Louisville Mojo: More Alleged Racism at 4th Street Live

By now, it's undeniable to most clear-eyed observers that the managers of 4th Street Live are trying to keep black people away from the downtown development. The question at this point is whether they're going to continue to be allowed to.

One former employee at Maker's Mark Bourbon House and Lounge is suing the operators of the bar for allegedly demoting her because she complained about its practices of racial discrimination. (This suit has been widely chronicled; read about it here and here.)

And in a Halloween night incident, one local man says he was denied entry to 4th Street Live's Halloween costume party because he wasn't following the dress code.

The man, who is black, is shown on video wearing a denim jacket, jeans, and a bandana on his head, which is ordinarily not allowed under 4th Street Live's dress code for special events. The obvious question here is whether the dress code applies when the special event is a costume party.

WHAS has video of other white party-goers wearing the same kind of doo rags, so allegations of discrimination don't seem too far-fetched in this case.

Christopher 2X, a community leader who played a role in the mediation of a racial discrimination incident involving employees at the Lucky Strike bowling alley on 4th Street Live in 2006, thinks the video comparison of the permitted and non-permitted headgear “is pretty powerful.”

“If the issue was a rag on the head, I think the guy making the complaint seems like he has a valid complaint,” 2X said, adding that it's possible there were other considerations in the decision to bar him from entry that didn't make it into the WHAS report.

The latest allegations of racial discrimination there—similar allegations have dogged 4th Street Live since it opened in 2004 amid controversy surrounding its dress code—both surfaced in the last week.

So, another day, another report of racist discrimination on 4th Street. It's starting to look like 4th Street Live thinks black people are bad for business.

“If you ask the average African-American in this town, they'll tell you they don't feel welcome on 4th Street,” said Ward Plauche, who used to co-own the venue formerly known as City Block. “4th Street Live is very restrictive when it comes to their dress code, and no one will ever admit that the dress code becomes a people code,” he said.

“We embraced everybody—black promoters, black shows—we embraced all that,” Plauche said of the booking philosophy at City Block. “I don't think any of those places [at 4th Street Live] wanted to be pigeonholed as an African-American club, they thought it was detrimental to their profile,” he said.

The general manager of 4th Street Live for Cordish, Ann Naville, did not return phone or e-mail messages seeking comment.

You're not allowed to wear a doo rag at 4th Street Live...if you're black.

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Bill Calvert #53056 wed nov 04 2009 at 4:52 pm ·


	This doesn't seem much of news as it does opinion. At least the way it's written. Mojo, stick to oversized advertisements .

Frank Lucas #268746 wed nov 04 2009 at 5:58 pm ·


	Check the Cordish track record in other cities and you will see the same thing. I've been down there and I know what's happening. It doesn't matter if 2x is involved or not. Anybody black knows the real deal. We're talking about it because it's real not fantasy!

~BLUEYED WONDER~ wed nov 04 2009 at 6:00 pm ·


	THE VERY FEW TIMES THAT I HAVE BEEN TO 4TH STREET LIVE, THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A WHOLE LOT OF ANY RACE EXCEPT WHITE. I THOUGHT LOUISVILLE WAS DEEMED TO BE "A CULTURALLY DIVERSE CITY". 4TH STREET DOES NOT SEEM TO BE AN ACCEPTING DEVELOPMENT TO OTHER RACES AND CULTURES. WHEN PEOPLE ARE VISITING OUR CITY FROM OTHER CITIES AND STATES, THEY ARE DRAWN TO 4TH STREET LIVE AND I THINK THE MANAGERS OF 4TH STREET NEED TO RE-THINK THEIR STRATEGY AND BUSINESS PLAN. I DEFINITELY THINK THIS IS A RACIAL ISSUE.

Ed Springston wed nov 04 2009 at 6:05 pm ·


	Agreed Marlo. I have written much on Cordish and their racist tendencies on my site. The history of Cordish in regards to race relations is bad at best. Check out Kansas City and other places Cordish is in. Ed Springston

Honky Kong wed nov 04 2009 at 6:10 pm ·


	its life people, move on. i stopped goin places im not wanted years ago. ie: lyles mall. ive racial slurs thrown at me when i was there. i didnt call whas to make a big deal about it. dont go somewhere ur not wanted just to make a point. why would u wanna go somewhere if u feel like that place doesnt want u there? i dont go somewhere if im uncomfortable. there are so many other better places in louisville for everyone to enjoy each others company anyway.

bizkyd wed nov 04 2009 at 6:20 pm ·


	imeen im black but i was adopted into a white family n so... imeen any intelligent person who reviews the video would take that there is a point to be made here. simply because the video shows the black man wearing a du rag among other garments include a jean jacket...the white male at the end of the video is not only wearing a du rag...but alsos a muthafudgin jean jacket...im willin tu bet he was wearin wranglers..uh size 3434...neway any person who says those arent the same items of clothing and that that man is inside...n dont think thats filtering.. smell like african tampons.

