bank accounts and placing greater distance between them and the have nots!!!
The saying goes ” YOU CAN TAKE THE N—- OUT THE GHETTO, BUT CANT TAKE THE GHETTO OUT THE N—-!!” And that goes for both he and his wife…they fail to realize that you cant take all that money with you , so you might as well put some use to it…You can tell their not from money, so their only goal is to get all that they can because it makes them feel superior to others mainly blacks… can you tell … their not my favorite folks… just saying
I was kind of on the fence about Sean Carter now I can’t see how anybody could by any of his overpriced garbage on CD. Mr Carter has no platform to stand for so he is just a slave to the powers that be. I have no respect for him or anyone else for that matter who can’t line up with the people who got him where he is now.
I think Jay-Z suffers from a case of, Oj-itis! That’s when someone forgets where they come from, to eventually lose it all….
I agree with you Cabrena and thank you Miss Jessica Ann Mitchell for your words. I’ve never supported Sean Carter, Beyonce , Kanye West or anyone like them. It’s easy for them to stand up and accept an award for the music that they do, give a speech about how much they appreciate their fans, whatever help they’re giving people in other countries (which don’t amount to too much) but, some say; Charity starts at home. We, real folks, have another saying: Don’t forget the hood or the hood will forget you. I have mad respect for Mr. Harry Belafonte and the work that he has done over the years and I’m in my 40’s. I mean what are these people really doing to make a difference in the world? I know Jigga & Kanye haven’t done anything worthy of recognition, by way of humanitarian services to our beautiful country. I myself am a very proud disabled Desert Storm War Veteran of the U.S. Army and still do what I can (big or small) to my help fellow man & fellow Veterans. It’s an honor, not an obligation, that I hold very dear to my heart. Army Strong for life!!!
Super Great Article and I agree with you
Do we really need this old guy to throw shade on Jay Z ?!?! Seems like he’s made a comfortable living for 100 years…jealous much?!?! Perhaps this is a stab at being relevant, but how sad – haters gonna hate! He doesn’t know Jay Z or charities he supports , he must miss spotlights. Ignorant rant from an old man. Adjust.
Ignorance is bliss.
You are as deep as a cookie sheet.
And they should be about the money! We as a “people” are like crabs…when one of us tries to climb out of the bucket, another is pulling us back in. Jay-Z is a rapper, a father and a husband who just so happens to be doing well for himself and his family. Sure he makes a lot of money but “he” makes the money and it is his to do with as he pleases. I am a black man and I want to do whatever it takes to make sure my family has the things that they want and need. They and only they are my responsibility. Not everybody else!! I understand that things are hard for people but he can’t take care of everybody. Now it is unfair to try and get him to down white people or pretend that they all are devils just because somebody famous asked him too. I wouldn’t do it either. If someone asked most of us to go and call the white people that are paying our salaries each week racist, I bet we wouldn’t do it because we want to be able to feed our families next week and to keep a roof over their heads as well. One major problem we have in this world is people not minding their own business. Most of the people that have something to say about him are probably just jealous because they don’t have what he has. That dude is smart…smart enough to make deals and continue to make money even when the economy is not doing well. If any of us had an opportunity to make tons of money, we would be mad as hell if somebody tried to tell us we shouldn’t. I really don’t blame him for wanting to put distance between himself and the have nots because as we see from some of the posts, that the only thing the have nots would do is bring him down and drain him of the life that he has built for his family and the last thing that we as a people need is another brother that has turned his life around after going through the struggle to relapse and go back in the opposite direction. We are crowded enough as it is down here at the bottom. We don’t need anymore down here. He didn’t get into the rap game to be an activist. He did it to make music and money. When we go to work, we do it to make money so why should we condemn that man for doing the same. Live and let live. One last thing people…until you are ready to quit your jobs and pick up the sign and stand on the corner all day for a cause that you all obviously believe in so strongly, leave the man alone and let him make or should I say “EARN” a living however he feels that it is necessary for him and his wife to do so. If you took what I said personally then maybe you have something to think about. Get your own house in order and then I bet most of the finger pointing will stop because then you will be a “have” instead of a “have not” and you will be ducking all the fingers being pointed at you because you are not an activist. Peace and love…not only to my brothers and sisters, but to all man as we all deserve it. Until next time, I will continue to fight the good fight for me and my family and wish you all the best of luck with yours.
Blather as you will.
Jay-Z is a hypocrite, and he is being called out on it.
He should be punched in the face for calling Belafonte “boy”. He may probably could have never reached his pinnacle without the blood, sweat and tears of those before him.
Thank you, this generation don’t know the history. Jay Z & Kanye are sellouts. They greedy & stingy!!
they can do what they want you do what you want so stop the hating and get out their pockets worrie about you own and maybe you can help the community ……on lookers ……sheeesh!
Everyboby with the stage cant entertain everthing every issue, if it rocks the base of his being I get it. HB he 82 he came from different cloth than Jigga.
sounds like you worship him,Nigga that is.
I meant Jigga
Be Mr. Belafonte help puthat cloth in place for us so why aren’t they cut from the same cloth its sad just like martin Luther king ,Malcolm X all great leaders who fought for our rights and gave their lives who had kids that miss their fathers being in their lives and now we have black on black crim I live in a little city in Indiana and we had 42 murders 32 black men I’m crying for our race how we let money mean more than loving help those who need help you know who and where they are because you come from the same hood and cloth ijs if I got it the next person will have it reach back God will take it just like he give it
Regardless of age, 82 or younger …if you have a platform and the fan base you have the opportunity to instill change. You can not impact change by keeping quiet about issues that surround you. The Barney issue is a prime example of how Jay-Z could have brought about positive change but instead decided to hide behind the dollar and let the Dollar give him strength and value. Instead of making his retraction of a contract make the needed impact. Actions speak louder than words or silence in this case.
I will never stop being about race, and it will never stop being about equality. Regardless if your 12 or 82 years old you should always have common sense, love and respect for others. Once upon a time we live in a world that did care about our fellow man and not what we could only gain for ourselves. It’s sad to read the post that are suggesting that it is alright to live in a country and claim you care for the less fortunate but the only thing Jay-z seems to care about is how much money is involved. Let’s stop embracing the lies he is telling and open our eyes to the truth that he doesn’t want you to see.
are you referring to the people at barneys or the author? who is putting the emphasis?
We referring to that Jigger Jay-Z!!
