Your lyrics are aspirational. You guide all the people that fight to make it and dream to be able to afford luxury. If people are not able to buy luxury without being profiled, I do not think your image and that of the store really represent the same thing…

People so caught up in the hustle don’t realize that when you reach a financial plateau the next step is charity. Small minds say small things.

People so caught up in the hustle don’t realize that when you reach a financial plateau the next step is charity. Small minds say small things.

Can Jay live, please?

Can Jay live, please?

Real shit!

WAIT SO WHO IS GETTING THE OTHER 75% OF ALL SALES??????????????? CMON JAY YOU ARE MAKING MORE THAN A DIME FROM THIS COLLECTION

WAIT SO WHO IS GETTING THE OTHER 75% OF ALL SALES??????????????? CMON JAY YOU ARE MAKING MORE THAN A DIME FROM THIS COLLECTION

Dear Mr. Carter,

I fervently believe in your intentions for this collaboration. It is paramount not to “run” from a situation that can shed light to an national issue that can open the dialogue to as you said, “effect real change”. I have HOPE in not only what this with do for those in need, but also for those who have suffered from racial profiling in consumerism. Nickels and Dimes….

“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation”. – Robert Kennedy

Respectfully,

Semper Li

Dear Mr. Carter,

I fervently believe in your intentions for this collaboration. It is paramount not to “run” from a situation that can shed light to an national issue that can open the dialogue to as you said, “effect real change”. I have HOPE in not only what this with do for those in need, but also for those who have suffered from racial profiling in consumerism. Nickels and Dimes….

“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation”. – Robert Kennedy

Respectfully,

Semper Li

Is there an institution in America that is completely free of Racism?

Is there an institution in America that is completely free of Racism?

My guess is the other 75% is production cost.

My guess is the other 75% is production cost.

White House Preparation …. <3

White House Preparation …. <3

Barney was supposed to get 75% of the profit.

Barney was supposed to get 75% of the profit.

Hey, Do you Jay.

Respect!

Hey, Do you Jay.

Respect!

yo, you couldnt be more real. RESPECT

You are so right Jay-Z and very well said my brother!!!

*applauds em*

KNOCK IT OFF JAY! I’M SURE A MAN OF YOUR STATURE CAN FIND ANOTHER WAY TO HELP THOSE YOU’RE TRYING TO HELP WITHOUT BARNEYS BEING A PART OF IT!

I understand what Jay Z is saying in regards to his desire to still assist those individuals that are in need. However regardless of what spin you put on it, the bottom line is that minorities are being racially profiled/targeted by a company that he is doing business with, and that is wrong any angle you look at it. If Jay Z’s goal is to help those individuals that are in need he can utilize many other outlets to do that. Last time I checked Barneys is not the only company he can do business with [let's be transparent]. The bottom line is that he is in a position to do something. The question becomes why not take action. In his statement he stated he hopes this brings forth a dialogue to effect real change. The dialogue has already been sparked, the part of the equation that is missing is someone in a position that can be the catalyst for that change. As minorities we have to not only talk about it but be about it. I don’t think anyone is attacking Jay Z, and that is by far my intent. I think people are looking towards him to take action as a result of him being in a position to do something. If someone disrespects one of your family members would you still break bread with them? Under no circumstances. This is essentially the same situation. Our brothers and sisters continue to be profiled/targeted and yet individuals in positions of power continue to play it safe because they don’t want to ruffle any business relationships. Even though his above statement issued may have come from a place of genuine intent [which I don't doubt] unfortunately it is simply not enough, we need more.

Jay a bitch for that. Fuck Barneys. He shouldn’t attribute to none of their profits. Help socio-economic hardships some other way. This culture made you. We ask you to end that shit because they some racist bastards, then you end that shit. I’m sure Nordstrom would do the same fucking deal. Old scared corporate ass nigga. (Erykah Badu voice) THIS HIP HOP!

I completely understand wanting all the facts of the situation but please understand that as it stands, the same kind of people who would be saving up their nickels and dimes to patronize your line at Barney’s are probably the same people who would be profiled upon entering the store. Whatever you decide, I personally will no longer give my money to Barney’s whether it’s a charity collaboration or not.

I love & respect this inspirational man; the works he’s contributed to the world.

This reply to the mass media – who demonizes why a person makes their choices – and to handle it with what feels to me like true grace… that’s powerful.

Thank you for sharing this.

You have shown so much growth and maturity these last few years and I am proud of you. Thanks for being charitable because you don’t really have to take time to benefit any cause. I am sure a lot goes into it that we don’t know about and you took the time to care even though you’re a new father and have a family, not to mention you being on tour. #Oneofyourbiggestfans

Can’t say I completely agree or disagree with the statement but totally understandable. He shouldn’t make a snap decision just based on people’s emotions. Probably wouldn’t be smart to end an entire deal over the action of one person and/or one Barneys store. #FactsOnly

i don’t think those in the “socio-economic hardship” you described would even want money that comes from something like this. Silly to say you dont make a dime from this. Admit it Hov, the typical Barney shopper is not in your typical demo, this gives your music and other ventures exposure to a bigger audience. That’s like a company saying “i dont make a dime from that commercial!”

Russell hustles at a corporate level too. “We ask you to end that shit because they some racist bastards, then you end that shit.”? Is he entitled to you or something? Why would he let being born into in a shitty place take control of him? That’s stupid. And c’mon, scared corporate ass nigga is the best you could think of? How is he supposed to make money? Selling drugs again?

Sooooo y’all want Jay to Opt out of his deal? After he included his Foundation? After he made a deal and probably signed a Contract? After he put time and creative directing into the project? Like he said he gotta get the Facts 1st… And by the way Jay isn’t the only Black person to make a deal/collab with Barney’s, So why does he have to wake up and see his face on the front of the News Paper and not the other black people who support Barney’s and invest in them? And I understand the racial profiling is TERRIBLE but you have to understand there was $56,000 in Credit Card fraud this year in that Barney’s store alone, Which makes those White People cautious when we come in and spend large amounts!

This is the biggest load of ****. Even rich kids get profiled because they are not walking arounfd with a sign that reads I’M RICH AND HAVE MILLIONS OF dollars.What you are stating in that ,you are protecting an image,you fought hard to get with the elites …but know that these people behind you will say “who is JAY Z…or he that black rapper”

Sean, the sort kids your “foundation” is supposedly working hard to help will still be surveilled and hauled out of Barney’s regardless. Your twist on ‘snap judgments’ is what discerning people call a false equivalence. And that platitude: “Hopefully this brings forth a dialogue to effect real change.” ??? …The same cop-out that LL Cool J offered when probed about that shameful song he did with Brad Paisley. Jay-Z has again confirmed to the world that he’s a weasel. Oh, and wait … that “foundation” — yes some may benefit, but it’s a tax write-off, a paycheck for his mama, and good PR for son boy nonetheless. “…Not profit” my ass. This fool who fancies himself some sort of ghetto Rockefeller should just stick to rapping and hawking liquor. Real professionals and people of status don’t actually take him seriously.

Once again another high profile black celebrity misses the point. I’m afraid that you are too far removed from the streets to understand the raw emotions running through the black community this year. If you did then you would know that this IS an emotional issue. You cannot leave emotions out of it when we’ve had a year of utter foolery with regard to racial matters in this country. You need to be educated on black oppression and black responsibility with that oppression. You are NOT committing the same sin because you do not have the same power. You, as a black man, no matter how rich, still have no power in any institution that would make your profiling of others the same as the white racist institution in this country. You need to end this nonsense. If Barney’s really cares, they’ll donate 100% + the loss of the proceeds to the foundation and apologize to the black community and train their staff to better treat their customers of all color.

You can’t say you’re taking emotions out of it and then write a long letter about how hurt you are with regards the accusations hurled at you. The bottom line is that you are in business with a company that has committed racist practices, and you are continuing the do that even after the facts. You cannot be part of the PR team for Barney’s. This is their mess not yours. You have to be responsible and walk away.

I agree that those who would be benefiting shouldn’t be made to suffer. However, understand that the racist power structure is upheld in the country through money, and when companies are found to be racist and then are let off the hook by the simple fact that they have money to pepper with good intention in order to proselytize the masses that their good intentions are pure, it keeps the racist power structure in tact.

The fact of the matter is that this situation stinks and the smell is beginning to come off of you as well.

The minute it looks like you’ve sold your soul to the white supremacy for money (even if it’s not true, perception wins over facts in this world), is the minute you lose the support of the streets and become a tool of the oppressor in the minds of the people.

I hope you make the right decision. Understand that no one is out to get you, they want Barney’s to have consequences for their actions where white institutions seldom see it, and you’re the “poster child” for an easy consequence for them.

Who did he get to write this statement?

“You feed the wolves and the wolves feed off you. Your move Jigga”
– 50 Cent “I Go Off”

So he got approach outside of the sto’
Heard “Son, do you know why I’m stopping you for”

“Cause I’m young and I’m black and my hat’s real low
Do I look like a mind reader sir, I don’t know
Am I under arrest or should I guess some more?”

“Well I was told by Barney’s that you just stole
So pass your I.D. let me check out that card
Where your receipt? You a thief? I know a lot of you are”

“I ain’t stealing shit and my money’s legit”

“Well, do you mind if I search around your bag little bit?
Well, this belt’s too expensive put your hands behind ya back
Stop-n-frisk, cuff ya wrists and we don’t need a warrant for that
See you dark and you Black
You must’ve committed a crime or something”

You think Jigga gonna protest on his dime or something?
If you being profiled he ain’t backing you, son
Jay-Z got 99 problems stop-n-frisk ain’t one

So he got approach outside of the sto’
Heard “Son, do you know why I’m stopping you for”

“Cause I’m young and I’m black and my hat’s real low
Do I look like a mind reader sir, I don’t know
Am I under arrest or should I guess some more?”

“Well I was told by Barney’s that you just stole
So pass your I.D. let me check out that card
Where your receipt? You a thief? I know a lot of you are”

“I ain’t stealing shit and my money’s legit”

“Well, do you mind if I search around your bag little bit?
Well, this belt’s too expensive put your hands behind ya back
Stop-n-frisk, cuff ya wrists and we don’t need a warrant for that
See you dark and you Black
You must’ve committed a crime or something”

You think Jigga gonna protest on his dime or something?
If you being profiled he ain’t backing you, son
Jay-Z got 99 problems stop-n-frisk ain’t one

eh… This statement “jay-z, let me be your speech writer” *twista voice* I agree with the content. However, I didn’t like the voice used, largely because it didn’t sound like his. The statement was too personal, who thought “why am I being demonized” was a good ideal? #firethem Additionally, the statement contained factual errors, Barney’s would be hurt by Jay pulling out of the project. Per his own admissions, Barneys stands to receive 75% of the profit. A better angle would’ve been, “the children who stand to benefit from the foundation would be the real losers, not a multi million dollar corporation.” Again, fire whoever wrote that press release and if it was Jay, hire someone (me) lol (no lol).

Very well put! I couldn’t have said it better myself. Thank you.

Understandable, and as much as I’d prefer he cut ties with them immediately, this is one store we are talking about here. I think people are ignorant of the fact that Barney’s has numerous flagship/co-op/outlet locations allover the U.S. and not all stores would utilize a ‘stop and frisk’ policy as this one does. I’m not saying that they are totally innocent in the matter, but if this weBrre applied to Macy’s or another establishment, then I doubt people would be up in arms and ready to boycott the whole company like what’s going on now. Be real: if an incident happened like that at a McDonald’s in NY, would ya’ll all of a sudden stop going to every McDonald’s you see?!?!?!

’nuff said.

Jay…..bottom line. Do you stay with Barney’s and benefit a few thousand youths…….. or do you pull out of the deal and benefit millions of Black youths and adults by standing up for what is right. The euphoric feeling we get when one of our own, in a position like yours, stands up for us and makes a statement is priceless. You really have to look at the big picture. This thing is not going away anytime soon. And we are all waiting to see you walk away. Otherwise you lose all respect and will be considered a sell-out. Money or no money. #REALTALK

What if that were your kid they did that to? Barney’s McDonald’s whatever. Now he may have an arrest record and he’s in college. That may have an affect in his future employment prospects. Then it would be personal.

