For the first time the Ilitch family is speaking out about the protest planned against Kid Rock who is set to hold six concerts next week during the opening of the new Little Caesars Arena.
Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Holdings said at a news conference, “While I can’t control what any artist does or says, I can guide our businesses to continue brining life changing opportunities to the people in our community. I will always demand that our companies strive to do right by Detroit.”
The President of the National Action Network, Reverend Al Sharpton has been asked to lead the protest against Kid Rock.
Sam Riddle the Michigan Political Director for NAN said, “This Ilitch empire is going to gain hundreds of millions of dollars in corporate welfare for this hockey puck arena.”
A Facebook page also started a Rally that is set for September 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 the first of Kid Rock’s shows.
In a statement, organizers said:
Please join us as we rally against symbols of white supremacy and hate in our amazing city of Detroit. We will not stand by silently as the confederate regalia supporting embarrassment to Detroit known as Kid Rock performs the inaugural concert at Little Caesars Arena downtown. The arena is venue that was created by the tax dollars of a city that is overwhelmingly black and brown, many of whom are descendants of African American refugees who fled such symbolic and literal violence in the American South. We will not let our great city be represented by a individual that uses a symbol of hate and marginalization for his own self gain!