Stalking Butler wed nov 04 2009 at 6:37 pm ·


	While it does sound pretty fishy, my comment is actually a little off topic... why would anyone (or any group of people) EVER allow someone named "2X" suddenly become their honorary public relations guy? NO ONE is ever going to take ANY issue that he represents seriously.

3St3v3D wed nov 04 2009 at 7:00 pm ·


	Ive been to 4th street live and I was denied entry because I was wearing a shirt with a punisher skull on it.. Hmm I think its just because I'm white! Oh and like one guy said.. why go somewhere where you don't feel welcomed?? I haven't felt welcomed since that day and I do not go back to the place. Wasn't my idea of fun anyways.

(dismembered) wed nov 04 2009 at 7:01 pm ·


	To those who who say negative comments about Christopher 2X: I used to work at a restaurant that he frequented downtown and got to know him a little bit. The man is a wonderful person and does a LOT of good work for impoverished people in general, NOT just black people. He is well informed about the legal system, and offers free counseling to anybody who needs it. Maybe you should get to know him too before making rash judgements.

terry benson #309507 wed nov 04 2009 at 7:05 pm ·


	I think its pretty obvious what's going on here. To debate this is almost a joke and an insult to one's intelligence. The black man couldn't get in and white men were allowed in, while they were all wearing the same thing? How obvious can you get? Its racism and must be addressed. Racism must be challenged at every level.

Jax Rhapsody wed nov 04 2009 at 7:24 pm ·


	The dress code thing is fuckin stupid. A lesbian friend of mine was trying to get in and she couldn't get in cause a sweatshirt she had on had a number one it. She had to go buy another shirt and comeback. I get tired of bussiness owners trying to make everybody live up to their expectations. Seems like everything that ain't Aeropostal, Holister or American Eagle is "gang related".

Rob Beanz #162341 wed nov 04 2009 at 7:29 pm ·


	Racial Profiling or Stereo Typing??? It will Never be Stopped! Garbage news like this only incubates, musters, and then spreads more Hate! Way to Go!! :)~

FFEMT85 wed nov 04 2009 at 7:53 pm ·


	god how come everything has to be a black/white thing. i can imagine if someone came in throwing gang signs or something and acting like a idiot before hitting the door but damn. can't we all get along? i thought this whole black and white thing would decrease after everyone voted for "their" president without even knowing his middle name just the fact that he was black?

diverdude wed nov 04 2009 at 8:59 pm ·


	what kind of name is 2x, is that Bohemian

William Hundley #304295 wed nov 04 2009 at 9:11 pm ·


	4 th street isnt racist there just dicks i dont even go there i have been turned away several times for baggy pants!! they will continue till people stop going!!

Under! wed nov 04 2009 at 9:33 pm ·


	If I'm not welcome at someplace I dont whine and cry about it , I just dont go ! I'm sure it is only a dress code thing and 4th street live is not the only place with a dress code . Take school for instance ,, in Jefferson Co. Schools kids are not allowed to attend wearing any kind of head gear and or baggy pants is this true or untrue . Yeah thats a good idea why not sue the schools next ????

Under! wed nov 04 2009 at 9:39 pm ·


	I say if gangs want to goto 4th street live let them , whats wrong with that ? Cant we all just get along ?

DFLOWERING NUNS wed nov 04 2009 at 9:43 pm ·


	4Th street Live: Ive never felt cool enough to be there, and Ive never had the insane amount of cash in my pocket to spend there. Ive recently done work in the Starks building-refinishing hardwood floors. It can be a dirty job. So on my way to the food court for some lunch,I would get the most disgusting looks from people sipping on overpriced drinks and feeling really smug about themselves. The pretentious nature is real, and no, Im not black...but its obvious to me that 4th Street Live is intended for those who've never been to 22nd street.

ATVman wed nov 04 2009 at 10:24 pm ·


	Looks to me like one man's costume is another man's common attire. Nuff said.

IRONHEAD3 wed nov 04 2009 at 10:25 pm ·


	so what i get looked at because im ugly -how does that 2 x guy make a living -i think he is a trouble maker

Rachelle My Bell wed nov 04 2009 at 11:02 pm ·


	To be honest, I don't doubt there is some racism. I honestly hate going to the Hard Rock Cafe down there because I hate walking by the Angel Rock Bar and seeing those half naked chicks. I just avoid 4th street altogether. I only go to the Hard Rock if I do go. Too many half naked chicks. The best way to avoid racism is by not putting yourself around it. There will always be racism in this country. I wish it didn't exist. If I ever hear a white person say racist things about black people I kick them to the curb and I get fired up inside and want to beat them up, but they will answer to that one day and I don't have to teach them they are wrong, they already know it.

