WSSN Stories

The Secret to a Barber’s Success? Finding a Unique Niche, Antique Barber Chairs

By Curtis Bunn, Urban News Service

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Not many were on board when Jon McDaniel decided to honor his late father-in-law by…. having his 1950s barber chair restored. Who does that? was the common refrain.

And, then, they saw the finished product. 

“Amazing,” Jon McDaniel, said with a hint of satisfaction. His friends quickly agreed.

McDaniel admired his wife’s father, Dan Stringer—a World War II Navy veteran, who enlisted the day after the Pearl Harbor attacks. A patriot at heart, he joined when the navy had few African-Americans, on shore or at sea. He just knew he would be needed. Stringer learned to be a barber while serving overseas. When he returned to his native Cherokee County, some 40 miles north of Atlanta, he bought a Kohler Presidential barber chair and started cutting hair in his basement. (His day job? County Sheriff.)

With a life story like that, McDaniel knew his father-in-law, who passed away 29 years ago, needed a unique memorial. He weighed many different ideas. Eventually, he thought of discarded, dusty hunk of metal in the basement—Stringer’s old barber chair.

To McDaniel’s surprise, there is a mini-industry devoted to restoring barber chairs. He found Custom Barber Chairs, a three-man company that specialized in resurrecting barber chairs that are older than Sidney Poitier.

A few weeks later after CBC picked up his rusting relic, McDaniel visited their Atlanta-area shop. “The chair was laid out in a million pieces,” he said. “I thought, ‘Oh, my god.’”

By the time Sid Tutani, one of CBC’s owners, had worked his magic, McDaniel uttered the same expression, only in a different context.

The restored throne boasted McDaniel’s beloved Georgia Tech logo in the center of the back, chrome and porcelain details, and hydraulics that worked like new. “It was the best thing I could have done,” McDaniel said. “He [his father in law] meant so much to me and did so much for the country. His chair is probably better now than it ever was. When people come to my ‘man cave’ downstairs, it is a showstopper.”

McDaniel paid $5,200 to restore his father-in-law’s legacy. “Worth every penny,” he said.

“When (Stringer’s son), who didn’t want the chair, saw it, he almost had a fit. It’s beautiful.”

McDaniel’s is just one of many, as Custom Barber Chairs has flourished in its unique business niche.

The business began eight years ago, when Kwame Innis noticed a photo of an antique chair in an obscure magazine. Impulsively, he bought a 1930s model for his home, but found it difficult to find someone to refurbish it.

Exasperated, he called friends Tutani in Atlanta and Rohan Balgobin in Houston, fellow photographers and website designers. He hoped they would see his vision and be willing to learn how to teach themselves—through trial and error—to restore vintage barber chairs. “Friends I could really trust because I knew this could take off,” Innis said.

Tutani and Balgobin quickly came onboard.

“I was open to the idea because at the time, I had moved from New York to Texas and things had slowed down,” Balgobin said. “And I was always good with my hands, fixing things and working with my Dad at his mechanics shop. And I liked the idea of us black men doing something with antiques. We carved a space.”

Tutani, however, did not see it that way. Not at first. “I was like, “What? Restore barber chairs? What? But pretty quickly, I got it. It was a unique niche.”

Their story is more fascinating because the men had no training and could not find classes on how to renovate the chairs. So, they taught themselves, learning as they went, and a couple of YouTube videos that gave pointers on a few elements of the unique chairs.

Over time, they perfected the craft.

“There were no formal classes anywhere,” Balgobin, 46, said. “The companies that made the chairs had all closed. We found some schematics on Google Patent, but nothing on how to fix them. We just learned over time.”

Innis, 51, said: “It took us about eight months to restore that first chair. It was trial and error. I probably spent $7,000 on that chair. Knowing what I know now, it probably should have cost about $2,000. But I love the chair.”

Innis explained his motivation. “It took me back to my childhood when my grandfather would take me to the barbershop.”

Now, they have customers from across the globe. They have restored and shipped chairs to Africa, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America as well as many of these United States.

CBC’s restored chairs have been featured in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, the film Barbershop III, and countless photo sessions.

They said, ironically, most of their clients are collectors who desire to have an antique chair in their home or “man cave” instead of the traditional recliner.

It can take up to six months to complete a thorough job and cost up to $12,000 to restore a chair, Innis said, making it a luxury item, not a need.

