Minority Investments

Here is my two cents regarding Karen Grigsby Bates’ column “Spread Some Magic in the ‘Hood” (Commentary, July 26).

While I agree that blacks will not take to the streets even if O.J. Simpson is convicted, the Hall of Famer did invest in the African American community. He owned several Church’s chicken franchises, many of which were burned down during the 1992 riots, excuse me, civil unrest.

The issue of African American celebrities investing in the ‘hood is a complex one that demands a full reading. When Melanie Lomax raised the issue some years ago during her tenure with the Los Angeles NAACP, she was roundly criticized. Perhaps Bates’ writing will serve to ignite a debate of the issue.

In any event, it is important to remember that many of these people do not control their wealth or have good business acumen. They depend on the people who work for them.

VICTORIA B. PIPKIN

Inglewood