This world will contine to be messed up until Jesus returns once more… All other things are false peace, things done in vain, only masking the root of the problem… The problem is spiritual above all… The body listens to the spirit… Seek the Lord Jesus’ truth and embrace the Holy Spirit that is in you! Salvation is important, helping others to salvation is even more important! God bless you! I com in the name of JESUS not religion… The name of Truth, not false peace…
I’m calling BULLSH**. Religion had nothing, and will never have anything to do with this article. Religion itself, especially some imaginary people others brainwashed you into worshipping, is not the end all be all for how someone does or does not act. Or have you forgotten all the people killed in jesus’s name? Or all the hatred and intolerance towards others who don’t embrace the same ideals “christians” embrace? It has nothing to do with “being spiritual”. Especially since it causes more violence and segregation than it solves. Yeah, I know this post is going to be blasted, but that’s okay. Until all these religious nuts realize the world doesnt revolve around them and their religion, that not everything is caused or can be fixed by imaginary people…well, the world will be a better place when that’s all a thing of the past.
Oh, and Josh, the only false peace, is the one religion brings when they have converted an area for their own, and driven out the competition.
Thank you brother Josh. It is Jesus and not religon. Excuse u lol @ religion , take u hateful issuses somewhere esle.
No, I’m good, but excuse you for confusing that jesus is the centerpiece of a religion, one of the most fearmongering and abusive powers man has ever created. Also one of the most bloody. As soon as idiots like josh and obviously yourself here realize not everyone decides to let themselves be brainwashed into believing in some made up entity, and finding ways to push that upon others, people like me wouldn’t have to say anything in response. The article itself was free of any religious influences, but some dumbarse always has to come along and jesus this, and jesus that. Get over yourselves. Christianity has to be the about the worst religion man ever made up.
Jay z was not a ib time drug dealer he wasn’t even a small time dealer. Just cause hesaidit don’t mean its true. Goto the marcy projects ask around they will tell you
He might have been a drug peddler, there is a huge difference! In other words, a drug dealer wannabe.
There is no getting around the issue of color/race, because that is what America is all about. Indeed, it is the path that America has elected to traverse and, thus, it is that path which shall eventually lead to its demise.
The last place it will happen is here too much guilt. You build a country on race how will you reconcile it.
Wow really this world will a better place when blacks stop cowtowing and going against there own people and being afraid to talk truth. As far as j z I can’t afford or would buy anything in Barney’s anyway n who would spend money in a place that discriminates against your own people that’s ignorant what you have to understand in those smoke filled back rooms at the end of the day you are and always will be a nigger to them Jo matter how much money you gave they just accept you cause you sing dance or are an athlete other wise you seve no purpose to them
Right on!!
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White pll are never your friend , their not and they will never be. Thank you Omega Peyton . All about thier thought hate from small its never gonna come out their dna. There generation bred that crap into them . Their selfish, they say networking but their selfish. They break you down because their insecure. Black is the strongest race. Everybody came out of us. They giveour young men crack in the hood ,then say ,their killing theirselves, making it an excuse to kill trayvon. Every its them and says its us. They name the baby girls after dead old men last name. Scrutinize our names, when they told our Great Grandfathers they’d chop of our fingers if we learn to read . They gave us parts of the cow chicken and pig they didnt want , so we heart disease breast cancer sickle anemia . God dont reward evil. We should publicly hang cops and beat they ass in public , for killing these pll, and for thses four little in the church , all hell the black pll went thru and still going thru.
Ha! your pic is on that tragic mulatto blog….
Absolutely!!!! Things are what they are… recognize it, understand it and got over it or around it, because just talking about it ain’t going to do any good…
No real change can happen in America until people start having conversations about Race Relations. Race does matter and if you think it doesn’t, then you are in denial. Why do you think President Barack Obama is having the hardest time getting people to come on board for Health Care Reform? Why are the Tea Party Members/Republicans against the president? Why do Tea Party Members/Republicans/Hannity want the President to fail? Please read the Willie Lynch Letter. It explains racism in America. Race does matter. Also, please read The Isis Papers. Please go back and re-read MLK’s I have a dream speech. What MLK stated during his 1963 speech still hold true today. Please WAKE UP!
You obviously don’t understand why “color” is always the issue! We don’t have a problem with our blackness, as long as we (black people) always have to work three times harder than our counterpart, there will always be a race issue, the difference from the 50s and 60s is, the took away the “whites only” signs, the treatment and behaviors are the same. # don’t fool yourself
Correction,,,,,,,,,,, the difference in the 60s and now is, there are no “whites only” signs but the sentiment/treatment is still the same.
Jessica, thank you for this article – I agree with you and appreciate your insights. I wrote about this too and would like to shrae it with you:
http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/concrete-jungle-new-york-fashion-and-the-apartheid-of-shop-and-frisk/discrimination/2013/11/03/77657#.Upud6s3I7-M
Real talk and why do people think that he is about doing anything for those he rose above. Check with those on the street that watched him rise and ply his trade. do you think the projects have improved because of his influence. I’m broke and I do more for the inner city youth than he does and that’s where ever I go.
Starting to believe this guy is part of the so elite movement in America. Take a stand boycott anything he tries to sell. The only way he’s making money is because of the little guys like us. Again BOYCOTT SEAN CARTER. For now on he will be known as Sean Carter.
all I can say is “shame on u j zee” what about ur ppl?
I don’t see the problem. He’s a business man. Just because he’s African American doesn’t automatically put him into the position that he needs to drop everything he’s doing to accommodate someone’s being upset. If you had a boss that didn’t like whites, or blacks, or whatever and they said it, or better yet, one of your work peers said it, will that make you want to quit your job and lose out on your own financial gain. He’s a smart man and it’s perfectly legal not to embed himself into a race war that people still beg to see.
He doesn’t have to release his line through Barney’s is the point. He’s a mega-star. ANY store would want him as a client, so why go to the store that racially profiles his race? Why ~not~ make a statement?
Art is power, fame is power, money is power. He is missing a huge business opportunity as well as a social opportunity here. The problem is he’s a coward. He is not evolved enough to have true self-respect nor is he mature enough to do what Harry Belafonte has done all his life: effect change through personal actions.
I’ve never been in a Wal-Mart and I never will be in a Wal-Mart. They sell cheap products and I completely disagree with their policies. In a Democracy, you vote with your feet or your wallet as well as at the ballot box.
I totally agree with you, Greed Greed Greed, and just rude!
Wonderfully said. If you have a conscious and you can effect positive change, why not. He has never impressed me. He has been there and struggled to reach the top but lost compassion and a social consciousness for the Almighty Dollar
“Art is power, fame is power, money is power. He is missing a huge business opportunity as well as a social opportunity here. The problem is he’s a coward. He is not evolved enough to have true self-respect nor is he mature enough to do what Harry Belafonte has done all his life: effect change through personal actions.
I’ve never been in a Wal-Mart and I never will be in a Wal-Mart. They sell cheap products and I completely disagree with their policies. In a Democracy, you vote with your feet or your wallet as well as at the ballot box.”