I agree

” I haven’t made any comments because I am waiting on facts and the outcome of a meeting between community leaders and Barneys.” ….”The negligent, erroneous reports and attacks on my character, intentions, and the spirit of this collaboration have forced me into a statement I didn’t want to make without the full facts.”…He made a statement without the facts, which leads me to believe that he isn’t speaking because he is covering up material information that would align with the critics opinions. Also, it’s a poorly written statement. Thirdly, the pending crisis is too great to be vague in any statement regarding the situation. If 70% of sales or proceeds have not been confirmed then his publicist should not have allowed this statement to be broadcasted or not include it at all. I don’t know Jay Z as an artist or Sean Carter as a person, so I cannot comment on his integrity or his credo but proclaiming on print that you “do not stand for making millions” and denouncing accusations that this recent project is motivated by financial gains is never interpreted by the reader as the author intended. That is the least effective way to handle a reputation crisis. Hopefully, someone in his camp makes sure to tweet or make a statement informing people when to expect information about the meeting between community leaders and Barneys – To not follow-up would be a disaster and a crippling blow to Jay Z’s reputation. As a fan, I wish he would have weathered the storm and stayed silent. Instead, he’s out in the rain without an umbrella of answers or facts to support his statements.

No fucks given. Do you Hov!

Agreed. We need more action and less talk.

Jay Z been a fake ass ninja from the jump. Stole everything in his arsenal from someone else. From his name, to his lyrics, to his style.

It’s high time we BOYCOTT JAY Z and his continued enabling of institutional racism in the world.

“What’s sad is I love you, you’re my brother, you traded your soul for riches…” Nas’ verse could not be any more true than today.

Jay Z has never done anything if it did not improve his bottom line, from supporting Obama to further his appeal, to “boycotting” Cristal so that he could rock with Ace of Spades. He will only takes stands when he stands to profit from them.

Jay Z has forgotten what it’s actually like to be a real person living a real life and being profiled solely based on color.

Man has a charitable organization but doesn’t do anything remotely charitable. He was on Bill Maher talking about how his presence in and of itself was charity, which aside from being quite laughable , is ASININE. And if he really believed it, why wouldnt he donate his presence to the cause of the downtrodden in a situation such as this? Because JAY Z is a false prophet and an artist afraid to take a stand.

He is no modern day Pablo.

Nas > Jay

BOYCOTT JAY Z!!!!!!!!!

This was very well said and I completely appreciate him sharing this. But I feel he didn’t have to explain himself to people at all. But now that we have more clarity on this matter, maybe we could move on and go about our lives. But no kissing ass here, I will say I never shunned him during the talks of this deal and after the controversy came about. I notice he makes wise and smart business moves and sometimes people make mistakes. I don’t see this one as a potential mistake. Thank You Shawn.

you’re a straight HATER Boy …. not everyone is in a rush to make a statement we all know Jay as someone who’s slow to talk was even surprised he made a statement .June Ambrose was sayn yesterday on twitter that 25% of the money jay is gonna make is going to Shawn Carter Foundation which will be used to send black kids to college don’t know why everyone is complaining and putting the blame on Jay ,they profile y’all at mcdonalds like someone said but blacks are the highest consumer y’all keep on trooping in and They Keep Dumping Toxic Waste On y’all …y’all don’t know the relationship jay have with barney you just want him to end the relationship just like becos of the incedent he don’t know the actual truth ….. Racism is old school and i consider anyone still into it as an ignorant person that needs to grow up so is black criticizm should stop cos is low life act stop hating on made black people ..

Dear Jay Z your crisis management/public communications team has failed you here. You needed to get ahead of this story earlier. If you all you were doing was waiting for the facts, this could’ve been said on Day-1. ( Not that anyone really cares, but your team only accounted for just over 25% of the proceeds). And if it’s the “facts” that are at issue, police reports, detentions and public statements from the victims are factual [enough]. This is not about undermining your bottom line and it’s not about the money. I don’t think anyone benefits from a multi-million dollar donation from Barneys if their policies, practices and culture do not change, and people with dignity won’t welcome these kinds of donations made as a token gesture. Neither is this about maligning your character. If you think it’s just about you, you’ve missed the point. Perception is reality in life and in public relations. Does it need to flood before you acknowledge that it is raining?

People, it’s never mature or politically correct to make abrupt decisions regarding a serious matter such as this one. It’s sad that we do not inherit the same opportunity to enjoy shopping at high end stores with the freedom to make purchases without employee speculation, but it is also disheartening when “we” can not support one another while thinking this through. Mr. Carter is no longer just a rapper, he’s a business man now, and it’s clear you lack the understanding of what that title truly means. Not only is this a new issue, it’s unprofessional to breach a contract based off of “media hype” and not the facts. Another thing to consider is the fact that the employees working for these companies are the ones racially profiling, it’s them who have a personal issue with the consumer, so why condemn an entire brand and lucrative business partners but not the actual person or people who committed the disgusting act of racially profiling? It’s also amusing to hear or see people say they’ll never shop at Barney’s again but will purchase designer clothing and accessories from other high end designers that are even more publicly prejudice. Allow Jay, Barney’s, and all others business partners involved to get to the bottom of this situation; have patience and understanding of how the chain of command works and focus on how YOU can make a change in our society for towards racism and other forms of prejudice against our generation and generations to come.

your mom

NO, wrong asshole. But he is entitled to this culture. There is no Jay Z without us. Without this culture. There is no platinum album, or sold out tours without us. We’re not trying to control him, but as one of the most influential leaders, he is expected to stand up for us and do the right thing. Something apparently your selfish ass has no sense of.

And it’s not a diss, it’s calling it like it is. He can have the same deal with Nordstrum. Same money, and the people that look up to him, will follow him right next door. He hasn’t sold drugs in 20 years. Still he’s worth 500 million. What makes you think turning down the business of a company who constantly practices racial profiling would automatically force him to revert to drug dealing you ignorant assuming dickhead?

“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you are not in this world to live up to mine.” – Bruce Lee

People, it’s never mature or politically correct to make abrupt decisions regarding a serious matter such as this one. It’s sad that we do not inherit the same opportunity to enjoy shopping at high end stores with the freedom to make purchases without employee speculation, but it is also disheartening when “we” can not support one another while thinking this through. Mr. Carter is no longer just a rapper, he’s a business man now, and it’s clear you lack the understanding of what that title truly means. Not only is this a new issue, it’s unprofessional to breach a contract based off of “media hype” and not the facts. Another thing to consider is the fact that the employees working for these companies are the ones racially profiling, it’s them who have a personal issue with the consumer, so why condemn an entire brand and lucrative business partners but not the actual person or people who committed the disgusting act of racially profiling? It’s also amusing to hear or see people say they’ll never shop at Barney’s again but will purchase designer clothing and accessories from other high end designers that are even more publicly prejudice. Allow Jay, Barney’s, and all others business partners involved to get to the bottom of this situation; have patience and understanding of how the chain of command works and focus on how YOU can make a change in our society in regards to racism and other forms of prejudice.

I think Jay is correct at this point. The broad facts are what we get from the media and I’m sure that not every Barny employee, management, or shareholder supports the horrible act of profiling. Just as I’m sure the majority of NYPD personnel aren’t profiling. That’s even if that’s what happened here. I’m a minority, and whenever I hear of an incident involving hispanics I don’t jump up and say “see, they just out to get us”. Companies have to protect and prevent loss of any kind and if an employee of the store was being cautious based on the transaction not the persons color/race then they are looking after their employer. If that same employee looked at the customer and decided something had to be wrong then that employee should be re-educated, fired, suspended or whatever unless that action is based on a result of the culture the company encourages. Again we are just getting the hype, what other people have been “watched” because they seemed shady? Were the all African Americans or Hispanics? We don’t know. Jay seems to have solid reasoning for waiting things out. Of course the store is going to make some money, when was the last time anyone heard pf free retail space? They have overhead costs, they are product costs, research and development costs, etc. They have a margin in this deal that makes it work for both sides. Jay is looking at the big picture. As someone had posted earlier, Jay fan base doesn’t shop Barnys, well we know they do from these two people alone. But assume that post was correct, Jay wouldn’t have pursued a charity venture with a company whose customer base has no idea who he is other than just another black rapper. Knee jerk reactions possibly resulted in these cases and another one by Jay would be a step in the wrong direction. Let these events run their course and assume it’s isolated until proven otherwise. Yes, I’d be mad if it were me or my family, but that would be an emotional response from the moment. Yes, I would get legal advice to work with the parties involved to understand what happened to put me in that situation and then would act on those findings. Let Jay take this in and allow investigators do their jobs before throwing him, the store or NYPD under the bus. If something turns up, they will get their due punishment.

Sorry for the horrible spelling, a little proof reading goes a long way

The issue is a Jay-Z collection at Barneys, while cool, is likely to attract more African American buyers. If what these customers are saying is true, you are putting your fans at risk, simply for being fans, and wanting to buy your new threads / apparel.

If it were Beyonce, who was ‘shopped and frisked’ like Oprah felt she was, or like Trayvon Christian, Jay-Z would be singing a far different tune. The chorus would be “Nuh – Uh, No They Didn’t” I don’t believe anyone was trying to demonize Jay-Z, they just look to him, respectfully, as an example of success. So, the point, as I see it, is just, hopefully Jay-Z fans are not treated the way these Barney’s customers were, seemingly by Barney’s employees and this Barney’s security detail.

Secondly, it seems important to understand Barney’s new owner, Richard Perry is an important figure. Doubtful he would endorse what happened to the Barney’s customers who allege “shop and frisk” however, Barney’s has a reputation for being “snobbish” and not selling an item is one thing. Depriving someone of freedom, hauling them to jail, just because they wanted a cool, expensive belt is another thing. Just don’t sell it to begin with if you don’t want to, selling it, then having the person sent to jail, is total B.S.

bullshit, clever accounting tricks dont hide the fact you is a house nigga now, suck that barneys white cock you mofo sellout! whats next, a line of KKKook books with your fat ass white friend Paula Deen?

nope, this country was built off it, an its gonna take a few hundred years to eradicate it.

NO, wrong asshole. But he is entitled to this culture. There is no Jay Z without us. Without this culture. There is no platinum album, or sold out tours without us. We’re not trying to control him, but as one of the most influential leaders, he is expected to stand up for us and do the right thing. Something apparently your selfish ass has no sense of.

And it’s not a diss, it’s calling it like it is. He can have the same deal with Nordstrum. Same money, and the people that look up to him, will follow him right next door. He hasn’t sold drugs in 20 years. Still he’s worth 500 million. What makes you think turning down the business of a company who constantly practices racial profiling would automatically force him to revert to drug dealing you ignorant assuming dickhead?

JayZ, you’ve come a long way, your hustle has changed. I waited to see what you had to say and it makes sense. These people who were wrongfully accused of making fraudulent purchase should get a public apology. We all know discrimination will never end, heck, President Obama face it every day. Mr. Carter, I know you are not trying to let us down, it’s just one of them fucked up situations and now everyone is counting on you to make a move. Shit, who would of thought a kid from the hood would be so influential! What a burden. But I know you can handle it. This is a test, many want to see you fail. There’s a reason why this took place. You are not obligated to anyone. But you are the face of the hood. You are Brooklyn. Godbless.

I say he should get MORE money out of them to help the kids in his foundation. Get them to donate a higher percentage of the profits, which will take money from their pockets. After that, pop ish about them in a song, and never do business with them again.

Unless he’s out shopping with Oprah. Then he can’t even get into the store.

Wish you would say the same about Barack Obama and his town Chicago, being he is in the highest position in the United States and he clearly does nothing to better the situation and his people out there. You may have learned how to speak well, but you show signs of disregarded intellect.

Wish you would say the same about Barack Obama and his town Chicago, being he is in the highest positWish you would say the same about Barack Obama and his town Chicago, being he is in the highest position in the United States and he clearly does nothing to better the situation and his people out there. You may have learned how to speak well, but you show signs of disregarded intellect.ion in the United States and he clearly does nothing to better the situation and his people out there. You may have learned how to speak well, but you show signs of disregarded intellect.

Thanks for telling me I know how to speak well, wish I could say the same to you.

