Bikes, Blues and Barbecue brings thousands of people into Fayetteville each year but some UofA students aren’t attending, they’re boycotting.
The largest bike rally in the nation starts tomorrow but UofA student Joseph Daniels won’t be there.
“I am boycotting Bikes, Blues and Barbecue this year.”
On August 1st, Daniels and his friends started a petition to ban the confederate flag from flying at the annual rally. After the petition reached 1,000 signatures Daniels says he wrote an email to the event leadership, asking for a meeting.
He says they refused to discuss the matter so boycotting was his last resort.
“It’s disappointing that it has come now to this but it is something that we have to do in order to do to continue to build as a community.”
Event officials say they are working hard to make this a family, friendly event. They have been contact by people on both sides of the argument and they say they aren’t picking a side.
Official Statement from Bikes, Blues and Barbecue Executive Director, Tommy Sisemore: “We have recently been made aware of petitions asking for us to both condemn and accept the display of the confederate flag at our annual motorcycle rally. Bikes, Blues and Barbecue is a not for profit motorcycle rally that benefits women, children and the under deserved members of the Northwest Arkansas community. Since the first Bikes, Blues and BBQ we have donated $1.3 million to charity. Bikes, Blues and BBQ has always taken pride in being a family friendly event, inclusive of all members of the community. Bikes, Blues and BBQ in no way condones or accepts racism, intolerance or hate speech. We also respect individuals’ rights to free speech and expression.”
But Daniels says action still needs to take place.
“Hopefully, this boycott is something that can open the door for future discussions, open the door for future conversation and open the door for future changes and policy changes that need to happen.”
The petition now has over 1,000 signatures. Officials leading the boycott are encouraging those who won’t be coming the rally this weekend to donate money to charities that normally receive donations from Bikes, Blues and Barbecue.
-Courtesy of UATV Reporter Sawyer Buccy