Kid Rock Accepts Controversial NAACP Honor In Detroit

News

Post a New BlogUpload Photo or Video

  • WebCrew's picture
    Kid Rock Accepts Controversial NAACP Honor In Detroit
    Posted by
    WebCrew
    May 02, 2011

    Kid Rock gave as well as received on Sunday night (May 1) in his home town.

    While accepting his controversial Great Expectations Award at the Detroit branch of the NAACP's 56th annual Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner, Rock announced $100,000 in donations -- five $10,000 grants to Motor City-based organizations and $50,000 to the American Red Cross for tornado victims in U.S. Southern states. Many in the crowd announced at more than 10,000 gave Rock a standing ovation, diffusing a bit of the controversy that surrounded the award.

    Critics felt it was inappropriate for the NAACP to honor Rock since he uses a Confederate flag in his stage shows and videos. Outside of Cobo Hall, where the dinner was held, a couple of dozen protesters marched with Say No To Kid Rock signs and at one point burned a Confederate flag over a garbage can. Adolph Mongo, a Detroit political consultant who was outspoken in his opposition to the award, said that the flag "stands for hatred, bigotry, racism, murder. "Every bigot and racist in this country loves that flag." He added that, "If Kid Rock was alive in the 50s in Selma (Ala.) he would have beaten up John Lewis and waving the Confederate flag." Lewis, a leading Civil Rights activist and now a U.S. Representative from Georgia, was one of the night's other honorees.

    During his brief remarks, Rock -- who attended the dinner with his son, Bob Ritchie, Jr., brother Billy Ritchie and production manager Eric "Shakes" Gryzbowski -- told the crowed that "I've never flown that flag with hate in my heart, not one ounce." He explained that his use of the image was an "homage" to Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, who he's name-checked in his songs and whose "Sweet Home Alabama" was an ingredient in his 2008 mash-up hit, "All Summer Long." Rock explained that he made the donations to "turn a negative into a positive," and concluded his speech by saying that, "I love America, I love Detroit and I love black people!"

    In presenting the award to Rock, Detroit NAACP President Wendell Anthony acknowledged the controversy as well as his organizations opposition to what the Confederate flag represents and noted that Rock "has stirred the pot" by using it. But he added that "we are not saluting the flag. We are saluting the works" that Rock has done in the community.

    Rock returns to the road this week with a pair of casino shows in Thackerville, Okla., before playing the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Sunday (May 8). He begins a five-date Canadian tour on May 31, then starts a summer run with Sheryl Crow on July 2 in Cincinnati.

    SOURCE: Billboard.com

    55 Comments COMMENTS (55)
    Filed under:
    News
    55
    Blog category:
WebCrew's picture
Submitted by WebCrew
on Mon, 05/02/2011 - 2:14pm

Kid Rock gave as well as received on Sunday night (May 1) in his home town.

While accepting his controversial Great Expectations Award at the Detroit branch of the NAACP's 56th annual Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner, Rock announced $100,000 in donations -- five $10,000 grants to Motor City-based organizations and $50,000 to the American Red Cross for tornado victims in U.S. Southern states. Many in the crowd announced at more than 10,000 gave Rock a standing ovation, diffusing a bit of the controversy that surrounded the award.

Critics felt it was inappropriate for the NAACP to honor Rock since he uses a Confederate flag in his stage shows and videos. Outside of Cobo Hall, where the dinner was held, a couple of dozen protesters marched with Say No To Kid Rock signs and at one point burned a Confederate flag over a garbage can. Adolph Mongo, a Detroit political consultant who was outspoken in his opposition to the award, said that the flag "stands for hatred, bigotry, racism, murder. "Every bigot and racist in this country loves that flag." He added that, "If Kid Rock was alive in the 50s in Selma (Ala.) he would have beaten up John Lewis and waving the Confederate flag." Lewis, a leading Civil Rights activist and now a U.S. Representative from Georgia, was one of the night's other honorees.

During his brief remarks, Rock -- who attended the dinner with his son, Bob Ritchie, Jr., brother Billy Ritchie and production manager Eric "Shakes" Gryzbowski -- told the crowed that "I've never flown that flag with hate in my heart, not one ounce." He explained that his use of the image was an "homage" to Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, who he's name-checked in his songs and whose "Sweet Home Alabama" was an ingredient in his 2008 mash-up hit, "All Summer Long." Rock explained that he made the donations to "turn a negative into a positive," and concluded his speech by saying that, "I love America, I love Detroit and I love black people!"

In presenting the award to Rock, Detroit NAACP President Wendell Anthony acknowledged the controversy as well as his organizations opposition to what the Confederate flag represents and noted that Rock "has stirred the pot" by using it. But he added that "we are not saluting the flag. We are saluting the works" that Rock has done in the community.