I wish I had as much faith in him as you do. I don’t think he’s for the people anymore. I mean, he didn’t wait on facts to have a strong opinion on the Trayvon Martin case. Now that this directly involves his money, he’s mum. I like your post though. Thumbs up

lmao judging from the comments below… AINT NOBODY BUYIN THAT BULLSH***.. u cant politick your way outta this one fam.. either u step up n do the right thing, or as u say” live long enough to see yourself become the villian” .. n this aint the harry belefonte thing where “your presence is a charity..”.. thats not gonna fly .. u gotta speak up n be real.. not some practiced “P.R” speech ur team is givin you…look if u dont make a dime of it as u say then it shouldn’t be a problem to walk away from the deal.. even if the commodities are already made.. u shouldnt turn ur back on the people who made u .. n it was young blacks , n nyc that made jay.. NOT BARNEYS , NOT CORPORATE BACKERS.. it was the streets.. w/out it u become justin beiber..n with all the money u so called say u have ..then this shouldnt be a loss to you..”cause unlike hammer 30 million cant..”etc..

its not easy but its whats right .. and this can either go 2 ways , w/ you flaking out n n losin ur core fans resepct.. or turning this into the biggest pay off ,, n it can happen…jus cause the barney door closes,, god opens up another one ..depending if u can stand the test…but there is always a way.. me personaly i think its a chance for the illest comeback n u could kill 2 birds w/ one stone.. (hit me up n ill talk u thru it..lol) .. but u cant let this die down or be quiet on it, not this.. its international now n n according to the press “this story has leggs !!”..lol

il jus leave it like this mlk said ” The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” and ““In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” n i dont know if u seen the media in ny but they going to bedsuy now n gettin soundbites how they not feelin u no more cause they feel abandoned, plus all these other black actors who “shop n frisked” espcially oprah n forest whitaker .. so now if any would be a grand time to stand up w/ your peoples…n if u not makin a dime off it, as u say then it should be nothin to do the right thing… “WHATS THE SENSE OF ALL THAT MONEY WHEN U CAN’T AFFORD TO DO WHATS RIGHT!!”.. a charity or a grant or a fund isnt goin to help.. not in this fam.. YOUR PEOPLE ARE WATCHING!!

Well said J, You are a hell of a writer if you wrote this and punctuated it yourself.

Thank you, it’s only fair, I know how it feels to go into a high end store and been looked over, this summer I went into a very high end spot and I was at the counter and the salesperson looked right pass me. I just walked out, so I’m not new to this. I just want to see what’s the outcome of this. It might take months or even years.

Peace. I believe he made his point clearly. Civility, Discipline, Intelligence and Maturity must become our way if we ever hope to change our condition as a people. Barney’s is not and never has been THE problem. It is our lack of Self-Love, Self Respect and Discipline that facilitates racism and discrimination. Certainly any problem that is reported should be thoroughly investigated but we must be fair and just and not respond rashly or with the same intolerance, hatred and bias that has been inflicted on us. We were not brought through the worst of suffering to be like our former slave-masters and their children but in fact, we we brought through that to be much better and be the example for all of humanity to ultimately follow.

I know the ppl in the hood is very upset because they know the feeling of being profiled, now it gotten to the point that profiling while shopping and after the purchase has been made to be questioned and humiliated by the police is very hurtful. It’s a slap in the face, like no progress has been made. On the other hand, we have to control our emotions here as well. Okay, this store have had a rise in fraudulent credit card purchases. But I would like to know if everyone of those purchases that were made by credit card fraud was made by only black ppl. Anyway, let’s see.

I completely understand wanting all the facts of the situation! If you recall Jay Z doesn’t play when it comes to racism and boycotting a business company or product remember the offensive incident with Frederic Rouzaud, managing director of Louis Roederer, the company that produces Cristal. In 2006 In The Economist magazine, Rouzaud was asked by the magazine if the association between Cristal and the “bling lifestyle” could be detrimental, Rouzaud replied:

“That’s a good question, but what can we do? We can’t forbid people from buying it. I’m sure Dom Perignon or Krug would be delighted to have their business.”

Jay Z responded stating “It has come to my attention that the managing director of Cristal, Frederic Rouzaud views the ‘hip-hop’ culture as ‘unwelcome attention,” I view his comments as racist and will no longer support any of his products through any of my various brands including the 40/40 Club nor in my personal life.”

Jay Z pulled Cristal from all of his 40 40 sports lounges where then bottles of Cristal sold for $450 and $600.

He’s on his suit and tie shit, lol.

Oprah & Forest Whitaker should come to his mind when he deals with this… just saying

You are an idiot, just having read your post, and the following response to another post I can already tell that you view yourself as someone who is above all. Someone who deems themself a higher intellectual person than the rest, and you sound like an idiot. Who are you to judge Sean Carter in the steps of which he should take to correctly handle this situation. It is people like you who act purley on emotion before all else that give us (black people) the negative reputation that we hold in everyone else’s eyes. Since when is it a bad idea to gather all the information at had first and make an EDUCATED decision. Or are you not educated enough to understand such a simple concept?

“I move and speak based on facts and not emotion.” – Shawn “JAY Z” Carter

Hi JZ. Do not let the media drive your decision. I agree with you. Get the facts and even if the facts are not good, do not throw the baby out with the bath water. Like you said, your collaboration will not affect you or the company. Others will benefit who otherwise would not without your generosity. I am not minimizing the situation, but the media is always out for blood – they smell it a mile away. They will pounce on whomever to get a good news story. If the truth is told, we are all profiled every day of our lives, not only by sales clerks in high end stores. However, we only hear about it when it involves a celebrity or a well known establishment. I am profiled by Asians when I go to the nail shop. When the Asians see a full figured woman come in, they don’t want to service them because I guess my feet will take too much work. What is that if your business is nails and feet? Lol! Every race profiles. Now, to those who may take issue with my post, you know it is the truth. JZ work the issue. If the company wants to make this collaboration happen, they will do the right thing and put out a statement soon. I think they have waited too late. The goal is to get ahead of the story. You make the story, do not let the story make you. Look what happened to Paula Deen.

I wasn’t going to comment because I too wanted to see how this played out once Jay Z got back home and discussed it with the National Action Network (NAN) and Mark Lee (CEO) of Barney’s New York, but because of the amount of negative press that Jay Z has been taken on a incident and reading these comments I thought I add my thoughts. Jay Z is not aware of all the facts relating to this case since it went public, I think Jay Z and Company as well as for all of us are wondering why Barney’s New York did not address this situation immediately with Trayon Christian and resolve it before being sent to the media.

For Jay Z to comment on a situation that he and his camp do not know what Barney’s New York has done since April when this incident accrued to rectify an embarrassing action that Barney’s New York made against a 19 old college student we should wait until the NAN meets with Mark Lee and a full statement is made on this situation and not by assumptions made from info from the press. It’s fair to say we are all upset on the actions of Barney’s New York and the NYPD against Trayon Christian and wonder why did it have to get to this point of reaching the media for Barney’s New York to now recognize their wrong doing.

Many high end department stores not only Barney’s New York need to internally train their employees on proper customer service for all ethnicities. If a customer no matter what color they are makes a purchase with a valid credit card, as valid ID and does not seem like he or she looks obviously suspicious other than ethnicity the purchase should be let through without any probable indication of a fraudulent purchase. All department stores not only Barney’s need to change their approach in making the public feel welcome in their stores and not only to the super rich but regular people as well.

As for the improper way Barney’s New York has handled this occurrence in their store the NAN with Al Sharpton will make sure that all high end department stores do not assume just because someone is black that they are stealing and I say black because if Oprah is turned down for a Hermes bag then we understand decisions at these high end stores are racially driven. I am sure when the holiday season starts next week all department stores will use a little more discression before making any decision against a customer who is a minority.

Finally Jay Z is doing this collection for kids like Trayon Christian in fostering grants and helping inner city kids to enter college and earn a well deserved education. We can not blame Jay Z for the percentage of what anyone is getting for his holiday collection because we understand part of this holiday collection is a business and with Barney’s New York earning a profit and the rest going towards the Shawn Carter Foundation it’s more than what other rich people will do to help out inner city kids we should be grateful that he is giving anything with how college tuition is going up, so don’t knock him for being a business man when he is doing more than these other rappers would ever do. I think the only thing Jay Z has learned from this is next time he decides to release a special holiday collection, not to have his collection sold with one department store but with many department stores. This way if one of the departments stores pulls another incident like this again he can easily walk away from doing business with that one department store and still work with the others.

Jay Z has done so much for his people (African Americans) he would never turn his back on us as African Americans, don’t turn your back on him.

fdparis

I wasn’t going to comment because I too wanted to see how this played out once Jay Z got back home and discussed it with the National Action Network (NAN) and Mark Lee (CEO) of Barney’s New York, but because of the amount of negative press that Jay Z has been taken on a incident and reading these comments I thought I add my thoughts. Jay Z is not aware of all the facts relating to this case since it went public, I think Jay Z and Company as well as for all of us are wondering why Barney’s New York did not address this situation immediately with Trayon Christian and resolve it before being sent to the media.

For Jay Z to comment on a situation that he and his camp do not know what Barney’s New York has done since April when this incident accrued to rectify an embarrassing action that Barney’s New York made against a 19 old college student. We should wait until the NAN meets with Mark Lee and a full statement is made on this situation and not by assumptions made from the press. It’s fair to say we are all upset on the actions of Barney’s New York and the NYPD against Trayon Christian and wonder why did it have to get to this point of reaching the media for Barney’s New York to now recognize their wrong doing.

Many high end department stores not only Barney’s New York need to internally train their employees on proper customer service for all ethnicities. If a customer no matter what color they are makes a purchase with a valid credit card, as valid ID and does not seem like he or she looks obviously suspicious other than ethnicity the purchase should be let through without any probable indication of a fraudulent purchase. All department stores not only Barney’s need to change their approach in making the public feel welcome in their stores and not only to the super rich but regular people as well.

As for the improper way Barney’s New York has handled this occurrence in their store the NAN with Al Sharpton will make sure that all high end department stores do not assume just because someone is black that they are stealing and I say black because if Oprah is turned down for a Hermes bag then we understand decisions at these high end stores are racially driven. I am sure when the holiday season starts next week all department stores will use a little more discression before making any decision against a customer who is a minority.

Finally Jay Z is doing this collection for kids like Trayon Christian in fostering grants and helping inner city kids to enter college and earn a well deserved education. We can not blame Jay Z for the percentage of what anyone is getting for his holiday collection because we understand part of this holiday collection is a business and with Barney’s New York earning a profit and the rest going towards the Shawn Carter Foundation it’s more than what other rich people will do to help out inner city kids we should be grateful that he is giving anything with how college tuition is going up, so don’t knock him for being a business man when he is doing more than these other rappers would ever do. I think the only thing Jay Z has learned from this is next time he decides to release a special holiday collection, not to have his collection sold with one department store but with many department stores. This way if one of the departments stores pulls another incident like this again he can easily walk away from doing business with that one department store and still work with the others.

Jay Z has done so much for his people (African Americans) he would never turn his back on us as African Americans, don’t turn your back on him.

fdparis

“The bottom line he is in a position to do something.”

Are we under the impression that Barneys will not survive without this Jay-Z deal? Let’s say he does pull out of the deal? What happens then? A week later everyone forgets, but feels like “we accomplished something.”

What’s weird is that we are all in a position to do something. A lot of people feel Fox News is racist, but still watch all the popular fox shows(X-Factor, Family Guy, Glee etc). Walmart is notorious for treating customers horribly but most people still shop there. Denny’s settled a lawsuit concerning racism as well back in the day. The list goes on and on. The problem is, we expect a handful of people to do something when we really need to step up and put the pressure on people we know and see day to day. I think society would be better off if, in these times especially, we stopped vicariously living through other people and put the pressure on ourselves to change.

I am against discrimination of any kind, but if I make snap judgements, no matter who it’s towards, aren’t I committing the same sin as someone who profiles? I am no stranger to being profiled and I truly empathize with anyone that has been put in that position. Hopefully this brings forth a dialogue to effect real change. – Shawn “JAY Z” Carter

The name you’re posting under is TRUCKDICKS. You really shouldn’t speak about intellect to shame somebody else with that name.

THANK YOU! Like Shawn said, he can’t make snap judgment. #factsonly

Obama chose to be the leader of the country and the majority chose him. The people from the bottom chose Jay Z to be a spokesman for the struggle and ambition and he has yet to completely show that understanding back. How fresh would it be for a rapper to walk away from a tainted corporation for once. They’ve done it to artists for less. I’m sure Jay Z, with all his creativity and business acumen and “handlers” could figure out where to get matching funds for his foundation. Either way, that money is tainted; but then again he likes money as is, don’t he? Can’t blame anyone for being who they are and choosing their own destiny. Stop looking for a reluctant leader and do something yourselves. Everybody can make change in their own way. The problem is that people slave to make the money to give to these corporations that don’t even really care about us or our money to begin with. Be well, be whole and be blessed….

