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Black Sunday
07/26/2007 7:56 AM by John M
Black Sunday, an effort to promote unity and good times within our community, will be held this Sunday at Chimborazo Park from 3:30-8:30PM. Bring out your family and lawn chairs for a day of networking, unity and relaxation.
There will be guests from the NBA, NFL, music industry, car and bike clubs, soroities and fraternities. Also attending are Power 92.1 Jamz’s own Kmonte and Dj Swirv Deniro. There will be K-9, horse and motorcycle demonstrations by the Richmond Police Department and demonstrations by the Fire Department of Richmond.
Or hide from it.
Last year this event drew large crowds and the noise from it was unescapable for anyone living close to the park. I was indoors, in the back of my house, with a tv on loud and still heard everything. Plus, the MC of the event peppered reverse racist comments throughout. All in all, it is not an event that benefits our neighborhood. Nor is it a family event.
Several of my neighbors called the city and complained about it last year and found that the event did not have the proper permits for a loud radio remote broadcast. Nor were there facilities provided for the large crowd it drew.
What really bothers me is that the city knows that most of the residents that live adjacent to the park hated this event last year and yet they still issued a permit for it this year.
I recieved the email for this event and in addition to what is says above in the posting the email stated:
“Black Sunday is an effort to promote unity and good times within our
community. Events are geared towards all races and ages. People are
encouraged to bring out their families and lawn chairs for a day of
networking, unity and relaxation.”
If this is the case, why is it called “Black Sunday?” If it were called “White Sunday” with the same message, people would be outraged.
I think Angry is experiencing culture clash. Is this event really any less loud or inconvenient than the Irish festival? I love the Irish festival, my point is that we live in a diverse community and not all events are going to be your cup of tea. But it’s not fair to only approve “certain” events.
Has anyone gone to the myspace site for “Black Sunday”? It’s part of the listing. It doesn’t look like something that promotes “family, unity and relaxation”. My favorite part is where it says “Virginia is for Hustlers”.
I’m glad I’ll be out of town.
Isn’t that called the Irish Festival?
And I guess the Italian Festival is only for Italians?
Isn’t that called the Irish Festival?
Damn, I almost spit coffee out on the screen at that one 🙂
Did the Irish festival have a best booty contest? A skimpiest bikini contest? And have the mc make comments like “lets show the white people how to dance”?
I have called the park service and they promised me that this years festival will make greater effort to be family friendly and to keep the noise contained within the park. If that is the case, i accept this as regular park use, though the permit was still issued after several neighbors complained about last years event.
By the way, for those of you keeping score, last years event was sponsored by Delores McQuinn. I wonder how the reverend faired in the best booty contest.
Still think it’s culture clash.
BTW: I wonder what some of neighbors think when the park is leased out for the Confederate parade thing, (with reenactors) that comes to Chimborazo regularly?
Angry, every event in that park doesnt have to benifit “our” neighborhood.
since hearing that the park service has gotten in on the gig, i am sure it will be to everyone’s liking.
Personally, I don’t give a rats ass what the event is for. “Unity” is, at least, a nice idea. Go for it. However, I do have a problem with an event that bills itself as a family event and engages in the conduct described above (I wasn’t there, though). To me, it’s false advertising. Likewise, it would be difficult for me to really get into the “unity” theme if racial epithets are being thrown around casually.
FAMILY FRIENDLY?!?! Check out the myspace page… I saw a cartoon girl pirate in stiletto heels, with a revealing thong on toting pistols. Then right next to her is a promo for a rap duo where they are pretending to hold guns and from the looks of it an AK47 and glocks. Not sure I would want to bring my 4 year old out to this event, although she might win the BOOTY CONTEST.
Lets also keep in mind that you can’t let one performer speak for everyone at an event. Hopefully the event coordinator will not invite people back that did not fit with their goal of unity and good times. Last year was their first year and kinks may need to be worked out. If you have certain expectations, suggestions or complaints, I would contact them.
The Irish Festival supports St. Patricks Church. Some of the money raised is then
donated to community outreach programs. The rest is for the church. What does “Blackfest ’07” support? How does it help Church Hill? Well I guess the city garbage men will be earning some overtime cleaning up the mess. Lock your homes and your cars. It will be a long weekend.
How is it a culture thing? Do you really want to sit in your living room and hear through closed windows and over the noise of a tv and a fan race baiting comments? These comments were not made by passers by, but by the radio station personality who hosted the event.
No festival put on in public areas in our neighborhood should be as loud as this was last year or make comments like this.
The City Parks Department assured me that this years event would be better managed.
I also think the event should strive to be inclusive like our other neighborhood festivals.
A lot of the images on the Black Sunday myspace.com page are comments left my other myspace users. If the page creator did not set their page up to preview comments before they are posted, then they have no way of screening and blocking questionable content. That being said, the comments are rather old, however they may not be screening them seeing as there are a number of spam and promo comments that are unrelated.
No one person is the end all cultural compass of the neighborhood. I wasn’t in the neighborhood last year, so I’m looking forward to seeing how it turns out, but I’ll reserve judgment until after this year’s event.
I don’t want to dampen this discussion, but I do need to state once again that certain types of anonymous comments will not be published here. If you’ve got something to say, stand by and put at least your first name on it and use a real email address if want it to be published on this site. I don’t want to deny anyone the opportunity to share their feelings, but this isn’t the place for hateful anonymous comments (see also).
Well, I plan on attending. I’ll let you know if I hear race baiting comments. I do not believe that will happen, though.
i can hear all the other festivals from union hill, in the back of my house also. i think you are supposed to hear festivals, as there are people, music and events. i may be mistaken, but that is normally the ATTRACTION to festivals.
and really, what does ‘reverse racism’ even mean? and wouldn’t such a statement imply that racism was there in the first place? otherwise there would be no way to reverse it.
but hey, i am calling no one here a racist, not by a long shot. i am just saying you need to admit to yourself that you hate people based solely on the color of their skin. and that means you’re an idiot 🙂
one last thing. i abhor the irish festival. high on the hog makes me feel physically ill just thinking about it. the italien festival is, in my opinion an enormous waste of time. and worst of all, the people that come to these events are all insipidly loud overbearing drunks. definitely ‘family oriented’ material— they throw food, drive like morons, and leave trash everywhere.
touché
I’m just stuck on:
“Events are geared towards all races and ages.”
From a public relations point of view, this just seems awkward. It implies that the reader might think that not all are welcomed or invited to join the celebration, so they are told they can. Also, linking to the myspace site with the less than family oriented material seems a faux pas to me also.
All I’m saying is that the copy for this event could have been tweaked a little better. I noticed that the blog master for this site left that part of the message out of his original post. Maybe it was for brevity.
I don’t think anyone is being racists here, whether it’s the event organizers or the posters on this thread. It just sound to me like there are people up here who like the festivals and there are people who don’t.
I like ’em. I’ll have to check this one out.
john_m said:
“but this isn’t the place for hateful anonymous comments”
But it’s the place to post advertisements for hate-mongering, racist festivals like this one?
That myspace page is repulsive. Very “family friendly”.
Whatever.
Making claims of “reverse racism” or other similar comments (e.g. “playing the race card”) are simple canards that racists typically employ to mask their obvious racist inclinations.
Add to this, those who simultaneously dismiss the seed-ier side of the other cultural festivals such as the Irish and Italian ones in order to demonize and marginalize black-oriented events reveals the such deep-seated racism.
