This is a letter from a Katy resident who found himself unable to get into a Washington Avenue nightclub last weekend while he watched others just walk past the velvet rope. It appears to be a very serious problem that needs to be addressed here in the city of Houston by someone. If it goes unchecked that particular club scene could become a powder keg waiting to explode. Here’s that letter:
Isiah,
How are you doing today? I wanted to tell you that I like your segment of the show and the blog that has been recently created. It provides an outlet for citizens to express their views on certain stories that affect the normal everyday lives of people. Therefore I want to thank you personally for your great work.
This past Saturday night me and my wife went to join a couple of friends at H*** H**** on Washington ave. We went there to join friends that were there and already has a section reserved for a birthday party. When I could not find parking in the near vicinity, I decided to park Valet because I noticed patrons that utilized this method, had straight access to the club. So I used the valet service to park my newly model Escalade, and the charge was 20 dollars!!!! Once me and my wife got out yhe vehicle and proceeded to get inside the establishment, I noticed two guys that work for the club along with 2 HPD officers.
Several white people were let in with no questions ahead of me that used the valet and when I proceeded to do the same, one of the guys that worked for the club told me I had to talk to the other guy because he was the head guy. So when I waited for about 10 minutes to speak with him, he indicated that the club was at capacity and the Fire Marshall was inside the club. He also told me that it was no way possible that he could let me inside of the club, and the time was 12am at the moment, and the club is open til at least 2am. During the 10 minutes I waited to gain access, the first club employee that initially made me wait, let several other white people inside the club ahead of me and my wife. Also, there were about 50 people in line at the time. Me and my wife were dressed nice, and drove 35 miles from Katy to go to this club in order to be turned around because of my color. That’s the only issue it could be because they didn’t turn down any white people or Asians at all to get in.
I have heard many stories from friends about the same problem and something has to be done because soon there will be a story that hits the news where a murder will occur. Now you have two Houston Dynamo players that ware citing the same issue. This many people cannot be wrong and it has to be true what they are reporting. Unlike any other situation concerning race, this time whites are complaining about the issue because their friends are black and they are encountering the situation together.
So for once, its not just a group of blacks going against whites, you have whites witnessing what is occurring and that’s the game changer. They are going to do this with the wrong group of people and of course we know what the real result will be. Houston has been granted the All Star game next year so I wonder whats going to happen when we have a huge influx of blacks in the area that want to party there. The difference is going to be that these groups of blacks are coming from all areas of the country and they are more hostile when these type nonsense take place. When we had the first All Star game 6 years ago, Washington Ave did not have the bars and clubs in place like they do now. Therefore it gives the patrons more options when considering the number of clubs to attend. So its just a matter of time before a massacre takes place and innocent victims become involved.
I’m glad you gave your report to the FBI because this needs to stop and HPD should not be allowed to work anywhere on Washington Ave because most of the clubs practice these illegal methods. The last time I checked everyone’s money is the same color. Once again, I appreciate your time and assistance. Feel free to contact me anytime if you need to.
Regards,
RH
Glad this is finally brought to light. Its happen to me on several occasions as well. Being Hispanic and a former club promoter I know the rules of the game and called them out on it. A cop heard my anger when discussing it with the door guy and allowed me access.
I am also glad that someone exposed the discrimination that occurs on Washington avenue. This happens all the time and it is a serious situation because some could seriously get hurt.
Hello,
Its amazing that in 2012 that such blatant racism continues to exist. This racism is not unique to WAshington Avenue. Most of my minority friends and I, who happen to be local physicians in the area, have experienced this at clubs/bars on Washington avenue, at the city center, in River oaks and in the Montrose area. It is because of this discrimination that we have made a concerted effort to avoid such intolerant behavior and spend our time at clubs/bars that specifically cater to African Americans.
I have spent most of my life living in Canada and I have to admit that discrimination based purely on race is insulting and hurtful. I applaud you for bringing this injustice to everyones attention.