In the early 90’s there were about 28 African American bars, taverns, and Lounges. In less than two decades, the city has managed to close most of them leaving nine for a city whose African American population is well over 26,000.
History shows that every since Blacks have moved to Racine in the 40’s they have sought to entertain themselves within their own community.
In the early 70’s Aldermen began using the closing of Black bars to prove their worth as elected officials. An example is how Jim Kaplan, Alderman of the 4th District, during his recent campaign for Alderman bragged how he closed Viper’s Lounge and others small businesses in his district.
When an all out effort was made to close Viper’s Lounge, on the corner of High and Erie Street, some African American leaders suggested to the Aldermen that closing bars and taverns in the so-called inner city could lead to the proliferation of crowds in other areas of town.
Now after the city council has closed most minority businesses, they are now prepared to close even another one. But the question remains, is it being done because of problems the bar is causing, or is it being closed because it attracts too many Blacks to an almost White downtown business district. Could the city have legitimate reasons to take action?
The Facts:
The Park 6 on Sixth Street, a popular entertainment location for African American patrons, is in danger of being shut down after a shooting outside of the bar last weekend.
The Racine Post reported that the City Council's Public Safety and Licensing Committee voted unanimously Monday to begin the process to revoke the controversial bar's liquor license. Alderman Bob Mozol made the motion.
"Every day this place stays open increases the chances of someone getting killed here," Mozol said.
A security guard was shot in the leg early Sunday morning on Sixth Street. Three suspects were arrested in Kenosha about 45 minutes after the shooting. No charges have been filed.
The Public Safety Committee strongly backed Mozol's lead.
"This is impossible to ignore," said Alderman Aron Wisneski, chairman of the committee.
Alderman David Maack said, without city action, "We're going to have a major problem."
Alderman Jim Kaplan said Park 6's owner hasn't followed through on steps to reduce the potential for problems. "We've been promised so many things and none of them have been followed through on," he said.
Alderman Eric Marcus said he agreed with Mozol. "We need to take action before someone gets killed," he said.
The committee also reviewed three police incidents at Park Six on May 7 and noted the police department's Gang Crime Diversion Task Force monitored a private party at the bar. Past incidents, plus the shooting, give the city a strong enough case to rescind the license, Wisneski said.
The only debate the committee had was whether to revoke the license or simply not renew it when it comes due on July 1. City Attorney Rob Weber said both processes have the same timelines and, essentially, the same potential outcomes.
The committee's decision now goes to the full council for approval. If it's approved, the city's prosecutor will build a case against Park 6 and then serve them with revocation papers.
If the license is revoked, owner Thomas Holmes can't apply for another liquor license in the city for 11 months and another business can't apply for a liquor license at the Park 6 address, 500 6th St., for 11 months.
Park 6 is located in a so-called downtown entertainment district. There are four bars in close proximity of each other. African Americans own two and whites own two with two other bars planning to open soon.
Some downtown sources have suggested that White business owners are disturbed over the number of minorities in the area at night and fear they will drive their daytime customers away.
The Racine police department has suggested its force is being drained, even though Park 6 hires it own security service.
Another unnamed business owner downtown said the rush by the city to closed Park 6 before a police investigation, is because Racine Downtown Corporation, which hosts a variety of downtown events, fears that if the public feels they are being threatened, they will stay away from the area.
Not a good argument says another downtown African American business owner who stated that there have been other shootings downtown as well as several near downtown and they have not been intimidate by revocation.
Is it reasonable to believe that city Alderman have already decided that it is easier to sacrifice one Black business, for the safeguard of others?
Veteran Alderman Michael Shield feels that the city’s rush judgment of Park 6 is tainted and biased, and hinders the committee’s ability to be fair to the owner. “He (Holems) has done what the committee asked of him and is now being punished for it. You cannot control what a person does once they leave your establishment.” At Park 6 business, security guards checks each patron electronically for weapons.”
Some people have long suggested that the closing of Black bars is a scam to free up liquor licenses for other proposed downtown bars and restaurants.
Whatever the reason, it seems that Park 6 is doomed to be closed by the city, and there is little anyone can do to change the city’s mind.