How about this. Why not go to the festival and appreciate it for what it is. People are different and one of the ways we differ is along skin color, which equates in part to cultural differences. Perhaps trying to understand and learn about such differences rather than vilifying others in order to prop one’s own ethnic/racial background will lead to more racial cooperation.
While anyone can indeed be racist, it is demonstrably different when minorities act in racist ways than whites, whose historical privilege allows them to escape the same sort of social and economic oppression that minorities experience.
Oh, and by the way, if you live near a public park and don’t like the noise when others are permitted to use the park for events, well then, why don’t you move. Such noise on limited occasions comes part and parcel with living in an urban area.
John, since I didn’t know about this all I can say is thanks for the warning!
Heh. You folks think there’s a firestorm now… wait until after the event! I’m sure the comments will be, uhm… heated.
For the record, it states on the myspace page that the Richmond police and FD will be holding demonstrations horses, motorcycle demos and a safe house demonstration. Seems pretty family friendly in that regard.
Check it out:
….Horses and Motorcycle Demos by the Richmond Police Department. Safe House Demos by the Fire Department of Richmond. NEWS….THE RECORD “BLACK SUNDAY” GOT ADDED TO THE NEW MUSIC SECTION ON STR8HIPHOP.COM…..CHECK IT OUT…VA STAND UP…….
If the festival is intended for everyone of every race, then why is it named “Black Sunday”? Why not “Rainbow Sunday”?
I looked at the Myspace page and found it positively disgusting! The owner of the Myspace page may not have planned for the types of offensive comments made by others visiting the page, however it is, in fact, telling of the people attracted to the festival. The old saying “Show me your friends” comes to mind.
While looking over the web page, I counted several references to gun violence, gang violence, and the objectification of women. Not only does this festival not belong in Chimborazo Park, but it shouldn’t be held anywhere else. This is 2007 after all.
Well said Ben
I too hear loud noise when the Irish and Italian festivals take place. The trash that is left after the events is ridiculous. I could care less about the Irish festival and have no desire to attend that god awful event. I try to schedule my vacations around that time, so I wont be amongst its drunken attendants. Rather then bitch and complain to the city and try my best to get permits not issued, I realize that I live in an urban area and learn to accept different cultures.
If you don’t like noise, why would you move around a public park? Chesterfield, Henricho and Hanover Counties have cute little subdivisions for you.
Although it’s uncomfortable, we are getting to the heart of the issue, which is at best cultural differences, and at worst racism. There are plenty of upstanding citizens in our fair neighborhood who are racist and don’t even realize it.
The best way to overcome this is to interact, live, and do your best to appreciate the differences. We all are neighbors, after all. Why do we segregate ourselves socially?
I believe the answer is fear; fear of the unknown, unfamiliar, and stereotyped.
it is not fear, the unknown as nadine stereotypes.
if the music is too loud then you are too old, and i am too old.
because you have personal preferences does not make you a racist.
i prefer chevy to volvo. football to soccer. bourbon to gin. i prefer a dog to some of my neighbors.
why did the dog lick himself?
because he could.
not because he was a racist or needed social segregated bonding to build self esteem and try and demonstrate that he was not a racist.
No, preferences do not make you racist. And I believe we have gone a little off-track here. That obviously is not what I am referring to.
Racists do indeed live in the Hill and take an active part dividing this community.
To deny this is to be blind.
Or, as I said, maybe it is just cultural clash.
‘Black Sunday’ isn’t a very original name. It’s the title of Thomas Harris’ first novel and movie, pre Hannibal Lector.
All ages huh?
The writer of these fine lyrics will be performing:
“14 Ladies.. What the hell is this?
First one attacked shook me up with a kiss, Thirteen more rushed my door that’s my word , I’m pushed on the floor by the second and the third , While number one still got me in the liplock
Number two’s undoing my pants like a ziplock ,Number three rubbin these heez gettin stiff, My kicks get snatched by the fourth and the fifth , My jeans pulled off by the fourth ”
What’s amazing is how many children probably will be there and that thier guardians think nothing of exposing them to this…
Notice in the nice slideshow of last years event… the vast majority of people flashing gang sign…
Geeze Nadine, You have never met me and did not attend last years event, so you are completely ignorant yet you call me a racist. Is that really appropriate?
The city parks service informed me that all noise from park festivities are to be kept within the park. That was far from the case last year. I do not care who was holding the festival or what the music was, but when the noise can not be escaped from by hiding indoors with windows closed and tv on loud, it is not to my liking.
Since this is a new event, it is especially worth discussing to ensure that it becomes the type of event our neighborhood can embrace. But to even discuss its flaws from last year…is deemed racist.
I hope this festival does transform into a family and neighborhood centered affair. But I am also going to be quick to complain if the skimpiest bikini contest is held once again.
Funny, I never read one place where Nadine specifically called someone a racists. But, someone took it as a personal attack. If the shoe fits, huh.
Angry, you have issues. Get off your kick that every event held in the park should be neighborhood centered. You do realize thats a public park, right??
i am sure alot of the people attending will be from “YOUR” neighborhood. good way to break the ice with your neighbors. you might even meet someone who used to live in your house before it becme “YOUR” neighborhood.
Who is it that saw the smallest bikini and biggest booty contest last year!!! I remember the kids/adults having a dance contest where they won cash prices!! Also i have family who leaves by the fairgrounds and every hear they deal with the NASCAR RACES!!! Which can be heard for blocks away. Drunk race fans walk the the neighorhood drunk & loud every year!! Though, the city embraces the trash,liquor sales,traffic & noise every year!! Is money the difference here?
they look like peace signs to me not gang signs. i guess im not seeing it the same as the you. i dont see how anything looks like a gang reference. i guess im not as street savoy.
Local poet/musician/blogger Todd Waldo weighs in on Black Sunday, saying that
A commenter said:
“There are plenty of upstanding citizens in our fair neighborhood who are racist and don’t even realize it.”
“Racists do indeed live in the Hill and take an active part dividing this community. To deny this is to be blind.
Or, as I said, maybe it is just cultural clash.”
I don’t see how these blanketed and unsubstantiated comments contribute to a thoughtful, mature, fair-minded conversation about our community.
I’m also scratching my head over the commenter’s own unsureness of her accusations.
Is it possible to have a discussion about this without all the delineation and anger?
I understand when you live in the City you have to put up with some noise and festivals. But I feel these festival promotors also need to work with the neighborhoods ie. shorten the hours of operation, keep a cap on loud music, have parking available, etc. There should also be a limit on how many festivals this neighborhood should have to tolerate. It also comes down to – what does this neighborhood get out of it for putting up with all the trash, noise, parking situations etc?
One more note, 8:30pm is way too late for the festival to continue expecially on a Sunday evening. By the time they wrap up all the goings on it could be hours later. So as I said in my previous comment, the promotors need to shorten the hours and show some respect to the residents that live close by. That is one way of getting respect back. This shouldn’t be turned into a racial issue. Concenstrate on the immediate tax paying neighbors being put out of there own homes. Though I don’t live close by, I understand there frustration. Maybe it’s time to start dumping on other neighborhoods in the City.
If this is a predominantly black event, couldn’t the promoters host it closer to where all of the attendees live? This seems like an unwanted intrusion into an area that really doesn’t reflect the audience.
It has been my experience that there are more black people living in Church Hill than Irish or Italians.
