Twitter is scratching its head over ‘Come Meet a Black Person’ event in metro Atlanta
One metro Atlanta professional group is stirring a bit of controversy for a networking event that encourages white people to come meet black people.
Urban Mediamakers, a consortium of content creators in a variety of media, is hosting "Come Meet a Black Person" at 5 p.m. at Cornerstone in Lawrenceville to celebrate its 16th anniversary.
Cheryle Moses, the organizations's producer, said the affair was inspired by a 2014 study from Robert Jones of the Public Religion Research Institute, which found that 75 percent of whites do not have black friends or friends of any race other than white, for that matter.
“It blew me away because as a black person you kind of know most white people don’t have black friend, but to actually see a number, that quantifies it,” Moses said. “I know everything about white people, but a lot of white people don’t know much about our culture or our community. Not real stuff anyway...My goal is really to start conversations.”
The organizer, who is a black woman, certainly has people talking as many have headed to social media to express their opinions on the idea of the meetup.
Many were shocked that some white people may not have interacted with black people.
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🍹Dee's Bar 🍸 (@DeesBar) November 16, 2017Dear black people, if you are waiting to meet a white person that has NEVER met a black person....RUN! Something ain't right. "Come Meet a Black Person" pic.twitter.com/DUANZRF3Gu
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🤷🏾♀️— Melanin Princess👑 (@BreLynnor) November 16, 2017My thoughts on the "Come Meet A Black Person" event: lf a white person hasnt met a black person & it's almost 2018, that's because they're probably racist & dont want to.
Also... if you live in a world where you’ve never met a black person, something tells me you aren’t going to the come meet a black person event.
— Matt Kline (@mattklinewwetna) November 15, 2017
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Others thought the occasion was reminscent of slavery, where blacks were auctioned off for free labor or put on displays as exhibitions.
This is Ota Bengi. Was in a human zoo during the World Fair n 1904. "Come meet a black person" has already been done pic.twitter.com/G1hY19w0nl
— DrTMG (@DrTMG) November 15, 2017
Come Meet a Black Person?
— Black & Intellectual (@_blackintellect) November 15, 2017
Nah I'm cool. I'm not a wildlife creature in my natural habitat. Meeting black people does not mean folks will change their opinions about the racist systems they support. It's a feel good gesture
🐦 (@iamlisamuhammad) November 16, 2017White folks at the Come Meet A Black Person event. pic.twitter.com/bn3piQbonT
— Lisa Muhammad
On the other hand, a couple had some ideas about what they would wear or eat at the celebration.
I legit want to attend this event in my 'Smokin Jay' jersey w/ a pack of Newports hanging out my durag. They didn't specify what kind of black person they get to meet. pic.twitter.com/V9abX65AEl
— Roy Wood Jr- Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) November 13, 2017
🤨 (@lil_bit71) November 16, 2017Will they be serving a combination of cucumber sandwiches with the crust cut off and 40’s in a brown paper bag at “The come meet a black person” event?
— Mellimel
Asking for a hungry thirsty friend.
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Then a few suggested “normal” ways to meet black people.
😊— Smiling Jester (@Smiley_Killer95) November 16, 2017Dear White people,
If you truly want to 'Come Meet a Black Person' then do it the normal way. We are human beings not animals on display at a zoo. If you want to meet a normal black person so bad walk down the street and say "Hello, how are you?".
Sincerely, a black Guy
You don't need a networking event to meet a black person. We are everywhere. Just a hi or a good morning will suffice. #comemeetablackperson https://t.co/3kj6Qi8Ww6
— TaTA! (@SaschaSeriously) November 15, 2017
And some said people were blowing things out of proportion and highlighted the organizers’ intent.
I think the "Come Meet a Black person" event here in GA had good intentions but ends up missing the point since most whites here have atleast a few black friends whether they be co-workers, buddies or even lovers.
— Cylanos (@BruisingSmile) November 16, 2017
Atleast that has always been my experience.
👌— Albert (@saltyfan) November 16, 2017“Come meet a black person” is not divisive at all. Brilliant marketing strategy.
Come Meet a Black Person, definitely being blown out of proportion. Regardless of the name - the aim, goal, and mission of the networking event is what matters most. #ComeMeetABlackPerson
— dis_informed (@dis_informed) November 16, 2017
About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
