Wyclef
Jean
has cancelled hisMarch 24th concert at the College of Charleston in Charleston,
South Carolina, in support of the NAACP’s economic sanctions against
the tourism industry in South Carolina. The sanctions, which were
officially launched on January 1, 2000, are intended to impel
the state to stop flying the Confederate battle flag atop the
state capitol building.
The
economic boycott was further strengthened when several other artists
— including Destiny’s Child, Patti LaBelle, the O’Jays, Eric
Benet, Brian McKnight and Gerald LeVert — refused to perform
in the state as long as the flag flew. Noted dancer/choreographer
Bill T. Jones also recently withdrew from Charleston’s prestigious
Spoleto Festival.
"As much as I hate to cancel a show," said Wyclef Jean,
"I cannot in good conscience perform in a state that has
an emblem of racism and division flying over its capitol. I am
in full support of the NAACP’s initiatives and feel sure that
my fans will understand that my actions are to help raise the
consciousness of the people of South Carolina and the rest of
America."