The behaviors exhibited by black “culture” are not represented in the area that immediately surrounding Chimborazo Park and most certainly not by Irish or Italians. That’s where the difference is…. Take it to the people….
Was this event supposed to happen in Chimborazo Park today? If so, I drove by about 5:00 pm this evening and the park was empty. What’s up?
Calvin…….when was the last time you saw or heard of an Irish drive by in Church Hill?
What happened to Black Sunday?
We went by today around 4ish and there were a few cars and about 10 teens standing in a circle freestyle rapping.. that was interesting but other than that…. NADA
seems like all of the excitement was in anticipation of the event. i’m sorry i missed the old school impala.
Could someone really explain what happened with Black Sunday? I saw and heard nothing and I live 30 ft away from Chimborazo..
someone said it was an event sponsored by the city council representative. if nothing happened that is the likely explaination
Dear Bill,
When some can use nicknames to hide racial feelings, they may write much stuff. I think what you/CHPN brought out with “Black SUNDAY” was amazing. No psychiatrist could have gotten such honesty.
It’s just a damned shame they felt/feel the need to hide.This wonderful Community needs some real counseling sessions about how people feel about those who have come in and taken over, plus how frightening it is to feel vunerable because you live in Church Hill.
I, for one, miss some of the old ones. For instance: Frank Davis, James Bates, Dean Levi…all wonderful people who hellped build this community.
Lu Motley
Black Sunday was postponed until this Sunday, August 5. Maybe because of weather?
“It’s just a damned shame they felt/feel the need to hide”
Who needed to hide? From what?
A bit off Black Sunday topic but about the park….
Does anyone know if there is a Friends of Chimborazo Park group? I have been interested in setting up some volunteer clean ups and had trouble getting in touch with the city..
I have lived in churchill for about 30years. i did attend black sunday in 2005. The event was for all people not just black people. I thought it was really nice and was looking forward to the next one. The children danced for the dance contest, played games, and it was a very good day. i didnt hear or see anyone suggest a boody contest. In black american culture a hustler does not necessarily mean a drug dealer or a bad guy..it means we have to hustle to get what we want! Chimborazo park use to be full of life, music, people, family every summer..now its just people walking dogs and jogging and half of them dont even speak (white People!This neighborhood has been through a lot of changes..some of us have seen the bad and the good…but just because you arent use to us being here..we are use to being here and guess what…we arent going anywhere!!! By the way who took over? what? where was I? maybe at white sunday
I agree with eyes . We are not going anywhere. By the way, this website continues to allow racist and hate remarks. I think its time to reveal the racist and hateful bastards. I believe that one character blinks her eyes every second.(lives on Chimborazo)…….Another character is a stone cold alchoholic that lives on Marshall St. They are all pigs.
Whoever, whatever, why ever??? Ho Hum… Let’s put out the lights and go to sleep.
Lu Motley
First off I agree with Eyes but..Okay. I’m only 19 years and I’ve grown up in the East End all my life. I don’t know much but I do know that the last check, the demograghic of Richmond was about 50-60% Black American and if I’m not mistaken (if I am please correct me) the ratio is probably more than that, especially in the areas that I have been though. And lets be honest about this, how diverse can an area be where there is a clear socio-economic divide present in every single neighborhood in Richmond? Take Chamberlayne for example. Going up and down that road you see the stereotypical black personification yet when you go back a block or two, it’s a differnt world. Also for those of you who are bothered by this event (I don’t care if you don’t like the music, the people, whatever) instead of bashing it, try and understand it first, besides, if the event that they are or are not having aren’t to your liking then don’t go. Simple and plain.
Ahem. The majority of the homeowners around Chimborozo Park are white. And, I don’t think most of them appreciate this type of an event in their neighborhood. We simply wish that the promoters would host the event in an area that is more appreciative of their culture.
DataShare shows the Chimborazo area as approximately 58% African-American and and 40% white, with 51% of the housing units renter-occupied and 48% owner-occupied.
I highly doubt the accuracy of this data considering it is based on 2000 census data. For anybody that has been around here for a number of years, the areas south of Marshall have changed dramatically since 2000. Take a walk down Broad Street one day and you’ll discover who lives there.
That may be true, but the community is more broad than that small area. Is it solely the right of folks South of Marshall to say what is appropriate for Chimborazo Park?
We have not paid $300K and up for our homes to be negatively impacted by a group that promotes some of the worst behavior that our society is able to offer up!
Funny, as a frequent walker through Chimbo, I see this park as one of the most underused civic spaces I have ever seen. Now I get it: Chimbo residents suffer from NIMFY, with the park being a publicly owned and maintained extension of their paltry front yards. Anyway, to put it in historical perspective, wasn’t this park used to mend the wounds of soldiers fighting to keep blacks enslaved?: so what if there is a so-called “black sunday” once a year! As far as the more prurient aspects of this event, this seems more driven by age than race, class or culture, hell, go to Panama City during the spring (is there anything sadder looking than a middle aged person acting a fool be it here or at a Jimmy Buffett concert?). Speaking of fools, as someone who has taken off his shirt a few times to win a free beer at a freckle contest, not sure the best booty thing is so offensive.
But, to throw a bone to the NIMFY’s, practically my whole neighborhood in South Philly decamped during the Greek Picnic, where end-of-the day shenanigans always seemed to end up on our front stoops. Although, after a few shootings and group molestations of women, this event was scaled back to the point that the shooters and molesters stopped coming. (I guess you Virginians can look to Va Beach for a more local example of this phenomena). But, then again, Philadelphia had a Mardi Gras celebration where drunken white kids from Jersey looted stores on South Street. It’s the nature of drunken mobs, white, black or freckled.
Anyway, I am not sure you have to appreciate someone else’s culture as much as support their right to express it legally in a public square. Especially considering that the so-called culture in question is really an increasingly popular variant of mainstream American culture. I’ll wrap it up by posing this question: who among us does not appreciate a good booty?
i highly doubt anyone cares if you paid 300k for your house, i my self think your fool for waiting so long to buy. the people who truely love churchill were here when houses were 30k and guess what it was better neighborhood without you, and the captain buzzy crew. i doubt this kinda thing would happen in the west end and intolernce is a way of life there. maybe its time to look into a quiet little neighborhood you can call your own but this one will never belong to you.
Hey pinch…gladly offer ya 30k for your place. I gotta double-wide off of Jeff Davis with your name on it. Me, on the other hand, won’t be moving to the West End anytime soon. Unfortunately, they don’t have Captain Buzzy’s over there.
thanks but no thanks. i have no interest in a trailer(even though it is a doublewide) i m just curious as to why you would think i would be intersted in trailer. and why does it say the pinch on it. i still think you be a good fit in the west end though. people out there only want to live near people like them.
A Booty Contest? Count me in!!!
i’m too old for the loud music but the eyes are still good for the booty contest
How about growing up a bit!
I complained about the festival, based on last years Black Sunday (which no one admits to having seen or heard so no one else has used logic to counter my prior complaint) and am called a racist or some sort of west end elitist. Then people demand that I actually post my name. Yeah, like that is likely.
Chimborazo park should be used more, but the city has an obligation to ensure that it is used properly. Last year they failed. However, this year they seem to have improved the event greatly. And while the music is not my particular taste, I was able to escape it by going inside, (which I could not last year because the volume was WAY to LOUD). So, as long as the festivals are this well managed, I am all for them.