Est. 1980 wed nov 04 2009 at 11:27 pm ·


	For somene who doesn't fit any stereotype, besides being black, it definitely is an issue of race. I have been denied because my jeans were too baggy, keep in mind, I'm a 300lb guy. At the same time, another black friend was denied because his jeans were also too big, he's 5'5" and absolutley can't wear childrens clothing. Yet and still my brother and his wife gained entry and he was wearing amost the same exact same thing I was wearing. I have noticed MOST times if you go as a couple you have a better chance of getting in. Blatant racism- nothing else

Mr.Rekoj wed nov 04 2009 at 11:44 pm ·


	4th street is for tourists anyways. Boycott the whole damn area I say. I'd pick local developments to frequent and leave 4th street to die on its overpriced vine. Power to the people!

mugs78 thu nov 05 2009 at 12:01 am ·


	They probably just think it is good business.

~Twitch 420~ thu nov 05 2009 at 12:14 am ·


	Can I Call WHAS And tell them about the time I was barred from 4th street live because I was wearing rainbow sht saying that 4th street live is picky about sexuality too? I mean seriously get the fck over it geez...I'm F*ckin' white and got barred from there cuz I was wearing rainbow stuff, so I guess they hate gays too Eh oh well they can fuck off my money don't need to go to shitty a$$ clubs anyhow

Unpredictable thu nov 05 2009 at 12:32 am ·


	Is it that hard to just take the doo rag off??? Im mean really!!!!! One of my friends was told he couldnt come in cause his shirt wasnt tucked in and it was too long, so he just went to another intrance to the club and walked right in, and yes he was black!!

That Dude thu nov 05 2009 at 1:02 am ·


	I don't think it's a RACE issue. But Absolutely discrimination against certain things at it's best! I'm WHITE & get turned down EVERY TIME I've ever tried to go down there. Now... Before any stuff gets said. I am a big guy, I wear what fits me... BUT at the same time the brands I choose to wear don't make their clothes like AE, Abercrombie, Hollister and all those other companies. They are loose fit type clothing hence the reason I get turned down, So I have since stopped trying! My main gripe is that... since when did an idividuals attire decide whether or not their money was good or not? Now if your going with bandannas and other stuff like that, of course... EXPECT to get turned down. But just because your jeans and shirt aren't glued to your legs and chest should not automatically be terms for being denied entry! Just my two pennies...

Bill Calvert #53056 thu nov 05 2009 at 1:19 am ·


	Christopher 2x convinced one of his kid's moms to let him get away with not paying child support so he could do good in the world. He's slick... Also, who wants to go to 4th street anyway, It's overpriced.

Mr. Phlywright thu nov 05 2009 at 1:24 am ·


	race only bothers racist?

J. Stoneshifter thu nov 05 2009 at 2:39 am ·


	WTF? Are you really arguing this? Guess where I can't go. . . any bar in my neighborhood (40th and Broadway). I have to go all the way to Bardstown Rd. to have a good time. Get over it. They give me crap at 4th street too, so I don't go there. What makes people wanna be where they're treated badly?

Bluerider thu nov 05 2009 at 5:52 am ·


	I think Christopher 2x is on the side of the victims, regardless of race. I've seen how dress codes are used to discrimnate against bikers first hand, I'm sure it's even worse for blacks. Or whites in the wrong places too. They won't get my business.

frost thu nov 05 2009 at 7:02 am ·


	All you guys talking about discrimination ;x Try being an Asian Male in Kentucky. No matter what club, bar, or place i go i get discriminated against in some way or form lol. (Now if i was an Asian female... things would be hell of a lot different.) Honestly I don't care anymore. Just go somewhere else rather than whining about it and spend that money elsewhere. Bunch of babies as far as i'm concerned. If anyone has the right to play the race card its the native american people... those guys got their land taken away from them and pushed onto reservations where a ton still are today....

Hi there thu nov 05 2009 at 9:04 am ·


	Here we go again. First of all the attire he had on was a very common way of dressing for a black man. He was NOT in costume..he was dressed as his ethnic culture dresses on a regular basis. The "average" realm of culture for white people is to NOT don doo rags which would appear more like a costume rather than every day attire for a white person's cultural representation. In my opinion, this guy has no case...just another pathetic attempt at calling in a race card. Look people..we elected a black president. The only people who seem to keep the light of racism burning are people who appear to be out for making a dollar on a lawsuit. Grow up and put your big girl panties on. Oh yeah Wal-Mart has 75% off their Halloween stuff right now.

