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Diversity Shouldn't Be Feared

As an Old City resident, I took great interest in reading Joe Tarr's article ["Old City to Hip-Hop Nightclub Owners: Get Lost," Vol. 10, No. 8]. In my opinion, the Old City is a jewel in Knoxville's crown due in large part to its diversity of businesses. We have barber shops, salons, restaurants, gay and straight nightclubs, retail shops, and coffee houses.

I agree with Mr. Beatty's concerns about bringing violence and gang activity into our backyard and I agree the only issue should be the club's management. However, I do not agree with the Beer Board's decision to postpone the license approval for the new club based on a $10 crime which occurred 10 years ago by one of the prospective owners. According to the article, these people have an otherwise clean record. I would venture to say that others who have received a nod from the Beer Board have had more criminal activity than a 10-year-old $10 oversight on their record. This leads me to believe it is something else. If it isn't the location, the club, the music, or the management, then the only thing left is their race. It seems the Beer Board is not comfortable having a black-owned nightclub open its doors with the intent of attracting a minority clientele.

Over the years, I have come to realize the importance of supporting diversity. The very reason I moved into the Old City is because of its diversity. Knoxville should not only promote but celebrate the efforts of multi-cultural businesses. The Old City can become a great place to live and play if we allow it to grow. A good example is Helmet Head's on Jackson. On Thursday nights in the summer, this outdoor club draws about 50 or 60 bikers to their door. Their patrons are leather-clad and all come roaring into town on their Harleys. It has become one of my favorite nights. They are relatively quiet, don't get into fights, don't get drunk, and I don't believe their presence has increased the level of crime in our area. They add to the culture of the Old City and are a perfect example of how a club with good management can bring diversity into town and make it work. Helmet Head's was given the opportunity to prove themselves as responsible members of the business community and has done a great job. Mr. and Mrs. Harper must be given the same respect. We should be doing what we can to attract businesses instead of finding ways to keep them out. There are always options, but to unilaterally deny a business the opportunity only removes these options and you are left with yet another vacant store front, something Knoxville has too many of already. Let's not forget we have a good police presence in the Old City who do a great job ensuring the safety of downtown patrons.

The Beer Board should stop hiding behind a 10-year-old misdemeanor as an excuse to justify prejudicial concerns. I am glad to see a new club coming into the Old City and will be there opening night to welcome them as my new neighbor. The Beer Board needs to lighten up and do their job and ONLY their job.

David Noble
Knoxville

Witchhunters in the Old City

The only thing that surprised me in Joe Tarr's story relating to the Harper family's woes with the Beer Board was that Councilwoman Carlene Malone displayed a profound understanding of the function of government in these here United States. It boggles my mind that people wishing to conduct a business in one of the states that seceded from the Union in defense of state's rights would be denied a beer license because other individuals on the same street don't like their taste in music. Perhaps Mr. Beatty should have met with the Harpers before conducting his personal "witch hunt."

Personally, as a close-to-middle-aged white woman, I look forward to sipping a beer at The Platinum Lounge and will make it my mission never to step foot in Barley's Tap Room.

Peta Gillespie
Knoxville