Rock returns to the road this week with a pair of casino shows in Thackerville, Okla., before playing the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Sunday (May 8). He begins a five-date Canadian tour on May 31, then starts a summer run with Sheryl Crow on July 2 in Cincinnati.

SOURCE: Billboard.com

Comments

bluesuedeshoe's picture

Wed, 06/22/2011 - 9:44pm — bluesuedeshoe
Yo Doc, see the call me thread.
bluesuedeshoe's picture

Sat, 06/18/2011 - 8:06pm — bluesuedeshoe
Sorry an omit. Make that "cheeky little monkey", lol!
bluesuedeshoe's picture

Sat, 06/18/2011 - 8:05pm — bluesuedeshoe
MissJessicaJean says (May 03, 2011 ) This just proves that people will bitch about anything. Here is a honest, true, giving man, who is handing out money to help those who need it and people are complaining that he uses the confederate flag.. WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE! I wish more "stars" would give, they might shine alittle brighter. I understand they work for their money, but instead of buying thousand dollar shoes and dog collars, buying a car/house for those less fortunate would hardly make a dent in their checkbook but would be the world the the receiver. Seriously? The KKK used the Confederate Flag to terrorize black folks in the south. You can't see why it might still be an effort for those who supported equal rights to accept the symbolism? Note....Bob did not apologize at the event, but they sure got the little monkey to pony up a ton of cash to make it right. In my opinion, he still looks like a self indulgent idiot on this issue. Worse he pulls in another band saying he's following them?
Bulldog1846's picture

Fri, 05/06/2011 - 11:17am — Bulldog1846
come on people really about the CONFEDERATE FLAG. It does not mean the same thing today as it did when it was created. I fly the flag high and im not racist. I love this country and the fact that we can do just about anything with scrutiny but anyone that is well known can only do things that are ok in the public eye ***& the public eye do what you want as long as your happy were happy. The flag is part of who you are, and who we all are.
windgypsy's picture

Wed, 05/04/2011 - 6:12pm — windgypsy
They can protest over his flag but we all have flown it for different reasons and the tight ass who is so worried about it needs to shut the hell up. People are not all skin heads or thugs your living way back in them days WE WERE BORN FREE...................
zonker's picture

Wed, 05/04/2011 - 4:08pm — zonker
Peeps need to get over their "Southern Flag" phobia, and remember that that war was not primarily fought over the issue of slavery...like it or not it is a part of our history and has become simply, for most, a symbol of being from the south and for some a symbol for simply being a bit rebellious in spirit...and "the Kid" is most definitely and thankfully rebellious and free at heart...and is 100% pure AMERICAN!
Sherrie aka Lily's picture

Wed, 05/04/2011 - 10:24am — Sherrie aka Lily
Rock On Brother~Whether you know it or not, you give more than you receive. Congrats on your award! May God Bless you and help you Along!

