Let’s get real about race

Thanks to David Forbes and the Mountain Xpress for covering the lack of hip-hop at Bele Chere in the Aug. 10 issue [“Not Too Kool”]. DJ Kool and Doug E. Fresh would have been a wonderful addition to the lineup. The suggestion that they pose any sort of "risk" in comparison to other artists is […]

People are not born prejudiced

Regarding the Aug. 10 Xpress article, “Not Too Kool,” my daughter is a white, female, Jewish hip-hop artist (check her out at heidid.com). She does not drink, smoke or take drugs. She graduated valedictorian of her high school class. As my youngest son wrote at the tender age of 7, "People are not born prejudiced. […]

Local Matters: The Bele Chere hip-hop controvers­y, food trucks and Buncombe County Commission update

In this edition of Local Matters — the Xpress weekly news podcast — reporter David Forbes talks about the controversy over the Bele Chere committee’s reluctance to book hip-hop artist DJ Kool, and gives updates on the ongoing food truck ordinance battle. Reporter Christopher George also gives a rundown of the recent Buncombe County Commission meeting.

Omitted email: City staffer believed Bele Chere head would consult with APD about hip-hop act

Sandra Travis, program director for Asheville’s festivals, has denied consulting with the Asheville Police Department before deciding not to book a hip-hop act for the Bele Chere festival. However, a new email reveals that one of Travis’ staff believed otherwise, asserting her boss would consult with the APD “about community temperament.” The city omitted the email from an earlier release to Xpress.