Talladega College has released a statement apologizing for rapper David Banner’s controversial remarks on race during its convocation last week.
Al.com reported that during his speech Banner approached a white high school student and made sarcastic comments. According to WBRC, Banner went on to discuss how historically black colleges and universities sent students off to work for their oppressors and compared that to Jews working for Nazis.
In the apology from Talladega president Billy Hawkins, which was sent to the university community, Hawkins said the college will be reviewing its process of finding speakers to bring to campus. The letter also clarified that Banner’s comments did not represent the beliefs of the college and that the institution valued diverse opinions that were not disrespectful to community members.
Banner told reporters in an interview before the speech that he would speak on the lack of opportunities and healthy outlets for young people, reported WBRC. Banner told media that he was going to speak on the importance of self and anger some older people. Prior to the event, a student-led group spoke with Banner about what his speech would contain, said Al.com.
Banner, whose real name is Lavell William Crump, is a rapper, producer, actor and activist originally from Mississippi.
