Generosity or Tainted Money?

Published in Key News Journal February 5-18

Jim Lunsford never imagined that his act of generosity would lead to some in Lexington equating his money to that of a stripper or a member of the Ku Klux Klan. “That was most hurtful” Jim says “especially with my background and where I grew up.” His company, One Accord Marketing booked rapper/actor Ludacris Chris Bridges to perform at Rupp Arena on February 22nd. Lunsford grew up in Huntington, West Virginia with very little. He was one of the few Caucasians in a Black neighborhood. He knew early on that giving back to those in need was extremely important. He started One Accord Marketing last year the intent of bringing urban music to Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia because he saw that there was a void. His company also vowed to donate $10,000 worth of band equipment for every concert played to a school in need. After some research, Bryan Station High School was identified as the school in need.

The Bryan Station Marching Band was invited to be Ludacris’ opening act. A media firestorm soon after erupted, led loudly by radio personality Jack Pattie whose son is a member of the Bryan Station Marching Band. Mr. Pattie not only called for the cancellation of the Bryan Station Marching Band as Ludacris’ opening act, but also demanded that Bryan Station not take the $10,000 donation.

Ludacris’ lyrics were the sole basis of Mr. Pattie’s argument. And while Ludacris and his lyrics are no stranger to controversy (his Pepsi commercial was pulled off the air when Bill O’Reily protested in 2002), the $10,000 donation was not from him but from Jim Lunsford and One Accord Marketing. Mr. Pattie still felt that the promoter’s money was just as tainted as if it came from Ludacris himself since he was promoting such an obscene artist. Mr. Pattie went as far as having Fayette School Superintendent Stu Silberman as a guest on his radio show to criticize the administrator's position. Stu Silberman stands by his position to accept Jim Lunsford’s donation.

Gladys Peoples, the Principal at Bryan Station High School immediately sent a letter to the band parents apologizing for the mix up. “Our students were disappointed but they understood. They were more concerned about losing the opportunity of performing at Rupp Arena and whether or not they would get their instruments” responded Principal Peoples when asked how the students took the news.

Jim Lunsford knew what he was up against with filling seats at Rupp Arena from the beginning. Ticket sales are not where they need to be but he wants everyone in Lexington to know that the Ludacris concert will go on as scheduled regardless of whether 300 or 3000 tickets are sold. “We made a commitment to Lexington and we will not quit on Lexington. This controversy has not made me not want to help Lexington and Bryan Station High School. I will donate instruments regardless and will find a way to get those instruments to those kids.”