“We take the chair apart, fix the upholstery, sand blast the porcelain, polish the metal and rebuild the hydraulics,” he explained. “It’s almost like (the TV show) Pimp My Ride. The work we do depends on what the customer wants.”

They have produced chairs with the Sistine Chapel emblazoned on it, company logos, “just about anything you could want,” Tutani said. “With the right budget, we can do anything imaginable.”

Seventy percent of their clients, Innis said, are individuals, including athletes and artists, who simply want a chair because it is unique. A conversation piece. A nostalgic memento. A comfortable place to the game. It was startling at first to learn there was a demand for antique barber chairs for home use. But then Innis remembered that was how he ultimately was attracted to the business.

“The people who can afford it and who appreciate the work put into it get them,” Innis said. “It’s not a bargain item. It’s a luxury item, a want, not a need. So, we find ourselves doing less work for barber-shop owners and more for collectors.”

 The team find chairs to restore at estate sales, barns, old lots, people’s attics while clients find them through Internet searches.

“There are not many out there doing what we do,” Innis said. “But there are a lot of men with disposable income who appreciate the craftsmanship and want our chairs.”

What It Do with the LUE: Welcome to the West Music Fest

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- What It Do is Nipsey Hussle, Dogg Pound, Mack 10, Mozzy, King Lil G, The Outlawz and several other artist’s.

I’m calling all my Inland Empire rap fans. Don’t miss out! Cabana Life Concerts and Streetwise Clothing presents “Welcome to The West 1st Annual Music Festival” on Saturday, May 26 in Ontario at the Citizens Bank Arena.

This concert is going to be lit’ especially with the lineup hittin’ the stage. Tickets can be purchased online. You can catch me in the building conducting interviews on behalf of LUE Productions and the Westside Story Newspaper. Until next week L’s!

Your story or event should be in my column ‘WHAT IT DO WITH LUE’ in the Westside Story Newspaper! Inbox me on Facebook for details. Make sure to pick up your copy. #WSSP #LUEPRODUCTIONS

Exclusive Interview: Granddughter of the Late Bob Marley, Donisha Prendergast, Chats on Family Legacy, Film and Activism Work

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- “Life itself is an active abstract interpretation of one’s reality. I won’t be defined.” Those words were spoken by filmmaker and activist, Donisha Predergast, who is also the granddaughter of late Reggae legend, Bob Marley.

Over the last couple of weeks, Donisha has been in countless newspapers, blog sites and news coverage regarding the recent race issue that she and her friends were faced with when checking out of an Air BNB in Rialto, California. Although that issue is of importance within the community, Miss Donisha and her family actually enjoyed bringing the Kaya Fest to the Inland Empire, which she mentioned in a recent interview with me.

I wanted to bring a little bit of positivity and take the light off of the Air BNB situation and focus more on what Prendergast is up to and what she is working on. Before we get into the interview, here’s a little information on who Donisha is for those who only know her as part of the Marley family.

Donisha Rita-Claire Prendergast is an actress, model, dancer and poet. She was born on December 29, 1984. Through the years while in the field, she increasingly developed a love for acting and the theatre. She landed several lead parts for “Jambiz” (Production Company in Jamaica). Her first role came as Karen in “Puppy Love”. Immediately she followed up by playing Cindy Relisha in “Cindy Relisha and the DJ Prince”.  She also has appeared in a number of major promotional ads including the new Ammars spread which appears in newspapers and billboards throughout the Caribbean and parts of the world including the U.S.A. many doors. Donisha aspires to become a Child Psychologist.

Click below to listen to the interview

“Amazing Woman – Mama!”

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Wonderful, tired, worn-out Mama… Sit down… Relax… Clear your mind of all thoughts… Forget the morning drama… Forget the battle cries… Let go of today’s worries and stresses…. Throw your cares on the Lord… and just rest… Mama…  Amazing Woman!

You are incredibly strong. You balance work, home, children, husband, cleaning, finances, cooking, shopping, planning, appointments… all these and many more. You work hard. You are relentless! Sit down and relax, mama! Yes, you can do it all!” is the message we hear and see. But underneath “doing it all” is a woman who I know sometimes feels like she’s crumbling under the weight of it all. Let yourself off the hook!  Breathe! Exhale!

“O if I had wings like a dove! I would surely fly away and be at rest; Truly, I would flee far away; I would lodge in the wilderness. I would hurry to find a shelter for myself from the raging wind and tempest …. [Psalms 55]. 

