“I Ain’t gonna Play Sun City”

was a battle cry, when many performers stood in unison to decline performing in the South African resort town, to protest apartheid. The boycott grew and helped — along with other social and economic pressures — to choke that oppressive policy & practice. The pressures, however, required listening ears with a conscious and a collective consciousness of the people. It took time, but it worked.

Fast forward to the state of our union. Many, representing all corners and groups in our nation (and 30+ other countries) are standing up against the incoming nonsense. So, are the people (Blacks, in particular) who want to meet with prez-elect hoping they can get credit for helping him see the light? So, they think they will say something that make his past proclamations and actions obsolete? Are they hoping to undo the work of his cabinet picks; those he calls, the best of the best”? Do you think you can get your own accolades for being the peacemaker who stands on the backstairs of the White House, arm in arm with the new prez and declare peace from sea to shining sea. That’s so Disney.

Sure, make your case, but don’t celebrate victory until you see policies and philosophies actually change. He’s already bragging about the millions coming to town and many want to meet with him (including you) — forgetting to complete the sentence that millions more are protesting him! He is creating the narrative, not you.

Perhaps, a sustained press will lead to a conversion with some hard-liners. But, people awaiting a sudden philosophical pivot in the first day, 100 days or 1000 days are likely waiting in vain. He believes his stuff. He campaigned on his stuff. He won**** on his stuff. And, remember, he tends to think HE is always the smartest in the room.

This is not being pessimistic, nor is it a sign of hopelessness, but a voice of reason. His tweets & global fight picks (and buddy system with Russia) are an embarrassment to the patriotism that made America great in the eyes of the world. We must keep the pressure on if we want change. We must have a sustained. press on all three branches of government, if we want change. But, to show up at an event that celebrates him (in his opinion) is an endorsement.

The smooth transition of power has been made rough because of foreign and domestic interventions that have shaken our historical pomp, protocol and processes to the core and slapped democracy in its face. That has made this election a farce in the world’s eyes. But, if he has an epiphany along the way, good for him. But, be clear, it won’t come from a “give him a chance” school of thought.

For any performers, artists, elected & invited who declined an invitation to participate in any parts of the inauguration, good for you. For those who signed up for the pageantry, understand you can’t put lipstick on a pig and make it pretty. Your brand & your pride should trump this travesty. James Brown learned his lesson, you should too.

Principles and #PolicyMatters

Hey artists, unite in song! It could be titled, “I Ain’t Gonna Play D-City (Inauguration)!”