Chicago Activists Protest DMX
By Keith Boykin, in sexuality
Thursday, July 27 2006, 5:58PM
A small group of demonstrators protested outside a concert for rap recording artist DMX in Chicago last night. About 10 people showed up for the protest, according to organizers, who described the demonstration at Chicago's House of Blues as a "successful" event. "We achieved our goals: be visible, be non-violent, and be informative," said Rev. Deborah E. Lake, executive director of a group called Sankofa Way Spiritual Services, which led the protest along with Black LGBT & Allies For Equality.
Lake said that the presence of the group alone was educational for concert goers and passersby, but she did expres some concern about the lack of participation by people in the African American community. "I do feel we got our point across," she said. However, she added, "I was not pleased with the turn out of black lesbians and gays."
"During our Stand, several people expressed curiosity about why we think that DMX’s lyrics are inappropriate," said Lake. "This was our opportunity to inform." Protesters provided people with a sample of DMX lyrics for them to read, including an excerpt from the song "Touch It," that includes the following line:
Niggaz ain't built for nothin' but frontin’ Come through, faggots
it the security frontin' Get that do. What that do? How that do?
Fuck you faggot, I shot at you. And what? You and your man's butt,
in your man's truck. But your chance is up, not get up.
"Once people actually read the lyrics, many expressed surprise at how hostile DMX is toward gays," according to Lake. "From there we were able to include the fact that rap music is notoriously misogynistic. We invited them to think about how singing songs and producing videos that disrespect and degrade women and girls may affect their lives and the lives of the women and girls they know and love."
There were "a few hecklers," Lake reported, but she said "the overwhelming reaction of people to our presence can be summarized in this quote from a passerby after talking with me: 'I support what you guys are doing. I have a gay person in my family, so I know how it is. Keep it up!'” Lake was encouraged by the response. "Keep it up is exactly what we plan to do," she said.
Information on Sankofa Way
Sankofa Way Spiritual Services, Inc.
Rev. Deborah Elandus Lake, Executive Director
Chicago, IL 60615
www.sankofaway.org
blog: www.howethicalisthis.blogspot.com
phone: 773 793 5211
fax: 773 624 5689
Comments conceal
Mith Monroe
July 27 2006, 7:12PM
I seem to hAVE HEARD SOMETHING A WHILE AGO WHICH QUESTIONED THE FINE GENTLEMAN'S SEXUALITY.
WASN'T HE KNOWN AS TRADE BEFORE HE MADE IT BIG?
FR Gillette
July 27 2006, 7:24PM
Dear Mr Boykin, I have been a fan of yours since you were running fo president and I know that if you were in the White House now the world could be a better place. Having said that, my comment or ??? today is why could Ms Watley not simply walk out of that radio show and made that public. I for one would have run out to buy her music, something I have never done. Anyone who really stands up against the Homophobe Machine should get our dollars. I am happy she performed at the Games, but did she not get paid to do that? Thank you, FR GILLETTE
Chicago_Angel
July 27 2006, 11:50PM
Their disappointed at the black turn out? hoow about some people dont care what dmx does. and also I wouldnt want to be seen with those wierdo looking people either! just my opinion
Liquid Fonts
July 28 2006, 1:49AM
That's a promising site to see in Chicago, I wonder if more people would've shown up if they had known about it.
taylor Siluwé![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.keithboykin.com/blog2/nav-commenters.gif)
July 28 2006, 7:07AM
Weirdo-looking people? Chicago Angel clearly isn't much of one.
I'm shocked that only ten people had the balls to show up for such an importance statement from our community, but pleased the small demonstration was effective nonetheless.
When are we gonna learn that visibility is viability, and in unity there's strength. When are we gonna shake off the shackles of self-loathing long enough to put our faces, bodies, and physical presence in the spotlight for a cause we know damn well is right?
We have nothing to be afraid of because we are in the right and they know it, deep down inside. Standing up for oneself is like working out ... the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
Let's exercise our rights people.
Marlon
July 28 2006, 12:26PM
ChicagoChild, thanks for the honest opinion.
We don’t grow by age, we grow by experiences. It’s crucial to step out of our comfort zones, cyber aliases, and limited environments to experience life and growth.
The “wierdoes” you mention are fighting for you and me; they must be applauded for their self-awareness: a word too few comprehend. Too many of us have minimal self-awareness of our blackness and no comprehension of same gender LOVING. And we wonder why too many brothas are full of BS and games.
Imagine all the Chicago Adam4Adam brothas with nude pics and face pics, displayed to millions, stepping out of cyber world to show their face to a few hundred pedestrians at the DMX rally. Then, how many “ weirdoes” could you count? Much love ChicagoChild.;-)
Jerry
July 29 2006, 4:23PM
DMX looks like Trade. It would not suprise me to learn he messed around before.
Chicago_Angel
July 29 2006, 9:31PM
Those people aint fighting nothing for me. How are they? I aint trying to get married, or worry to death about lyrics, what artist do with their music is their business and not mine. What artist call "gay" people doesnt effect me because they arent talking about me. I'm homosexual meaning Im attracted to men, thats all. Its not my lifestyle, its not how I carry myself
Liquid Fonts
July 31 2006, 3:55AM
Well they are fighting for greater options for those of us who view black gay culture as an asset and not a cum rag.
trmadol
January 25 2007, 11:49PM
I always have terrible trouble with comment-related plugins that require me to put some line in the comment loop; I can never seem to find the right spot. Can anyone tell me where I should put the php line in my comments loop? I haven not modified anything much, and I would be very grateful. Thanks!
shemales pictures
January 31 2007, 2:01AM
Superb! (I wrote something else and then I read below that I aint supposed ter. So I deleted it.)
Comment Preview