National Black Caucus Honors David Banner For His Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts With Humanitarian Award

Jackson, Mississippi (David Banner Official Website) - 500 lawmakers and 200 students were present in Jackson, Mississippi Wednesday for the 30th anniversary of the Black Caucus of State Legislators, at which they honored native rapper David Banner for his humanitarian efforts and work in the community with a Visionary Award. David's tireless efforts raised over a million dollars in Katrina relief, funds that he made sure went directly to those in need; personally taking food and supplies directly to evacuees immediately following the storm.

Despite David's many contributions to his community - he also has a school book program and has donated $50 thousand in college scholarships in Mississippi - many were appalled that David was presented to the students as a role model, naming his 'gangsta rapper' persona and lyrical content as the reason for their feelings.

Banner had this to say to his detractors, "Everyone wants to talk about my lyrics, but, where were you when I was passing out boxes at Katrina? Where were you when I passing out my own personal shoes? You were not there. When I was there, standing in the water, next to dead children floating in the water, where were you? You were not there."

David also hastened to point out that his lyrical content is a direct reflection of the real inner city life; the same reality that many of the attending students face today. "It hurts me because I hear all these people talking stuff about my lyrics but what you need to do is instead of thinking about the cursing, think about the something that I'm putting in my lyrics. Change our neighborhoods, but they don't do that."

Despite the controversy surrounding the honor, Banner's acceptance speech was met with a rousing standing ovation from the luncheon's attendees, most of whom had flown in from other areas of the country to be there.