Alvin Ailey, one of the most prestigous dance institutions in NYC, has annual performances at City Center, has their beautiful bodies showcased throughout the city and tours worldwide, but don't you find it crazy that one of their dancers was recently detained by Israeli airport security because of his Muslim name? Abdur-Rahim Jackson. Sounds pretty urban to me, but these security officers just had to make sure. I dunno y'all- sounds kinda shady to me too, but Jackson says it has happened to him before "when he returned to the United States from a trip to the Dominican Republic." Imagine going on a six-nation tour, watching your fiancee clear passport control & when it's your turn- security is summoned. You know being a Black man you have to remain contained & composed but you also have to do or say something quick. Luckily, Jackson was used to the routine and up for an additional solo performance because they weren't buying his Alvin Ailey brochures- including photos of him dancing. After dancing for them and answering a few more questions, they let him go advising him to "change his name". What's up with that? Some things still ain't right.
DRE.B.EZ
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