I attended the event and had a great time. My kids enjoyed the music, food and even played football with the neighborhood Fire Fighters. We had a great time and look forward to next years event.
I’m on pins and needles … who won the Best Booty contest?
Please correct me if I’m wrong, but to the best of my knowledge Chimbo Park is FEDERAL land–as a former battlefield/Civil War hospital, is it not administered by the National Park System? Does the city have autonomy over this kind of a park? That also may (partially) explain the discrepancies between maintenance of that park and others nearby, although socio-economic factors may be more likely.
PS–I’m sorry, but if you paid 300K for your home, you have not been in the area long enough to weigh in on what is the “white” area vs. “black” area of Church Hill. Please.
Sounds like the event went off alright this year.
Can anyone actually confirm that there had been “a best booty contest? a skimpiest bikini contest?”, if not it’s just conjecture; same as trying to judge an event by what was posted on what amounts to an unmoderated webspace (myspace). Quite a few posters seemed to jump on that. As a result, it seems like there’s been some pretty “reactionary” stuff coming from both sides of the argument.
Who cares if you bought your house when it was 30 or 300k, does being rich/poor give you some sort of moral high ground? Point being that we all now have to live together in the same place. There’s no way to turn back the clock, different types of people (racial, ethnic, socioeconomic) live in the Church Hill and surrounding areas who now have to all figure out how to reconcile whatever antiquated “us vs. them” issues they may (or may not) have and treat the people they live around with respect, not derision.
Hold on a minute.
So, I assume the festival was held this weekend. After all the bashing in the 70 some previous posts, is there anyone out there who went? Did anyone have a problem with the event? So far there are 2 posts with positive reviews.
I did not attend the event as it’s not my cup of tea, but I am glad events like this can take place in our area parks. Every May the city shuts down my block for a church street party. For about 10 hours there’s loud music, drums, and loud people just feet from my front door. It does drive me, my baby, and my dog crazy, but others in the neighborhood really enjoy it. The church brings around a petition for us to sign and I sign because there are more people who live in this community than just me.
The best part of living up here is the diversity.
Sorry to disappoint but there was never a booty or bikini contest. Your information was incorrect.
This is a bulletin I got from Black Sunday on myspace:
“Over 1,000 People Came out to Black Sunday!!!!!
Thanks so so so much for the love & Support!!!
No Fights..Nothing But Love!!
Smack Dvd,,Str8hiphop.com..Universal Music..Five 1 Wear..The Marketing Group..Gemeneye Music Group..A-Z Financial Services..Bridges Day Care..
and SavantSoundz L.L.C.
The Next Black Sunday
July 27th 2008 @ Chimborazo Park!!!!!
Bigger & Better!!
Special Thanks to
SavantSoundz L.L.C.”
Does anyone know why the Animal Control truck has been parked in the hot weather in Libby Hill Park both Monday and Tuesday, August 6th & 7th?
Just curious.
Lu Motley
I don’t care if you live across the street from the park, two blocks down from the park, you can live in the fuckin park as far as I care. We pay our taxes just like any other race and we can have an event if we feel like it. First of all we built most of these houses. My ancestors died on this land fighting for it (Pamunkey indian). How can people be so racist in 2007? I remember when you could hear the sound of gospel music, people singing and dancing all through Church Hill, the park had a stage that was used on a regular basis. DID WE bother you then? who sat on those porches across the street then? nothing has changed, just the name on the mail > we”re still here>>stronger than ever>>
Here, here, Eyes! I am appalled at what has been said throughout this post. I live across the street from the park, I speak to each and every person that walks by our home and I do the best that I can to care for my “paltry” yard.
We moved to Church Hill because we fell in love with the beautiful homes and the diversity of the neighborhood, just like many of our other lovely neighbors. Virtually every color, age, religion and sexual orientation are among them and that is what makes it interesting. I only wish I’d moved here sooner.
Let Black Sunday continue, no one is hurting anyone at all. How about a gay Sunday, Hispanic Sunday and Muslim Sunday while we’re at it?
If you don’t like it, then please – go elsewhere but get your head out of the sand. You are a sad excuse for a human being if you express such racist comments, period. But shame on you especially for living in Church Hill if you are so ignorant. You don’t deserve to be a part of this community.
I’ve lived here a while, and have lived many places before this, all in urban neighborhoods. And, this is the most wounded town that I have ever lived in.
I’m very sorry for your pain whatever your race. I feel it every day that I live here.
Wait a minute.
I am not allowed to be concerned about a new festival starting up in the park near my house? A festival that was overly loud last year? And held questionable content last year?
I am not allowed to be involved in my neighborhood and want it to host positive events? (like the event turned out this year).
Get a grip. I never once made comments about the race or sexual orientation of the event or of my neighbors. That was all you. I made concrete criticism based upon the FACTs from last years event.
I am sorry that you seem to be wandering through life with a capital V for VICTIM on your chest, but I have never tried to victimize you and I do not know of any of my neighbors who would either.
Others do not help by constantly screaming “return to suburbia”. I know what life is like in an urban neighborhood. I have lived for almost a decade in Church Hill. And I have both a right and an obligation to ensure that the neighborhood I love continues to develop in a positive way.
Chimborazo is a big park and should be utilized more and forgotten less. Utilized in constructive ways. I would like to see some sort of neighborhood festival that does not highlight 1 race or heritage.
Oh, why does someone have to interject the cost of their house into all the arguments? If a festival, event, or action is inappropriate near an expensive house, why would it be appropriate near a cheap house?
“I have a $300K house” is like bragging “I can bench press 300lbs”. Nice, but irrelevant.
Bravo to “formerly angry chimborazo resident”. This whole thing should have never been turned into a racial matter. It should have stuck to the facts. As I stated in one of my previous comments #41 and 42 – This shouldn’t be turned into a racial issue. Concentrate on the immediate tax paying neighbors being put out of there own homes because of loud music. Though I don’t live close by, I understand their frustration.”
I believe the racial discussion was beneficial and helped air out some frustrations.
That’s fine and good, but there are people opposed to the Irish Festival, Italian festival, High on the Hog, etc… And they weren’t turned into racial issues. People should be able to air their legitimate concerns and “frustrations” without race and sarcasm being involved. Especially the immediate neighbors that are affected by the functions. I understand that racial tensions unfortunately still exist, but I don’t believe this should have gone there. Both sides are guilty as charged. “Formerly Angry Chimborazo Resident” had legitimate concerns and she/he was ostracized
Bob — I resent your suggestion that I should not be sarcastic. If the mere suggestion of a Best Booty contest at a family event is not a call for sarcasm, what is?
Lets be realistic here..this is richmond, va..when was race not an issue. It should be your God given right to live where and how you want to live..one apple doesnt spoil the bunch..There wasnt any Black Sunday last year..the pictures on the myspace page show exactly how that event went in 2005 when the music was loud enough to remind you all that this is our community as well. Did you all know that they took up the water fountain at Bill Robinson playground where black children play everyday..Did they take the water fountain up at chimborazo?..I would like to know that answer..This is questionable as well…I will continue to wear a V on my chest because my people have been victims of prejudice and racism for too long in this community. Im tired of being stereotyped because i live in this neighborhood. I use to live across the street from the park for 3 years in a house owned by a slum lord. My daughter would look through my neighbors fence at their child playing in their nice yard..never once did they open that gate to let her play with their child..but when my cat had kittens, they let the kittens in to play with their child..I felt as if they had more love for those kittens than they did for my beautiful brown child. I love and respect all beings, thats my culture..I just dont like it when my culture is disrespected. I love Churchill, my family owned and operated numerous businesses in this area and still do. I think these people should have moved somewhere else, where people like them thrive. If you want to do anything to help churchill, help the children, they are the ones suffering in this community because some people want it there way.