Realest comment ever written.
The problem is this…. JZ is not telling you what’s best for your business, but you people feel it’s right to tell him about his. Only in america…
RedDonnaAnn gets it, that’s the truth!
I agree. Remember after the Trevon Martin case, Stevie Wonder stated he wouldn’t perform in states that had the Stand Your Ground Law. Jay-Z is in a position to spark social/economic/political change. Yet, he is only concerned about his family (Beyonce, Blue Ivy, Mother, etc). He appears to be self-fish and greedy. I hope he remembers that pride comes before a fall and those that are exalted will be humbled and those that are humbled will be exalted. He needs to have a lesson in the Bible or the Quran. God teaches us to be a cheerful giver, not a person who always hustles people out of money. There is more to life than money and perhaps he hasn’t realized that yet.
I agree whole heartedly with your sentiments. I’d also like to point out this is the same guy (Jay-Z) that was running around talking about how racist Cristal was and saying that is the reason why he switched to Ace of Spades. I always thought that whole act was a bunch of bullsh**, it seemed more likely that either Cristal stopped cutting him a check or Ace of Spades started cutting him one and that’s really why he decided to start endorsing one and bash the other. Now when he has a real opportunity to address racism he dances around it and refuses to take a stand. To the people who are defending him all I would say is take a minute and really look at who you are defending this guy is not who he pretends to be.
I totally agree with you James. I was born and raised in Brooklyn and I know its history and watched it evolve. I can count on one hand the hip hop stars that emerged from there and went back and did something grand for those still left. It doesn’t take a lot to make a statement or a contribution. I will set the example because my time is coming. God bless.
@artigliphics I understand what you were saying in a normal everyday people sense. However, there is a certain amount of respect that you must have for your elders. Likewise, there is an amount of respect that we all hold for HB. He has done so much to help people (regardless of skin color). Poverty knows no color. So Jay -Z calling him boy was very disrespectful. I used to like Jay-z, but I have lost so much respect for him it’s not even funny. The fact that he only donated $6,000 dollars to his own charity is insane. Why even have a charity? You have other famous and wealthy people donating more money to your charity than you do and you have millions in the bank? Absolutely disgusting.
I would seriously check the whole “only 6,000” claim. This whole opinion piece, written on a blog, citing zero real sources, with no supporting evidence is about as credible as, well, they just aren’t.
Further, I don’t feel the need to tell anyone what their role in the struggle should be. Tyler Perry throws a cross on his ish, people rush out to patronize it and nobody is in his face. We need to take every black person to task if we are going to focus on Jay.
In addition, your everyday purchases need to be evaluated as well. I can assure you, if I walk through each of your houses I will find products from companies with CEOs who are couter productive to the struggle. And you’re supporting them. Everyday.
Wilma thank you for that observation. I was wondering when someone would speak out about the tactics of Tyler Perry and his nonsense excuse of why he don’t help other artists that struggled like he did. Then he goes begging on social media for support and constantly displaying the comforts his wealth bring him and never mentions anything about what community activity he is involved in which likely is zero. Kelli you hit the nail on the head. When my books begin to sell, I will demonstrate what giving back and paying it forward is all about. I’ve been doing it for years and only mention now to show a comparison. I made $2,960 last year but it didn’t stop me from donating. God bless.
Thanks so much for article. Just proof positive that immorality is not illegal. All the struggle for equality helped my people do is learn how to honestly care less about themselves and.ore about the immortality that built this country. I ain’t mad though. Those who sign up are getting paid….what?!
SMH… Charity work and financial gain do not go together. Further more, he could have held a benefit concert with out the “Barney” Brand and still been just as successful and earned respect for his fans and donors period! However we as black people feel we need these white/rich corporations to make this happen… smh. We have a voice to change things yet we don’t invest in our people or supporters who truly make us how we are.
Most bosses don’t make $63 million dollars a year and have automatic access to the media. The problem is that Carter isn’t selling donuts or car parts, he’s been selling a lifestyle, the hard not life and the rags to riches mantra. His embrace of the n-word and apparent amnesia about the folks who helped achieve his wealth is deplorable. As far as your analogy about a racist boss, most people would find another job. It’s not about legal rights. Sometimes we must put conscience, justice and morality above money. Apparently, Carter lacks the ability to do that.
its called racial profiling if you’ve ever had this happen to you would have a different view and tone of voice. He’s a person of color who can make our voice louder but he chooses to be part of the elite and turn a blind eye on social events that going on this is not the old south we can go and shop anywhere and buy whatever we like but enough is a enough. SHAME ON YOU SEAN CARTER THE SELLOUT.
If you don’t STAND for anything, then you will FALL for everything. No matter what, you should always stand with your own people…regardless! This guy is headed for an eventual O.J. letdown, i.e., he truly believes that he is beloved by White America and does not have the faintest idea that White America will turn on him in the blink of an eye….. just ask O.J., of Mike Tyson
Powerful commentary and so on point!
Money can’t fix every problem an real soon he’s going to realize that real soon
It is just a matter of time before White America turns of this guy and reminds him that he is still a juicy-lipped, long-headed-ass, popped-eyed, ex-crack dealing, project nigga.
Name call and 3rd grade antics doesn’t change the fact that he has millions of dollars in the bank from his hard work and can do what ever he wants to with it. When it comes time to pay the mortgage, he won’t have any problems because he let insults from any one of you cause him to give up his lively hood. We are not the ones supporting him anyway. White people are the ones buying 80% music anyway. Now people are saying he is turning his back on the people who made him what he is but I say we aren’t doing anything for him. If it weren’t for the people that you want him to hate so much, then he probably wouldn’t have a roof over his head. Sound to me like people are saying that if you are black and have become successful you have to start hating the other man….but isn’t that what we are fight for? To stop the hatred and spread the love? I guess you have to remain a crab in the bucket to be seen as a crab cause when you finally make it over the rim to you own freedom (despite the other crabs still trying to hold you down) you are not a crab anymore.
Jessica — thanks for daring to write this piece. I have the privilege of leading a school in Philadelphia, and unfortunately, we have to do a far better job of training our leaders because it is obvious that can expect very little from these “hip hop representatives.” Let’s continue to push the envelope.
Thank you Jessica for your article. Unfortunately our youth and sadly too many adults that you think would know better, support these artists and believe the things they put out or say in regard to showing support to OUR communities around the world are legit, they are not always. The “MONEY” is all they seem to care about! When I first heard about the “beef”, I didn’t know what to believe but I certainly would not and did not question the word of Mr. Belafonte.