Oh mother, I thank God for the caring you’ve shown me through the years. I thank God for a mother who sacrificed many things, behind the scenes, unbeknownst to her children who never wanted for anything. I thank God for a mother who led by example and put others before herself. I thank God for a mother who forgave when others caused her pain. I thank God for a mother that persevered and handled set-backs with grace. I thank God for a mother that prayed for her children to find their way back, instead of pushing them further away. But most of all, I thank God for blessing me with a mother who introduced me to Him when I was old enough to talk. For without Him, I’d be lost and certainly wouldn’t appreciate the mother he gave me. Oh mother, I am forever grateful for all that you are and who you have taught me to be. The gratitude I have for you can hardly be expressed by words. Thank you for everything Mother!

 “All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all of my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her” [George Washington].

“All that I am or hope to be I owe to my angel mother. I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life” [Abraham Lincoln].

I encourage you, if your mother is still a live; appreciate her because she is irreplaceable. If she is no longer here, may her soul rest in peace. I know God has made a perfect home for her in heaven.

Happy Mother’s Day to ALL Mothers!

 

 

 

Theater Review: ‘Feeding A Monster’ Shines the Light and Brings Awareness to Sexual Assault

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- On Sunday, May 6, I had the pleasure of attending the last Los Angeles showing of ‘Feeding A Monster’, the stage play. ‘Feeding A Monster’ is the real-life story of Veronica Loving and her daughter Jazzmine Jackson. The stage play was derived from the book written by Loving and Jackson, and just as the book was in depth of the issue of sexual assault, the actors did an exceptional job of bringing the issue that has been swept under the rug for years, to the forefront.

The talent of this awe-inspiring production consisted of Fayley Patrice (Veronica Loving); DeJuan Christopher (Kenneth Crockom King); Doyin Domingo (Jazzmine Jackson); Conisha Wade-Dorsey (Rhea); and Andre K. Jefferson (Eli). Each cast member did a phenomenal job of bringing their character to life. The passion that they exhibited on stage made the audience feel the situation. You were able to visually see a reenactment of how Veronica and Jazzmine felt during the time that this experience occurred.

The way that the script was written, which was written by Loving and La Darrion Williams, kept us on the edge of the seats. Some scenes were so intense that they gave you chills because it seemed like everything was actually taking place right before your eyes. It made you feel like you had traveled the journey with Loving and Jackson. I commend the director, Art Evans, for bringing his vision of that to the stage.

Each scene in the play was thought out to a ‘T’, and in between the scenes the production crew were on que when it came time to get the stage ready for the next scene, whether it caused for moving furniture around or adding additional props to stage, they were on it.

If you did not get the chance to see this production, Veronica stated that they do plan on bringing it to a bigger stage and to more cities, so be on the lookout for that. But in the meantime, you can purchase the book at Amazon.com.

 

What It Do with the LUE: Sgt. Major Janie B. McCoy

By Lue Dowdy

Sgt. Major Janie B. McCoy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- My mama, retired Sgt. Major, Janie B. McCoy, is WHAT IT DO!

Beautiful, Black, strong, fearless, kind, loving, giving and unapologetic are just a few words to describe the lady that gave birth to me. When I think of the quote, “She get it from her mama,” I can totally agree because I do. My Queen is everything to me.

Born in New York but raised in these Cali streets, my mother was no joke. At a young age she enlisted in the military where she served in the army for over 30 years, faithfully. My mother is the type pf person that will give you the shirt directly off her back. I love listening to her tell stories about my grandmother and great-grandmother. I come from good stock!

Mommy thank you so much for always loving me, supporting me and believing in me. You’re my hero, the real J.I. Jane. Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Bottomline: Why Did You Really Call?

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

You can read in other places the details about the Rialto Police response to the neighborhood watcher’s 9-1-1 call about “Three Black People Stealing Stuff.” My focus is on the caller’s assumption of theft and more importantly, why that assumption and description.

The caller is described as a member of Neighborhood Watch, an organization of which most people speak with pride. I expect that people who are organized to watch would also be trained to report accurately.

 I could readily agree that she saw four people, one White and three Black, that she did not recognize who were removing “stuff” from a neighboring house. However, she assumed theft and reported it as such.

Is it a crime to make a sincere, but false police report? Is it a crime if that report ends in a tragic death? Responsible Neighborhood Watch members, as well as the rest of us, should want to be accurate when calling police.

The Rialto police responded in force as they should to a call describing an active burglary; however, thank goodness they did not arrive with guns blazing. They arrived and began investigating, asking questions, seeking the reality of the situation. That investigation took about 22 minutes according to Rialto police.