Loud music is a valid complaint but I want to may it clear that there was never a Booty or Bikini contest. The event was very family friendly and I encourage the complaining residents to stop by next year and be a witness to the activities. It is not necessary to stay the entire time but come take a look at the diversity of the audience.
I’m sorry, but I believe race was an issue in this case. If you disagree with me, that’s fine.
Thank you Marvin for the clarification. Your comment was by far the most understanding and encouraging comment yet for real unity. That’s what it’s about – work with each other. I don’t believe anyone has a problem with family friendy events as long as it is well managed.
I know it’s difficult to accept, but race is absolutely an issue here: a few samples from the above thread-
***posted by william at August 4, 2007 10:09 am :
“Ahem. The majority of the homeowners around Chimborozo Park are white. And, I don’t think most of them appreciate this type of an event in their neighborhood. We simply wish that the promoters would host the event in an area that is more appreciative of their culture.”
This person uses “we” to demonstrate that he speaks for other white homeowners, who do not “appreciate” the close proximity of (loud) black culture. He believes that more whites than blacks live around the park.Therefore one “culture” is more deserving than the other of controlling what happens in the park. This divide rests on race.
**posted by Q-bert Johnson at July 26, 2007 3:04 pm :
“The Irish Festival supports St. Patricks Church. Some of the money raised is then donated to community outreach programs. The rest is for the church. What does “Blackfest ‘07″ support? How does it help Church Hill? Well I guess the city garbage men will be earning some overtime cleaning up the mess. Lock your homes and your cars. It will be a long weekend.”
This comment connects a large (read “rowdy”) gathering of black people with increased crime. Hmm. How stereotypical is that. Was there increased crime at the park this weekend? Doubtful, because it would be up on this thread. I for one am so sick of seeing preppy white a-holes pissing in the alleys after High on the Hog and the Irish or Italian Festival. But I do not demonize every guy in a baseball hat and braided belt. (Okay, I do, but not because they pee in alleys). But is race an issue? The differential of race is not a factor for most white Church Hillians when they talk about the problems happening with these events, because the main participants in those gatherings are white.
Let’s be honest people–if race and class were not an issue in this neighborhood then EVERYONE’s kids would be enrolled in Chimbo Elementary and MLK Middle.
There are major problems, but this board is an example of ways that people communicate. I think it’s wonderful that people are coming to the table, even if they don’t always agree.
True, Clay Street. My kids are the only white kids at their school or involved in Parks and Rec. All their friends are black because they play with the kids on the block. Everybody gets along, and I wonder why there are no other white kids enrolled in any these activities.
no problem. You are entitled to disagree. That’s what this forum is all about. cliche, we agree to disagree. Thank you for doing it in a civil manner.
Beth, my kids are enrolled in Bellevue and love every minute of it. They’re not really into Rec and Parks stuff but they really like the schools. And I think their education here in the City is much better than the one they got in Hanover. Smaller classes and more personal attention. I like these schools. I think I forgot, my kids are white.
Hey…don’t get upset if you don’t live in a $300K home. I simply suggested that was a very rough estimate of what some of the homes are worth around the park. Fact is fact…that’s what they are worth. (My home is actually worth much more than that). That should get some fast fingers typing away. LOL… The folks who live around the park ABSOLUTELY have the right to dictate what happens in that park.
Eyes and Clay Street…I ‘m real sorry that you feel offended by the comments that do not support black culture… Face the facts, the black race is in real trouble…and it’s nobody’s fault except their own. If the myspace webpage is something to be proud of….go figure–I can’t. Glorification of the Thug life, drug use, degradation of women, lawlessness, violence against the “man”….all things to be proud of. You bet, I don’t want my kids exposed to that garbage. I’m glad to hear that this year was calm and received well by all. Rested assured, if it were not–there would not be a next year.
I’d like to see how would fare in life if your childhood memories were only of housing projects, poverty and substandard everything – school, parks, etc.
don’t you think that growing up in that sort of environment might produce a different set of values that develop into less-than-model behavior.
your kids would be far better off if they were exposed to people outside of their socio-cultural-economic circle. exposure to jaded, judgemental, inflexible adults will just produce more of the same.
this culture that you are so quick to condemn developed as a response to the recent-past history of the blatant, legal and widely accepted practice of discrimination, inequality, mistreatment and disenfranchisement.
your justification is just shy of pre-civil-rights-era “reasoning” that made racial inequality the status quo for many generations and created many of the social issues that we are dealing with today. the pre-civil-rights-era position on race is just as shameful and indefensible as your position is in 2007.
i would not want my kids exposed to YOUR kind of garbage – face the facts,society is in trouble thanks to the racial, social, cultural and economic division you are perpetuating.
this topic needs the SWIMMING POOL that i recommended in another topic “what is missing” , so everyone can cool off.
There was a Black Sunday last year (2006). It was the SUnday immediately before July 4th. And there was a best booty contest. Or at least the MC announced one like it was going on. Admittedly, I heard the play by play in my LIVING ROOM with all the windows closed. Anyway, this years event seemed like a family friendly event.
Perhaps someone could either transform this event into or create from scratch a African American Heritage day to compete with/compliment the Irish and Italian festivals. I think that would be helpful to the community.
Mac,
I agree. Everyone thinks the schools are so bad, but that has not been my experience at all. Many of the people that keep saying the schools are so awful don’t usually have much first hand knowledge.
I posted a comment that was deleted, maybe i offended some people when i said that maybe they should have chosen a different neighborhood to move into. I went to st.patricks school from 1st to 8th grade. my best friend is white, i have lived in churchill for 37 years. I am offended that someone can suggest that this neighborhood is mainly white, and that if you live around the park you have the right to say what goes on there. I dont know if you notice but mainly black people live in chimborazo..when we have the chimborazo reunion, the churchill reunion i dont see any whites there. go a block away from the park and further on its mainly black peoples presence. You guys are really racist!! God even knows that..Its funny that everything you say about black peoples culture to put us down, we got it from you! It was your culture that destroyed us as a people. it was your culture that mistreated and raped our women, your culture that turned our men into criminals..we are a beautiful people..look at us!! Our culture calls people like you…HATERS!!I apologize if i offend anyone..but you guys think things have to be your way all the time, this is America..Im utilizing my 1st ammendment right..Is that ok..being that im black and native american?
These people dont care about this community..they only care about their prestige, their houses, and the illusion that they own something..God is the only one true judge, he is omnipotent, he is the beginning and the end, and the owner of it all!!..
I hope that one result of this discourse is that we realize that there “haters” in this neighborhood, but not all of us are haters. Let’s not make sweeping generalizations; there are also a lot folks around here that disagree with the haters.
I have stated several times throughout this thread that there was never a Booty contest and yet the subject continues to come up. This is a family event just like the Irish Fest and other festival we have throughout the city. No alcohol is served, unlike some other “family friendly” events and everyone had a good time. I hope when other festivals come into your neighborhood that you are just as welcoming as you were with Black Sunday.