I will not lie to you and say that I never used the “N” word as a young man but after I entered the military, I soon realized the affects of it after having it directed at me. That made me so angry! Many years later I was blessed to spend some quality time with my grandfather (88year old) prior to his passing. I would stop and visit with him while traveling to and from my duty location to visit other family in Texas. During one of those visits we talked about the “N” word and it brought tears to his eyes to hear our people not only use it but give license to “other” to use it as well. That really hit home with me that at his age he still had serious emotion about even hearing that word.
The youth of today do not show respect to the elderly the way my generation and those before me did. It doesn’t matter who is around, they will use and use it LOUDLY so everyone can hear them. That word was used to dehumanize our ancestors and I can’t understand how or why anyone of color would support the use of the “N” word. WE MUST to do better! WE MUST teach our kids better!
Unfortunately, some of our people have the impression that if we use the word ourselves or change its spelling, the meaning of the word changes and that we have “taken the power” of the word from others and made it our own. I always say that the word and its meaning were created to demean, humiliate and degrade our people and only the creator of said word can change it. Until then, it will always carry its historical and original meaning. If we want others to stop using the word, then we have to stop using it. By using the word amongst ourselves as s “term of endearment”, we are only continuing to do to ourselves what the creators of it want. Finally, when the global community hears the word “nigger”, trust me, it is not considered a “term of endearment” and merely perpetuates the stereotypes and prejudices that this country has done a good job in communicating to the world.
Well said Ms.Laura..My thoughts exactly.
Couldn’t agree more. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve stormed into a teenage mancave over the subject (and received a proper lesson about “er” vs. “a”), I’d have a lot of nickels…and I’m a southern white. Sigh…
He uses The N word, degrades the beloved Belafonte and makes billions encouraging Blacks to engage in criminal activity, misogyny, drugs, violence and prison life. EVERYONE needs to reject Jay-Z. I am white as a glass of milk and the “man” offends me. I wouldn’t buy his music if you paid me because I am able to put my values first.
We are what we do, not what we say we do or want to do or hope others think we do. So… do the right thing: reject this guy on the only level he understands: economics.
wow J z “really”
To all thee up above … the fact still remains only in the good ole’ U.S.A. it’s land of the free, yes ! and the concern should be on what are we doing to make sure our next generation understand the non-morals of what people say and do has to be taken in accountability for it’s founded by many who have been misused or misuse others … what we allow to enter into ones well being just to adapt. It sadden me on any given day I can see how we continously fight one another to justify truth in a world of what’s for me and what’s for you, stop and take a good look around at your current situation not realizing in other countries many lacking the basics of clean water and food as well as a shelter for cover a night. And this debate is about one man’s choice, … really ! My people wake up and focus on the bigger picture it is set out and design to work just as it has to start a race war among our selves, to show how some of us will always have the crab mentally. No matter how much money a african american make Jayz or Oprah, time and time again facts still remain they will never be anything other than black. AGREE ! As a african american it has been a known fact, we like to look good and will spend what ever it is to accompany that fad just to show one up. Instead incorporating wealth for the next generation who’s already struggling to compete against one another because of what’s being display before them glamorising items such as : cars, houses, clothing, jewelry, cell phones and body parts to name a few. Wake up people now before it’s soon to late, stop letting all the reality TV shows and high paid entertainers be it TV, Athlete’s, Music and or now Churches paint a picture of untruthful lies of what you must make and what you must have in this world to be accountable. No your worth is not to live for earthly items which will only remain behind once you depart …
JAH BLESSINGS !
Harry Belafonte is a communist. His solutions for black people are socialism and racial solidarity. THAT is a recipe for failure, I don’t care WHAT color you are. Jay Z may be a rich selfish hypocrite, but he isn’t doing nearly the damage Harry B. is.
Where is your evidence that Mr. Belafonte is a communist? Just because he champions the rights of the low and middle class doesn’t make him a Communist. I doubt if you even know what that means. Most Americans, especially older ones were so brainwashed because Marxism threatened the status quo and attacked the disproportionate distribution of wealth. I assume you must be part of the 1% although I seriously doubt whether you are wealthy because you wouldn’t have time to even read this article. You are not the 1% but merely part of the 70 or 80 % who believe that the wealthy act in our best interests. Unfortunately, the rich get richer and the dumb get dumber. I imagine you belong to the latter.
Dumb stupid comment, Kessler
No need to get nasty, Darryl. The question is simply “is he” or “isn’t he”. Whether you support communism or not is a second issue. Mr. Belafonte is one of your 1%ers. He mouths praise for Communist leaders, and apologizes for the failures of Communism. Is it OK for HIM to be a 1% because he claims solidarity with the 99%? That’s rather foolish of you. He made his millions with capitalism. Do you think he ever considered giving up his wealth and going to live with the 99% in Cuba? Do you think communism gives Black America a better chance at leaving poverty than capitalism? Where’s YOUR evidence?
http://rolandmartinreports.com/blog/2012/04/washington-watch-harry-belafonte-on-fidel-castro-communism/
Reblogged this on Focsi Mama Speaks.
How can people seriously been surprised? This fraud has said himself during his whole career that he’s a hustler so why be surprised to find out he’s been hustling black people or any of his fans. He and his wife are both Illuminati but even knowing that damn didn’t know about the crazy low amount given to his own damn charity. But like I said he’s sold his soul so don’t expect any investigation.
Too bad some of you didn’t grow up in the era when Harry did. He put his life on the line in the freedom movement in America many a night. While a lot of young folks are running around killing each other and hating on each other, while supporting phonies like Jay Z, Kanye West and the rest of the real “Uncle Toms” of the illuminati.
Dang! Aren’t they official members? I would think they’re called by their real names by other illuminated members.
If you really rep the streets, YOUR streets. I BET TOP, BARNEYS isn’t near your block. Sean Carter can handle BARNEYS just like all the other bullshit that comes with acquisitions. I think an insider caused this stirrup just because he knew Carter was coming in this holiday season, now they got the STREETS against THEIR OWN. do feed into the hype, go support the BLACK MAN AT THE RACIST CLUB MAKE SOME MONEY RIGHT IN FRONT OF EM…how i see it.
How many of the have nots commenting will stop shopping at any stores which mistreat their employees Wal-Mart, McDonald’s etc. It’s funny to me that folks expect other people to do what they aren’t willing to do themselves. How many folks went shopping on Thanksgiving? Before you expect Jay Z or any other celebrities to make finance decisions based on popular opinion make some yourself. How many people give to any charitable organizations? Started any? I’m all for not shopping where disrespect towards any group is practiced but who hasn’t been followed around in any department store? Easy to point fingers but we all no the saying. I’m not impressed with trying to make Jay Z the scapegoat for racism in America when the masses won’t stand together for causes in their own community.
