Diddy Says It’s Bigger Than Baltimore: “The Black Community Are The Forgotten Ones”

Bad Boy Records CEO Diddy recently gave his thoughts on black injustice throughout the United States amid the publicized death of Maryland man Freddie Gray.

Despite all of the attention centering on Baltimore these days, Puffy emphasized the need for people to know the same problems exist nationwide.

“Baltimore is something that people have to realize is not just something that is just occurring over this one tragedy. … The black community are the forgotten ones – just like people are in poverty all over this country, but especially the black community. So you have a lot of built-up frustration especially in the kids that see their future is bleak and they are being forgotten. People need to pay attention to that. … Something has to change soon.” (Billboard)

Check out what other artists have said about the Baltimore situation on the next page…

Chicago hip-hop artist Chance the Rapper recently said the power of social media, notably Twitter, should not be overlooked in addressing situations like the Baltimore crisis.

“I think it’s really most important for everybody to be informed, to be connected to the situation. I always say like there’s an act—when to be a hand or to be a voice. You gotta know when your Twitter is stronger or your body actually marches. Sometimes it’s either/or, you know? But I don’t want to dance around saying this sh*t is wrong. I think we all know that. It’s very hard to watch it happening on a loop.” (The FADER)

Last week, New York rapper Ja Rule gave his take on the Baltimore situation.

“I think it’s a very sad situation what’s going on in Baltimore. It’s not just Baltimore. I think it’s going on throughout the country. And with what’s going on in our urban communities with the police, I think it just needs to—Somebody needs to be the peacemaker. To bring it all together. To make things better on that front. And I don’t know who’s the guy to do it. I don’t know who’s gonna step up and be our leader…But as long as we keep marching peacefully, I think that’s the best way for us to get our point across.” (“Fox Business”)

Earlier this month, charges were handed out to the six officers that arrested Freddie Gray.

State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby declared that Freddie Gray’s death was a homicide, his arrest was illegal, and his treatment in custody amounted to murder and manslaughter. Onlookers began to cheer and then express amazement over Mosby’s announcement, which few expected so quickly. “The findings of our comprehensive, thorough and independent investigation coupled with the medical examiner’s determination that Mr. Gray’s death was a homicide,” Mosby said, “we have probable cause to file criminal charges.” (ABC News)