The Irish Fest had more people, a live band,and beer yet the thread only contained 3 comments (/2007/03/26/what-a-weekend/). I find it hard to believe that with a live band, no one complained about noise. I find it hard to believe that with more people, no one complained about parking. I find it hard to believe that with alcohol being served in presence of children, no one complained about the family friendly atmosphere. Give the event a chance just as you did the other festivals. How can an event like Black Sunday, not even close to the scale of the Irish Festival warrant 106 comments but Irish Fest thread only contains 3 comments?
Marvin,
Are you saying that a Booty contest was never planned for this year? Or, are you saying that the never was one … including last year? Formerly Angry Chimborazo Resident claims to have witnessed the sound of one going on last year.
Regardless, I think a lot of people were shocked by the idea of a best booty contest in a public park. And, I think that’s fine. If the event is truly a family event (which it appears to have been by all accounts after the fact), I think anyone who expressed shock should allow themselves the oppotunity to calm down and welcome another event to the area.
As for my repeated references to the best booty contest … well … I just thought it was hilarious.
William,
“The folks who live around the park ABSOLUTELY have the right to dictate what happens in that park.”
It’s a National Park. What’s your reasoning for feeling entitled to control park activities? Proximity? It’s a ridiculous claim and faulty logic. The land you own has limits.
Archie,
I can see the humor but as you have seen throughout the thread people took this misinformation and used it as evidence for why this was not a good event. Former Angry Chimborazo resident is mistaken in her assumption of the booty contest. I attended the event last year and this year and I can assure you that there was not a Booty Contest. As I said earlier give this event a chance and you will see for yourself that this is a positive event.
I wonder if FACR is remembering some other event … that could have been a source of some of the confusion.
Freedom of Speech, freedom of expression…those are some of the aspects that make this country great. No two people will see things the same. For example – a burgundy car runs a stop sign almost hitting a child; one witness describes the car as red; another witness says the car was maroon. The fact is each person knows that the car almost struck a child but both witnesses see a different shade. These two totally different people were able to join forces in order to bring the culprit to justice – the community united for the greater good.
Black Sunday has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with RACE! This is a misperception taken on by individuals who may be stuck in the past. Please fast forward to the future. Futures that consist of all races are able to come together for the greater good…PEACE, EQUALITY & UNITY. I am sure that you see violence everyday on the news. Residents from different parts of the Richmond Metro and surrounding areas DO NOT get along. North side residents are not allowed on Southside and the like. Black Sunday is an event (little does any “angry resident†know) brought all of these potentially violent residents that we see on a day to day basis together WITHOUT FIGHTING, GUN SLAYING & NAME CALLING.
I would think for a safer community, safer city and safer state, that we must first take small steps toward the larger goal. It starts with one person. One person who grew up in a diverse city who has the desire to try to make it easier for future generations to not endure the racial slurs or inequality treatment based on skin color. You can talk until you are blue in the face and no one will listen. Music does have a way of relaxing the mind and generally making people feel good. You cannot say that you have never heard that ‘favorite song†and not want to tap your feet, snap your fingers or nod your head. Whether music is classical, rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz or country, we all have our own preferences that can make us feel good and forget our troubles sometimes.
In order to get to the root of this problem, we must first go back to the beginning. The name “Black Sunday†as stated before, is not racial. The idea for this event derived from the bible. Genesis – 1: 1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.†It also goes on to state that God created this from darkness. So for those of you who feel that the term “Black†automatically means skin color, I am here to inform you that you are incorrect. We choose to create something good out of chaos. In order to do a new thing in the community, you have to start from the beginning. We wanted to do something new, something fresh, something that would bring all people together. Do not stay focused on the name, focus on the purpose. There are too many assumptions being made without any facts. For a person to assume “hustler†means a drug dealer, you are incorrect. The term ‘hustler’ is often used by individuals who are struggling in there day to day routine. To them, there is a struggle to survive, keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. To hustle is to work triple time to make sure your family is taken care of. Excuse us for not being politically correct in using the word “struggle.†The term is not always linked to illegal activity. Please open your eyes, broaden your minds and do not be afraid to ask about the unknown. The only stupid questions are those that go unasked! It is all in how you as an individual choose to express yourself.
My goal is not to bash anyone because you are angry with the image that you perceive. I want to clarify want may be uncharted territory for the unaware. If this does not pertain to you, please disregard. There were a number of false accusations of events during the 2006 & 2007 event. For the record, there was no BOOTY or BOOB CONTESTS and being in attendance for the entire event, NO ONE WORE A BIKINI OF ANY KIND. All attendees where fully clothed. I do not know where or how this rumor was started but it is untrue. No alcoholic beverages, no arguing, name calling took place. There were children and adult dance contests, both of which created big smiles of enjoyment among the crowds. Please do not speak upon what you have not witnessed. For those who were in attendance, I sure you can vouch for the authenticity of these contests.
To address the comments regarding the myspace site, I cannot control choice of photos that are used for individual myspace pages. The site is a major marketing tool of this day and age. Most individuals use the site to promote their businesses and some use the site for personal reasons. It is a social networking service where individuals across the nation are able to interact via internet. It’s seems as though some of the residents or angry individuals are on a Salem Witch Hunt, reacting to a rumor spread by someone who detests the event. For whomever that started the rumor, you know who you are and should be ashamed. Now, everyone is out for blood. If this doesn’t sound like hatred, I do not know what does.
For those that feel the music was too loud, we truly apologize as this too is a learning experience. The 2007 event took those comments into consideration and repositioned the speakers to accommodate the residents as instructed by park officials. No one was branding themselves as a greater dancer based on race that too is something based on untruth. Again, I would understand the anger and frustration if the accusation held true but they do not and did not take place. All performers were given strict instructions that profane language, racial slurs or the like were not allowed. This is and will always be a family event and we stressed the importance of having children in attendance. The event planners deem the types of behavior we are accused of unacceptable because those are not the values that we uphold.
If this event proves anything, it proves our statement true based on the reactions received: We are a city divided and we need to come together not be against each other! The city does not divide us into racial categories, individuals do. So maybe it is time for us to look within ourselves to discover what the real problem is and let’s move on from there. At the end of the day, we are all the same. Once we close our eyes, everyone is the same but it is only when we see hatred through others that we jump aboard for the ride. We choose to let the ride pass us by and take a stand for what we believe: We can live in a city, town or state of equality!
Lisa,
Thanks for reminding me that it is a waste of time and energy to condemn the people who making hurtful, misguided and shameful remarks. The real enemy in Church Hill (and everywhere else, for that matter) is ignorance. i’ll try to respond to intolerance, perception and prejudice by promoting awareness and acceptance instead.
mary anne
You know this is too funny…. The event Black Sunday was an event for the community. It was a community,unity and good times event. I’m laughing because you guys can’t even get along through e-mail. How on earth can you get along at an outdoor event. If Richmond was a city that did nothing at all for the community what would you have to say then. The people that made the negative comments,why knock somthing that you’ve never tried. I don’t live in the church hill area. I live near the fairgrounds. What I have to put up with during Race Week at RIR is far more difficult then what you guys are fussing about.Do you see or hear me complaing about the loud noise I hear “NO” Do you see or hear me complaining about the trash, the parking,the traffic,the drinking “NO” I feel like if I can set through Race Week, you can sit through Black Sunday. My family and I attended the first Black Sunday event last year and could not wait for this years. What I saw was totaly diffrent from those comments. I saw that Richmond is filled with a lot of talented aldults and children that can sing,dance and rap. Booty contest….. where on earth did you get that from. I saw none of that. You must have been watching a MTV or BET video. I really think that your issue is not with the event itself,but with the name being Black Sunday. Why does that word bother you? I thank you Miss Lisa for makeing the meaning of Black Sunday clear. To Lisa, if your looking for a place for next years event please feel free to bring it over to the northside. We love Free event.