The fact is that black patrons were profiled and taken into custody for having money they thought they shouldn’t have. That’s facts. Also, giving black people a bad reputation? Stop with the respectability politics. Pull your head out of your, and Sean Carter’s, ass before reply to me next time.

Let’s be real, Hov can right a check to cover the losses here, it wouldn’t be the first time he’s written a big check. It’s a tax write off. The FACT is that Barneys has a history of racial profiling and he kicked “Cristal” to the curb for racially motivated remarks. Isn’t this worse? C’mon Son, do the right thing, the ” suits” are not right this time. What would that kid from MP, do?
#betruetoyourself

Oh yeah sorry, fact because that was the story given by the patrons and the media, so automatically we believe them? There is your downfall right there, a girl cries rape do we believe her and react? Or are there trials held to GET THE FACTS and then apply a conclusion? Smarten up kid, you don’t know seem to know it all. Oh, and I since I replied I guess I’ve pulled my head out of my and Sean Carter’s ass. Thanks for the advice!

Amin, black people do not facilitate racism and discrimination by our actions, that statement is self-hatred in an of itself. It is not our responsibility to act in a certain way so that white people will stop being racist against us. No matter what we do as black people, they will be racist until THEY change, not us. You guys really need to stop playing respectability politics. This Don Lemon logic is beyond pathetic.

Well said.

All the facts are corroborated by the patrons, Barney’s, an the NYPD. Maybe you should actually understand what you’re talking about before speaking on it. They are not denying that it happened, they are apologizing for it and saying they will look into making sure it never happens again, which lends itself to the story being accurate. The NYPD even said that they did take one of the patrons in for questioning, and the patron has no police record after the fact, meaning that that part of the story also lends itself to the incident happening just as reported.

There is also the fact that Barney’s has done this consistently over the last 20 years.

Not only are you denying the facts that are there because you simply have to agree with Mr. Carter, you are also showing that you are completely ignorant with your argument. Your first comment to me started off with an ad hominem attack and your second one bears a ridiculous false analogy. I’m glad you took my advice and pulled your head out of your, and Mr Carter’s ass, please take my subsequent advice, and stick it in a book. Preferably one about logic.

Now is the time for real Black people to step up and man up or these kinds of thing will never stop happening. Get the money for you foundation from someone else doing something else.
I am not a rich man but I have given 700,000 books to children 2-12 and have not taken a dollars from anyone to do so, because I want Black kids to learn to read.
Enough of the bullshit man-up you now have a child in this world.

lol smh you need to stop believing and feeding into what the media spoon feeds you ….. If you’re as educated as you are “trying” to sound then ask yourself, if a company such as Barney’s has already come under fire with these allegations, why would they then turn around and call their patrons liars? Of course they are going to tell the media the correct responses while undergoing their own investigation. You are really that naive to take what they are saying at face value? I’ll read that book on logic if you agree to read a book on common sense, because evidently it isn’t so common.

How would Jay-Z look if he pulled his line from the store prematurely and this turns out not to be what it was first reported. Now he can’t go back into Barney’s because he made a bad JUDGEMENT call. Now if he waits until all the information is gathered and ten makes a conciliation decision that would be much smarter. While I’m at it, see if there is a “critical thinking” book for dummies, seems like you need that also.

You try and talk a good game, but you still fall short. Sorry to have conversed with you and actually rebuts your primary statements. Someone’s Intellectual phraseology doesn’t intimidate me like it may some others on this site.

Jay-Z sold out a long time ago. He’s not even Black anymore.

I’m not going to argue with someone who simply can’t look at facts as facts. I’m talking to a wall at this point.

You realize “production cost” is maybe 0.75%, right.

This is not a good public statement.

Fantastic, might be the smartest thing you’ve said in this entire thread. Now you can move on and try to impose your beliefs and thoughts onto a simple minded person who will allow it because it isn’t working here.

i just found out what Barney’s is. If I went in that store they would probably act funny with me until i come in there a few times spending. Banks and and stores always look at me weird until they are used to seeing me. I probably would only cop cologne out of that store though

Amazing….The man steps out of character and responds outside of his comfort zone and still most of you hold him accountable as if he committed the act himself. Not to mention, it’s hearsay. Yes, people, entities, businesses have been known to profile. Guess what people, as long as we all acknowledge our skin color, that will never go away. I’m waiting for the day when people don’t allow these things to cause a reaction. Simply put or ‘Bottom line is’ (As the majority of you have stated as if you decide what that is)…there are things, people and actions that you cannot control and never will be able to. Therefore, you will continue to be fustrated, appalled, feel some kind of way….no matter the outcome. Human beings will always need a platform to voice their feelings on a particular thing. Just let it be that and move on…

What is so hard to understand.
He will take action when he has got the facts, did people comment without reading?

And instead of just dropping his collaboration with them he will actually try to do something about this problem. Him just ending his collaboration will not do anything for Barney’s they’ve been striving for nearly a century. Him actually entering in a dialog with them, trying to solve the problem MIGHT however do something good.

War on Black males in America. Black males are enemy #1. I wonder @ times why black males fight in America’s wars. Go fight in wars so that whites can be racist against blacks, the freedom of being racist in America?!?!? Shame on Macys, Barneys and especially the #NYPD for their racist acts against blacks & latinos. I understand now why they chant NYPD KKK WHO MANY BLACKS DID YOU FRISK TODAY?

BLACK MALES ARE ENEMY #1 IN AMERICA!

This is pathetic! Jay-Z is telling us that he “needs” Barney’s to help people? We are not stupid, and see what is going on here. He needs to unblind himself, there must be 600 other sources that sit around his ‘throne’ that can help. That store clerk made a snap decision, the nypd made a snap decision, so yes snap decisions are appropriate in this scenario. Maybe someone should send Mr. Z the Russell Brand BBC interview with Jeremy Paxman on BBC this past week where he tears down economic and political exploitation, without apologies, on national TV . Maybe Mr. Brand can show Mr. Z what influence + honesty + BACKBONE can produce.

Complaining that Russell Brand does not help society, no one in power cares.
Taking action, objectively analyzing problems, having discussions etc these are things that help.

Complaining has never helped anyone, occupy wall street was a huge movement and it didn’t change a single thing in the system. A few liberal left-wing economists getting together to discuss the problem in wall street, yielded the Volcker rule which changes everything in the long run.

Brand can show Jay-z what honesty & backbone means. Jay-z can show Brand what intelligence, analytical ability and impact means. Guess what the people making the decisions have? Now whether they have the right incentives or righteous means is another question.

We all know that racism, discrimination is alive and well in the US, but I do believe in hearing all sides of a story before making my opinion, and Mr. Carter has the right to do the same. However, I will say this, I have never heard of anyone paying for something, the transaction clears, and then being accused of some type of wrong doing, I’m just saying!

rome was not built in a day and there is a groundswell of frustration that is taking root, we don’t know the end to that story yet. and unless you have a crystal ball you don’t either. when women ‘complained’ to each other about the fact that they couldn’t vote, it led to the suffrage movement, which became the roots of feminism. When people around the world, however disorganized, set up camps to make their voices heard, and put their bodies and jobs on the line in the Occupy movement, Rocawear showed up to sell them occupy t-shirts: what analytical ability, intelligence and impact do we draw from that? impotence is the more likely take-away …

Jay Z, I commend you and all your “thought” provoking efforts in giving back to our community. I support you 100% on you not “reacting” until you gather all the facts. Also, in business…there is no friendship. Best of luck with your clothing line in Barneys and your foundation. Tatiana

Then take your business elsewhere. Problem solved. Go to Bergdorfs! You missed the point which is very sad and pathetic. I dont think a bunch of retardedly expensive goods are going to do as much good as affordable goods for the everyday JAY-Z fan! The fact that youre standing by this, regardless of how much money you stand to make or not make isnt the point! The point is the same reason you stopped dealing with cristal champagne. Whats the issue here.? Come on Hov SMH. So disappointed.

Question: If Jay Z was in no shape or form attached to the Barney’s name would you all then put your energy into making actual change in regards to racial profiling??? How many of you are working with or donating to organizations like the NAACP, ACLU, or even your local civil rights organization to make a real difference in your area? Jay Z is a man….period, so are we. We so easily pass judgment on one another for the choices we make. How about this, for all of those who want Jay Z to pull out, why don’t you do the same and start patronizing black businesses only…will racial profiling end??? Probably not, but at least you’ve done something worthwhile for yourself and peace of mind versus writing about facts that none of us truly know whether are true or fictional. All we know is that a young man stood up for himself and for that I applaud him, how many of you have done the same when profiled against, the young sister did not until she heard about someone else…this situation could have been handled a long time ago but it was not. Stop focusing on Jay Z that’s what they want us black folks to do, tear down one of our own, so that it gives them permission to do so as well. Instead say a prayer that all works according to GOD’s will and Stand UP for your own self…Jay Z nor can anyone else can do it for YOU!

Peace & Blessings,
A Sista Prayin’ for the Best

Lem, first thank you for your response. I am not even suggesting in the least that their is not culpability on their part. But what I am saying is that it doesn’t matter or better yet it becomes insignificant when we realize our power through our love for ourselves. The fact that Barney or any major clothing retail store exists without our people even producing the clothing we need with the distribution system to sell it to ourselves makes us dependent on people who have no reason to care about us. I don’t expect them to change unless and until we do not need them and they have to woo us for our business. We must become responsible for being the principal suppliers of what we need and thus act with self respect when interacting with others. Instead of insisting that others respect us when we don’t collectively demonstrate it among ourselves as a people. Peace.

Peace. Lem, first thank you for your response. I am not even suggesting in the least that their is not culpability on their part. But what I am saying is that it doesn’t matter or better yet it becomes insignificant when we realize our power through our love for ourselves. The fact that Barney or any major clothing retail store exists without our people even producing the clothing we need with the distribution system to sell it to ourselves makes us dependent on people who have no reason to care about us. I don’t expect them to change unless and until we do not need them and they have to woo us for our business. We must become responsible for being the principal suppliers of what we need and thus act with self respect when interacting with others. Instead of insisting that others respect us when we don’t collectively demonstrate it among ourselves as a people. Peace.

lol, if it’s sweatshop labor, you could be right. Then again I noticed Jay saying he’s not taking a profit, but Barney’s isn’t saying that.

Not hating at all. Been buying Jay Z albums and concert tickets for a long time, even got the MCHG. I can appreciate the passion he has for success and achieving as the first person in my family to graduate from college.

But I do understand that once you’ve achieved a certain level of success, it is incumbent on you to give back to those who are still subject to the prejudices that it made it harder than necessary for Jay to make. And it’s also important not to align yourself with people who perpetuate the negativity towards the black and brown.

There is a difference between hate and knowing that this guy wont stand for anything through his own action unless people stand up against him.

Jay doesn’t need anymore money. He could benefit a lot from doing some more.

He should take some cues from great artists and business people like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, to name a few.

No shots.

Just read a few commons with a common theme. Everyone is so critical of each other these days. Here is a guy that is trying to do something good through his charitable organization for the people who can REALLY use a help in there life and people are frowning upon it because a traditional news media outlet who is struggling to hold onto its ever dwindling viewership and ACTUALLY PROFITS from reporting bullshit in there ever failing news paper. Is it bad for Barney’s to attempt to reach out to an overall demographic (the general public) that they otherwise may not have access to without someone on Jay Z’s level while contributing to a good cause. You also have people being critical of Jay Z’s intentions? Even if there was a profit involved somewhere is it so bad to make a few bucks?? This recession/depression we experienced has created a culture of people – possibly a generation in a position where success is frowned upon rather than celebrated. Walk into Barney’s try it who knows maybe you’ll find there service great and recognize the value they add to your shopping experience. I enjoy working hard, I enjoy the money I make by working hard and it feels good to be able to do the things you otherwise cannot do without it. I feel bad for people who feel that life is so bad they have stopped trying to succeed. Shawn – if by chance you happen to actually come across this all I would like to say is thank you. Keep doing what your doing drown out the noise because your doing great things.

I AM NOT BLACK

But I know the disgusting filth of the white racist person. The racist, whether a white female or male, is inbred with racist beliefs that is on a subconscious level. These racist white people are on automatic pilot. In other words, when they just see a person who is not white, they feel the racist emotions before they create a conscious racist thought. For example, when someone smells a flower, they immediately create a positive or negative feeling about the smell before they create a conscious thought. This is exactly how the racist white person acts. They will look at a person of color and react emotionally in a negative manner before creating a conscious negative thought. This can be witnessed by a frown in the face, hard looks, which are followed by negative conscious thoughts. Then many white racist people negatively act on those thoughts. On the other hand, when they see other white people, they react with a smile, kind looks and respectful conduct. This is clear deep psychological conditioning that many times originated from their parents, which may not be cured except for the passing of time and generations.

