Everything isn’t always about race, even if it seems so at first glance. Sometimes it’s just a matter of ignorance because a person or entity is out of touch. That happens, and hopefully, when it does, there’s someone around to help ensure the needed correction is made. And in those cases, a lesson is learned; there’s growth and progress.
That’s what happened in the case related to the County Club Plaza’s recent announcement that it is starting an 816 Day celebration.
It’s a great idea. The problem is, it isn’t the Plaza’s idea. Kansas City has been celebrating 816 Day on Aug. 16 for nearly a decade. The event was started by a popular Black Kansas City event promoter, Brian “Bizzy” Benton, who trademarked the name and therefore owns it. That means Benton has exclusive rights to use that specific brand name as he sees fit. I reached out by phone and email to Scott Keller, the Plaza’s general manager, but never heard back from him…