Oh, this ought to be a classic….How many more excuses are you willing to make condoning bad behavior? YOU are part of the problem. We just better start building more jails!
William,
What excuses? Who are you referring to as YOU? What bad behavior is being condoned regarding Black Sunday?
William,
It seems that you may have some harbored angry within you. To that, I give you my condolences. Hatred seems like the real issue here. I cannot apologize for some wrongdoing that you may have endured to make you have such negative feelings. This is the type of stereotyping that divides our city. For you to make the comment: “YOU are part of the problem. We just better start building more jails!†is truly sad. What do you mean by “bad behavior?†Who are you directing the comment towards? If I made the assumption that your comments are geared toward a particular race and spread the word that you are racist, I would be wrong because that is only MY ASSUMPTION. I choose not to do so. Please do not tip-toe around what you really want to say. This is a community discussion board and in order to fix a problem you must identify the problem. We are not making the event about color. Jail has no skin color, it is for INDIVIDUALS who break the law and are held accountable for their actions. Everything I have read thus far has been untrue. So now I need to hear from you; something real and something true. We can go back and forth all day and not accomplish anything. I choose to be mature about this situation and not be lead into your anger. We are aware that you cannot please everyone. We are trying to make a difference in the community and if you have come to your conclusion that this is a BAD event based upon untruth, then you are entitled to your opinion even if it is wrong. No good deed is every easy because of negativity inflicted by some individuals. In all good trials and tribulations you will have obstacles. We too shall overcome you! Have a wonderful day Sir.
To WILLIAM, I attended the Black Sunday Event with my family, and it was a really nice fun event that was positve for adults and children. There wasn’t nothing negative or inappropiate about this successful event.
Now, rumors about a booty contest, and people in bikinis, and racial slurs…those are all lies and whoever made up these lies should be ashamed. And whoever you are who made these rumors…Was there somthing going on in your head? for you to make up somthing as bad as that, only because probably the name “Black Sunday” is the name. I didn’t see none of those things at the event, everyone was fully clothed. All the drinking, loudness, and trash that come from the Racing event…we don’t say anything about that or make up false accusations about it. This is just ridiculous that someone has to try to put something positive down, but its in God hands and I hope that “Black Sunday continues to happen and be successful”.
William,
YOU are too funny ( ha,ha,ha,) I mean are you serious!!!! We can go back and forth all day long about the issue. But I won’t. The fact of the matter is that we all can read between the lines as to what YOU are saying. It’s ashamed some people never change. As I stated before, I attended both this years and last years Black Sundays event and have read some if not all of your untrue statements. The people that put the event together I’m sure have put a lot of time and effort to make it successful. I would like to say to them – don’t let negative people or comments discourage you. Keep on having the events. Now you know where the untrue rumors came from. I mean can’t we all just get along! All of this is nonsense. Grow up people! One bad apple does not spoil a bunch. This to shall pass. I would like to be apart of next years event. Everyone, please take care and don’t feed into nonsense. God Bless.
Just for the record, I did not post comment 118, although I do not disagree with it.
Hello! Writing with a general perspective on festivals and a desire to have a city of FUN festivals — moved back to Richmond in the last 2 yrs and moved into Church Hill recently — It seems that cities can become famous or infamous for their multiple cross-cultural events. My experience in the past has been that it is implied/expected that all are welcome at public festivals (no matter the name on the festival), and neighborhood festivals occur in a neighborhood but are not necessarily just for the neighborhood but an exposure to others of a neighborhood and its beauty — (however the neighborhood does get the warning so they can plan for the traffic/noise accordingly — as well as the city being responsible to its citizens and their property) — Please see the event listing below for a city just for the coming weekend (and this isn’t everything) and the plethora of events occurring — Festivals are neighborhood (at least 2), religious (at least 2) or ethnically (at least 3) named but not exclusive to the neighborhood or group — All are welcome …..This listing comes from a newsletter I still receive titled FUN EVENTS (yes FUN!) I would love to be part of this city as a city FAMOUS for its fun and inclusive gatherings — it warms the soul of those already in town and gathers momentum and interest from those who would want to be part of a great experience.
A view into another city’s happenings ….
NORTHALSTED MARKET DAYS
Aug 11-12
26th annual Lakeview event, billed as the Midwest’s largest outdoor two day party, I mean festival, features arts and crafts, food and more than 40 musical acts on four stages
FOURTH ANNUAL ARTS AT THE GLEN TOWN CENTER
Aug 11-12
Features more than 185 artists with sculpture gardens, food vendors, glass blowing demos and other interactive art projects, with live music and more
GINZA HOLIDAY
Aug 10-12
52nd annual Japanese cultural celebration with folk dancing, drummers, craft demos, food & merchandise vendors
Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee Street
PILSEN ARTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Aug 11-12
Browse sculptures, paintings, glasswork and more with national and international artists, and live music
FREE
Harrison Park, 1824 S. Wood Street
ST. PROCOPIUS ANNUAL KERMES
Aug 10-12
The 2nd. annual Mexican street fest with live music, folkloric dance performers, kids’ games, vendors
St. Procopius Catholic Church, 1641 S. Allport Street
CROATIAN FEST
A huge street party with a parade through the east end of Bridgeport, homemade Croatian foods and pastries, beer garden and wine tent, dancing and live music
FREE
Princeton Ave. and 28th Place
WEST FEST 2007
Aug 11-12
A street fest along Chicago Ave. (b/t Damen Ave. and Wood Street) features live music and deejays, arts & crafts, food and drink!
800 N. Damen
AUGUST FEST
Aug 10-12
This outdoor event features carnival rides, live music, food & craft vendors, kiddie activities and more
2600 S. Central Park Ave.
FREE
PALMER SQUARE BOULEVARD ARTS FESTIVAL
Aug 11-12
Browse arts and crafts by more than 30 artists at this annual event. Features live music from the ‘70s and ‘80s (my era), historical trolley rides, beer garden, food vendors, and kids’ activities.
Palmer Square Park
60TH ANNUAL MENDOTA SWEET CORN FESTIVAL….â€who’s got the butter?â€
Aug 9-12
Love corn? Let’s just say if 50 TONS doesn’t cut it, well, you need to buy your own farm. Also featuring a parade, live music, flea market, beer garden and carnival rides
12th ANNUAL SHADES OF RIVERVIEW CARNIVAL
Aug 10-12
Carnival rides, games and more
Lane Tech HS, 2501 W. Addison Street
33RD ARMENIAN FESTIVAL
Aug 11-12
An indoor/outdoor festival on the church grounds featuring live music and awesome eats
FREE
St. Gregory Armenian Church, 6700 W. Diversey Ave.
KOREAN STREET FESTIVAL
Aug 11-12
12th annual cultural festival includes traditional dancing, plays, martial arts demonstrations, live music, food vendors, kids’ activities and a 5K run.
3200 W. Bryn Mawr
FREE
BORIQUAFEST
Features live music, DJ beats, traditional Puerto Rican food, beer garden, domino tournament, kids’ activities and more
FREE
GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL
Friday, Saturday & Wednesday thru Aug 18th
The 73rd. annual classical music series holds its third full season in Millennium;
With all do respect Lori, you can’t compare Chicago with Richmond on any level. We know, Jim and I are from there.