Why did the caller describe the “strangers” racially, if her concern was that she did not recognize them?

Donisha Prendergast, Bob Marley’s Granddaughter, was the focal point of the press coverage because of who she is.  The Rialto police have been notified of a possible lawsuit because of the incident. 

I think the Rialto Police Department has no need to apologize or worry about a suit. I cannot say the same about the Neighborhood Watch caller.

Donisha was in the Inland Empire attending the KAYA Fest, a concert tribute featuring Bob Marley’s sons and grandson. The performance was in San Bernardino at the National Orange Show. The event was a success that will hopefully become an annual affair.

Exclusive Interview: Life Transition and Life Coach, Sandra V., Provides Platform to Lead People to Their Purpose

Sandra V.

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Let’s face it, sometimes life is hard! Aside from prayer, sometimes we need that earthly guidance to help direct us in the path to take. Sandra V., founder and host of Vibrant Talk Show, created her outlet to do just that—guide people into their purpose.

Sandra is a life transition and success coach. Her show Vibrant Talk Show, based in Upland, California, was created to enhance the lives of individuals through specialist, experts, webinars and the like.

In addition to her show, Sandra is a nomadic presenter and conference speaker for organizations, conventions, schools, churches, as well as radio and television broadcasts. She holds a Doctorate in Religious Philosophy, along with her coaching certifications. She is passionate about touching lives and helping people to discover, design, transition and fulfill life’s purpose.

I recently chatted with Sandra V. where she chatted more about her mission and vision in life and for the show. Check out the interview below:

Can you briefly tell the readers who Sandra V. is?

I grew up in the Twin Cities, which is Minneapolis and St. Paul, and I’ve been her in Southern California since 1980. I have done public speaking for about 30 years and I’m also a life coach. I’ve authored a couple of books and I have a Ph.D in Religious Philosophy and an honorary doctorate from Next Dimension.

Wow, you do a lot! Let’s start off with the talk show first. What inspired you to launch the Vibrant Talk Show? And what is the mission and vision behind it?

I love success stories and I enjoy talking to people who have been what we consider the underdogs, that person who is least likely to make it or least likely to succeed. I love hearing their journey because sometimes we see the finished product, but we don’t always know what that person went through and the process that they went through to get to where they are. I like having them come on to share that and to inspire others. We also have experts who come on the show to inform the audience in different areas.

Awesome. So what prominent guests have you had on the show to date?

We had Raquel Herring (the first African American Mousekeeter), we’ve had professional athletes. We’ve had Ernest L Thomas. We’ve also had John Tarver (NFL professional). We’ve had celebrities on there, singers and authors, such as Romeo Johnson (The Voice). We’ve had quite a few.

When did you launch the show?

We launched it July 7, 2017.

Ooo awesome! So, you’re coming up on your one-year anniversary. Do you have anything planned?

Yes we do! We’re putting together a social event where we’ll have some of our guests that have previously been on the show, as well as people from the community, to come out and celebrate with us. We’re excited!

Where do you see the show going in the next three years?

We are hopeful to be picked up by a network. Right now, we do more like a webisode, but we’re also on HSBN.TV, which is available 24-hours a day. We’re hoping to go with some of the mainstream networks as well, so we can reach more audiences.

We want to shine a positive light on people and not necessarily bring up the mistakes they made. We want to show what they accomplished and how they’re impacting people in a positive way.

You’re also a life coach. What is your specialty and how long have you been doing that?

I’ve been a life coach since 2015 and I’m very passionate about it because it gives me an opportunity to sit down and provide a safe haven for people who just need an outlet to talk and also those who may have goals but don’t have the courage or the game plan.

I specialize in internal wellness because I believe as a Christian life coach the scripture lets us know that we prosper and we’re in health as our soul prospers, so I work with people to bring that wholeness and wellness to themselves and then they’re in a better position to produce the dreams and goals that they want.

You’re also an author…

I am!

So, what are some the books that you’ve written and what are they about?

I’ve written two and I’m working on one. The first one is called, “God’s Waiting Room”, and it has to do with conditioning yourself to be patient and wait on the perfect will of God for your life. You’re in preparation mode, but you’re not getting ahead of Him, but really allowing him to progress you forward in His timing and according to His purpose and plan for your life.

