Dear Purple Haze

So, I'm not sure if you all are aware of the recent statement made by Purple Haze (Downtown Nightclub) about their latest issues. The statement basically stated that Black on Black crime, hard rap music, and them trying to appeal to a more urban crowd was the reason for their troubles. After reading their post I decided to make Purple Haze aware of some of the events that I attended the weekend they decided to make the public aware of their problem.

During the weekend of April 6, 2018, I attended several events that played “Hard Rap Music” for an “Urban” crowd and I was fortunate enough to return home unharmed. No violence occurred instead, every event was filled with educated, well behaved black people who were able to coexist without any issues. We apologized when we bumped into each other, sang songs in unison, and even joined in on recorded videos with each other regardless of knowing one another. Now, how is it that we were able to be in the same vicinity without any issues?? Well, it’s simple us black people actually do know how to act and were raised properly by our parents. We truly do live for moments and places where we can have fun and not intentionally bring harm to others, that has never been what we live to do. So, Purple Haze, my question to you is how is it that these events have been able to be successful but you all are having issues? Maybe it is an internal issue?? Then again I’ve never owned a club so what do I know?? However, I can tell you how these events went and hope that you can take away some helpful information or contact these business owners for advice.

Let's get into my weekend recap. On Friday I had the pleasure of being a guest of Memphis’ Silent Party “Trap Edition” presented by The SQ. The silent parties are where attendants wear headphones and listen to different stations provided by the DJs of the evening. They have food, drinks, and are usually in a unique location. The Silent parties give you all the amenities of a club while letting you experience something different. On Sunday I made an appearance at a 90s Karaoke Brunch presented by D. Arthur’s Catering from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm and afterward I dropped in at Top Off Sundays presented to you by The Social Preneurs. Karaoke had food and unlimited Mimosa while Top Off served as a Brunch after party with music, food, and beverages. The 90s brunch allowed us to step back in time to one of the best decades in life while Top Off Sunday gave us lounge vibes. They were the perfect match for completing your weekend activities. These events have created an environment that is different from your usual party while keeping things safe and modern. Trap and Paint and Trap Karaoke are events in the same category as the local ones listed above. These business owners have continuously been able to bring the city events made for all cultures. They don’t try to appeal to one particular group or only play certain music to appeal to a certain crowd but they have a variety. Top Off Sundays are day parties, and the Brunches always turn into a party as well. Security is always provided and they are very friendly but thorough at their job. I have yet to see security randomly ask a patron to raise their shirt and state that the person may not enter because his underwear is now showing (Security wasn’t able to see the customer's underwear until making him pull up his shirt. He wasn't sagging) as recently done at Electric Cowboy but all visitors were treated with respect and the same. 

It seems everyone loves Trap Music and Black Culture until it is inconvenient for them and the quick escape when something goes wrong while enjoying the culture is for Black People to be blamed as an entire race. Not all black people are violent or trouble just like not all white people are mass murders or serial killers. (That is what it looks like to stereotyped) If we take the time to try to understand each other and realize that we are all just human the world would be a much better place. Race makes you no less or any better than anyone else and religion doesn’t make you any more dangerous. People commit crimes and murders not a certain race of people. By stereotyping someone or their music you add to the world's issue of racism, injustice, hatred and more. It is one of the most ignorant things a person could do. I hope that as time continues to pass us by we focus more on loving and helping each other because at the end of the day that is all our lives are about, other people.

Purple Haze has since taken their statement down but that doesn’t undo the damage. I honestly would have preferred for them to leave it up and allow people to continue to see how many other business owners/ people think that way. I hope we all really pay attention to where we spend our money and the way we are being treated. Purple Haze, I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors and I hope that you start to see us differently. I was definitely upset when I saw the post but this was written in love and as a way to help bring solutions/dialogue to our issues. You all be sure to follow Chef D. Arthur, The SQ, and Social Preneurs on social media for future events. I have listed their social media handles. 

Instagram: @chef_darthur, @thesq901, @socialpreneurs901
Facebook: @D. Arthur's Catering, @The SQ901, @Social Preneurs