Posted on 07/31/2013 12:03:33 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Chaka Khan has joined fellow performers in the boycott of Florida, as a show of solidarity against the not guilty verdict handed down to George Zimmerman earlier in the month.
Khan recorded a song in honor of Trayvon Martin, who was gunned down by Zimmerman last February. In a Huffington Post interview, the legendary songstress revealed that she, like Stevie Wonder, is shunning the Sunshine State. "I am boycotting Florida," she said. "I had a booking there last week and I canceled it."
However, if a gig in the state involves paying homage to Martin, she won't turn her back on the slain teen. "If any tributes come up I'll do it. Absolutely."
Zimmerman's acquittal of second-degree murder was "a travesty" according to Khan, and more proof that "racism is still very much alive and well" in America. "It has gone to more of a cerebral state. But it's alive and well. The new slavery is keeping Black men in jail."
A native of Chicago, the "Through the Fire" singer went on to address gun violence in the Windy City. Last year, the Chi surpassed 500 homicides and clocked more than 40 in the first month of 2013 for a record-breaking 31 days of bloodshed. "It's insane," Khan continued. "These kids are using gangs as a rite of passage. If we were still living in villages it would be very different."
She also publicized an anti-violence rally to be helmed by the Rev. Jesse Jackson in Chicago this weekend.
In between career commitments (her new album, The iKhan Project, will be out sometime this year), Khan likes to make time for activism and believes others should follow suit. "Everyone should be of service in some way. There's a reason for being here. We're here fundamentally on this planet right now to be of assistance to one another."
prolly true, but other than having heard it's name before, i have absolutely no idea who it is... and i guess for that small favor, i am eternally grateful
2013 large crowd(maybe 75), no comments at site.
Walk for Aids!
I didn’t think that’s how one gets AIDS.
Can you say “jumped the shark”?
Who cares. Let them all stay the hell out. Florida will be better for it.
the fewer the better
I would have guessed that these days Chaka Khan is headlining a breakfast buffet in Vegas and bussing tables between sets.
Thanks. Do not think I missed much.
Looked her up after posting to you. Chicago named a street for her. Never heard of the band she was with either.
I’m 37 and I know who she is. I listen to 70’s music all the time.
I don’t feel for her....
I’ve seen her perform with Rufus on “Soul Train”. She has an incredible voice.
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