Well said Miranda.
Thank you
BAM!!…just warms my heart that there’s folks out there who don’t fall for the carrot…You have a gift Ms. Waters, it gives me hope. Thank you.
Brilliantly stated!!!
I am not surprised by the fact that Jay-Z wants to make money, wherever and however he can.. What surprises me most is how we can lose focus and concentrate on things like whether or not Barney’s is racist!! I have not and maybe will not ever be able to afford to buy anything from Barney’s so why would I place any kind of focus on them. And to be totally hones, I have not and probably will not ever by a Jay-Z CD!! The truth of the matter is that in the United States the majority of the black men aged 18-44 are either dead or in prison. Michelle Alexander addressed this in her book “Mass Incarceration: The Age of Colorblindness” a few years back, but I have not seen nearly as much focus on that!! Then, earlier this year, the Supreme Court cancelled everything that black people in the South like Martin Luther King fought so hard for… The Voting Rights Act of 1965. Come on people…we have better things to be focusing on!!
The question is, does the action of a staff member(s) really indicate the overall culture of a major department store? A department store with a presence in over 10 different states, can we expect Jay Z to cancel any agreements based on the actions of a few isolated locations seems excessive.
If we become penalized in our own businesses based on the ignorance that can’t be identified on the resume of people we’ve employed, will any of us ever see real success?
I agree with you! Why are all the negative reactions only going towards Jay-Z? Macy’s is part of this racial profiling and no one has questioned Usher, Diddy or Russell Simmons about there product or business dealings with Macy’s! If you are going to make a statement do it towards all and stop making Jay-Z look like the only one!
I agree with Teoy.. How can you blast this guy for continuing to do business with Barneys based off an employee’s action. I don’t see anybody protesting Walmart who treats their employees not just blacks the worst and get over on communities at the same time. It’s racism going on in every walk of life, you pick your battles. Didn’t he boycott Crystal the company as a whole cause they was racist? Oprah still shop at high end stores do anybody blast her after she got profiled? No. No matter how much a person does big or small whether it’s reported or not. It’s not enough for other people. And who do you think funds the daily operational costs of the charity and foundations. Stop counting other people money and judging others and worry about what you are doing or not doing. You’re accountable for your actions not anyone else’s.
I have to agree with J-Z on not giving up his business deal.Although I think Mr. Belafonte and our older generation did a great justice for the Black American culture. No young Black American can deny this point rather they make 30 million a year or 150 a week. I personally think that J-Z can do more for any racial problems that still remain by accepting the position and salary within the Barney`s Corporation.Mr. Belafonte and our older generation must remember that they broke down certain barriers and doors in the beginning stages of civil rights and we will forever be grateful for these accomplishment.I must admit that my generation does not have any plans on giving back any position of power.This includes income ,titles or any other rights that Black Americans have shed blood sweat and tears to accomplish.We must carry the torch that the older generation have lit.In today`s society corporations have more impact on more families than any other business.Although I respect Mr. Belafonte and all of our great Civil Rights leaders. I don`t feel that a public rebuke is helping the situation any.
Don’t know where you live Eric G. but people are protesting Walmart here in the south and in other parts of the country for the reasons you state. Carter’s business deal with Barney’s means little to his overall wealth or his contribution to charity. He can easily walk away and devote his efforts to his own charity or just write a tax deductible check to his own charity for more than the six grand he contributed in 2010. Guess he doesn’t need the tax break of a charitable deduction and the Barney’s deal is merely for window dressing to expand his brand. It’s all about greed and someday Carter will realize the error of his ways. Money ain’t everything and the Universe is all about balance. His pendulum will swing the other way. You can be sure.
It`s ironic how the very thing that civil rights stood for is the very thing that upsets these hypocrites.Civil Rights,if i`m not mistaken stood for equality,such as equal pay,being able to shop,eat,and live on the same playing field as our light skinned counter parts.Now just because Mr. Carter happened to be black and happened to have made it out of a place that most of these people posting could not even dream of in their deepest phase of sleep.He is being attacked and by his own kind.Civil rights was and is
about going straight to the problem and dealing with it from the inside out.There has to be another motive be hide this whole Barney`s ordeal.Now if J(Mr Carter) was Donald Trump or Bill Gates then he would be called a powerful screwd business man by these hypocrites , since he just happen to be a Black business man from the ghetto,these people have the audacity to thank that he owes someone or somebody more. Let the truth be told he has already did more for blacks than a lot of these blacks that claim to be Civil Rights leaders in our communities.Think of the staff and the people this guy have to pay when he put together a show ,or even the employees at one of his companies .That in it self is a real hands on move against poverty.You better believe he`s feeding families.Like I said before and I`ll say it again Mr. Belafonte could have easily got in touch with him and talked with him outside the media.Last but not least J`Z`s music is for J`Z`s demographic.That`s who helped him get where he`s at today and that`s who he`s raping to.Don`t forget Hip Hop is a culture, a life style, a movement in it`s self. If you are not truthfully from that culture or speak our language, you are not suppose to understand or agree,that is all….
How much money does one person need,shame on J Z……………………………….
How can you say that. If somebody told you that you make too much on your job you would probably say I don’t make enough. People kill me with that. How about trying to secure a future for his family and generations like other races do. How many blacks have wealth for generations?? I’ll wait for it, cause there are none. Cause our people think too small and you always have people pulling them down saying “you make too much”.
Bill Gates gives away billions. So does Warren Buffet and neither intend to leave much to their children. They recognize that great wealth carries greater responsibilities. Carter was a petty drug dealer who had it not been for the poor folks who supported him would still be peddling death on the corners in the Bronx. So Blue Ivy apparently won’t be able to make it on her parent’s wealth that will probably be in the billions when she is an adult. Do the math. You could spend 100 grand a week for 20 years and you couldn’t spend a billion. Just because others are greedy doesn’t justify Carter’s greed. At some point we all need to stand up and make a difference. I give away more than 6 grand a year to charity. I figure my children can live without it and hopefully someday they’ll make their own way.