The second book is like a sequel to the first one and it is called, “I Don’t Mind Waiting, But I Refuse to be Denied”. That one has more to do with, ‘Ok, you’ve waited and prepped and now you’re at a time of launching what it is you want to do.’ So you have to have a determination and a tendency that says, “I’m not going to be denied what I’ve been promised. I’m not going to be denied what I prepared myself for.”

You also said you’re working on one. So, what will that one be about?

I’m working on one and this one is I think going to be very near and dear to my heart because this one is called, “The Renovation of a Signature Woman”, and it is birthed out of a period of my life where my life was basically dismantled and stripped down to the studs, and then being rebuilt again and being reinvented and reestablished, but also maintaining all of the experiences that was gained beforehand so that I can go to the level that I really need to be reaching.

When will that one be released?

That one I’m hoping to launch in 2019 because there’s a few chapters of it that are still being written if you know what I mean [laughs] by that. So, I would like to launch it in 2019.

You also do public speaking. Do you have any events coming up?

I don’t right now, mainly because we’re so focused on the show. The show is really taking off and it’s requiring a lot of time and energy right now, so we kind of ceased some of the speaking for now. But when the new book comes out, we’ll want to launch it again.

What are some things that you’re personally looking forward to? We’ve talked about the show’s vision, but what is Sandra’s own personal vision?

I envision myself being on those platforms that are going to take the show to the next level and also opening a gateway for other people who have been in the shadows preparing and putting in work who have a message that they need to share, whether it be a success story, a triumph. I want to be a Conduent for them. Some of them are doing grassroot work, but it’s not getting the type of attention that could really help them further their causes, so I’m excited and looking forward to that.

As a life coach, what is your piece of advice for those whether young or seasoned, who feel trapped and don’t know their purpose or trying to find their way but to no avail?

One of the things that I would say to them is that they may be if they’re stuck and been stuck for a while, they may need to search out someone who has tools of discovery that is put before the person for them to work through which makes them narrow down the things that are real true standards in their life. It makes them really narrow down what their true goals and aspirations are and then map out a way that they can actually maximize their time, energy and their resources to get them turning toward the direction that they discover that they really are interested and passionate about.

It also helps people to identify because sometimes you have people who have multiple gifts and talents and don’t know what to do with it all. It helps them to sort it out and organize the projects and set up timelines that are workable, doable and achievable. This allows people to come out of frustration because they can see progress. Even if it’s small steps, you’re now seeing progress.

If someone wanted to be a guest on the show, what are the requirements and how do they go about doing so?

Anyone who would be interested in being on the show can find us at VibrantTalkShow.com. We have a page there for people to fill out a form to submit to be on the show. We take on not just professional athletes, but community leaders and ordinary people who have overcome some really great obstacles and want to share and empower. We’ve had cancer survivors and we’re getting ready to a segment on domestic violence, suicide awareness. We also see the show us an intervention as well.

“How You Going to Call the Kettle Black… You Hypocrite!”

 

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Why want you, “First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye [Matthew 7:5]. That’s right, deal with your own sin, and then you can help someone else. Otherwise, don’t judge others because they sin differently than you do. For as [Romans 2] states, “Thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest does the same things.” YOU ARE A SINNER YOURSELF! How you going to call the kettle black? The next time you’re tempted to run down someone, remember James’ pointed question, “But who are you who judge your neighbor?” Judge yourself instead! [James 4:11-12]

I tell you, you remind me of the group of Pharisees and teachers of law, who brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus. They use her as a test case to trap Jesus. It was a clever trap. Yet Jesus did not step into it. Instead, He turned the trap on them. He said to them, “If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” [John 8:1-11]. He makes them judge themselves. Imagine that! “If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone…” Can I tell you that after what Jesus said penetrated, one  by  one they  drop  their stones  and  walked away  until  Jesus was  left  alone with  the frightened and disheveled woman. That’s right. They were gone, “poof” nowhere to be found… And when they were all gone, Jesus straighten up from writing in the sand, looked at her and said, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she says. Then He went on to say, well there is one who is without sin.  There is one who has the right and authority to judge and condemn you. And then He pronounced His judgment: “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. ‘“Go and leave your life of sin,” he concluded.

 Understood rather than condemned. Saved rather than stoned. Sin exposed yet covered in His love. This story does not condemn the sinner, but calls the sinner to change, to be saved. Grace ushered in forgiveness.