O.K, maybe the politics!
I’m with you on the politics! Most interesting in both towns!
I left the city name out as it wasn’t meant to be a direct comparison to a large city (that can be a no-win)- paricularly when pop. size is so different as with Chicago — The list was meant as a view into the way cities and people try to accept each other when they share space and try to be inclusive — over the years it can work out if everyone wants to be open to ideas from their own community and from other communities (with all the early stumbling blocks expected) — direct comparison was not the intention — you read some of the addresses and since you’re from there had instant recognition! Perhaps we can just take the best of learning from others without any direct comparison — continuing to make Richmond its own unique experience — at least that’s my hope and was the intention.
some of us will agree that Black Women do have the best booties!!maybe that formely angry guy was watching too hard!!
More Upcoming Events in Richmond
Down Home Family Reunion
Aug. 17-18
Celebration of Arican American folk life
17th year sponsored by the Elegba Folklore Sociey. Info:www.efsinc.org.
5th Annual Happily Natural
Aug 24-26th
Hotchkiss Field Community Center
701 Brookland Park Blvd.
Info: http://www.happilynaturalday.com
5th Annual Gabriel Forum
7pm Oct 10th
Honors Gariel’s Rebellion
Info: (804)644-5834 or e-mail DefendersFJE@hotmail.com
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075765/
Not this Black Sunday?
God Bless!!
Thank you maryanne and Clay Street! This conversation got ridiculously truthful and you two combined with the comments from eyes have been a breath of fresh air for me.
I do know ACHR is just angry about the noise, not so much the festival itself. I myself was upset over the name of it, Black Sunday, then unity was used in the description. That was my only problem with it, not the festival itself and I lived just 2 blocks from the park at the time.
I found it ironic that the very people the soldiers were fighting to keep locked in chains (whether virtual or real) were celebrating their freedom and right to congregate as a large group on what originally started as Indian land. There is a long history of oppression in Richmond and lots more in Jamestown and it’s best we white folks try to remember just how angry and controlling our ancestors were to make generations of people hate us so much, even in 2007.
There is an article in the Richmond defender which airs a lot of comments from this page..I was happy to see that someone was paying attention. They made an error on my comment, I’m eyes not August but thats ok. As long as the message gets out that we are still living in a society where white people believe that we arent guaranteed the same rights as them. I would like to add this one comment about churchill. There is no place like churchill. I love churchill. Growing up around here, you could feel the love, and caring concern from your neighbors. I remember chimborazo park on sundays, good music, good food, good people. Bill Robinson playground always had a stage for the gospel groups, dancers, and all types of performors. Black beautiful people everywhere, enjoying life, their families, and being proud to be from fulton or churchill. Then the drugs came into our communities, not just churchill but every inner city low income neighborhood in this country. Drugs destroyed our unity, our livihood, our trust in each other, our love for our neighbors. I must admit that things have gotten better since white people decided to buy houses in the inner citys now (but why?). I remember one crack house on chimborazo blvd. that was running for about 15 years. It wasnt until skin colors next door changed when the police decided to take action and lock up all the drug dealers. It wasnt that black people ran this neighborhood down. The government could have been stepped in and got rid of drugs in our neighborhood. They didnt care if it was the old black lady next door scared for her life. They only cared when the white people said lets buy this property its closer to work or whatever the reason they decided to move in low income neighborhoods. Yes, there are some whites who sincerely respect blacks in this neighborhood, but they stereotype us as well. I love all people!! Most black people have a genuine love and respect for others and will except any race. I would suggest that if you dont know about something dont speak on it. Another thing: Those signs that most white people would consider gang signs..two peace signs, two up, two down..repping,VA..black people represent where they are from just like any other race of people..we arent gang members.. its just our culture..African Americans, are who we are!! love your neighbors, respect all beings! Peace be with you all!!
No one did anything about the crack dealers next door to the old lady because no one called. You have to call. Every day….. a lot. If you don’t call, then the police won’t know what is going on. Don’t make comments you don’t know about. As for the rest, I’m not even going to start. Peace.
I am a 52 y/o male who was looking at buying a home and living out my days in Church Hill. I want to live in a diverse urban area. I was however really surprised that so much hatred lies just beneath the surface just waiting to show it’s ugly head. Intolerance in a diverse area does NOT somehow fit into my idea of a good diverse neighborhood in which to live and call home. Thanks for the warnings before I attempted to call Church Hill home. I guess I should look further North. It’s sad that people can’t agree to disagree but respect each other in the process. It obviously isn’t happening in Church Hill or Richmond for that matter. I will continue my search for a home elsewhere.
elliot, please dont start…You cant possibly believe that the people who lived here didnt care until new people moved in the hood. Its good, hard working, law abiding black folks who have lived here through it all. How do you know who called?..Did it make a difference if it was a white man on the other end of the phone or a black man? How do you know?..u have no idea how many times that old lady that lived in that house with the crack addicts called!! Do you know how long those drug dealers walked the streets? How long they stood on those same corners? The police knew what was going on, or else, How did they clean up chimborazo blvd. over night!after 20 years! Do you know that most of the police and drug dealers knew each other by name? When i was a teenager in this nieghborhood, i couldnt walk to the store without being harrassed by police! I wasnt a drug dealer. Dont make comments you dont know about..please dont get upset..its facts, its real, no one should be angry, we should all recognize and decide how to make changes so the children wont have to suffer with this same bullshit that we go through..learn from the past, deal with the present, make changes for a better future. Im going to tell you about an incident that happened about a year ago..I was walking my dog and 3 young girls came running up to me. They said that a man was chasing them through the alley and could i call the police. I called 911. I gave the dispatcher the information that the girls had given me. The dispatcher asked was it a black man or a white man? I asked the girls. They answered, “it was a chinesse man”. Why do we only see black and white as a problem. We need social change in VA!! Its long overdue!! My grandfather was born in the 20’s. He read this article and his remarks were. “Its a shame, some white people still think that they run things, they can do what they want, and there way is the only way”. WAKE UP!!
Those damn uppity white people.
Take a couple of steps back, folks. It sounds like you both want to make a nice, safe neighborhood. There’s no need to alienate each other if you’ve basically got the same goal in mind.
Yall adults is
childish
I wish all of you people would identify yourselves. The way you all talk, you should all be wearing sheets of one color or another. You make me sick and a little scared as to who I am dealing with in this community. Such a shame. The next time you see me, please let me know who and what you are. I see no need to disguise myself. Some of you are sickening.
Art:
You keep using this term diverse and then complain when people have divergent ideas. Which one are you looking for?
Atleast here we talk about it. Try the burbs where no one talks about anything…ever. You barely know who your neighbors are.
In my opinion there is very little hatred in the above postings… just people getting up in a dander and using flowery language that truely doesn’t represent what is being said or is just plain stupid.
Enjoy your utopia to the north….
Sure there are a few “ugly heads” in Church Hill, but most folks are good. Be warned when you search for a home elsewhere, there are “ugly heads” all around the world. And, generalizing is no better than the “ugly heads”.
Point made earlier…the park belongs to everyone. Every citizen who pays taxes, contributes to it’s upkeep. Living next to it doesn’t give you any more rights. That parking place right in front of your house on Broad, doesn’t belong to you any more than someone who lives in Southside. Grow up.