THEREFORE, Shawn’s position is one of ignorance. He feels he is doing more good then harm when that is incorrect. First, he makes the illogical presumption that people who need a higher education will lose money when there are many charities for higher education he could collaborate with. Second, his ignorance misses the point that by shutting out any organization where its employees engaged in discrimination will help to eliminate any form of discrimination with said organization even though it is not eliminated from the individual. Shawn believes that by posting a sympathetic letter that cites the word “empathy” will eliminate the deeper message he is giving, which is discrimination is allowed as long as there can be some good done even if that good is out weighed by the bad. In other words, Shawn has clearly failed to adopt a zero tolerance for discrimination. I never thought that Shawn was a smart guy more then just lucky; but I never thought he would be so dismissive on discrimination that he has also suffered under. And as for his ridiculous statement that he needs the facts. The facts, which Barney’s has not denied, have been in the public forum for over a week. We should boycott Shawn and anyone who allows any amount of discrimination to pass without punishment or it will be a longer road to change.

You can not use the “masters tools” to dismantle the masters house…

percentages aside, its not that hard to just stand against somethin’ that has been goin’ on since the first group of Africans were STOLEN from their homes.

I appreciate Mr. Carters position, however its not a position of ambivalence and “waiting for facts” on an issue that is clearly what it is just seems more like political posturing then anything else.

But I digress… spend ya $$ how you wish… just accept all that cums with it…

Shawn’s position is one of ignorance.

He feels he is doing more good then harm when that is incorrect. First, he makes the illogical presumption that people who need a higher education will lose money when there are many charities for higher education he could collaborate with. Second, his ignorance misses the point that by shutting out any organization where its employees engaged in discrimination will help to eliminate any form of discrimination with said organization even though it is not eliminated from the individual. Shawn believes that by posting a sympathetic letter that cites the word “empathy” will eliminate the deeper message he is giving, which is discrimination is allowed as long as there can be some good done even if that good is out weighed by the bad. In other words, Shawn has clearly failed to adopt a zero tolerance for discrimination. I never thought that Shawn was a smart guy more then just lucky; but I never thought he would be so dismissive on discrimination that he has also suffered under. And as for his ridiculous statement that he needs the facts. The facts, which Barney’s has not denied, have been in the public forum for over a week. We should boycott Shawn and anyone who allows any amount of discrimination to pass without punishment or it will be a longer road to change.

Are you on a first name basis with him?
Jay-z is just lucky? Lucky for the past 20 years? Every single time.

He’s in Sweden right now and has to analyze the situation, have eye-to-eye discussion with them and THEN make his decision. Judging 40+ department warehouses because of one incident is wrong. To make sure these kids don’t go to college without having any facts on the situation is wrong.

To act instantly and irrationally based on emotions won’t serve anyone any good, not black people, not the people going to college and not the fight against discrimination. The focus in this discussion has become Jay-z, which is exactly what the racists want and it’s a story for the media to sell. Jay-z is a obviously a lot more interesting than a normal discrimination case (which happens every day, at 7/11, Walmart and on).

Reminds me of this song “Us n Them over n over again” #USvThem #LCD

You’re a house negro at the beck and call of your master, Barney’s. Hypocrite.

If every institution in America has racist tendencies, how is it possible to justify asking Jay-Z not to do business with Barney’s because of racist policies? None of us would have a job or an education if we applied these standards to our own lives. In America, racial profiling is a way of life and not just policy and that is the real problem. I think it’s right for our community to make Barney’s accountable for their policies but who are we really punishing in this scenario?

We hold our community leaders to a higher standard than each other. Which is why they are community LEADERS. They are supposed to be OUR voice when faced with controversy. Jay is looking out for HIMSELF, and his MONEY. While all that, prayer to God might help you. It didn’t help Trayvon Martin, Oscar Grant, or the two kids being profiled and arrested after spending their hard earned money on Barney’s product. So until your solution works, our community LEADERS, need to make a decision. Money, they can make with any other business. Or the culture that made them successful. Period.

Well Jay you know what they say about not standing for something…….

Mr. Carter
I think this statement is very well thought out. I agree with you, don’t allow social pressure to force you to comment further before you have garnered the details. The devil is always in the details!

I can’t see how it’s worth it, with all the negative press, they would of dropped you if it where you bringing negative press to their store? The way in which the entire situation took place including the fact that Barney’s collaborated with NYPD to investigate the shopper…speaks volumes! No one wants that blood money, especially a person of color! There are far too many ways to fund that project!

Can’t help but think of the press during the opening of the Barclay Center, and the employment of those poor people who live right in the heart of Brooklyn. Went on-line to review the pre-requisite for some of the positions available, and they alllll where looking for College Graduates! And Mr. Carter has no influence on this? I’m sorry but Mr. Carter is one of the most influential people in the Nation.

We as a people have waited decades to have people in place that can potentially have an impact on our lives and it does not always work that way. They always choose money over the cause!

Disappointed,
Miss McDowell

There are no more facts to gather. Barney’s has a problem with racial profiling. Just like Oprah should have boycotted Hermes, I truly believe you should find someone else to collaborate with, especially in regards to who you want the Shawn Carter Foundation affiliated with. You are teaching the youth of this world to accept this type of treatment. The only change that needs to be made, is your company finding a better partner to represent your brand.

I totally agree with Jay-Z. He did not take part in this offensive behavior. Why the media and others are giving him a hard time, I cannot understand. If he made a statement immediately, he would have been demonized for stating his opinion. You can’t win for losing. Whether he has stock in Barney’s or not, this are the attitudes of so many white americans and that is a fact. He puts his money into something that is helping young people. Give this man a break.

Obviously by the other comments on this page… we ain’t hearing it Shawn. You got enough personal resources and connections to make whatever charitable action take place without increasing the Brand notoriety of a company that has fallen out of favor with the public and needs correction. If your true intent is assistance for undeserved communities, Put your notoriety and access behind a company that has the SAME intent toward that community. Barney’s has never been a part of the community you’re hoping to serve and by their sales persons’ training and activities they also don’t want to serve said community just increase their market reach by getting a Jay-Z cosign.
Pick new partners it’s bad for your brand.

Why is everyone looking for an “immediate” fix? Let the law do their job. If he finds Barney’s acted inappropriately, then he may or may not pull his money. It’s not our call, it’s his. Don’t hold this man responsible for the ignorant actions of others. I’m sure he has experienced the same thing. And any Black person in this country who says something similar has never happened to them; either they live in an “all Black” bubble or they are lying.

EXACTLY, @Moe Naqvi – “WE” can do something about it, too. I don’t spend my money at Carl’s Jr’s; I don’t watch the FAUX channel; I don’t eat at Denny’s (since that lawsuit); and I will not lie, I have shopped at Wal-Mart (not often, but I have). They won’t just be missing Jay-z’s money, but also the money of all outraged people. Give it to them where it hurts. So, since everyone expects Jay-z to do something, we have to also do our part and stop pointing fingers. Just do it.

@TonkaD**ks – Barack Obama is the President of the United States, not the President of “Chicago”. As much as he has attempted to do something good to ALL people; jackarses like you will always try and put down anything he does. I bet you are against the Affordable Healthcare Act; Freedom of Choice for Women; and Gay marriage. But, you are you. Shows your ignorance. What are YOU doing to make YOUR country better, besides complaining?

Seeing as though these people you are doing business with is targeting the very same race you are shouldn’t have your NAME or business. It would be more fitting to do business with those who don’t look at skin color and only see the support that and help people need. Your name is being put out there because it is YOU who would make a statement that this is not going to be tolerated anymore. African American, Black, whatever you want to call US do have money, we do have jobs, not all steal and we don’t need to be followed and humiliated anymore.

BOOM!

Would you be this laid back in 20 years and it happened to Blue. Entertainers want the worlds help and to fight with them and take a stance when it happens to them or their loved ones but when it happens to the very same people who make them who they are, they need a minute or two. No surprise at all.

yall can try to Skate Through life, Hova got a Hovaboard

I. Will. Not. Lose.

Don’t patronize Hova with big woirds, giorls giorls giorls i do adoreee hahaha hova!

Invested my money right, aint nothin i cant afford – hova hahahaehah goils goils goils goils, goils i do adore

lol, you must be related or friends with Jay-Z. I’ve never seen this much projection and defensiveness for a celeb outside of MJ lol. Secondly, what it would look like, is someone who cares about his people. Jay-Z could easily drum up funds for his charity in other ways; he needn’t collaborate with Barney’s to do so. These types of incidents are not uncommon. I didn’t expect anything different. I hope these kids begin to see that things have not changed and that Jay is nothing but a shuck and jiver.

naacp is a joke and the aclu is…

Full of shit, good day.

Yup, you got me there, i’m definitely related to Jay-Z, that’s why i’m on here defending my argument or beliefs about the situation. That’s the only reason an individual would agree with someone and their actions, is if they are related or friends. You’re brilliant.

If people never bought anything from an organization that had a racial incident, or ended a business deal because of an incident, you wouldn’t be able to buy anything, because there would be no businesses! Entities in and of themselves aren’t racist, the people that work for and comprise said groups are the determiners of racial or any other kind of relations.

“Barneys New York” isn’t the racist item here, neither the NYPD. While groups may have a history of racial indiscretion, it’s the individual components that determine the outcome of a particular instance.

Should Barneys New York be lambasted, yes.
Should the NYPD be taken to task, yes; but within reason.

If a business deal that has little to do with the parties involved (i.e the shopper, the clerk, and the officer’s at the scene) has to be cancelled based on something we ALL know is prevalent in modern-day America [and the World at large] (that being racial profiling), I suggest these same people advocating an embargo on Barneys New York, should boycott Wal-Mart, Apple, Target and another organization that has had even ONE previous instance of profiling — I can assure you that won’t happen.

It’s easy to say you won’t shop at a store with $300 belts, but what about a deal on a $2.50 gallon of milk from the local (albeit racist) corner store? People pick and choose their loyalties for when it suits them. Everyone should be disappointed about the situation, and how it shows the mindset still pervading throughout society, but NOBODY should be surprised, and certain nobody should be surprised enough to discount the precedent canceling a deal like this would send.

Pulling from a deal even before the facts come out is bad business. What if someone wanted to cancel you deal, so they set something up to create a media storm? It’s a slippery slope I don’t think emotion allows you to see.

If the shoe was on the other foot, Barney’s would drop Jay in a second. Still this nigga wanna think shit through. HYPOCRISY!

I just would like to know if this collaboration was a year in the making, why Barney’s did not disclose this issue with Mr. Carter. Although I’m upset about it, I’m pretty sure Mr. Carter was not aware of this. He probably got blindsided by this.

The purpose of the comment I made was to provoke you to be the change and not call anyone out. I was and walked to Sanford when Trayvon was murdered, I also testified at the Governor’s office so that he would look at and change the Stand Your Ground laws, I educate young people, especially young black men about racial profiling, and yes sweetheart prayer does work for me. I am the change I want to see, instead of worrying about what other folk like Jay Z and community leaders do who are all human I do what I can. I only wish that all of us could….and prayer did work for some…it has helped Ms. Fulton to fight for Trayvon, which is why we are working on laws here in FL to not have another Trayvon….life happens no one can change that, but Jay Z nor Barney’s will change hearts and minds only people working together can.

Peace & Blessings

Perhaps you missed Oprah’s story about being racially profiled inTrois Pommes earlier this year or perhaps you didn’t and needed lengthy investigation here, too, before coming to the startling conclusion that racism is alive and well.

Worst pr move ever, well, since Barneys own gaffes.
.
1) People resent being treated as though they are stupid, and you truly must believe we are if you think a stated desire for impartiality cuts any ice. Racists are per definition Not impartial.

2) Who is going to want to be caught dead in your label now that you have morphed your brand with Barney’s by association?
Bad business choice since it was all about the money, curious to see if Xmas sales are anywhere Near your projections, Go to Barneys to buy Jay Z? And risk being humiliated and carted off in handcuffs? LOLOLOL

Not even if you’re rich and crazy, now that the brand has lost all cachet for anyone who is Not a racist! Upscale clothes for the Klan! WTG! hahahaha

Well said and every word true.

