I don't think the decision to move the Strut has anything to do with race or racism on the mayor's part. I honestly believe his decision is a safety concern.
Plus it has to be expensive to require all that security for just one night. I can't think of the last time I graced the Strut with my beauty {joking here}. It's been at least over a decade or more ago.
In the beginning it was fun to see all the flavors, hues and colors walking together, and strangers of varying shades walking up to me asking to dance.
Right there in the middle of the street, swinging and swaying to the beat of jazz, ragtime and the likes.
Then things got scary, dangerous and the "fun", joy and excitement was no longer there. I stopped going and haven't attended a Strut since.
I'm sorry. I'm saddened....I'm not sure if there's anything at all that can fix it.....but the safety of everyone should be at the top of the list here - as I'm sure that's the mayor's greatest concern. It's his responsibility to be concerned. Anything less, he would not be doing his job as the mayor.
Brenda Manghane~Washington