Chuck Brown’s Family Withdraws Support From Chuck Brown Day
The family of D.C. music legend Chuck Brown has withdrawn its support from the annual Chuck Brown Day celebration, saying it no longer wants the event to continue under its current leadership.
In a statement, the Brown family said they have felt marginalized for the past three years when it comes to the planning and direction of the event honoring the man widely known as the “Godfather of Go-Go.”
The family said it notified the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) on Feb. 3 that it was withdrawing its support.
“The Brown family has decided that due to their marginalization over the past three years with regard to the planning and substance of Chuck Brown Day … we no longer support the Chuck Brown Day event,” the family said in its statement.
The family said it does not want the celebration to continue unless new leadership is put in place and its wishes are taken seriously. It also accused organizers of a lack of communication and professionalism and of failing to follow guidelines in contractual agreements.
Chuck Brown’s son, Nekos Brown, told FOX 5 that protecting his father’s legacy is a major responsibility for the family. He said some of the issues surrounding the celebration began after it was moved away from Chuck Brown Memorial Park.
Despite the family withdrawing its support, the 12th annual Chuck Brown Day is still scheduled to move forward Saturday, Aug. 22, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Fort Dupont Park in Southeast D.C. DPR continues to list the free celebration on its official website.
The family has not permanently ruled out participating in the future, but says new leadership and greater family involvement would be necessary.
Chuck Brown, who died in 2012, helped pioneer Go-Go and remains one of the most influential figures in Washington, D.C.’s musical and cultural history.
Chuck Brown’s Family Withdraws Support From Chuck Brown Day was originally published on kysdc.com
