October 24th, 2007

Amber Arts and Music Space

Here is a story you will want to read if you have interest in blackinbusiness. 3, 30 something black businessmen are getting screwed by The Big Apple. We should applaud the efforts of; Todd Triplett and partners, Shawn Jenkins and Philip Mckenzie for thinking big and wanting to benefit the black community in their dreams.
These industrialist young men are finding their dream slipping away because of a little known and seldom used action in today’s world called, Eminent Domain.
These gentlemen envisioned a modern day cotton club as part of a revival culturally in downtown Brooklyn. Vacant real-estate was to be used to house Amber Arts and Music. The renovation costs were in the 7 figures and the trio had secured a 10 year lease. They were set to bring top entertainment and had toured the building for John Legend to positive feedback.
Not afraid of risk the investors had put all of their resources into this venture and brought in corporate sponsorships and a private investor. It is obvious the strategy had logic and their assumptions for business success had excited the community.
Fast forward to countdown time, It is a month prior to a grand opening and the letter of eminent domain action arrived. The city of New York has decided to have their cultural revival and targeted the same building as a center piece for Bam Cultural District. The difference from Amber Art and Music Space, all the people in the city’s renderings are white.
It just doesn’t seem right. I predict these 3 young men will be huge business success but what an unfortunate set back. How could the city sit back and watch all this money being invested and not say anything until a month prior to opening. Hang in there brothers, I am rooting for you!

5 Responses

  1. styleosophy Says:

    I am rooting for them also. What a shame!

  2. Jim Walton Says:

    Styleosophy, thanks for the comment, even when we do our best there can be unexpected land mines

  3. Yobachi Says:

    Wanted to remind you that you forgot to blog against genocide yesterday (unless you did that somewhere else): http://www.blackperspective.net/index.php/blogging-against-genocide/#comment-757

    It’s not to late. The Amnesty Int. action ask for people to contact the white house through the end of the week as The UN anniversary celebration goes through Friday.

    Don’t forget to make a point of your readers contacting the white house or their legislators.

  4. Robyn Says:

    I’m rooting too, Jim!

  5. Jim Walton Says:

    Robyn, thanks for stopping by!

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