So what’s the point? Jesus was above reproach in a way none of us could ever be, and yet He showed only compassion, not accepting sinful behavior but never rejecting the person who sinned.  Maybe if we showed that same kind of love toward other sinners, we’d have more power and influence for good in the world and appear less like the hypocritical Pharisees.  It’s His kindness that led us to repentance after all [Romans 2:4].  So, the next time you hear of someone struggling with sin, try resisting the urge to “pile on” and think to yourself, “There but for the grace of God go I.”  Ask the Lord to forgive him or her as [1 John 5:16] instructs us to do, and if you get a chance, offer a word of encouragement.  You don’t have to condemn the believer to prove that you don’t condone the behavior.

God’s grace, receive it and then go and sin no more. Frame these words and hang them on the wall. Read them.  Ponder them.  Bathe in them. Drink them.  Stand below them and let them wash over your soul. 

“Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he falls” [1 Cor. 10:12].

Letter to the Editor: Kanye West’s Embrace of the MAGA Crowd Is Doomed to Fail

By Manny Otiko

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- I hate to admit it, but I have been sucked into the Kanye West-Donald Trump media storm. At first, I didn’t want to play a role in this manufactured event, but there are some important marketing, media and political lessons here.

West has always been a controversial figure. He’s a talented musician, who has won multiple Grammys. I bought two of his first CDs, back in the days when people bought CDs, and I enjoyed that his songs were different from the usual guns and blunts fare produced by other rappers. But in recent years, controversy has overwhelmed his talent.

There was the thing with Taylor Swift, the outrageous boasts and then the marriage to reality star Kim Kardashian. Several people in the industry have whispered that Kardashian’s reality TV antics are overshadowing West’s career and he has now been absorbed by the Kardashian clan. And more recently, West was hospitalized for “exhaustion” and rumored to be treated for a mental health condition. Now there is the sudden alliance with the Trump-MAGA crowd.  

This MAGA love happened just when West is promoting his new album. West comes from the showbiz world, where there’s no such thing as bad publicity. (Rapper 50 Cent once said that he didn’t mind some of the black gossip sites running stories about him being gay, because at least they were writing about him.)

West’s alleged alliance with Trump has news jacked social media and made him trend on Twitter, which is all great publicity for his album. This kind of publicity would cost you millions of dollars, and West just got it for free.

There is a history of people using outrageous antics to market their product. Madonna practically perfected it. I’ve never heard a song by rapper Azealia Banks, but her history of making crazy statements landed her in Playboy.

But there is a danger that West’s antics will alienate his base. And that’s already happening. He’s already lost millions of Twitter followers. And West has been hit by abuse on Twitter as fans are horrified by his comments. He might be embraced by MAGA lords, but they’re not going to buy his album or go to his concerts.

Part of the problem is because he’s allying himself with the Trump administration, which is one of the whitest supremacist presidencies in several decades. As ESPN’s Jemele Hill said, Trump has surrounded himself with open racists. He’s also implemented anti-immigrant, and anti-Muslim policies and referred to African countries as “sh*thole countries.” Even the phrase Make America Great Again (MAGA) is racist, because Trump supporters think America was great in the 1950s, when white males ran everything, and people of color had no representation.

Is this what West wants to ally himself with? If so, it’s no wonder his fans and management team have bailed on him.  It’s also ironic that West is getting praised by FOX News, a network that hates hip hop. FOX often tells entertainers that they shouldn’t talk about politics but loves to embrace Hollywood types if they have conservative views.

One of FOX’s arguments against Hollywood political commentators is they don’t know what they’re talking about. Well, that’s exactly the case with Kanye West! Just look at some of his statements:

  • Kanye says he loves Trump and he is his brother, but he’s not political.
  • He also once said that he doesn’t see the need to read books and bragged about not reading contracts.
  • He also praised black conservative commentator Candace Owens, who said that police violence wasn’t a problem with the black community. She also called Black Lives Matter whiny. Owens appears on Alex Jones’ conspiracy show, Info Wars, which should be enough to kill her credibility. Jones has spent years denying that the Sandy Hook school shooting existed until he was sued by the parents of the children killed at the school.

African-Americans turning against West isn’t about group think. People are not rejecting him because he’s dallying with Republicans. They’re turning against him because he’s allying with racists and he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. It’s not about left or right, it’s about right or wrong.

But good luck to Republicans with their embrace of Kanye. He’s a loose cannon and when he explodes again, it’s going to be your problem.


Manny Otiko is a media professional who is based in Southern California. Follow him @mannyotiko on Twitter. This column represents the views of the author, not California Black Media.