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Oh No My Brotha,
You Gotta Get Your Own
By DaJuan M. Xavier
Executive Director
Ebony Pyramid
Entertainment
I’m not really sure, but I think I
might be dating myself with this commentary. Well, if so, then I
guess there is some wisdom in age! As I was sitting at my desk the
other day, I was thinking about the many phone calls, emails and
texts I had received alerting me to the fact that there were other
groups out there doing cruises using our model, going to the same
destination and some at the same time. I also thought about those
same communications alerting me to groups with similar website
contents and closely resembling names. And, now sitting on a Board
of one of the county’s largest Black Pride, I thought about how some
groups misrepresented themselves as “official.” All of that in
mind, I thought back to the late 80’s and early 90’s BET (Black
Entertainment Television) commercial that ran about a hot slow jams
album (yes, album – not CD) named “Hey Love”. In the commercial the
album was so hot that the Brotha listening to the album wanted to
take it from the Brotha playing it. So, the Brotha playing the
album replied, “Oh No My Brotha, You Gotta Get Your Own!”
How does this commercial title tie
into my thoughts about the concerns I mentioned? Well, it’s
simple. I know you have heard the saying, “Imitation is the
sincerest form of flattery.” While this is true, I think the key
work is “sincerest” and this would apply if it related to fashion or
possessions. But, when it comes to events, it can be risky,
especially in the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, and Transgender (LGBT)
community.
I’m not saying that there should be
no competition, but there is a fine line between competition and
copying. In this situation the only ones loosing are the businesses
because patrons do not want to be caught in the middle of “mess”.
When it comes to our cruise, I welcome the competition because I
believe that our BLGBT community deserves some diversity. While we
only provide a four day, three nights cruise, there are others that
provide longer excursion. While we only visit The Bahamas, there
are others that travel different destinations. While we travel in
October and Columbus Day Weekend, others choose other times. The
disappointing fact sometimes is that groups will book at our
Pre-Cruise host hotel and onboard the same ship and sometimes lead
their attendees to believe that they are part of Ebony Pyramid
Entertainment (EPE). While in some cases, other groups may choose
the same dates, but a different ship and be at the same destination
with us, at the same time.
The problem with situations such as
those are when guests from other groups want to participate with EPE
activities and are not allowed to because the activities are
exclusive only to EPE paid guests. This then creates an angry
environment for EPE for turning them away and the other group
promoters for not fully advising them. So, who looses? The
organizations! Because it appears that we are unwilling to work
together. This is not always the case, it is just that some
organizers do not want to partner with others because they feel it
may eat into their profit margin or by syncing it during the same
time as an established event, it will add the clout, numbers, and
entertainment they otherwise would have had to provide.
Bitter? No, it’s just that I would
not attempt to plan an event knowing that our BLGBT community
already has one as such and especially at the same time or
location. But, I must preface that by saying I would consider it
only if I felt the other promoter was not properly producing the
event with the guests interests first! And, even then I would speak
with the opposing promoter.
With special events, when things
such as these occur, the community does not want to be a part of a
civil war, so they choose not to support either party. Then, we
have no event and will constantly ask ourselves, “Why can’t we have
events like this or that or like others do?” Well the answer is
simple! Either we (promoters) were lacking integrity and ruining it
for everyone or we were not respecting our clients with the proper
customer service they so well deserve.
Since, it is inevitable and I cannot
stop someone from doing what they want to do. I can only continue
to strive in providing my clients with the best services I can and
not only be the party, but be the community – meaning giving back.
In giving back to the community,
it’s simple. Just be there to support, not to just be supported!
As a promoter and speaking to my fellow promoters, support your
local Prides. You have to remember, those official Pride planners
pave the way with the local governments, organizations, and key
individuals for there to be a safe and healthy environment for those
weekends and the least we (promoters) can do is show our
appreciation, by supporting the cause. A cause, that in most cases,
are not going into the pockets of those planning, but into the
community to assist in providing services, safety, and hope.
Let’s all strive to work together.
We are a creative people and do not have to duplicate and
assassinate. Everyone from an individual to the promoters and to the
government has a responsibility to preserve the rights and choices
of our great community. If we all do our part and unify, it will
and can create a voice that can be heard through any barrier.
So, instead of asking someone for
their album or CD, bring one of yours and let’s put them all
together and we can say, “Oh Yes My Brothas and Sistas, We Got Our
Own Collection!”
Until we unite again, Be Blessed! Be
True! Be You!
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