It’s amazing how many of you would rather attack Jay Z than take the time to analyze the root cause of the real issue. The NYC police department has been arbitrarily stopping, frisking and harassing black men for years under the current administration. How many of those who are making demands and criticizing Jay Z, have even sent one letter to NYC mayor and/or police chief in protest of current policies.of stopping innocent people.

Jay-z can show Brand what intelligence, analytical ability and impact means right after the sales total for the Christmas holidays are in, by the lack of application of aforementioned attributes. Jay Z’s brand has been contaminated to the point it is only suitable for rich racists in search of a fashion joke.

The customers who were subjected to the racist practice of ”shop and frisk” were the only ones in this situation who can use the word ”demonize” with any justification, shopping while black is not formally a crime, hence the pending lawsuits.

Barneys is a racist institution and Jay Z is in a partnership with them.
His choice and also his consequences.

It appears you misunderstood my statement. No one is under the impression Barney’s will not survive financially without doing business with Jay-Z. With or without this business deal both parties involved will continue to generate significant income. Let’s dig even deeper into your statement, if he (Jay Z) does pull out of the deal, what happens then you ask? No one knows for sure, but what we do know is that he is in a position to take a stand in the mainstream media. Even if as you stated “A week later everyone forgets, but feels like we accomplished something.” Are you aware that during the era of the civil rights movement there were several African Americans that made similar statements such as ‘what good will protesting do, what good will marching do, but feel like
we accomplished something’. Unfortunately if those before all embraced that frame of mind we would not be where we are today. I denounce that train of thought and adhere to a more forward thinking approach. I contend that every action regardless of big or small can eventually contribute to change. If Jay Z stops doing business with Barney’s it sends a powerful message to mainstream corporations we are united, and if you choose to profile/target our brothers and sisters we will not tolerate it. To address the second part of your statement, yes ‘we are all in a position to do something’. And every individual should take a stance in regards to their respective lives. If anyone encounters injustice it should be addressed swiftly. Lastly, you stated ‘Things would be best if we
stopped vicariously living through other people and put the pressure on ourselves to change’. I disagree. I do not feel we are living vicariously through other people. As I previously stated, all individuals regardless of socioeconomic status are required to take action. However in addition, to whom much is given much is required, and minorities in such positions do have a social obligation to stand up in the face of injustice. When minorities in such positions do so it is a
win for us all, and no I do not classify that as anyone living vicariously through anyone else, I refer to that as something called unity within our communities. If one person takes a firm stance and wins, we all win. If one person is a victim and is targeted, we all feel the pain. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks and others all took a stance for change at some point, should we now turn around and say African Americans of that era just lived ‘vicariously through them’, that statement is illogical. Stand for something or fall for anything.

Thank you! Lets stop leaving it to everyone else, and lets each contribute to making things better. It can’t be Jay Z alone, it’s up to each of us, not to tolerate discrimination in any form

Collectively it is the consumers, the people, and communities responsibility to take a stand on incidents such as the one displayed by Barney’s. WE must retract our money, our time, and communicate in our neighborhoods. One man in a position of power can not impact Barney’s or another business stance or discriminatory practices. The impact will not be felt from a lost contract or a bad deal. We must take responsibility for our own together collectively and quit waiting for others wether HE is in the sky or blowing through your speakers….WE MUST stand together….#WEGONNANEEDAMILLIONMORE

I think it is unfair to call him out for his success and accolades that he earned even through constant denial. Jay Z can not be prosecuted for our white dominated society. Also I am not fond of your ability to measure his “blackness” or your ability to measure his soul and its worth. We live and our products of WHITE SUPREMACY and leaving it up to one man to overturn or discount such is a shallow stance. WE must unite together and I feel your comment misses that by taking frustrations out on Jay. If you educate yourself within US higher ed, if you vote, if you buy/wear weave, you watch pro sports, you shop, you rock nikes, you are also apart and ensuring White supremacy. I mean go back and listen to old Kanye….DRUG deal buy Jordan’s crack head buy crack….and WHO gets paid????….. Ill wait!!
AS Black AMERICANS we must STOP separating ourselves and UNITE….NOW. Not scream my black is darker than yours because I hurt more. Before I hop off my soap box (as that is all it is) I will say if you don’t think for ONE minute Jay Z is seen as anything other than a black man to our WHITE SUPREMACIST SOCIETY…you may need to go back and realize that no matter how much money he or another has…in is own country he still is discounted. Don’t add to that my brother don’t add to it!!

But we can buy JORDAN’s and support the modern day slave trade NBA or NFL….you call it pro -N season!! Or lets see we can have white women or exotic women in videos showing our little sisters and daughters how UGLY they are right!!! or lets see we can all buy APPLE Products as their business model of PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE dumps old products and waste on our MOTHERLAND shores. but Jay Z is now the hit man…our own one of our own we hunting now….b/c they are telling us HE IS THE GUY THAT DOESNT CARE…but do you track every dollar you spend and see the hurt its doing b/c KNOW THIS if its doing hurt it will always hurt those with the darkest pigmentation. WHERE do you buy your bananas and how does that impact JAMAICA…Do you watch the OLYMPICS or are you a brother/sister competing for national accolades within the olympics perhaps you should forfeit that support due to the unjust impact on the Brazilians living in economic Diaspora. Either love em of leave em alone….honestly she said it best: “I COULD HAVE FREED A THOUSAND MORE IF ONLY THEY KNEW THEY WERE SLAVES” know the enemy and lets go get em together…by continuously dividing all we are doing is what they want…throwing each other under the bus!!

thank you truesay! calling a man with integrity a bitch taking shots at him. Is juvenile wild that this is happening. Calling him less of a black man and wanting him to take blame for all the racist unjust isms within our society is malarky. I attend a institution founded on stolen land and I consistently get double checked for ID walking into my own library. but i continue to attend I continue to strive for that mark of success in my eyes knowing that as a first generation student and a black women I can help those in my family community and little girls who look just like me know YES WE CAN…the reality is these thing happen b/c they made us HATE OUR SELVES AND LOVE THEIR WEALTH….these things happen b/c people still think ending slavery put us on a equal foot…when it wasnt until 65′ that integration happened…I mean we are accountable and Jay is apart of that WE….WE must find something we can do….we must find our power. On this situation and on the many more that are inevitable going to come!!

WITH GREAT POWER COMES RESPONSIBILTY

AS RJ he sits down and watches Sunday night football and cuddles with either a white wife or a woman wearing fake hair. RJ are you rocking Jordan’s, do you vote, are you employed in AMERICA, are you a home owner, are you a recipient of government assistants, do your children attend public schools in the US, do you attend an instistiution of higher ed…..I mean i can go one and on and on….
You have no basis for your boycott and its said that you seem more against US than with US. Because his money is longer than yours at this present time you are in a position to assess his worth and reality. GET YOUR LIFE….get active start by making a garden, volunteer with our kids in schools, if you are a black man mentor a black male child, and stop watching BET!!

Uh, that chick was not “saving her dimes” to shop at Barney’s, she is 21 years old with one and a half kids and was using a tax refund check…come on, fraud written all over it. Any 21 year old mother of two spending $2,500 on a bag is using fast money. Fast money is easy to piss away. The truth will come out, the police (NOT Barney’s or Jay-Z) made a good grab.

all shots and who are you to tell him how much more money he is making…I mean wether its company X with Jay or the Best of Both Worlds with Jay and R.Kelly… Get your mind right….RJ. How is he to blame and by your comments it seems as if you already had judgments about this mans character which reads as you taking shots!! Jay Z has done more for me than BIll gates in which I was a recipient of Bill and Melinda gates scholarship foundation as a WA native and resident. How can this be, because seeing a man that resembles me and has the same experiences as myself endure and achieve gives me hope in that visual. Far more than Bill gates money which made it possible for me to attend college. That is the power in US…that is why we must push….that is why we can not “put crabs in the barrel to ensure our survival” As I posted earlier I am a first generational student at one of THE BEST SCHOOLS IN the Nation —> UW. I endure passive and direct discrimination more times than not, yet I don’t take shots nor stop my goals or achievement because the greater good is far more impactful than boycotting UW for their racist past and current display of discrimination. We must continue to come to terms with our own roles within society and your believe stems from thoughts that money = power. Jay Z is still a BLACK MAN no amount of money can make that invisible….he will never have power to impact the white society, his power is over his life and those around him. You are a bit misinformed historically if you think like GATES OR BUFFET can a man of our descent have equal power even through dollar signs.

Above all my opinion may differ from yours however I think our example of collegiate education can serve as a platform of visually seeing the two opinions. That is unless your school was a HBCU. We don’t boycott or drop out immediately we strategically move to ensure those who come after will not suffer the same or if and when they do we build support through organizations such as a BSU. Again my point is blaming one man isn’t doing nothing counting his coins isn’t going to solve a damn thing…collectively discussing and taking action communally will be far more successful.

Thank you Proverbial Planning….

SERVICE…UNITE….and more SERVICE…
WE MUST TEACH WATCH AND EDUCATE OUR OWN KIDS….AND JAY Z IS APART OF THAT WE!!

PEACE RECEIVED AND PEACE TO YOU AMIN!

Thank you for your insightful comment. We have the power to be responsible further than our wildest dreams!

How many times has Barney’s stopped others of other creeds or colors for mistaken card fraud? If the answer is none, we should all put our feet down; if the answer is about as many as they’ve stopped blacks, it’s not profiling; if we don’t know the answer yet, do as Jay Z does: try to get the facts before jumping to decisions.

Additionally, if Barney’s was racist, Jay-Z would have never gotten his goods in the store. If anything, that mother of 1.5 should be arrested for stupidity…what mother of 1.5 spends $2,500 on an ugly bag…give me a break. Like I said, one article states money was from a tax refund…a bit suspicious if you ask me.

Jay-Z you are in a pivotal position right now. I understand that your intention is to assist under-privileged teens with achieving their educational aspirations; I commend you for that. However, take
note that the teens that you are trying to assist are the very same teens that are being profiled by Barneys. I’m sure there are other collaborations that you can solicit help from to further your cause. The facts are clear. Fortunately for you, your celebrity status now helps shield you now from the types of indecencies experienced by many People of Color. So we implore you to use the status you have been blessed with to also support and show these teens that dialogue is not enough to bring about, as you call it, “effective change”.

Cuz I don’t take shit seriously.

Show me one thing good he has done and I will kill myself.

The jury is out.

Jay-Z put himself in those positions. Last I check they don’t hold elections for hip-hop artists

I’m personally tired of hearing that same tired troupe from him, “I act and speak on facts, not emotions” as though that justifies the fact that he’s only socially or politically active unless he stands to benefit from a tremendous amount of publicity and/or connections. He wanted the world to boycott Cristal because he felt they were racist. Barney’s was undeniably racist in their actions and he’s trying to defend that? Yes. And he wants you to buy his products in the collection too. You forget; Jay-Z came from the projects and is fundamentally obsessed with money. It’s never going to be enough and as such, he has no allegiance to morality or causes. But keep downloading “Tom Ford” though.

RATIONALE:
REAL CHANGE IS EFFECTED BY EFFECTIVE ACTION SOMEONE CALLED THE COPS! DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE STORE’S POLICY IS . SHOULD 2 OF NEW YORK’S FINEST BE WAISTEING TAX PAYERS MONEY ON AN INCIDENCES THAT WERE UNFOUNDED. IF BARNEY’S REALLY TOOK FRAUD AND SECURITY SERIOUSLY THEIR WOULD BE NO NEED FOR ANY STATEMENTS TO BE ISSUED BY EITHER MR CARTER OR BARNEYS.DAMAGE LIMITATION HAPPENS AFTER THE FACT.

TIME:
10 months is a long time lapse to await a statement in regards to Trayon and Kayla I am using their names because they are real people with a real horrific experience. New York cops carry guns, I couldn’t imagine them refusing to ‘co-operate with the N.Y.P.D. I do believe the press is using Mr Carter as whipping boy to detract the attention away from the Department Store of Barney’s actions.
It is called damage limitation Mr Carter you are collateral damage, whiplash…
MEDIA: PRESS REPORTS ARE INTERESTING….

I have to agree with Dawn, but I also agree with Jay-Z, the two points are not mutually exclusive.

Mr. Carter is a business man, and cares about his charities. Give him the time he needs to assess the situation, investigate and then the community can look to him to make a decision about pulling out of Barney’s based on principle.

