By now, you should've heard the horrific story that came out of my hometown, Trenton NJ, regarding the reported rape of a 7 year old by multiple men (apparently both juveniles and adults), a fucked-up situation that involved the alleged pimping of this 7-year-old by her 15-year-old sister. Yes, this isn't some movie plot - this actually happened. Now, this story hits home to anyone with a heart, and has picked up national attention, so I wasn't surprised that The Trentonian reported that Russell Simmons, Jay-Z and Rev. Al Sharpton were going to be at a "Stop The Violence" rally in Trenton on Saturday, April 10th, 2010. Wow. Talk about celebrities making change, nahmean!?!?Thing is, Uncle Russ had a problem - Jay-Z hadn't confirmed his trip to Trenton. I tweeted about this yesterday, and both times Russell RT'd me, but put in Jay Electronica's name instead of Jay-Z. Twice. I was confused - not because he did that, hell, I wanted to get the story straight for those who might want to attend (tickets are limited and available tonight), but I couldn't find anything relating to the change, or the initial rally, anywhere - aside from news agencies who cribbed the Trentonian blurb.
And I hate that. In the age of "Change" and "Web 2.0", it can't be that hard to throw information on the Internet; and I mean more than cryptic tweets with no explanation to the changes you're making, considering this rally is to go off at the end of the week.
Well, today, Uncle Russ finally gave a (brief) statement on Global Grind, making mention of the ills of "celebrity-driven rallies" that "can undermine the importance of a community’s moment of solidarity" (which is ironically not coming up for some with that direct link):
My heart and thoughts go out to the families who have been hurt in the unfortunate raping of a 7 year-old girl in Trenton, NJ last week. Although I’m a supporter, I’ve decided not to attend the peace rally this Saturday, April 10th in Trenton. There has been a lot of misinformation spread regarding those that will be in attendance, and in my career I’ve seen how sometimes celebrity-driven rallies can undermine the importance of a community’s moment of solidarity. I have, however, reached out to the Mayor of Trenton and he has agreed to co-fund a Peacekeepers Training Movement with me, in which the men and women of Trenton will learn techniques on how to patrol the streets of their community and inject the kind of love that only community members can give. Although I will not be attending the rally, I look forward to attending the launch of the Peacekeepers Training Movement in Trenton.
I send my prayers to the victim and to members of the community who are still suffering from this horrific event.
-Russell
And I'm 100% behind that. I wonder if L.A. Parker's article about this issue, juxtaposed with the numerous other awful tragedies that have fallen upon Trenton over the last few years, caused a bigger stir.
Look, I applaud when celebrities genuinely get behind issues, whether it's in the background (like how Russell is forming a NJ chapter of this Peacekeepers movement), or become the face of a certain cause. It helps bring attention to it, and can cause greater good. The thing is, it's a balancing act - you want to be genuine, but make the movement about righting the wrongs, not having people who don't care ask you to sing songs. Or for an autograph. Maybe writing a check is impersonal, but sometimes that's easier.
The situation got so confusing, Trenton's Mayor Doug Palmer won't even be there!
It's tough, and I understand the position powerful people like Hov and Russell are put in - their names are weighty, and with the right or wrong spin, shit can get out of hand.
Shit, I got way off the path of where this blog post was going to go, but the road hasn't been paved. We're still in dire need of rebuilding our communities - and no matter what way you look at it, it's going to take more than the adults within the community to start the construction, seeing as some of the elder's are those who are steering the youth the wrong way. A word won't do it - we need action. And while I would love for Jay-Z or Oprah to come here and invigorate our community, we need to do it for ourselves.
I just hope this rally doesn't birth a dream that's forgotten once the microphones are turned off. Too often, we chant change then forget it once we get home. Maybe a prominent figure with a distinct message can really motivate the people.
Or maybe Reverend Al will get on his soapbox and cast a dark shadow on the proceedings.
And for those who wonder, no I won't be at the rally. I have plans that include being home with my son, instilling in him morals and values that will hopefully lead him down the right path. I wish those who commit awful crimes like this had the same thing I want to teach my own seed. God help you and bless you.
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