Cooler heads prevailed at an Atlanta town hall meeting on Tuesday [July 12] when Tyrese stepped in to prevent a heated exchange between artists Lyfe Jennings and David Banner from escalating. Jennings and Banner appeared to be approaching a face off as both men rose to their feet in the midst of a shouting match that broke out as Jennings rebuked Banner's suggestion that the Black community considers taking up arms in defense against police. The hundreds who packed Decatur's House of Hope Church had begun to rise from their seats as well, before Ty, separated the men while reminding them of the children in the room.
"Boy, you sound crazy! You sound crazy!" Jennings said in reaction to Banner's comment. "Ok, that's fine. But that's me. What we're going through is crazy," Banner, who also proposed financial repercussions, responded. Jennings immediately snapped back: "What we're going through is crazy, but we ain't going to create more of it by telling these people to bring f***ing guns against the police!"
"Real Strategy for Change," was hosted by comedian Ricky Smiley and brought residents of Douglass, Fulton, DeKalb and Rockdale County together to engage a panel of distinguished guests on the issue of police accountability. Some of the notable speakers included daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Bernice King, Young Jeezy, 2 Chainz, DC Young Fly, ET from Durtty Boyz, Cariol Horne, and Rev. C.T. Vivian. Following five nights of ATL protests, its focus was on bringing the community's energy back to a solution based discourse. "We have got to find a way to get on one accord in our approach," said Dr. King.
Banner and Jennings would later resolve tensions, reportedly shaking hands before making their departure.
Source: instagram.com