To Ms. Dawn’s comment, Barney’s is not the only retailer in town that sells high end goods. People of color are the largest consumer group in America, we can collectively make a difference and send a message to all companies that in New York and every where else in America, racial profiling will not be tolerated.

Give Mr. Carter a chance to do the right thing….he’s in a position to do more than enough to send the message that Barney’s will understand. Mark Lee needs to accept responsibility for what his organization is doing on a day to day basis and take corrective action. Show the community that this is not sanctioned behavior. One of their tag lines ” Taste, Luxury, Humor” there is nothing funny about this situation and it needs to be addressed NOW! the longer this festers, the worse it will get, and that is bad business for everybody!

you’re stupid.

Sir, as a veteran reporter who has covered news about african americans I can say this is not the first time Barney’s and other high end stores have been charged with racial profiling. And, it won’t be the last. What I would suggest that you and other high profiled celebrities should do, is check to see if these collaborations with high end stores have any kind of affirmative action, racial discrimination record, it could save you and others the pressure of having to make such statements. You need to talk to former wall street journal reporter Johnny Roberts about his experience with Barney’s his story is very FACTUAL. He’s a senior writer at Newsweek

I’m not suprised by people of color being racially profiled and, neither should any person of color becaused we have and a,lways be under Caucasian scrunity, they are so afraid of Black empowerment, it’s become a reality (The chicken have come home to roost) so, until we as people of color stop acting out Willie Lynch’s creation, we will never become free of racial profiling. We are a damaged race believing in and, depending on Caucasian hope! We must stop hating iur image, regain dignity and, self respect by not allowing Caucasuans to think we are the slave thinking morons they believe us to be. What J Z is doing is a start to Black enrichments, we must allow ourselves every opportunity to open the doors that we were never allowed to open before. Yes, we will have casualties still effected by racist whom are living like the were fighting at the Alamo, safeguarding their last stronghold because, it is enivitable that the long term outcome of their nefarious actions are rapidly dwindling so, be patient, the truth is at the surface!!!!!

Thank you Tonka D. I don’t know why we don’t understand the position that the POTUS is responsible for. All American’s!

I didnt say it was, cause we all know who Jay Z is, an since we know, its foolish of people to think he give a damn in the 1st place, I actually found it funny that people thought Jay Z of all people was gonna take a stand ha, Mr. Tom Ford aint thinking about yall.

If it REALLY and TRULY is all about the Foundation – why is only 25% going to that, and if Shawn really won’t make a dime on it – where does the other 75% go?
The MOST common (24/7) racial profiling is acted out towards WHITE people – just assuming they are ALL racist. They are NOT.
The incidents involving racial profiling by white people is ALWAYS a big news item, just like the CRIMES committed by black people stand out in the news too – the few always ruin it for the many.

I agree without a reasonable doubt with JSC because anything could have transpired in this situation. JSC wasn’t there when it happened so there is no need of forcing him to say anything! JSC is helping our people (minorities) who are facing socio-economic hardships and just because (excuse my language) he is the closest nigga that we know about that is working with the Barney company , we fill the need to harass. It’s 2013 people JD if we aren’t sticking together now when will we ever. Let’s come together as a people and overcome this pettiness.

Living in Brooklyn you have to understand that in the black community credit card fraud is rampant. And quite frankly its lumping all minorities into one category. Its unfair and something must be done. Profiling just exacerbates the problem. My brash decision at first was to boycott Barney’s. But after thinking about it, I realized Ive heard numerous stories about people getting arrested outside of high end luxury stores for this same reason. 9 times out of 10 it was credit card fraud. Plain clothed detectives are always outside these stores for this very same reason. However, Barneys efforts to combat fraud is lackadaisical to say the least. A simple upgrade in security firmware is all that’s needed, where you can check the card to see if there are any holds on it. Profiling and credit card fraud sadly go hand in hand and it definitely needs to be addressed.

Living in Brooklyn you have to understand that in the black community credit card fraud is rampant. And quite frankly its lumping all minorities into one category. Its unfair and something must be done. Profiling just exacerbates the problem. My brash decision at first was to boycott Barney’s. But after thinking about it, I realized Ive heard numerous stories about people getting arrested outside of high end luxury stores for this same reason. 9 times out of 10 it was credit card fraud. Plain clothed detectives are always outside these stores for this very same reason. However, Barneys efforts to combat fraud is lackadaisical to say the least. A simple upgrade in security firmware is all that’s needed, where you can check the card to see if there are any holds on it. Profiling and credit card fraud sadly go hand in hand and it definitely needs to be addressed.

>>If it REALLY and TRULY is all about the Foundation – why is only 25% going to that, and if Shawn really won’t make a dime on it – where does the other 75% go?

THANK YOU.

>>If it REALLY and TRULY is all about the Foundation – why is only 25% going to that, and if Shawn really won’t make a dime on it – where does the other 75% go?

THANK YOU.

Egypt A. – when you use phrases like “our people” and ‘as a people’ – are you excluding the white people? Because I know several whites facing those same hardships. Are YOU segregating the help to be just for the blacks? Isn’t that Racist?

we did this for homework in my ss class today! wwhd? yonkers

JAY is betting on the fact that this new generation of hip-hop consumers arent as politically conscious or concerned as the youth in the 90′s when groups like Public Enemy was around. He knows these kids today are more occupied with twerking and paper rain than to be worried about a boycott against his own music.

WEAK. Disappointed, yet not shocked AT ALL– a dollar is a dollar in Jay’s world. Still not supporting Barney’s, and now thinking I may stop supporting Jay and ANY of his assorted artists, businesses, or business partnerships.

@ d.fine

Love ya remix! More often than not the flipside of fame is:
“Unto he whom much is given much shall be required.”

People are making the mistake in thinking that the Barney incidents really affects Jay-z. Jay Z is a BILLIONAIRE! He is as far removed from incidence of racial profiling as he is from his street thug past. Do not expect him to champion this cause, he is not Oprah, he’s just a rapper making money. Stop thinking that these people are “like you”. They are NOT like you, they haven’t a clue as to what it means to be you nor do they have a clue as to what it means to live like you. Jay-z has been wealthy FAR LONGER than he had been poor. As F. Scott Fitzgerald once said the rich ARE different and you would be better off not trying to get him to sympathize with issues of down below from way up high. Who is expected to make purchases from his new line in Barney’s? NOT YOU!

Its easy for the wealthy to endorse charities and set up charities. It gives them the aura of caring while they go about their business. He doesn’t actually have to deal with the issues at hand he just has to throw some money at it. That’s how it has always been done.

But you are wrong he is not in a position to be a catalyst for change, not in the way you’re thinking anyway. Do you think that a prejudiced store clerk will stop being so because Jay-z doesn’t have a clothing line in their store? Do you think Barney’s will not judge costumers based on their class, color or what they are wearing while in their store is Jay-z backs out? No! Why? Because they carry ALL of the most expensive brands in the world and that will continue with or without Jay-z. Finally do you really believe that the NYPD is going to stop racial profiling because of what Jay-z does or doesn’t do? No. I don’t see how backing out of this deal will affect any meaningful change. Furthermore stop being confused. Jay-z has a family, you are not part of his family just because you are black.

United? What are we Borg? This idea that Jay-z is united with all other black people by virtue of his blackness is nothing but childish magical thinking. He has more in common with a white man of his class than he does with a black person in a lower income bracket and its naive to forget that. William Buffet and Forbes once invited him on for an hour long interview. Its on youtube and you should watch it. He’s at a different table than the one where you’re sitting. You cannot compare Jay-z with King or Parks! He’s not an activist!!!!

I highly doubt Jay-Z is going to pull out of a contract with Barney’s. I also don’t think this is going to be bad for Barney financially. Barney’s as well as all high end stores routinely profile ANYONE who doesn’t look as if they belong to the income group they service. The average Barney costumer who routinely shops at the store will continue to shop at the store but others will be wary.

Not quite. Barneys said in a statement Wednesday that none of its employees was involved in any action with Christian other than the sale, and added that the store “has zero tolerance for any form of discrimination.” Basically they are saying the problem is with the NYPD and not their employees.

“Shuck and jiver”? Really? I remember with Sarah Pailin used that term to describe Obama and it was called “racist”. shuck and jiver

Discounted how? He’s a billionaire and his money DOES count. He lives a life of privilege because his money counts. He was invited by Forbes and Warren Buffet because as FELLOW BILLIONAIRES they KNOW it counts. You’re being naive if you believe Jay-z or any other black billionaire is living in the same world as you are because they are not.

EXACTLY! Finally the response I was looking for. Though beware some of the items on his line would be way out of most people’s range since he has items costing anywhere from $70 to $33,000.

And Oprah, who jumped to conclusions, had to apologize because she was wrong about being profiled.

That’s not how it works. Barney’s would probably get maybe 30 or 35% for being an outlet.

Ah no. The clothes and other items are probably not made in the US so production costs would be reasonably low.

Barney’s must make a profit since they are the ones doing the selling and housing the items. Barney’s is the outlet, its their workers and they’re the ones paying rent.

He wasn’t even in the US when the story broke and wasn’t prepared when asked about the incident. You cannot expect someone with Jay-z’s lifestyle to be aware of every news story especially when it doesn’t affect him directly…something everyone here seems to have forgotten.

They’ll be grateful no matter what outlet the money is generated from. You don’t expect anyone to turn down the help do you?

weak.

Why says you?, if that is your image of Jay Z or your image of King and Parks that makes up an image to begin with. I cant speak for others however Jay Z does not have a comparable lifestyle than me nor does he keep the same company as I white or black. I will continue to speak for my self and state that Jay Z is a artist in which I connect with on mental lifestyle level…no no no LUCY SAW not on a financial or monetary level but on ambitious level not to match or reach his success but that of my own will. I relate and respect his craft and am personally motivate and moved by his words put to melodies and rhythms. I am intrigued by his ventures, I am driven to include his experiences as a social scientist, above all these things are heightened with a sense of personal favor bias due to similar circumstances and similar societal write- offs due to biological pigmentation, national heritage, and ethnic origin. JayZ through his craft in which he shares gives me inspiration, hope, fuel, companion, and great lyrics to drop when people just cant understand how hard I gotta go… I am simply that a fan as few around me are a fan of my endeavors no matter how minuscule and less fortunate than Buffett, Jay, or the most millionaires per capita in my home state of WA.
I simply agree with you to an extent, I don’t think Jay and I are on the same level however I don’t think due to that imbalance I am at a position to attack, discount, or fabricate conspiracies as to explain his earned success. That is first and foremost my position on any Jay Z nay sayers. I also reject your position that Jay Z’s seat at a table with the likes of Buffett, Oprah, or Forbes alike makes him able to impact those negatively from a position of power. Jay Z is and will always be a BLACK Man in a White supremascist capitalist patriarchal society. NO amount of money can buy out that fact. Can he seem like a money bags and an out of touch black citizen to some…? this has been a common argument against Jay, however to select few of us this is exactly why Jay is worth arguing about, is the fact that despite many that discount him even while he is sitting at their table, he rises and is present. That may not be comparable to KIng, the Freedom riders black and white, or Parks however I speak for my self and say it may be the most influential part of his actions, his activity despite the odds stacked against US. Our young boys and men have the RIGHT to aspire to become the next Leader of the free world or the next business tycoon. But we must not ever forget once they break through that barrier they still bare the marks of the chains, whips, and oppression that has been modernized and repeated. JayZ stance at any table is not what influences my decisions to become active in my community or within my life. The definition of a activist may be different for one another. Recently a black woman from my community was promoted as lead AM anchor on the biggest News cast in the state….she is active and I celebrate that achievement for our girls and boys. Don’t ever think you can buy yourself out of your BEAUTIFUL BLACK and in terms of JayZ his lyrics consistently suggest that he is aware not only of his Black but of his veil!

Might as well contemplate issue over a bottle of cristal-

Might as well contemplate issue over a bottle of cristal-

Might as well contemplate issue over a bottle of cristal-

What ever decision you make I hope your charity does not lose out.

U are fake. A troll.
…and not black… nice try though.

Ohhhhh here we go with the unintelligent people of our society trying to make their voices heard. I find it interesting that you say I’m not black when you’ve never seen me a day in your life, that I’m fake and a troll when you have no idea who I am. But for our sake (black people) I hope that you are not black. If you are all that would prove is the true ignorance of our own kind and the stupidity some of us still have. Lol sorry to say but you’re probably the type who gets questioned when buying expensive merchandise like these people did, so maybe you can relate. But please, let me know when you’re finished being ignorant and are ready to have a SOMEWHAT educated debate about the topic at hand if you can manage that, instead of just saying I’m not black. Otherwise just keep showing your ignorance and lack of formal education to all who read this, you’re doing an excellent job without me having to do anything …… The sad truth.

