from Davey D:
This was a great discussion that took place Wed March 14 2012 at Oakland City hall. It brought two generations together-Hip Hop and Civil Rights along with survivors of sexual assault and violence, artists and local activists. Among the organizations involved were 100 Black Men, Safe Passages and We Are the 44% Coalition.
Too Short who is considered a pioneering figure and the Godfather of Bay Area rap was part of this discussion.. He agreed to use the firestorm he caused when he gave 'fatherly advise' in a XXL online video to middle school boys on turning out girls to be the catalyst for much deeper discussion around teen violence and sexual assault. Short was pretty candid and said he takes full responsibility for his transgression... and that he was there to rectify and try to repair whatever damage he caused..He also noted that its important for those who do look up to him to see him in a more well rounded way...That he's more that just an artist but someone who cares for his community and the young people he works with.. He also talked about the struggle he has with balancing his adult themed material with good work and the lure of the entertainment industry.
We also had a round table with several sexual assault survivors and one brother who's mom was murdered and tossed in a suitcase, their stories and spirit were powerful.. This was the start of a dialogue and a first step to proposed solutions..Everyone came away feeling upbeat and inspired, until we saw the news coverage..It was a deliberate undermining of the event by KTVU and KPIX who packed up their bags and left before the discussion was over and didn't bother to talk to the scores of people in attendance. Hopefully this video gives folks a better understanding of what took place last night.. It was good and powerful event.
