“Even though many of us do not dress like that, I still take offense to it because I know you’re trying to eliminate a group of people.” “To me I took it as ‘We prefer blacks not to be here’ without saying ‘No blacks,’” says Gee Session-Smalls, who was at the bar Thursday evening and posted a picture of the sign to social media, leading to a flood of comments and critiques. The final line of the sign says, “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.” (Photo courtesy Gee Session-Smalls) Popular Atlanta gay bar Blake’s on the Park is taking heavy criticism for a sign displaying a new dress code, which includes restrictions like “No hoodies,” “No sagging pants,” “No bandanas/dew rags” and “No oversized chains or medallions.” Now an incident at that same intersection is raising concerns over racial attitudes within the community. Two weeks ago, people of all colors in the LGBT community came together at the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue to celebrate a major civil rights accomplishment. UPDATE: Blake’s on the Park has responded to the dress code sign controversy, see bottom of article.