Black people MAKE ME SICK. Everytime something happens black people go yelling & b! tching & complaining about “THEY DID THIS TO ME!!!” – and now the entire WORLD – SOMEBODY – gotta “do something about it”. “SOMEBODY” always gotta “do something” about what happened to BLACKS. And it’s always somebody ELSE’s fault. And I dont give ONE FK who doesn’t like what I’m saying or who comes in & posts a buncha historical or insulting bullsh !t either. Why dont BLACKS PEOPLE get off their OWN BLACK A$$ES & “do something” about “IT” – whatever “IT” is at the time. I’m so SICK of BLACK PEOPLE with this CRYBABY MENTALITY like the fk’ing WORLD owes them something bcz they went thru slavery & profiling & racism & this & that & so on & so on blah blah blah blah – now blacks blaming JAY Z for THIS bullsh !t – why, because he’s a successful black man with money??? So now he’s responsible for the SH !T that happens at BARNEY’s to BLACK PEOPLE??? Plenty of people got “deals” with Barney’s – , Jay-Z didnt do a d@ mn thing wrong, it aint his fault, BARNEY’s is the one that MAY BE the culprit. Go raise hell AT BARNEY’s. But everybody pointing fingers at JAYZ, hollering for JAY-Z to sever his biz ties with Barney’s & about how much MONEY he’s making. Nobody knows SH !T about what $$$ Jay-Z is making & nobody knows SH !T about the business deals he made with Barney’s either. Just bcz some black people were possibly profiled at Barneys JAY-Z gotta do something about it – it’s all on JAY-Z, and if JAY-Z dont “do something” about it & cut his ties with Barneys, he gets no respect & IT’S ALL HIS FAULT. So what if Jay-Z DOES cut off his ties with Barney’s – what’s that gonna do??? Think Barney’s is gonna lose money??? Barney’s aint gonna lose ONE FK’ING DIME & they’ll continue doing biz as usual. Black people are on the Internet b! tching & complaining & blah blah blah all these MOUTHES running & in the end dont SH !T get done about SH !T – OBVIOUSLY – bcz the same nonsense is happening. The issues & pains of black people always gotta rest on somebody ELSE’s SHOULDERS – now it’s on JAY-Z – blacks waiting to hear from JAY-Z like Jay-Z is GOD or something & he’s gonna FIX EVERYTHING – FIX YOUR OWN SH !T – after all of these YEARS BLACKS ARE STILL FUSSING, STILL B! TCHING & COMPLAINING, STILL ON THIS PITY PARTY SH !T & WAITING ON “SOMEBODY ELSE” TO SPEAK UP FOR THEM & “DO SOMETHING” ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM. Lazy welfare mentality muthaphuckaz I swear black people MAKE ME FK’ING SICK

Black people MAKE ME SICK. All yall do when some sh–t happens is run ya fk’in mouthes, point fingers, blame others & WAIT ON “SOMEBODY” TO “DO SOMETHING” ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU. That’s why fk’d up sh–t is STILL HAPPENING to black people & black people dont get much respect, if any, bcz blacks dont respect themselves. Blacks dont do sh–t about sh–t but get busy YAPPIN’, RUNNIN’ YA FK’IN MOUTHES, PLACING BLAME & STILLLLLLLLL WAITINGGGGGG FOR “SOMEBODY ELSE” TO “DO SOMETHING” FOR YA OWN SITUATIONS. Like black women layin’ up getting pregnant, having babies, then WAIT on the GOVERNMENT to “do something” for them & give ‘em a CHECK or STIPEND or EBT CARD so they can EAT & feed their children, waiting on BABY DADDY to “do something” for their baby’s needs & so on & so on, blah blah blah & more blah – Lazy non-effective black muthaphuckaz ALLA yall need to STFU

No, I meant our people who are facing socio-economic hardships… and if you were reading correctly I put minorities in parenthesis because majority of minorities face socio-economic hardships. By the way I’m very far from being a racist, there is no point of being one, I love all people just not all personalities.

1. Passed Healthcare Reform when all those before him couldn’t accomplish it.
2. Passed Wall St. Reform when all those before him didn’t want to accomplish it.
3. Ended the Iraq War.
4. Began Afghanistan draw down.
5. Killed Osama Bin Laden.
6. Saved the Big 3.
7. Repealed DOMA.
8. Got rid of Gaddafi.
9. Reformed Bush’s torture policy.
10. Improved America’s image with the Axis of Evil.
11. Kicked the banks out of the Federal Student Loan Program.
12. Boosted fuel standards.
13. Increased veteran’s support chain.
14. Sanctioned Iran which has led to Iranian diplomatic pivot.
15. Caused a Syrian pivot of policy.
16. Passed credit card reforms.
17. Began the liberalization of SCOTUS.
18. Leading gov’t GREEN Initiative.
19. Passed Fair Sentencing Act.
20. Resetting interstate banking regulations for the legalization of marijuana.
21. Investing in Renewable technology.
22. Cracking down on for-profit colleges.
23. Improving school nutrition.
24. Sparked the American oil boom.
25. Sparked the American healthcare/technology boom.
26. Pushed for greater broadband coverage.
27. Expanded stem cell research.
28. Expanded healthcare for children.
29. Killed the F-22 program.

You shouldn’t be alive past point #2 according to your post.

not an activist?!? He seemed to jump into the Trayvon Martin controversy before all the facts (or piss poor facts) were presented by the prosecution at trial. When some cristal exec made a distasteful comment about black people did he not stop selling Cristal at his 40-40 club?

WACK ON WACK ON WACK..So just ignore what happened and think about all the less fortunate you will be helping, by spending your hard EARNED money with a company that CLEARLY wouldn’t GRACIOUSLY WELCOME your business otherwise..if you believe that this “business” move will not have a positive financial effect on jay z….keep watching…

And once gain in your attempt to legitimize a point you miss the whole ascension behind ppls outcry at Jay z. The underlying factor is discrimination…considering that he gained this status to even collaborate with that company, came from his countless efforts to entice his own community to support his art(music)
Don’t underestimate our knowledge..we are not blind to the injustice and blatant bias towards us and our own.

But like I always say we were bestowed with an essence from the heavens and no matter how much people try to dominate,discriminate demoralize us..innately and naturally it wont happen.This is nothing!

“It has come to my attention that the managing director of Cristal, Frederic Rouzaud views the hip-hop culture as ‘unwelcome attention,’?” Jay-Z said. “I view his comments as racist and will no longer support any of his products through any of my various brands including the 40/40 Club nor in my personal life.”
After that we (hip hop fans) stopped drinking and buying this swill and bought other brands that respected our $$$…IMMEDIATELY. We didn’t “wait for facts” etc to come out, we spent our $$ elsewhere. INCLUDING ACE OF SPADES. It is clear that since Mr Carter has a business relationship with Barney’s and a double standard is in place. I for one chose not to spend my $ with them any longer. I have cancelled my Barney’s credit card and have donated my suite to the jay z concert at staples center.

I’d call Jay-Z an “Uncle Tom” but that would falsely suggest he was (still) black.

Dear Shawn/ Jay-Z,

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your desire to get all the facts before acting.

Once you do have them, I trust you will see what is clear to so many of us: Barney’s does not deserve to partner with you in your efforts to help poor people of color obtain a college education. The very people that your charity seeks to help are the very people that Barney’s does not want as customers — hence the company’s racist profiling.

Use another company that doesn’t profile black consumers.

You may not profit from partnering with Barney’s (you do get a tax write-off, though) but Barney’s is making millions from its partnership with you.

first

No ones going to Barneys to purchase their stuff. Im sure Barneys have realized a dip in sales anyways. With that being said …. this line won’t make a profitable goal. Meaning … the goal they plan to achieve. With that also being said ….. Jay Z, your plan to have all the profits go to education, won’t be accomplish. Your not going to make a lot of money. #Facts.

Jay Z should walk into Barneys and get frisked.

It’s about sending a message. You don’t get it Jay Z.

I think it’s good to wait until you have all the facts to make a decision, but I wonder if you would be so calm if it happened to you or your wife or daughter, it happened to Oprah, after all.

That is why I asked, because when you put (minorities) in your sentence I wasn’t sure if that is what you were saying.
Thanks for clarifying.

He was damned lucky to get in the store to shop at all, when the racist cops on the streets are all too ready to stop, frisk & haul our ass to jail.

i’m sorry but i still am not convinced. He id in a position of power and as we all know from Wyclef and “Yele” or other organizations that claim to be genuine, it’s completely false. Unless Jay turns into Bill Gates who actually is shoveling away his money or George Lucas who donated all the profits from selling “Star Wars” to education. As for Jay-z I feel like I have to see it to believe it. And i doubt Barneys cares about besides publicity, control, and more money in their pockets. It’s how their world works, the rich just keep getting richer.

People are just people running for the hype like we are in the 60′s we came along and got a long way to go. I respect Jay Z decision as forthright. Why do black people pull black people down that is the question, before we can move foward for the respect of others we have to respect ourselves.

Alright you got me.

try again,mothasucka.

Man, you guys want JayZ to be Malcolm X or Dr.Martin Luther king.lol, Let Jay be Jay. Let him be “Great “. Can I live?!

Walking away from something you are against and believe needs to change is exactly why..it has NOT changed.
That’s what everybody else who has previously felt the same way has done. Profiling is a product of Ignorance. Ignoring, Ignorance is not the antidote. Nor is it the answer. The answer is investing time to educate a: person, organization, corporation, group on what they don’t understand and are reacting to with defense. Taking time to understand why THEY (Barney’s in this case) react the way they do is the way to help them understand that they are the ones who need to change. The more we ignore each other… the further we grow apart.
I commend this effort.

lol

Thats just real. You have to know what you’re deciding upon before you do something that effects so many people.

FRAUD

Dear Sir:
Good afternoon. You are an inspiration to all of us. Recently, I had the pleasure of having dinner with the admin assistant to the guidance counselor at Amityville High School. We were discussing some of the issues of high schools in general and we determined (from our candid conversation) that many hard working and diligent students get left aside from the more socially academically challenged youth. I cold call as a career and I thought well maybe I will call Jay Z and ask him for a huge favour on your students behalf. Very respectfully, sir, would you consider coming to Amityville High Scholl right here in Long Island and pump those kids with all the widsom and luck you have cultivated for yourself as a motivational speaker? A short ride to Amityville with some ideas from you could have a hugely positive impact on these darling children’s lives. 250 Merrick Road, Amityville, NY 11701. Phone Number: 631-565-6100 … Amityville Memorial High School Interim Principal Dr. Mary DeRose
Thank you.
Kristen Shaw
email: bradyshaw@gmail.com; kk@meta5.com; text 646-319-5292

I’m super late with my comment here, but in so many ways conversations such as this should continue. I first heard of the incident only through the mention of your affiliation with Barney’s and the incident, as if you had an obligation to pull out. I applaud you for not. For first investigating. Second for, although you did not have to, explaining to your fans your position. Lastly, for sticking to what you have always said it was about, getting to a level to make deals with a store such as Barney’s… all in the name of helping those who are mirrors of what we too could have been. Keep doing you.

Please I am a poor nigerian who is very inteligent and ready to go to school or do anything just to get money and make a living,there is no need for me to go doing scamming to get money,I need assistance,I need help financial or someone to put me through a better life,my name is Tudeme chimezie Eltonjohn,my mobile number is +2347065930129 please some one should help me survive,I will pay back,thanks

Glory Fleets us because we are so conditioned to devalue ourselves that it has plagued the abilities to move together as a unit. Glory is fleeting because the foundation is broken. The trickery and machine that this legislation sits on unbearable at times but my solution is urban reform education. Police brutality was in the strong midst to be seen to the end until the war was won. We were derailed by the united states setting up the two minorities to be killed in order to shift the focus. Yes I said it that mental ill man was just a proxy (substitute) for what really went on. The wickedness of the United States is catching up to them and I’m so thankful for the Obama because it forced the dormant disease to awake lively conscious active and rapid disease called unjust. I still rise and I pray for others to become conscious there is shift happening and we are missing it by looking visible and not analyzing the invisible. How can unarmed black men continue to be shot again and again with no recourse and the stab to the heart is your own country list each case as justifiable murders. Ja Ja we need you because it is all too much.