Recently, you made a comment on a clip for the new BET series "Music Moguls" that premiers June 28th, dissin' my city of Durham, North Carolina. In the promo clip with Jermaine Dupri (So So Def Records) you said, "ain't nothin' crackin' in Durham." I am so tired of people disrespecting my city and for you to do it on a national platform is outrageous.
http://www.bet.com/video/music-moguls/season-1/exclusives/music-moguls-coming-in-june.html
Granted, like many cities, Durham has its share of problems. But kickin' dirt in the face of town already known as "Dirty Durham" ain't helping. Now, it is true that in some hoods you can hear gun shots ringing through the air almost every night. And the self hatred that some of our young people feel does result in teenage kids being shot down in the street. However, Durham has a rich historical legacy and since you seem to be ig'nant of that history, allow me to hit you with some #FACTS.
Durham NC was once known as "Black Wall Street," the Mecca of Black economic empowerment. Although many people believe that Tulsa Oklahoma was America's only Black Wall Street, history teaches us that Durham also held that prestigious title. Durham is also the home of North Carolina Central University and Duke University. Not to mention, Research Triangle Park, one of the largest high tech development centers in the country, lies with the boundaries of Durham County. Furthermore, many famous people have roots here, including Ernie Barnes, the artist who created the paintings featured on the 70's sitcom Good Times and Loretta Lynch, the Attorney General of the United States.
Most importantly, there are many people in Durham who are working, tirelessly, to make this city one of which our children and our children's children will be proud. Recently, we launched the Black Durham Is Beautiful Campaign to show the world that Durham is more than just murder and mayhem and is one of the greatest places to live on the planet.
Instead of of making negative statements about this city, why don't you use your platform to make things better for the youth?
So, "Mr. 106 and Park," you owe each of the 250,000 residents of Durham an apology. (Or at least a heartfelt "my bad.") And until we receive an apology we will not support Music Moguls or any other project even loosely associated with the name "Bow Wow" nor "Shad Moss."
To borrow from the infamous words of Birdman, who is also featured on Music Moguls, "you are gonna learn to RESPECK my city!"
Peace,
Min. Paul Scott
Messianic Afrikan Nation
Durham NC
Min. Paul Scott aka "TRUTH Minista" can be reached at (919) 972-8305 email info@nowarningshotsfired.com Follow on Twitter @truthminista
