T.I. Calls Atlanta Wakanda Amid Looting & Vandalism: We Can’t Do This Here [WATCH]

T.I.

T.I. Calls Atlanta Wakanda Amid Looting & Vandalism: We Can’t Do This Here [WATCH]

T.I. is not here for looters and violent protestors causing damage to Atlanta. The protests came amid the public outcry following the death of George Floyd by the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, who was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

The rapper and actor took the stage during a press conference and said that Atlanta has always been a haven for the black community and needs to be protected.

He said,

“When you don’t get treated right in New York, when you don’t get treated right in L.A., when you can’t get treated right in Detroit, when you don’t get treated right in St. Louis, when you don’t get treated right in Alabama, Atlanta has been here for us. This city don’t deserve… However, I understand that a lot of others do. But we can’t do this here. This is Wakanda. 

I know TI did not just call Atlanta
“ wakanda “ ….there’s no way ??? pic.twitter.com/JA0IqzETFx

— john (@iam_johnw) May 30, 2020

He went on to state his case on Instagram Saturday morning (May 30th).

The city’s mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, also addressed the city, urging protestors to keep their gatherings peaceful.

“This is not a protest. This is not in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. This is chaos. A protest has purpose. When Dr. King was assassinated, we didn’t do this to our city.” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms delivers emotional speech amidst protests. pic.twitter.com/HdIB6nk4Zk

— theJasmineBRAND (@thejasminebrand) May 30, 2020

Killer Mike, who’s the son of an Atlanta police officer, and the cousin of an officer in the city, got emotional as he discussed the protests.

“I have nothing positive to say in this moment, cause I don’t want to be here. But I’m responsible to be here because it wasn’t just Dr. King and people dressed nicely who marched and protested to progress this city and so many other cities. It was people like my grandmother, people like my aunts and uncles… I’m duty-bound to be here to simply say, it is your duty not to burn your own house down for anger with an enemy. It is your duty to fortify your own house so you may be house of refuge in times of organization. Now is the time to plot, plan, strategize, organize, and mobilize…”

Drop everything and watch Killer Mike's speech in Atlanta tonight. I don't agree with him on all of his politics, but that doesn't matter tonight. He's 100% right about how to handle protesting and how to change the system… and it isn't burning your city to the ground. pic.twitter.com/VzDNMTM0wH

— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) May 30, 2020

Other Atlanta celebrities took to social media to defend their city and urge protestors from getting violent.

Nene Leakes shared a meme that reads,

“Atlanta is a Black City! built by Successful black people! Our Cops are black! Our Chiefs and Captains are Black! Our Judges are Black! Our Mayor is Black! No need to Burn down our City!”

She also told critics,

“Don’t come on my page talking ignorant which is why I wasn’t posting on my page about the things happening but put them in my stories!….. i feel i need to say, The enemy wants us to burn down our neighborhoods! Don’t fall for it! DONT turn down the energy either…. TRANSFORM IT! Organize & Protect the city! Good intentions here ok!”

Kandi Burruss also shared her issue with the protests getting violent.

“I went out of town & now I look online & see what’s happening in my city. It hurts my heart to see this happening. I know we’re all hurting & we want to see change but please remember that Atlanta is the place that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made his home. Let’s remember the messages that he taught. Peaceful protest, organizing, planning, making sure we vote to get leaders in place that make our nation better for all people is what we have to do. Tearing up our city is not the way. I love y’all! Be safe! “

She later responded to a commenter,

“I pissed you off?…. Tell me what is gonna happen when the riot is done? What result are you expecting to come from it?”

Still, she received support from her “RHOA” co-star Eva Marcille, who commented with sunflowers.

Film director Tyler Perry echoed similar sentiments.

I’m not in Atlanta, but if I were I would have been standing with our Mayor! But there was nothing I could say better than what Mayor @keishabottoms said last night! Please, please stop this violence!! Looting is NOT THE ANSWER!!!! And listen to me, be careful where you are getting your information to JOIN protests!! There are people and other countries who are posting things pretending to be US, pretending to stand for peaceful protest, but they are trying to incite us into violence and chaos to try and do more harm!! Do not fall for this foolishness!!! Please stop the violence!

What are your thoughts on ATL celebs speaking out about the protests? Let us know in the comments!