Kenny Hardin, Salisbury City Councilman
♦ I received an email yesterday morning from a citizen in response to my article posted on the Rowan Free Press asking, “I would like to know specifically what you want in downtown Salisbury that will be conducive to the Black population’s support and participation.”
In response, I reached out to about 30 friends on Facebook that I felt were progressive thinkers who could offer some good ideas to respond to the query. The thread was lively and the discussion was productive. What was interesting were several responses where people said they’ve patronized the area, but didn’t feel welcomed or appreciated. Below is my response this morning to the email:
Good morning,
Thank you for responding to the article. I took the opportunity to share your question with about 30 of my friends on a Facebook chat thread. The number of responses and continued conversation throughout the day was overwhelming! Here are a few responses I received:
“I’m attracted to live music and interactive gaming at restaurants (trivia night, karaoke, etc). Further, I enjoy themed street festivals: art crawls, cultural exchanges, or even food themes – BBQ or food trucks.”
“The culture will change with diverse businesses like Kenny is talking about. Not a one time event, but something permanent.”
“Places that truthfully welcomes Blacks. They appreciate the money, but I don’t think a lot of the businesses appreciate the Black person.”
“Black performing arts theater.”
“A recording studio – to bring in artists from around the Carolinas.”
“Years ago Salisbury use to have City Fest at the City Park. It allows vendors of all types, games, crafts, music and a schedule of stage performers.”
“Nothing is actually appealing, out dated and ole fashion is not going to cut it. But I see what you are trying to accomplish.”
“If it’s not technology driven it will be difficult to sustain. Eateries and lounges are nice, but they only do well during certain times of the year and if the age of its customer base are the same. Technology driven projects tend to stay around much longer because the tech piece usually serves as a common denominator for all people.”
“A lounge for 30 and up, live music, more festivals geared toward our culture.”
“I’m assuming the call is for black-owned businesses and not just those that are white and will gladly take our money, but not us. Restaurants and maybe a jazz bar or lounge would be good. Capital is an issue to move into the so-called HRD (high rent district).”
“♡♡♡♡♡ the food truck idea! In Charlotte they have an area that I think the city maintains & they are there everyday. Also….how about a diversity initiative to bring in business. Find some businesses that we would like Uptown & approach them…maybe see if they would expand to Salisbury. City/County could work together for a brake in rent.”
“People go where they feel wanted, not tolerated.”
“Salisbury has a lot of music events in downtown during the summer, but it is not catered to us and like Derrick said, I went last Summer and the looks I got going into stores, I haven’t been back.”
I hope this answered your question. I think it’s a combination of things relevant to Black culture and interest as well as having a comfort level of being accepted in the area.
Kenny Hardin
