Mississippi’s own David Banner was recently honored with an award from the National Black Caucus of State Legislature (NBCSL) in his home state. Seems like hip hop rappers like Ludacris and David Banner turn to be very most social people after all ;-)
According to repots by ABC affiliate WAPT, Banner was presented with the organization’s Visionary Award at a ceremony on Wednesday (November 29) in Jackson, MS for his contributions and efforts in helping to raise millions of dollars in relief funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina. The rapper was received by a standing ovation from the more than 200 high school students who attended the event.
Though Banner has long been a fixture in the charitable communities of his native state, he took time out in his passionate speech to address those who don’t see him as a role model because of the sometimes explicit lyrics found in his music.
“Regardless of what people say and what they do, I’m in the hood,” said Banner during his acceptance speech. “It hurts me because I hear all these people talking stuff about my lyrics but what you need to do is instead of thinking about the cursing, think about the something that I’m putting in my lyrics. Change our neighborhoods, but they don’t do that.”
He continued by saying, “All those people that say things about David Banner, where were you after Hurricane Katrina when I was handing out boxes? Where were you when I was passing out my own personal shoes? When I went to the coast the day after Katrina struck I was standing next to dead children floating in the water. Where were you? You wonder why we curse in our music, you wonder where the pain comes from, we are gangster because the establishment and neighborhoods we live in are gangster.”
Though the National Black Caucus or its branch in the state of Mississippi made it clear that they do not endorse the rapper’s lyrics or music, they do applaud his charitable efforts. Resiliently, Banner made it clear that he does not apologize for his choice of words and will no longer defend his music to anyone.
The NBCSL serves as a clearinghouse and network for African American legislators and their constituents and has provided the Black community with a vital platform for access, equity and empowerment for over 25 years.