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 9:28pm — Bobbie Jean_2
He is there to get / receive an award... and he is, yet again... the one giving. God Bless Mr. Kid Rock! :)))
krluv's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 8:55pm — krluv
you have a beautiful soul. kudos to wendell anthony for acknowledging this..
joshandrews49's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 1:56pm — joshandrews49
They should start listening instead of only seeing. Kid Rock can do no wrong!
VaKathy's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 1:44pm — VaKathy
Congrats on your award! Well deserved I am sure. Regarding the controversy, rather than use Skynyrd as a scapegoat, I would rather have seen you educate those ignorant asses on the true meaning of the flag. Unfortunately in years gone by, the KKK and others have displayed it as a symbol of hate and therefore the black population in general view it as a hate symbol. The flag's true meaning has nothing to do with hate. They really need to go back to history class. Skynyrd does not display it as a symbol of hate, but rather of pride in their southern heritage.
samroberts01's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 1:34pm — samroberts01
Congrats, well deserved!
MissJessicaJean's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 1:12pm — MissJessicaJean
This just proves that people will bitch about anything. Here is a honest, true, giving man, who is handing out money to help those who need it and people are complaining that he uses the confederate flag.. WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE! I wish more "stars" would give, they might shine alittle brighter. I understand they work for their money, but instead of buying thousand dollar shoes and dog collars, buying a car/house for those less fortunate would hardly make a dent in their checkbook but would be the world the the receiver.
Cheryl_13's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 11:15am — Cheryl_13
American by birth, Southern by the grace of God. Rebel pride, no hatred involved. Congratulations!!!
Peach 33's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 11:14am — Peach 33
Born A GA. Peach. But now live an Alabama. My family was born and raised in Al. My mother even picked cotton in her younger days. We are of whte (ethnicity) and born free. AMEN TO EVERY HUMAN !!!
Kendra Bryson's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 10:44am — Kendra Bryson
;) Congrats!!!!!
Marie_10's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 10:39am — Marie_10
YOU ARE THE BEST BOBBIE! PRESS ON!
mustang club of greater mt clemens's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 10:32am — mustang club of...
Congrats on your recent award. Showing fellow Detroiters that race is never an issue. Signed, The Mustang Club of Greater Mt.Clemens. ( Car club)
Diana_11's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 8:21am — Diana_11
People will always stir up controversy. You respresent Michigan and Detroit better than anyone else. Your heart is true and you put your money where your mouth is. Not like other stars who jump on a bandwagon just for the attention. You only get behind what you believe in. Michigan loves Bob!
kidrocket99's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 8:15am — kidrocket99
Congrats!
mom2300_2's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 3:26am — mom2300_2
Thnk you for your donation to the tornado effected states in the south. We are devastated and I hope you can find the time to come visit if you can . I was not affected by the storms materialy but Im sure you have heard about Cullmans devastation....I know you have connections to that area. B`ham and Tuscaloosa are getting alot of press as well they should but you could make an apperance in Alabama if you can work us in. I met you on the cruise and I know you were ALL I expected and more.We would love to see you anytime if you cant work us in this time. Again THANK YOU SO MUCH for ALL you do for everyone. LOVE FROM ALABAMA ( ps I am not from Cullman)
mom2300_2's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 3:15am — mom2300_2
You deserve the award. Thnk you for ALL you do.
ANGELIQUE LACRISSA's picture

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 1:05am — ANGELIQUE LACRISSA
amen i agree well said bob i wanna a meeting at 5 pm discuss solutions putting people who want to live a certain way in common it all starts in the neighborhood even if ya in the woodsw incentrive can really make people agree live and honor help stay loyal band of americans livin the best way we know, teachin our kids about the good and evil within society.........watching them grow legacy are made by those ya let in
Craig Leigeb's picture

Mon, 05/02/2011 - 11:58pm — Craig Leigeb
Kid Rock is one of the last true Americans around! If people would quit focusing on all of the negetive bull shit dragging us down and unite to put ourselves back in charge, we can salvage what freedoms we still have.
ANGELIQUE LACRISSA's picture

Mon, 05/02/2011 - 11:55pm — ANGELIQUE LACRISSA
WOW see GOD BLESS AMERICA thank kr for all the thngs you do shows one love like bob makes me proud of ya! congrates and what an honor11!121
Sunshine1's picture

Mon, 05/02/2011 - 10:58pm — Sunshine1
I think Kid Rock should be the next Bacherlor what ya think.
LindaLee♥'s picture

Mon, 05/02/2011 - 10:52pm — LindaLee♥
You deserve this award more than anyone else. I am not just saying this because I am one of your biGGest fans. You are awesome and do so much for Detroit. The protesters are truly a bunch of idiots!! ;) Congrats to you Bob! (muuuuaaaah!)
TX_Cowgirl4213's picture

Mon, 05/02/2011 - 10:18pm — TX_Cowgirl4213
Congrats Darlin' you deserve all the great things that come your way. These idiots (protesters) should be putting all that energey into helping all the victims of the tornados, or doing something worth while in thier community, and making a difference. not just blowing hot air. Dont worry Darlin' I'm not blind I see your "TRUE HEART' the world needs a whole lot more Bob Ritchies in this world..
Lila ashker's picture

Mon, 05/02/2011 - 10:03pm — Lila ashker
Bobby Your The Best Bacherlor In The State Of Michigan!
Velvet Minxxx's picture

Mon, 05/02/2011 - 10:01pm — Velvet Minxxx
I am a Southern Girl originally from Richmond, Va and I have been with Bob for 14 year's and I am not going no dayuum were. I am at the concerts singing Low Life word for word with you people turn around to look at me and I said it is just a song why be so up tight? I know where your heart is and anyone who pays attention or is able to research on their own does which seems to be a real problem these days folks just don't want to take the time to research and read with understanding. These idiots really need to turn their attention to their own backyard where there is nothing but half filled promises, unfinished projects, and bs going on. You have done so many good works for the city of Detroit and I know will continue to do so. It doesn't even make sense what they were trying to dig up something in your yard that was already in plain view smh It was like telling us your eye's are blue get the eff out of here. They are just straight up jealous and bitter bullshitter's. LOVE YOU HONEY HUGGGS TO YOU AND THE WHOLE CREW

Pages