Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
Because most of my friends are Black, I am not a regular target of “pranks” or “hijinks.” So, when I received a personal call from the office of the vice president of the United States inviting me to a party, I immediately wondered: “Which one of my friends is playing on the phone?”
As it turned out, I was actually invited to the vice presidential residence to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Although I truly believe there is no such thing as halfway crooks, I must confess that I was, if only for a moment, shook. After the initial shock wore off, I booked a flight to D.C. so that I could share my firsthand account of the event. But after spending Saturday celebrating half a century of my favorite musical genre, I was left with a few questions.
10. Was it an actual cookout?
The executive board for Black Luncheons, After-Church Kickbacks, Porch Events, Outside Parties and Lawn Events (BLACKPEOPLE) deliberated for days on the official designation for the vice president’s celebration.
Most of our members noted that the food was technically cooked outside and brown liquor was served. But, of course, white people were going to be there, and there was no aluminum foil, both of which negate the official status of cookout. Citing the 11 a.m. start time, as well as the serving of grits, mimosas, and chicken and waffles, a few of our more bougie members suggested that this was a “brunch,” while others argued that it was obviously a day party. One voter brought up the fact that Reginald Hudlin was there, and the festivities took place at the vice presidential residence, which would automatically make this a “house…
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