I was scrolling through Facebook when I noticed a young lady by the name of Tyler Burns had posted about an incident she encountered at a business in downtown Huntsville, AL. That particular business was Jefferson Street Pub. I can’t specify her purpose in choosing this particular business to patronize, but judging by her post this afternoon, she was simply looking for a cool way to spend the night on the town with her boyfriend and their friends. Tyler Burns and her boyfriend are Black, and the friends they were in tow with were all White. You can probably guess by now where this story is going. Yelp! You’re absolutely right! Even in the year 2017, people of color are still meeting with blatant elements of racism. Tyler’s friends were allowed entry into the night spot, but the door attendant denied Tyler and her boyfriend entry because the attendant concluded Tyler was not the person on her driver’s license due to her hair being different. Of course, we all suspect that was a bunch of horse manure for an excuse. Truth be told, it was a tactic that has been used to deny people of color into establishments in downtown Huntsville, AL that are patronized by predominantly White individuals for quite some time. I get the fact that a business owner feels he/she can cater to whatever race, ethnicity, gender, or whomever he/she chooses. However, there is an element I often hark on called Good Humanity. Whether business owners in downtown Huntsville, AL want to accept it or not, the younger generations are separating themselves from the old Jim Crow Era. We’re in the age of what I like to call a Cultural Melting Pot of Diversity per our younger generations. What was fascinating and totally AWESOME to me was how many White friends and associates of Tyler spoke out against Jefferson St. Pub’s actions. They were furious, and they had every right to be. Then, came what I had once observed a few months back on another Facebook friend’s page: the onslaught of young adults giving testimonials of racist encounters of people of color not being allowed into other night spots in downtown Huntsville, AL due possibly to the color of their skin. Surely, the aforementioned wasn’t presented to the patrons that blatantly, but ridiculous excuses such as having on the wrong colors, or even not looking ‘dressy’ enough were used to deny people of color entry into night spots such as Jefferson St. Pub. The testimonials I heard before were common among Blacks and Whites regarding the biases portrayed by another downtown establishment by the name of Sammy T’s. I read testimonials for hours regarding incidents pertaining to people of color being denied entry when attempting to mingle with their White friends. I read in complete amazement that something so blatant and obvious was so common in the downtown area, and was baffled at how such a HUGE problem had not been officially addressed by political entities and hierarchies of the city.

I, personally, rarely frequent downtown Huntsville, AL. In fact, doing the whole nightclub thing to party isn’t really my flavor. I will do it from time to time to sit and reflect, or simply to be sociable among family and friends. However, I accompanied my wife to the Publix grocery store in the downtown area after church service a few Sundays ago, and I was in complete awe of how much money has been dumped into the downtown area per businesses such as those like Jefferson St. Pub and Sammy T’s. The downtown Huntsville, AL area is immaculate, and I said to myself that it would be an area I would start frequenting for relaxation, entertainment, and clean fun. Unfortunately, the incident of Tyler Burns has inspired me not only to frequent such establishments, but to also bring awareness to city officials and politicians that we have a big, fat elephant sitting right in the center of downtown Huntsville, AL that the hierarchy of all races and genders need to come to the round table to discuss how we go about tackling this elephant. I think what’s most disheartening is the fact that instead of offering an element of apology, the establishment deleted Tyler’s post from their Facebook page in a manner to suggest such an incident never occurred. It was business as usual for Jefferson St. Pub, and to me and many others that’s totally unacceptable and so outside the realm of Good Humanity.

A lot of people voiced their discourse about Tyler’s incident, and many others shared stories of how either them or their friends visited similar places and encountered what they suggested were bias denials of entry into the establishments. I have never been the one to sit on the sideline and watch an obvious injustice and not ask the coach (God) to use my ability as a Leader to gain a sense of success or resolve as it relates to the obvious injustice. I was about to go to sleep after reading various comments about Tyler’s encounter. If you knew Tyler Burns, you would be just as vocal in her defense. She has such a kindred spirit, one that makes even strangers appreciate her energy. Because of that, I felt compelled to speak out via written form.

So, where do we go from here? I heard several people of color say: “Well, if they don’t want Black people’s money, we’ll just take our money elsewhere, somewhere it’s appreciated.” Simply put, I rebuke that notion. Taking our money (people of color) elsewhere does nothing to dismantle the elements and practices of blatant racism. I don’t know about you that’s reading this, but downtown Huntsville, AL is just as much mine as it is anyone else. I pay my taxes and abide by the laws like most residents of Huntsville and surrounding areas. I trust the Mayor of Huntsville will do what’s right for this great city like everyone else. As an engineering city, with a huge focus on space and aeronautics, topped with a prominent military base/arsenal, this city’s operations has an obligation to ensure patrons are treated the same in every establishment in the city, no matter which corner of the city they frequent.

Newsflash: Love has always trumped Hate.

What I observed after Tyler Burns posted the contents of her encounter via social media were gestures of Good Humanity, topped with a lot of Love. Love doesn’t decide to be itself because of one’s skin tone. Love is authentic and non-bias. Hate couldn’t get Love to ride along even if it offered an astronomical price to do so. It is not my intent to badger these establishments I mentioned. They were the two establishments mentioned most often in testimonials via social media for subjecting patrons of color to bias reasons for not allowing them entry into their establishments. How much longer are we going to pretend there are no elements of racism existing among us? How many more mornings are we going to wake up and thank God for our existence, prosperity, and peace, but then lay our heads down at night knowing we haven’t done right by fellow mankind? I advised Tyler Burns to reach out to the Mayor of this city, City Council entities, and the Better Business Bureau as well to assist in ensuring such practices aren’t interfering with the brand of our city. Dirty politics, demonic intentions, and bias business practices have never lasted long enough to be deemed successful. God blesses those that are considerate of His creation, and receptive to the idea of mankind being equally yoked in regards to how one should be treated versus the other.

The testimonials past patrons of color have communicated via social media are heartfelt and disheartening alike. As a Man of color, I couldn’t sit back and not advocate for what I have advocated for my entire life, which are Equality and Good Humanity. I’ve been in Tyler Burns’ shoes a time or two along my life journey right here in Huntsville, AL, and I can testify that it’s extremely painful. It makes you wonder how do people even exist knowing they have wronged others. City officials, starting with the Mayor, have an obligation to ensure Tyler Burns never ever have to encounter such an ordeal again in downtown Huntsville, AL, or any other location within the city period. I suspect such an ordeal is common practice throughout the nation. However, it’s never too late to do the right thing.

The Challenge: Let’s unite and hold establishments accountable for suggested bias business practices. My instincts tell me if this matter was investigated, or if a survey was conducted, we would probably learn just how deeply rooted the need to discuss race relations in the city of Huntsville, AL is. It’s urgent! However, I don’t believe we are at a point to where it can’t be salvaged.

The Message: Downtown Huntsville, Alabama belongs to everybody. The air God provides gives Life to every race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. The blood in our veins bleed the same color across racial lines. Death doesn’t spare lives according to any of the aforementioned elements. Do the right thing, even when no one is looking. Love thy neighbor.

The Apology: Miss Tyler Burns, as a law-abiding, tax-paying citizen of this city for over 20 years, I sincerely regret your kindred spirit had to encounter what we all suspect was blatant racism in downtown Huntsville, AL. So, I extend my utmost apology for not speaking out on this prior to your encounter, and please know you have an ally in me regarding ensuring this incident is exposed and met with a sense of resolve.

Thank You for your audience in this matter, kinfolks! Let’s heal and continue to be GREAT, Huntsville, AL!!! Life’s a breeze. Be easy.

-Mr. Dixon

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