City and businesses will be assessed in hospitality during Black Bike Week
May 25, 2005
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) today implements "Operation Bike Week Justice" in the City of Myrtle Beach during Black Bike Week. Specifically, the NAACP is demanding the City treat Black Bike Week visitors the same as Harley Week visitors and other summer tourists.
The Rev. Nelson B. Rivers, III, NAACP Chief Operating Officer, said: "The NAACP seeks equal treatment for black tourists as with other tourists in Myrtle Beach during Black Bike Week. We will be assessing the treatment of tourists for Black Bike Week and ask if anyone receives discriminatory behavior to report it to the NAACP. It is unfortunate that there is a need to request the same welcome treatment for black tourists that has been given to white tourists."
NAACP Interim General Counsel Angela Ciccolo said: "Despite the recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the NAACP will remain vigilant in our demand for equal treatment. Our attorneys continue to explore all options."
Beyond the litigation, the association continues to pick up support for its efforts including the North Carolina United Bikers Association and the Carolina Knight Riders.
The NAACP has done a great deal of work to help ensure equal treatment for visitors to Myrtle Beach Black Bike Week. An NAACP command center has been established at Sandy Grove Baptist Church along with a complaint hotline, 1-888-362-8683, for tourists who experience discrimination during the Black Bikers event.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
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