After observing numerous comments on social media, The Facts contacted Seafair to inquire about the circumstances leading to the removal of the Dolls and Gents Drill Team from the Torchlight Parade. Within an hour, we received an email response from them. We are disclosing their statement, yet we remain convinced that this organization should not be subjected to such treatment. These young ladies and gentlemen diligently prepare for this event each year and eagerly anticipate it.
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Below is Seafair's response:
Seafair Official Statement to the Media:
Removal of Doll and Gents Drill Team from the 2024 Torchlight Parade
It is with a heavy heart that Seafair announces the removal of the Dolls and Gents Drill Team from the 2024 Torchlight Parade. This difficult decision follows recent events at the Chinatown Parade. After close discussions with the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and other agencies, Seafair has decided to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all attendees.
We want to emphasize that the youth involved in the Dolls and Gents program have done nothing wrong. Unfortunately, due to the reckless decisions of others, the team is being impacted. This decision is purely a protective measure, made with the well-being of the team and our community in mind.
Until the investigation into the Chinatown incident is complete, it is best to err on the side of caution. We are committed to ensuring that the team will not be put in harm's way. Our priority remains the safety of all participants and attendees at Seafair events.
Seafair looks forward to welcoming the Doll and Gents Drill Team back next year. We thank the community for their understanding and support during this time.
Statement from our CEO
"This decision was not made lightly. The safety and well-being of everyone involved at Seafair is our utmost priority. We deeply regret that the talented youth of the Dolls and Gents Drill Team are affected by this measure, but we believe it is necessary to ensure their protection. We are fully committed to supporting the team during this time and eagerly await the resolution of the investigation so we can welcome them back with open arms."
- Eric Corning, CEO and President.
No one has yet to show the direct connection between the team and the events in Chinatown.
The only connection that is obvious is that it's an all Black drill team and the suspects in the incident are Black. And, the long history of passive aggressive racism and discrimination that Seattle is known for, from redlining to police terrorism.
It's time to not only take these racists to court, it's way past time to double down on support for Umojafest; which SPD tried to shut down in the late 1990s.
Ultimately, it's NATION TIME; reparations, self determination, our own military, and international cooperative economics with other oppressed people being subjugated by AmeriKKKa.
See, the issue isn't racism, that's a symptom.…