David Banner Honored by National Black Caucus; Rapper Delivers Controversial Speech In Mississippi

Jackson, Mississippi rapper David Banner “Levell Crump” was recently honored by the “National Black Caucus of State Legislators” for his humanitarian efforts even though some did not agree with David Banner being honored and presented as a role model to students.

Jackson, Mississippi rapper David Banner “Levell Crump” was recently honored by the “National Black Caucus of State Legislators” for his humanitarian efforts even though some did not agree with David Banner being honored and presented as a role model to students. This was the first time the “National Black Caucus of State Legislators” was held in Jackson where more than 500 lawmakers where in the state to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the “National Black Caucus of State Legislators” where David Banner was acknowledged and presented with a Visionary award for his service to the community.

One particular parent Jim McIntyre who did not agree with David Banner being honored pulled his two sons off the field trip after students toured the State Capitol before heading to David Banner’s speech. “I was appalled that anybody in our state legislature is giving this man attention regardless of how much money he’s given,” McIntyre said.

“This is suppose to be one the greatest times in my life. And it’s so bad and they wonder why we as youth; why we don’t come back to Mississippi because this is how we treat our people. And it hurts, I can’t lie and say that I am not hurt and I can’t say that I’m not embrassed because we have so many people from so many places finally. And this is what we do to our children,” stated Banner.

David Banner has helped raise more than $1 million dollars for the Katrina relief. Inaddition, he also brought not only food, but supplies for the evacuees immediately following the storm. David Banner has also been an avid contributor to education by donating funds for college scholarships.

Regardless that some of the parents disapproved of David Banner, he was applauded by more than 200 high school students which were invited to see him receive his award.

“We are honoring him for his community service, not his music,” states NBCSL Pres. Mary Coleman.

During his acceptance speech David Banner told students, “You have to be gangsta about your school work!” Which was his way of encouraging them to learn and get the most out of their education. “They think you are dumb, they think you are slow,” Banner said to them. “You have to be 10 times better than anyone in any school. You have to be gangsta about your school work.” During his speech David Banner also didn’t shy away from letting everyone know that he is a millionaire and an intelligent young man who went to college and was in the top 5 of his class and he was one thesis away from his Masters Degree. He also went on to speak on how media is distant when it comes to him doing something good like the relief and other functions he has participated in which was spoken as not newsworthy. “Where were you?” asked David Banner. Where he boldly asked media where were they when he was standing next to dead children floating in the water when he was in Louisiana immediately after the Hurricane.

Even though many of the students’ parents disapproved of him, the students look up to him. “He could be a good person on the inside, but when he’s rapping he’ll do something different to make the money,” stated Sophomore Jason Hardiman to news station WLBT.

“Do I look at him as a good role model? He’s successful,” said Coleman.

What makes David Banner any different than Arnold Schwarzenegger playing Terminator and then becoming governor? Does the role that rappers play in the Music/Entertainment Industry differ from the roles that actors play in movies of real life stories and happenings such as Chain Saw Massacre or other movies of serial killers or worst? Does what role you play as a character in the Music/Entertainment Industry determine who you are in reality and the role you play in society?

Watch the video (to the left) as David Banner gives his National Black Caucus of State Legislators speech.