*EsT. 1985* thu nov 05 2009 at 9:05 am ·


	We all have the right in America to file against what we feel isnt right..he is using his rights to file agains them as any other person would.

rodmack thu nov 05 2009 at 9:25 am ·


	They denied me access in Makers Mark one day for wearing a long-sleeved Fox Racing jersey. Nothing in their dress code says I can't wear that, they just flat out didn't like the way I looked. They are a bunch of pricks, and obviously do cross the lines on discrimination in several categories including race. 4th St. live = shit. They will never get another dime from me.

Stasha thu nov 05 2009 at 9:38 am ·


	So D I'm going to sue all the black people who have been racist against me. I'm gonna sue the bitches who beat me up b/c I didn't act black (and b/c I'm half white). I'm gonna sue the black people who say I don't have a voice b/c I'm "peach". Oh..and those who said I don't know how racism feels b/c I'm only half black. Funny thing is..I DO know what real racsim feels like. It just didn't come from white people... I have dealt with real racism my WHOLE life from black people. But let me guess...that doesn't count?!?!?

Rachelle My Bell thu nov 05 2009 at 9:40 am ·


	I just have something else to say abot Christopher 2x. For people who think he is on the side of the victims, that's absurd. Don't you know what marketing is all about? It's about lying. He markets himeself all the time whether he does good or bad. He knows how to stir people up.

ollie hardy #306036 thu nov 05 2009 at 11:09 am ·


	I bet you can ask 100 black men that have gone to 4th street live and i bet you will get at least 70% of them will tell you that they have been rejected from 4th st. live for a stupid reason. It happens every night every week. They do have a problem with black men there. That is the reason most black men don't go there. Our money is green, just like the white man. What the black man should do is just stay away from that place. I stop going cause i was wearing a shirt that they said was too long, and another guy wearing the same kind of shirt they let him in and not me. So i said the hell with you and that has been over an year ago. I will never spend another penny at 4th st. live. You have to be black to really understand some situations when it happen.

Stasha thu nov 05 2009 at 11:14 am ·


	I am sooo tired of hearing "you have to be black to understand"

Nick87 thu nov 05 2009 at 7:49 pm ·


	I dont think this is a racial thing. I got turned away 4 years ago when i was going to a free concert down there because I was wearing a tank top. AND IT WAS LIKE 90 DEGREES OUTSIDE!!! lol. I don't think its racial, they are just trying to get a specific type of crowd in there, white or black, and they are doing it using a dress code. And have a reason to keep all others out. And they are making it so strict that they can acctially do it and get away with it. I havn't been back sense. And don't plan on going back.

darealk sat nov 07 2009 at 8:20 pm ·


	He definately has a case!!and WOW!! at all the hard evidence and proof! and will probably be awarded greatly for his exposing it!! 4th street has no right to discriminate against any race, and then think they can get away with it! looks like they will learn after this one!! im sure the damages will be high!! as they should be : )

MissReche tue nov 24 2009 at 10:34 am ·


	I can honestly say I am extremely disappointed to hear people saying "get over it" and "just go somewhere else". The fact of the matter, it Should NOT be happening! It amazes me the amount of people that take it as whining! It seems like everyone has a "time" they did not get into 4th street live, that's great, but are we really that ignorant to think that nothing is going on here when it comes to blacks and fourth street. I have to let my boyfriend go in places first to make sure we can get in. He does not dress like what someone on here called "common Ethnic culture". (Which I would really like to know what you mean by that!) Yet, he has been turned away for his shoes! (black tennis shoes) but when he did go back and change they still would not let him in! Some of you all on here are extremely ignorant to what is going on around you, and evidently would like to keep it that way. Everything is not a racial issue, but raciala issues still exist and should not be over looked. As for his costume, who knows what he was trying to be, I know last year my boyfriend went as 50 Cent, he never wears a doo-rag, but had one on that night, along with a bullet proof vest! lol We should not have to go somewhere else! They should not be allowed to keep doing this. for those whoe don't think it's racially charged you should look up the case going on with Makers Mark Lounge!

strigoi_mortii tue dec 29 2009 at 3:22 pm ·


	well doesnt it make sense to just go somewhere else and forget about them? If nobody likes or frequents the place nobody advertises for them or spends money on them eventually they just die out and honestly we would all be better off if they did. Its a giant waste of space that could actually be used for far more attractive and accepting venues. Also would make a fantastic venue for some real diverse music acts if you didnt have the pretentious asshole hanging around. If anything make a community effort to buy the place out and turn it into a co-op project where everyone benefits. Letting the issue go may not be a good idea but letting the establishment go might be.

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