Dr. Pamela Grayson @LadyPGrayson
Answers 4 Questions About the NFL and Jay-Z's Partnership
This is myself and my son. Jay Z needs to be mindful that he is living in an ivory tower. He contributes money where he likes, but he is not out here in the social justice mix. He should speak to only what he knows.
Dr. Michael Robinson: What are your thoughts about the NFL and Jay-Z’s partnership?
Pamela Grayson: I believe that Jay-Z may be giving himself more credence than he deserves. He believes that he is in a position to “fix” the strained relationship between the NFL and people of color. I believe that he is being used as a conduit to secure halftime entertainment by people of color and that is it. Business is business, but there should always be principles within the business transactions. I believe that Jay-Z may be setting aside his principles and believe that the NFL perceives him as a worthwhile equal...when in actuality they do not nor will they ever.
Dr. Michael Robinson: Do you think Jay-Z was right when he said we have moved past kneeling?
Pamela Grayson: Not at all. To me, this comment is the equivalent of the disrespectful comment from CeeLo where he said that marching was ineffective. Marching and kneeling are methods that our ancestors used to make the changes that we enjoy today. Peaceful protest will always be a viable option. CeeLo has never waddled in a march as Jay-Z has never kneeled. For these two to criticize efforts that they have not engaged is thoughtless ignorance. As someone that has kneeled and marched, I find that these comments even insult me. I am one that is out here in these streets on the front line. This is the picture that went viral re: Botham Jean’s murder by a police officer.
Dr. Michael Robinson: And to want extent do you think now that Jay-Z is in partnership with the NFL more entertainers will end their personal boycott and participate in events such as the half-time show of the Super Bowl?
Pamela Grayson: This concerns me. We have the NFL over a barrel, and it is always one crab (Jay-Z) that flips the script and diminishes our collective power. I think because of who he is, artists might fold to an extent that negatively impacts the NFL boycott.
Dr. Michael Robinson: Finally, does this allow the NFL to move away from the Colin Kaepernick conversation?
Pamela Grayson: I believe that it will. How dare Jay-Z state we are past kneeling. He does not speak for all people of color and he is catching flack for his comment and for partnering and not gaining leverage for Kaep to return. Many of us will keep the Kaepernick conversation alive. Watching the NFL is still not allowed in my home. This comment exposes hypocrisy within the thought process as to how does one state there is an issue, but will make a business deal with the oppressor causing the issue?
Pamela Grayson: I believe that Jay-Z may be giving himself more credence than he deserves. He believes that he is in a position to “fix” the strained relationship between the NFL and people of color. I believe that he is being used as a conduit to secure halftime entertainment by people of color and that is it. Business is business, but there should always be principles within the business transactions. I believe that Jay-Z may be setting aside his principles and believe that the NFL perceives him as a worthwhile equal...when in actuality they do not nor will they ever.
Dr. Michael Robinson: Do you think Jay-Z was right when he said we have moved past kneeling?
Pamela Grayson: Not at all. To me, this comment is the equivalent of the disrespectful comment from CeeLo where he said that marching was ineffective. Marching and kneeling are methods that our ancestors used to make the changes that we enjoy today. Peaceful protest will always be a viable option. CeeLo has never waddled in a march as Jay-Z has never kneeled. For these two to criticize efforts that they have not engaged is thoughtless ignorance. As someone that has kneeled and marched, I find that these comments even insult me. I am one that is out here in these streets on the front line. This is the picture that went viral re: Botham Jean’s murder by a police officer.
Dr. Michael Robinson: And to want extent do you think now that Jay-Z is in partnership with the NFL more entertainers will end their personal boycott and participate in events such as the half-time show of the Super Bowl?
Pamela Grayson: This concerns me. We have the NFL over a barrel, and it is always one crab (Jay-Z) that flips the script and diminishes our collective power. I think because of who he is, artists might fold to an extent that negatively impacts the NFL boycott.
Dr. Michael Robinson: Finally, does this allow the NFL to move away from the Colin Kaepernick conversation?
Pamela Grayson: I believe that it will. How dare Jay-Z state we are past kneeling. He does not speak for all people of color and he is catching flack for his comment and for partnering and not gaining leverage for Kaep to return. Many of us will keep the Kaepernick conversation alive. Watching the NFL is still not allowed in my home. This comment exposes hypocrisy within the thought process as to how does one state there is an issue, but will make a business deal with the oppressor causing the issue?