Rev. Al Sharpton Backs Baltimore Consortium's Proposal to Create Black Cultural, Entertainment District

Rev. Al Sharpton backs creating a black cultural arts and entertainment district in Baltimore. He recently visited the city and attended a rally in support of the proposal. According to WBAL-TV, the Baltimore Arts, Culture and Entertainment Consortium has its eye on real estate just south of M&T Bank Stadium.

"If Baltimore can find a way to develop the harbor, if they can find a way to develop casinos, they can find a way to develop symbols of self respect, and self worth and self regard for the children of Baltimore city," Sharpton said. "You made deals for the stadium, you made deals for developers. Now let's make a deal for the children of Baltimore."

The group said that with the help of state and local tax breaks, and private funding, transforming the area into a family-friendly district is achievable. It could include a recreation center, a senior center, book stores, a concert hall, a comedy club, boutique shops, night clubs and other businesses. Former state Sen. Larry Young said he has been trying to make something like this happen for the past 25 years.

"We can create an art culture and entertainment business district right here in Baltimore that can be just as competitive as the underground in Atlanta, just as competitive as the renaissance in Harlem, and that was the idea. It's much more than night life. I'm talking about six, seven, eight blocks in our concept," Young said. Source: WBAL

I have no issue with a new cultural and entertainment district being set up in any city, but when it becomes a "black" district, problems will arise. How would Rev. Sharpton felt if a "white" entertainment district was set up in Baltimore? I suspect he would be calling for a boycott. Sorry, but we can't have it both ways. A cultural and entertainment district that embraces diversity would be more appropriate. I wouldn't want my tax dollars funding a black, white, Asian or Latino entertainment district.