Sideline Activitist…all of you. Unlike Mr. Belafonte you all have done nothing to move the needle. Why is it that we are always so quick to call out our celebs ? Do you even realize that Jay and Beyoncé’s fan bases are mostly white ? How about Oprah ? Or Kanye..? Do you all really believe these artist value the black community ? Get a grip ? You spent a great deal of time writing about a subject you seem to know little about. The work the elders did for us have long been forgotten. Our community is filled with like minded individuals like yourselves. And by the way Mr. Belafonte called out more than Jay Z he called the whole current generation and those who are not famous out in that press conference where he was asked his opinion. He gave, an opinion, he earned his place to say it. Not you, you’ve done nothing. You are using information from second hand places that are chopped up. By the way did you read that Mr. Belafonte addressed his position in the disagreement.? Did you watch the entire two part interview where Mr. Carter spoke about his views ? I have on both accounts. I go to the sources I watch video, and read, then write my opinion. You have Mr. Sharpton on the case and even the CEO of Barney’s has talked about this subject. Does this absolve them or the security teams or employees ? No, but if you want to point fingers point them at the problem. If Jay still wants to do business with them it’s his business we don’t have to support him. Truth is how many of you have gone to shop at Barney’s ? I’ve never been never planned to go. Jay isn’t trying to reach you. He’s trying to reach a different demographic. Sad but true..the charity ? Who knows where that goes. I’m a supporter of Mr Carter but he has his place in my life. At what point did you ever see him work on the behalf of our community ? He’s not that dude ? Hell name someone in our Black community right now who has ? I was at he million man march didn’t see too many rappers..(Hammer was the only one I saw) what about VA Beach 89 I was there (asses getting beat like it was the 70s), didn’t see too many rappers speak out then. What about with Trayvon Martin ? Not too many rappers spoke up or out about it but to just put a line on a song. You want to write about something write about Barney’s directly, interview people, write about it and then we can talk. Until then, stop riding the coat tails of a legend like Mr. Belafonte. Damn..you pissed me off..!
Don’t need to read or watch videos dude; I was THERE in the flesh. I saw a man who resembled a fire ant speaking on Lennox Ave a 116th. We called him “The Minister,” but you refer to him as Malcom X. I kicked much White ass when MLK was assassinated, notwithstanding that I did not totally agree with his non-violent approach; at 13, it was the only way that I knew how to make a statement…..some statement……any statement! As a member of the Almighty Five Percent Nation, I have always been on the front line of this struggle and I call the facts as they are. I have many notches in this ongoing fight…and I mean many! Flaunt your KKK or Nazi flag in front of me and I have no problems with sending your ass to the next life. However, my greatest claim to fame is that I have yet to take a Black life. Moreover, I always stand with my people, even if, at times, they are in error. I believe that I can always voice my feelings on such an error behind closed doors. In other words; never, ever let our enemies witness us disagree. ALWAYS present a unified front. Take heed of how China and Vietnam have defeated these people in war and now in economics. They are not really that hard to defeat. Their main weapon has always been and remains divisiveness; They are masters at dividing their foes; India was split into India & Pakistan; Vietnam was split into North Vietnam and South Vietnam; North Korea & South Korea, etc. The situation with the Blackman in North America is even more perilous; we are Disciples or Vice Lords; Bloods or Crips; Country or City Slick; Eastside or Westside; 118 street or 119 street, and the beat goes on. We never stop to even consider the fact and approach our enemy with the common thought : WE ARE ONE! When that days comes our enemies days shall be numbered. Peace!
Wow. Salut!
Omega Payton, the words I wrote were in your honor. And those who earned a place by being on the front line. My problem with blogs and people who write like this is that they have no real clue as to what the struggle is or was. They write for the judgement not the cause. They place blame instead of taking up arms. I was raised by radical, I was raised to question everything and to think for myself. I know my history and I know that people in Jay’s lane don’t fight for us. The spotlight should be on the organization not any rift between Mr. Belafonte and Mr. Carter. That’s a behind the closed doors meeting. The author of this post is not any better than Jay..she’s about views and shares not putting pressure on Barney’s. To think if we focused our energy on the Company that has not done right by us by bringing to light the injustices Mr. Carter would have no choice but to pay attention. We have enough followers in our community we need leaders. We need everyone to move as soldiers do in formation towards an end result. What do we have here on this thread ? Opinion givers too scared to pen real content. To walk the walk. Don’t use Mr. Belafonte’s good name for your benefit. You want to call out Jay Z call him out on your own. Interview him and question him face to face..that’s how I was raced..I faced some of what you wrote but I was fortunate. I’m tired of all chatter in our community and no real action. If you place your faith in false prophets you have no choice but to be disappointed. I appreciate your fight and contributions.
WORD!
People are too busy counting his money instead of watching the business savvy the man used to get his money. Perhaps more attention should be paid to how he worked hard to get his money. Realized a brand and ran with it. We are complaining about how he spends his money and giving our money to a Korean for weave hair, the same Korean that wouldn’t give a damn about you if you didn’t have money to give him, how come we only have a handful of black owned bodegas in our communities ??? How can the Pakistanis come in our neighborhoods and open a thriving business in our neighborhoods ??? Why is it I can go anywhere in the country and look for Martin Luther King Blvd and be guaranteed to find someone selling drugs !! You don’t know what Jay and Beyoncé contribute to. Maybe they keep it on the down low. I do like the fact that he married the girl he loves that is a role model in our communities within itself. Jay doesn’t have 99 baby mamas either showing the role model of safe sex. Beyoncé aint out there cussing and fighting or shooting down another sister who is up and coming either that is role model material. I know racism is out there but we can’t or shoot a brother down for getting some of the oppressors money. You better come up with a POSITIVE plan and GET YOU SOME too and stop hating on a brother who has done just that. I say Go Get That Money Jay and spend it anyway you damn well please !!~!
You are spot on with this article, I always agreed Kanye and Jay Z and even those stars mentioned on this article changed because of style, fame and money. I don’t listen nor buy any more crap Kanye West has to bring out, once said by the ROCAFELLA Records, must musician are still calling themselves Illuminati members and even Kanye has gone far enough to say he is a “God”. I do follow controversial status between the cross line, Facebook and what else social networks have to say about these clowns, because it’s funny. Charity is charity not your tax exemption ticket to report lesser income you fools, they of course do not come from blue blood (old money) and once they dead artist, all they will be dead artists, what are you living on this earth as a legacy?
Always with the old divide and conquer routine. Instead of focusing on what folks with extra pocket change doing with their coins, look inward and focus on the individual in the mirror and what that individual is doing to make this world a better place…Stop looking for heros in unlikely places.
Another reason I’m glad I never gave that negro a dime of my money.
I think that Harry Belafonte’s point on Jay-Z’s power and influence as just another tool for Jay-Z’s own wealth is more of a question directed at us: This nigga here ain’t about nuttin’ and he ain’t helping those that gave him his status in the first place. He’s staying neutral cause white folks are the ones buying all of his stuff, so he’s not going to go against his “market”. The late generations have not been included fully into his “market” and therefore we have to effect change in our communities by OURSELVES! Instead of finding folks to help us and trying desperately to reach out to them, let’s find our own ways of fixing our own problems, so that the folks who forgot where they came from can see a different way of thinking, and in effect reach out to US. We are known for creativity without resource, and we need to remind ourselves of that. We CAN effect change from the inside out. Jay-Z is an “outsider” at this point; let’s focus more on what WE can do to help ourselves, and those idiots with money will come running to open their checkbooks because the new fad would have affected this country: the new disenfranchised movement. Let us do for us, and they will come and help us facilitate it because they need the PR. THAT’S influence….
until you hear it from the mouth of the accused…I would take it with a grain of salt
Denise Nothern you could not have said it any better
Jay Z is a nigga. Through and through.
