A&T may drop rapper from homecoming concert

Shortly after returning student came back from their summer vacation, many began the debate about the concert. Students attending A&T did not like that fact that the rapper was headlining the concert due to his gang affiliation with the Bloods. Chancellor Harold Martin said Wednesday that “N.C. A&T is considering replacing a gang-affiliated rapper, who is headlining the school’s homecoming event.” In Gucci Mane’s latest album entitled “Murder was the case” depicts violence and drug abuse. Martin said “the school doesn’t want to censor any artist, but gang activity and drug dealing aren’t the things that hould be showcased when welcoming alumni and celebrating the university.”
Julianne Malveaux, president of Bennett College for Women, says said her Bennett Belles joined students from UNCG and A&T to denounce gun violence earlier this year, when 22-year-old Dennis Hayle became the second A&T student killed in a shooting in the past year and a half.“We lose 2,500 African Americans aged 15 to 24 each year to this kind of violence,” Malveaux said. “And each time our hearts break because we know we’ve lost someone with great potential. So to invite Gucci Mane, a poster child for this kind of violence, to homecoming, I imagine it wouldn’t happen if there was a better conversation aboutthe event.”
Martin is glad to know that his students are protesting about the music but wishes that it was done earlier before contracts were signed. “I would like to see us getting back to a greater level of welcoming our alumni back to the institution, showing them where their school is going, showcasing their successes and celebrating this institution,” Martin said. “I believe we can do that and also have great entertainment that shares our values.”