#MuteRKelly: Why I’m Protesting the Atlanta R Kelly Concert

Robert Kelly (R. Kelly), has got to go…
Like good-effing-bye!
Why?
Because he’s a known sexual predator, who has a history of predatory behavior towards underage Black girls. Is that enough?
But let me finish.
He’s also been recently named as a leader in an Atlanta-area “sexual cult” involving several young women (many who are speculated to have been there since they are teens), where these captive young women’s eating, bathing, toileting, and sexual activities are monitored. Is that enough?
But let me finish.
Atlanta is the HUB OF UNDERAGE SEX TRAFFICKING IN THE UNITED STATES! Yes, those United States. And it is no secret that “The ATL” is historically known for its salacious adult entertainment scene. That’s cool. Ain’t nothing wrong with ADULTS, ENJOYING ADULT ENTERTAINMENT.
However, what is NOT COOL is the seedy undercurrent of girls as young as 13 years old, who’ve been kidnapped, pimped out and trafficked by adult men. Men who like young girls.
Men like R. Kelly.
Is THAT enough?
But wait:
At some point, concert Promoter “Live Nation” was able to secure a contract to perform at the Wolf Amphitheater by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners office.
Yup. The very Commission that is responsible for overseeing tax payer’s money are spent to ensure that “All people are safe” and “All people are culturally and recreationally enriched”…
By “safe” and “culturally and recreationally enriched” do they mean granting a contract to perform and spending tax payer money to host an artist who is a known sexual predator, while concurrently promoting their commitment to end sex trafficking???
Yup. That’s why…..
I’m marching for the countless and voiceless girls (and boys) who are sexually trafficked in this city, and country
I’m marching to hold accountable, the Commissioners who I elected, and who SERVE ME, for their decision to allow R. Kelly to perform in our community.
I’m marching as a legislative and social justice influencer, to bring attention to the atrocity of underage sex trafficking in Atlanta, and the US.
I’m marching as a mother of a Black daughter.
I’m marching as a survivor of child pornography.
I’m marching because it is time to stop the excuses, and demand accountability from those who prey on our young girls.
Kenyette Tisha Barnes, Co-Organizer #MuteRKelly