Reblogged this on But Be Doers, and Not Hearers Only.
For people constantly saying Jay-Z souled his soul, apart of the illuminati, he’s a devil worshipper, says his wife faked her pregnancy, talk about his daughter, constantly saying he does people dirty, then y’all negros got the nerve to want him to stand up for y’all… PLEASE! If I was Jay I would of told y’all to kiss my ass . Especially after all the other good sh!t that he’s done(mention it in an earlier post) that people all of a sudden got amnesia;more than likely didn’t know about.
One thing i do know is when someone don’t like you, they will look for all your dirt to put out there like his tax return from 2010, but why won’t they go talk to anybody that works or worked for Jay. Where’s the Macy petition that ask Diddy, Usher, and Mariah Carey to drop there business with them? I see nobody ever ask Sam Jackson a former crack head ,that’s also the highest grossing actor in history to be an activist. I sure he probably robbed a ni@@a or two to get his fix. Mr Banana boat should’ve talk to Jay in private instead of putting him on the spot in public like that. Same way Jay should’ve not responded on wax.
Benefit concerts for the victims of 9-11 @ the garden, benefit concerts for the victims of Haiti earthquake, donating proceeds from The Hard Knock Life tour to the victims of the Colombian shooting. Being apart of the Water For Life program and standing in front of the United Nations on behalf of the program. Criticized George Bush on Minority Report for his effort on hurricane Katrina, and donated $500,000 to the victims of Katrina. Setup an Educational Fund For The Children of Sean Bell, donated the proceeds of a Roc-a-wear campaign to Bells Wife, and Had her as a model for the same campaign>>>>>>Dropping his deal at Barney’s due to fake outrage
While Belafonte’s comments may have merit (though I suspect that people of any race who do not fit the mold would probably be followed around Barney’s), it always amazes me how quickly the pitchforks come out what’s up black social figure reaches a certain level. The rumor mills, the “girl, did you hear that….” Just think about all that was being said about Michael Jackson. Yet now that he’s gone people are ready to erect statues and create national holidays in his name.
Hell, they even tried to attack Oprah, Gayle, and Stedman. thank goodness Oprah sidestepped that mess. Some of these so called black activist/blogger/columnists need to check themselves before cannibalizing their own by committing all out character assassination based on hearsay for blog hits.
I don’t get it , do we want Jay Z to be a leading voice on race relations, or do we want him to be a leading voice on issues pertaining to social class. Do we want both, this article doesn’t make it clear. They are not the same although they are related in some ways. Jay Z is a capitalist, and obviously a good business man, that’s why he could make 63 million in one year, how do we expect him to continue doing this then somehow be a leading voice on social inequality? Then he would be called a hypocrite for not giving it all away.
In my opinion, in regards to race relations, not every successful black person is going to be a Harry Belafonte type activist or standing on the front line like Reverend Al Sharpton, why shouldn’t African Americans be FREE to choose what causes they would like to fight for, without being treated like a pariah by their own community? Jay Z obviously made his choice, if you don’t like it, then stop supporting him ( that includes writing about him and giving him free press) he probably wouldnt miss the support seeing that most of his listeners are Caucasians who love what he is doing.
As for donating only 6 grand to his own charity, that’s weird, but at the same time i would rather focus on the real impact the charity is having on peoples lives instead of how much money the actual co founders give to the charity. It is actually more important for a charity to develop the ability to raise money from the public than to put in your own money, if the charity is going to have any longevity.
Too many other artists have said negative things about Jay-Z for them not to be true. He is only out for himself and does not care to help anyone.
Steve, I understand what you are saying. But I also understand what the majority here has to say and agree with them more. Sure you’re right. Most of the people here may have done nothing to stimulate their community in a contributing or even moral way. But all of us are not called to be leaders. But for those who are in position to lead, we do have a right to call upon them as members from our community who have exceeded what we consider as a “normal lifestyle” to remember where they came from and participate in paving the way at least morally to guide and enrich the minds of our youth’s in a positive and appropriately benefiting manner. As the saying goes, “much given, much expected”. If Jay was in some way a self-made millionaire without the help of the same community he has seemed to blind himself from now identifying….then I could agree with you. But that isn’t the case nor the way a music artist turn mega-star celebrity makes his/her way to the top.
An artist in Jay’s position is slightly earned, but mainly given to him not from his/her talent alone, but much support from his/her community. And yes, most of his financial backers today maybe white…but I guarantee you that wasn’t who invested in him from the start as a drug peddler. So there’s a lifeline of respect that comes with the “privilege” of being in the position and lifestyle Jay is currently in.
I know this because I’m a long time artist myself (from the 80’s/90’s era), who is one of the individuals I mentioned, living the “normal lifestyle”, as most of us are. But still and all, I do much more for my community than Jay does. So you can’t say no one is doing anything and there’s no level of talk you can administer regarding how much the community is doing or has not done in comparison to the fact that we have people in place, like Jay, Beyonce, Kanye, etc. who can easily make our voices be heard and echoes louder for results. That is how we got as far as a black people as we have! We had Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Black Panthers, etc. etc. That legacy must continue and be installed in our community by people in position. Then it will carry down as a subconscious in everyone in general. Denying people who supported you from day #1 is not the way to move your community in the right direction IF YOU CARE ANYTHING ABOUT THEM.
As I mentioned, I myself do more for my community than this guy. I work with young artists in their 20’s by organizing showcases where they can have a platform to perform and develop their talents, as well as teaching them not to strive to use their talents merely for financial gain. But harness and develop their talent more out of the love of exercising craft. And btw, the “N word” and negativity is NOT ALLOWED in our shows at all.
And I have quit big job positions in my day for disrespect or corrupt treatment of myself and other employees. So I have and currently still doing what I can do, just as Belafonte, to move the needle.
So this all could have been done in a better way for the people on Jay’s level if I manage to accomplish it on mine!
As many have said here……..SHAME ON YOU JAY Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let me tell you something about Jerk-Z.
I have a couple of friends that work as waiters at the 4040.
Directly from their mouths. Jerk-Z comes in with a bunch of friends, has dinner and drinks’. The bill is 4000.00 and of course he signs for it and the prince of shit leaves NO TIP!!!!.
