The City Council approved a class D liquor license for the Knight's Inn Tuesday despite the Liquor Advisory Board's recommendation of denial.
As the president of the Black Affairs Council, Kevin Buford knew that granting the local hotel a liquor license wasn't the real issue. He is all too aware that blacks have few entertainment options in Carbondale, and the Knight's Inn will target a minority audience for the club it expects to open in mid-April.
Members of the Daily Egyptian continue to hear and report on the fact that blacks do not feel welcome in this community. Many black students do not feel comfortable at the white-owned and operated bars that dominate Carbondale night life. There are no places for them to gather; rather certain venues such as Fred's Dance Barn and the Sports Center have entertainment geared toward blacks on certain nights.
Census figures reflect that the black population comprises nearly one-quarter of Carbondale's residents. Blacks make up roughly 12 percent of students at SIUC. The approval of the license is a little boost in creating a more accommodating atmosphere for a sizable segment of the community and University.
However, the success of such a venue is ultimately in the hands of the students and community members who frequent it. Too often in urban areas and even in this community, violence has erupted among black patrons that result in the closure of venues geared toward them, or hesitation by other businesses to offer entertainment for them. Security is a major concern for Jacob Boateng, owner of the Knight's Inn, who plans on having bouncers trained by the Carbondale Police Department, as well as surveillance cameras. We urge patrons to respect this establishment, and we discourage those who would bring in an unsavory element. If this club is a success, the city will be more likely to offer similar businesses a chance.
The Daily Egyptian is pleased with the city's decision, but we are equally pleased that Boateng would open the club even if the liquor license were not granted. We are glad that a community member stepped up to address the problem and offer a solution.
While this is an important little step, it is only that: a little step. The problem with blacks not feeling welcome in this community will not be solved with the creation of one entertainment venue.
Buford, who spoke before the council in favor of granting the license, described the opening of a club as a sort of catch-22 during a recent visit with the Daily Egyptian editorial board. While blacks do need their own bar scene, he is convinced that there should be other opportunities for social interaction among minorities. The BAC has been pulling for the creation of a multicultural center, where patrons would enjoy more than booze and music. Recreational facilities, tutoring and mentoring could be fun for all ages, as well as aid in the social well-being and advancement of Carbondale's students and citizens.
We encourage the City Council and other community members to take a proactive stance in the creation of more enlightened social outlets for the nearly 45 percent of Carbondale's population that isn't white.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
