Although I live in the A, I’ve managed to ignore most of the buzz about the supposed upcoming Freaknik activities this weekend…suffice it to say, I will avoid this event at all costs…however, roughly 15 years ago, I would have been all up in Freaknik – booty shorts, halter top, Halle Berry cut and all…
I guess that’s why I’m off two opinions about Freaknik…Although Freaknik was always deemed as an event for college-age students, I started going to Freaknik in the tenth grade….of course, when I was in high school, I had to be home by midnight…in college, I didn’t come “home” at all…From what I understand, Freaknik started as a tame picnic in our local parks, but by the time it ended in 1996 or so, it was a raucous street party which served up youthful spontaneity as the appetizer, shameless debauchery as the main course and regretful hangovers as the dessert…And I yet I reveled in it…and I came away from it unharmed because my parents raised me right and I knew better than to do things I would be ashamed of later…it was fun…I was young….etcetera etcetera…
It seems that that people who are criticizing Freaknik now are people who probably partied with the best of them in Freaknik’s heyday…and at the same time, I understand that as responsible adults (including me —wow), we have to make sure that our streets and children are safe. Atlanta’s Mayor Kasim Reed has scheduled a press conference for later today to address these concerns…I guess this verse applies…
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a (wo)man, I put childish ways behind me. 1 Corinthians 13:11
But it sure was fun back in the day….so in honor of Freaknik in years past, I have posted an article about Freaknik written by Crystal Paulk in 1994 for The Red and Black, UGA’s student newspaper…(Yes, I saved the article…it was just that fun…)
Any thoughts? 
Interesting how we get “brand new” or just grow up. Although I attended college in Atlanta, I never went to Freaknik BUT I did drive my happy behind down to Daytona Beach AND indulge in Greekfest in Philadelphia on several occasions. Like you, I will be avoiding downtown at all costs. And like many, I do have a different perspective on such events now. Do I think events such as this – within reason – can be fun and entertaining for college-age students: absolutely! But do I think the same is applicable to 30 and 40 year-olds – both men and women – not so much. Call me a hypocrite, but as the scripture states (in summary) there is a time and a place for everything.
I did some damage in Daytona Beach as well and let’s just say that what happened in Daytona stays in Daytona…I’ve never heard of Greekfest though…I’m sure I would have traveled there had I known about it back in college…
I guess we are taking on the tendencies of our parents and elders. When we look back, Freaknik was a LOT of fun, but we were younger then and our tastes are a lot more refined now (at least I hope so). When we look at the current younger generation, there’s a sense of reservation in regards to what they may or may not do, as well as the participation of others who in no way shape or form have no point of reference with the college experience or life that the event is intended for.
There definitely is a time and place for everything, but I don’t think at this point in time, this is the place to do so.
Sometimes I think things are getting worse … all the “sexting” and access that teens have now that just wasn’t an option when I was younger. BUT then again, I think my mom would have thought as I was just as off the hook has she known the half. I don’t know … guess we’ll have to see how the weekend turns out.
I turned out all right, but my mother’s jaw would have dropped had she known all that went on with me during my college days for real…
I wish I would have known this PRIOR to planning my wedding in the West End of town. I get married Saturday. Jackie I hope you will still come……..
Traffic and all I will be there Steph…guess I just have leave hours in advance…
What still leaves me speechless about this entire “Freaknik” event is that it was being organized by TWO different individuals. Neither having any ties to the original group that started it. How are you going to claim something you didn’t invent. Then of course the news coverage was not news. I think the media was just waiting for us black folks to act up and say, “see I told you so” even though they never showcased other events where people were going crazy in the streets. Why did I watch an interview about an older guy (he didn’t give his age) who came to Atlanta for Freaknik. He was obviously not of college age. Why did the reporter choose that person to interview?? It baffles the mind.
Freaknik was fun when it had scheduled events around town. Most of the black college events that have been successful have always had an itinerary. Whether Galveston, Philly, Daytona, or VA Beach. What it all comes down to are a few bad apples spoiling it for everyone.
When I attended, I know that Atlanta made lots of money off of us college kids. So much frivilous spending at the malls, the Underground, the clubs, tickets for illegal parking ;), hotels, rental cars, etc. It’s a shame that Freaknik has deteriorated. In it’s heyday, it was a great way to escape your campus and have fun. Good clean fun mind you. 😉