His wife comes in, has a diet Pepsi and leaves a twenty, thanks no change. That’s class. WHAT THE HELL DOES A SWEET AND NICE LADY SEE IN THIS BOZZO?
The worst is yet to come, are you ready for this? My friends work and get off early, they come me in the next day and ask for their tips from the night before and they are told Sorry nothing is here, you should have waited till they cut tokes, before going home. If for some reason they complain, they get a pink slip the next day?:-)
JERK -Z
Hard to believe that…Ijs.
There is no need waging war with one another… if this is war, you have already lost because the “so called enemy” has already succeeded by turning “us” against ourselves. So while you continue to attack on the wrong side of the battle lines, they will continue to sit back and use you like pawns. Guess what…….CHECKMATE!!!… you loose….SMH….so sad… I’m done with this because its kind of…. stupid
This is lazy and one-sided “journalism”, and that is the bad example being set here…but I guess this is a blog so that can be the excuse?
You offered no statistics on the amount he’s offered to charity over the past 10 years, but instead you single out a random year because you knew it had a low contribution. You make no mention of the $1,000,000 pledged to the Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina. You neglect benefit concerts, percentages of proceeds of sales of concert tickets, attendance at rally’s to gain media attention for worthy causes (like repealing Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law), and more. There’s no mention of his renegotiating his agreement with Barneys to give all the proceeds of the line to charity and to also serve on a board with Barney’s to make sure incidents like the aforementioned racial profiling, don’t happen anymore. Its fine to take a side, but its poor journalism and setting a poor example to write an article that doesn’t provide a balance with facts, or purposely excludes facts that may counter your opinion. It makes your article and writing seem shoddy.
Moreover, its so pathetic and sad when an article is about how another man should spend his money.
The definiton of charity:
“the VOLUNTARY giving of help, typically in the form of money, to those in need.”
Charity is a choice. To whom much is given, much is expected, but no one “gave” Jay-Z or Beyonce anything. They earned it. Its their money to do what they see fit. As a Black man, there’s perpetual disappointment in the attitude of waiting for handouts from a celebrity that many of you bashed for his checkered past. You can’t have it both ways.
The most consistently neglected form of activism in the Black community is consumer activism. If you don’t support the practices or ethics of a brand, then don’t purchase the product that brand is selling. Don’t go to Jay-Z concerts. Don’t buy Jay-Z CDs. Don’t watch any television specials with him. Don’t request him on the radio. Focus your philanthropic efforts on people who ARE doing something and want to do more; write articles on those people and increase the public’s awareness on them, and drive up the hype and demand for them.
In my opinion, you, the author, are part of the problem even moreso than Jay-Z.
King I think you need to go back and re-read a little. Specifically the dates.
The early reports of incidents started in early October . This article was written on the 20th, and Jay-Z didn’t come out with a public statement about serving on a board until days after this article – AFTER all the bad press started to really weigh down. And even then it took another week before he decided to donate a higher percentage of the profits to the SC foundation. Let’s put this in perspective: It took him LESS THAN A DAY to respond to Dame Dash’s comments earlier this year.
And we still don’t know exactly the terms of this “board” he is going to serve on with Barney’s will do, what they will discuss, or what it is supposed to actually achieve. He can say anything he wants in the face of bad press in order to calm it down, but the bottom line is – what is ACTUALLY being done? Serving on a board sounds impressive, but its just words until action is taken and there is clear accountability being made.
As to your definition of charity – thanks for that, however you missed the point entirely.
Yes, we have a right to ask another man how he spends his money – when he demands the same from us.
Jay-Z stands in front of us with a hand out for his charities, for his business ventures, for his art. But when we ask if he is doing the same, it’s suddenly pathetic? Come on. You don’t really believe that.
It is EASY for a man to donate to a charity with money that isn’t HIS. Look at what he did with Barneys – upped the amount after all the bad press, so that means the money is coming from US, not out of his account. But when we say, “how much comes out of your own pocket”, then that is wrong somehow?
And really – all of his charitable contributions have come from us. He donates proceeds, not income.
It’s like saying that Gladys the Salvation Army Bell Ringer in front of Target has donated over 3.7 billion dollars to charity. NO. SHE HASN’T. It’s honorable work, but she is just there so YOU donate, it does not come out of her pocket. Jay-Z does the same thing and gets to look like a humble man.
For the others I have read – you don’t get it.
This article isn’t bashing Jay-Z on a single mistake. The article pointed out SEVERAL instances over a long period of time. That isn’t a simple misunderstanding. This behavior is now a habit.
And really, most of the things listed aren’t identity-changing life moments, so this notion that he cannot defend every little thing because it takes too much time and harms his base is just B.S.
It does not take more than 10 seconds to pick up a phone, hop on twitter and in 140 characters defend a friend (which by the way wouldnt that HELP race relations? – since someone pointed out his “great work” on stand your ground)
The problem here is another Man is sucking at the tit of the Dollar bill. Race doesn’t matter when greed is concerned, and he is making MILLIONS off of you while letting his OWN PEOPLE argue amongst themselves.
That’s just…terrible
Most acts of charity projects are fueled by vanity not altruism. The point is it’s clear that Jay Z’s acts are fueled by the former not the latter.
Everybodys cry about what rich n famous n wealthy do with their $$$$$$$$$$$$$ America is about have, s havenot, s millions n billions don’t determine your agenda on your path in life how that person is n what they choose is too each his or her own barneys dont shop their racial profiling ….think n be aware before barneys it was what civil rights equal opportunity employment target only minority crimes , drugs, anything bad in america barneys started all this no other companys I could think of more than a few that had worse includes some of our major banks in america all over usa loan for foreigners not for blacks oh be black n drive in nice racists america you good be obama jay, z , tavis simely, cornell west , steve harvey, money wont protect them in those suburbs with out escort or crew broadcasting their arrival still in america so called land of the freedom . Be happy deal with what u got n get .america is the biggest casino worldwide . Oh rights white or black or any other nationally is subject to questioning? ?…
I don’t really care what he does to busy doing me lol!!!
Nuff’ Said!
Jay-Z is an illuminati member who is a rap star. Notice how “they” are programming them to not focus on critical issues like racism, violence towards women, gay rights, etc. But instead focus on mundane pursuits that tend to cause separation and disconnect. Must be working because ignorant persons making ignorant comments about Harry Belafonte (who was involved in the former issues waay more than today’s entertainers combined) seems to be the order of the day here…you idiots
The most disturbing part of this article to me is the part about Gwyneth paltrow getting backlash for tweeting the title of Jay Z’s song. That is absurd, all she did was put the title of it. She was at the concert, how is that bad!!!! lol
Yeah, no one really needed Mr. Belafonte (or the writer of this article) for that piece of information.