Negative Treatment of the Black Press Taints 2001 Bob Marley Day
Celebration in Long Beach, California 

Article by Diane "Livonn" Adam - 2001

I have and continue to work very hard to report on and promote Reggae Music
in the news media.  My love for the music and the Rastafarian message has
motivated my every step and emanated throughout my work.  The Bob Marley
Birthday Celebrations in Long Beach California have always been one of my
favorite events.  However, I am sad to report that this year's event held
in Long Beach, California on February 17-18, 2001 was marred by the
disgraceful treatment of many of the African-American journalists and
photographers who diligently cover this event year after year.

All seemed well on the first day of the event. Journalists and
photographers met and greeted each other at press conferences that were
overflowing with well wishes and gratitude from the promoters and
organizers as they lauded all that we do for Reggae Music in the media. 
But many of the African-American journalists were deliberately barred from
interviewing artists and, midstream on the second day of the event, barred
access to a large portion of the backstage area.  When confronting one of
the organizers of the Long Beach Bob Marley Birthday show about why we were
treated in this outrageous manner, we were non-chalantly told that the
'other' journalists and photographers had arranged their backstage access
via the artists and there was nothing they could do to correct the
situation.  Perhaps, it might seem petty that many of us were outraged,
since we were still "allowed" to view the show.  However, if you have any
idea of the work involved in developing stories, getting interviews and
photographs, you know that in order to succeed journalists must have access
to the artists and be free to move backstage to have a drink of water or
take a break between shows and use the facilities.  When you are barred
from these amenities (usually a given for the media) you find yourself
adrift in the sea of scorn that is set up for you.  A condition that cannot
be seen as anything but contempt for the work that we perform coupled with
a deliberate attempt by the "powers that be" to control and eliminate our
voice in the medium.  

Many times we African people try to turn the other cheek, walk away and go
on in spite of the dreadful surroundings we find ourselves.  But it is
particularly distressing, when you discover that you are even barred from
connecting with your mirror image reflected in each performer's face.  We
are told that we should not judge on color but in the good deeds that are
done. Still, we witness the oppressors controlling hand all the way.  We
are told to unite with our white "brothers and sisters" and fight the good
fight without surrendering to name calling and anger as we confront a
kaleidoscope of injustices. I am and continue to be appalled, outraged and
sickened by the calculated injustices that still linger at my doorstep day
after day.  Especially in the face of this Reggae Music!  Music that
exhorts again and again - Equal Rights and Justice!   The songs are still
sung…but often I wonder --- Is anybody out there listening?  In this
instance, acknowledging mistakes and correcting them would be the right
thing to do.  I expect it, but will not be surprised if, instead, I am
greeted by more hostility and injustice in the wake of my disclosure. But
take care!   For "still" true are the words of His Imperial Majestey
Emperor Haile Selassie I:  

"…Until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of
all men, as they are in the eyes of Heaven; Until that day, the African
continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary, and we
know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over
evil."	

and The Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey who said:

"If I were you, I would search myself to find out if there is any good in
me."