NAACP: Black-Owned Night Clubs Unfairly Fined

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Kate Nagle, GoLocalProv News Contributor

The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) and the Providence NAACP today have called on the Providence Licensing Board to reconsider the proposed penalties against Jovan’s Lounge and Snubs, Inc. 

"I'm worried about the precedent of closing these two establishments due to circumstances that happened outside their control," said Jim Vincent with the NAACP.  "It would be like if a crime happened outside your home. How could you be held responsible?  Or if it happened outside a bank -- would we close the bank?" 

Vincent told GoLocal, "These are establishments with well-known community leaders who give back, as well as employ a number of people.  We're trying to grow black businesses and reduce unemployment.  There's no excuse for gang violence, but gang activity isn't going to stop because we close these establishments down."  

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See statement below.

RIBBA and the NAACP released the following statement on Tuesday afternoon.

"These penalties have forced Jovan’s Lounge to lose revenue by closing for months, and Snub’s, Inc to take on additional expenses amounting to unusually harsh penalties for events that took place off of their premises in public areas. Due consideration should be given to the positive contributions they have made to the Rhode Island economy over the many years they have been in business. Jovan’s Lounge and Snubs, Inc are two long established Providence black businesses with close ties to the black community. They are among the small number of black businesses in Rhode Island that provide employment primarily to minority residents, performing artists and musicians.

Lisa Ranglin, President of the RI Black Business Association stated, “Authorities should work with the owners and appropriate city officials to strengthen safety in public areas outside business establishments. These two establishments cannot be expected to take responsibility for gang-related violence taking place off premises in public areas.” Ms Ranglin said further, “harsh penalties recommended by the Providence City Solicitor and the Providence Board of Licenses for events that occurred near these establishments, but not on their premises are uncalled for and if administered, will cause disruption and hardship for their employees and send the wrong message to the community.” RIBBA and the Providence NAACP recommend that consideration should be given to the fact that these establishments are open only on weekends, they do not have a history of serious violations, and they are small businesses that provide employment in a State with one of the highest unemployment rates in the Nation.

Concurring with Ms. Ranglin’s concerns and recommendations, Jim Vincent, President of the Providence NAACP declared, “The events that occurred on Saturday, July 27, 2013 was regrettable. However, gang related activity taking place on the street and off premises are well outside the control of any business establishment.”  

RIBBA'S Ranglin Weighs In 

"We're looking at [the situation] from the impact it will have on the community and families," Ranglin told GoLocal on Tuesday.  "We're also going to look at previous club closings on a case-by-case basis, to see if this type of action -- and penalties -- is unique to the clubs here in this instance, or else is across the board.  We know there have been incidents at other nightclubs of Providence, we're going to see what the outcomes were there." 

Ranglin, who is President of RIBBA and has worked at Bank of America for the past nine years, said that she met with Governor Chafee Monday night to discuss a number of matters.  

"We suggested some microlending and lending guidelines in terms of boosting the economy through small businesses, that will have an impact.  One of the things we're focused on at RIBBA is business development, making sure our businesses have access to capital, can build wealth, and positively impact the economy."

Ranglin, like Vincent, was most concerned about ddressing the club situation for the sake of the community.

"It's really about what can we do creatively and collectively. I  don't think closing down the club is the right answer. Is there an avenue?  We need to talk."

"And at the risk of sounding cliche,  I have binders of qualified people of color who are unable to find jobs. Its not because of education, but perhaps they don't fit a model or look a certain way. There are so many different factors that are involved in this,"  said Ranglin.  "We're looking to find out where we stand in terms of how many people the state employee population does -- or doesn't have -- matching up to our current demographic makeup here in Rhode Island."

"The state is one of the largest employers in the state....how are we trying to recruit diverse candidates. We'll have a lot of retirees coming up. Are we going to stay with a model of nepotism -- or can we leverage the necessary skill sets?"

"Clearly addressing violence -- and gang violence in particular -- tops on the subliminal tool set," said Ranglin.  

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