Blogger Discusses his Controversial Blog About Being White and Attending CIAA

The author of a controversial blog on the CIAA tournament spoke to a group of Black journalist today.

Derek Bastien’s blog, “I’m White and I went to CIAA,  Now I Know why White People Flee Uptown,” went viral last month with more than 100-thousand views.

Today he spoke to the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists, about his experience being White while attending the
Pre-dominantly Black basketball tournament.

Bastien says many people have a negative perception of the event and he wanted to show readers what it was really about.

“When you actually  go to baskeball games, go to the parties, get involved, you realize the actual tournament is about alumni reconnecting with their frIends and a celebration of Black culture and history,” says Bastien.

Bastien attended the games and parties that week and says he hopes more people will be open to attending the tournament that aren’t Black.
Charlotte Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob Morgan also spoke about the success and economic impact of the CIAA tournament to Charlotte.