Norfolk's annual black Afr'am Fest fails to pay security forces for weekend event

June 15, 2010 - PRLog -- NORFOLK - - Is the troubled black cultural celebration, Afr'Am Fest trying to skip out on paying its debt to security officials who help keep the peace this year?

An  email memo alleges it is.  It alleges promoters of the black event have failed to make the promised payment of about $43,000 at the close of business Friday, May 28 as promised to off-duty police and deputies it hired to work security.

Lawyers for many of the 51 unpaid employees are threatening court action to obtain the funds.

One Norfolk female sheriff's deputy was scared she was going to lose her home (a rental) because he had worked the second job for the specific reason to make her monthly rent.

The city's black police chief Bruce P. Marquis and black city manager Regina Williams did not respond to media queries.

Black councilman Paul Riddick said he knew Afr 'Am would have financial problems because its meeting date last year was disrupted by renovation at Town Park and this year Williams banned use of the park by groups charging admission.

Paul Fraim, the city's white mayor, said he's also concerned the city employees weren't paid for their off-duty work.

Ironically, the number of blacks turning out for the event was below par and serious questions are being raised as to whether the event may not have passed its usefulness and viability to be profitable.

Is it simply another instance of a 'single-race' focused activity becoming obsolete?  Probably.

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