Oakland (Special to ZennieReport.com) – Legendary Hip Hop Journalist and San Francisco State Professor Davey Cook AKA “Davey D” sent this column exclusively to Zennie62Media for publication (website at SF State). It underscores the completely racist attacks the San Francisco Chronicle and its quasi-alter-ego publication SFGate have taken against Horn Barbecue.
Zennie62Media asserts that a paying reputation management client is behind the attacks and has hired the San Francisco Chronicle and its digital marketing corporation 46 Mile to do the dirty work of pushing negative news about Horn Barbecue in the wake of the arson fire that destroyed the West Oakland facility. Davey D did not write the following post at Zennie62Media’s behest, but we asked him to allow us to post it. Here’s our ZennieReport post on the same problem.
What follows is Davey D’s column. (Edited for SEO in only two instances of changing BBQ to “Barbecue” as in “Horn Barbecue”).
Dear Madilynne Medina,
I recently read your article (here at SF Chronicle’s SFGate.com) on the unfortunate fire that devastated Horn Barbecue, and like many, I was disappointed to see such a tragedy unfold, especially during the holiday season. Losing a business under such unforeseen circumstances is truly disheartening. In a city like Oakland, where numerous challenges persist, witnessing the destruction of Horn Barbecue is particularly distressing.
However, what caught my attention and was quite off-putting was your decision to delve into Horn’s past financial challenges in the article. I’m curious about the rationale behind highlighting those issues when so many individuals are now jobless, a popular establishment has been reduced to ashes, and people are facing uncertain futures. In times like these, focusing on dragging the business seemed counterproductive and lacked empathy.
I couldn’t help but notice that your coverage of other businesses facing financial challenges or significant lawsuits did not include similar details, even though the information is publicly available. For instance, your article on PG&E and impending rate hikes omitted the controversies surrounding the company, its negligence in managing power lines leading to devastating fires, and the numerous lawsuits and settlements. Why was there no mention of the struggles faced by those who received no compensation or relief from PG&E? Is there a reason certain businesses are spared such scrutiny in your reporting?
I also observed your update on Horn’s situation on November 22, a day after the fire. While you touched on the aftermath, why did you not mention the positive actions of Horn Barbecue, such as their initiative to give away over 200 turkeys to homeless residents and those in need? This altruistic effort, especially in the midst of adversity, seems newsworthy and deserving of acknowledgment.
In your recent coverage of Disneyland, the article focused on a light pole incident without mentioning a settled lawsuit or the decline in annual revenues. Unlike your coverage of Horn Barbecue, there was no attempt to paint a negative picture. I understand the power of words in crafting a narrative, and as a seasoned reporter, I’m curious about the motivation behind the stark contrast in your reporting styles.
I hope this feedback encourages you to consider a more balanced and compassionate approach in your future reporting. It is my belief that responsible journalism should uplift and inform the community rather than perpetuate a negative narrative, especially during challenging times.
Sincerely, Davey ‘Davey D’ Cook
Post Script: Davey D’s column comes in the wake of Zennie62Media CEO Zennie Abraham’s vlog pointing to the latest racist attack on Horn Barbecue.
Zennie62Media, Inc. was not retained by any client for the post. It comes from the anger that Zennie62Media, Inc. holds against media companies that seek to deliberately and illegally trash the reputation of black professionals.
Zennie62Media’s research has discovered that The San Francisco Chronicle has not sought to attack any white Oakland restaurant owner. Nor has the San Francisco Chronicle called the employees of Oakland white-owned restaurants, upsetting them in the process. Moreover, the San Francisco Chronicle coverage shows respect, deference, and occasionally humor, to restaurants and restaurant owners in San Francisco and also Oakland Chinatown.