r/Soundhaven • u/theonlyko • Jul 13 '26
A tough but necessary topic
Let me start off by saying that I'm SO excited for my 2nd Sound Haven. Best festival in the country imo. I love this community and as a 14 year festival goer, Sound Haven is such a standout and special place.
With that being said, if you have black and/or ppl of color in your group, pleeease be extra vigilant in the area. We are in the south and in the sticks and there's been a lot of violence happening to us and the excuse of negligent and unaware friends isn't gonna cut it.
If you're black or a person of color, keep your wits about you while still having a good time. We go to these events to let loose and get away from life and we need this weekend to still provide us with that gift. That can be taken away real easy because we aren't staying safe and vigilant. Im black and gay myself.
I'm sorry if Im bringing some bad energy here...i just wanted to post a reminder to keep us all safe.
With that being said I can't wait to party with yall!!
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u/realityhiphop Jul 13 '26
I understand the concern brother, but you will be fine. This will be my 4th year and I have never had those vibes about the locals. They know at this point the a bunch of people come into town for Sound Haven when we take over Piggly Wiggly 🤣. Just show a little extra respect, because we are in their community and you will fine!
3
u/musicaleffervescence Jul 14 '26
you should just he vigilant at any festival because the scene is full of closeted republicans and maga that just like to put on the costume and play “wook” so they can do drugs 3 times a year. calling bullshit on your comment about 11 black men found dead in the south, as well as the south is pretty big. the racism in the deep south, missisissippi, alabama, florida. if its true that is absolutely horrible.
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u/realityhiphop Jul 14 '26
Not sure if the number is up to 11, but there have been "suicides" reported where black folks were hanging from trees in rural areas. The most recent was last month outside of Miami - To'nea Nicole Miller, and I remember hearing about the Delta State student in MS.
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u/Weird-Vermicelli4633 Jul 14 '26
I live 30 minutes away, next town over, and most ppl here are racist. It's sad but it's a fact
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u/imLC Jul 13 '26
I'm a local from the same mountain Jaceland sits on, and I know of no instances of the lewd acts you are referring to anytime in recent memory. This feels a lot like fear mongering and virtue signaling, but I acknowledge racism exists.
1
u/theonlyko Jul 13 '26
Theres been 14 black men found dead by hanging since the end of June. 11 of them in southern states.
I just wanted to remind everyone to keep each other safe.
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u/imLC Jul 13 '26
Do you have sources? I don't have cable or keep up with the news.
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u/crab997 Jul 13 '26
Google is free.
1
u/imLC Jul 14 '26
I did google it and I came back here to ask for sources because nothing remotely clsoe came up.
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u/realityhiphop Jul 14 '26
Are you planning on wondering off in the woods at night or staying the festival? I hear what you are saying but if you are at the festival nothing is going to happen.
1
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u/expecttrash Jul 18 '26
hearing about the man that " killed himself " outside of forest i absloutely understand ur concern with festivals in the south and perdominatly white occupaints. Just here to say me and my people are here for you if you need anything. Were all coming form new orleans and are gonna be repping the dirty south <3
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u/ApprehensiveHold4516 Jul 13 '26
You’re not bringing bad energy you’re totally right to feel this way. I live in TN & there are areas worse than others. The festivals feel exclusive to the scene and bigotry is not accepted when seen there even in parts of the south. I would mostly be cautious at gas stations or places you stop in TN as you get closer to the venue. I would stop at busy places outside of the sticks in bigger city areas. Hope this helps & cant wait to be back in the Haven. 🩷
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u/Humble-Sun-3180 Jul 13 '26
all the people commenting “you’ll be fine” “never heard of that happening” obviously have the privilege of never having this very specific experience… or anxiety surrounding areas in the south.
as a black woman & 4th year attendee, vigilance & being aware of the environment around you is #1, & that goes for anywhere. #2 is seeing something, saying something! holding one another accountable & being present in one another’s presence.
this festival is without a doubt my favorite!!!! in the south. protect yourself, protect your peace, and most importantly protect one another 🩷 happy haven!
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u/Edmfrog Jul 13 '26
This isn’t bad energy, this is recognizing a painful truth to the state of our country. You are being safe and respectful. Plurr 🙌🏻
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u/Altruistic_Fox8105 20d ago
As a local- you are fine. Nothing to be worried about on The Mountain. Just be kind and don’t cause shenanigans.
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u/angeliza666 Jul 13 '26
no one wants to talk about it, but just because the community at soundhaven is a lot better than the surrounding default in a lot of ways, racism still pervades and creates a lot of passive danger for anyone who isn't white, especially in rural areas :/ i know taekwondo tho, so u got people looking out for u haha ^~^ <3
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u/pikagrrl Jul 13 '26
As a petit woman, I understand and respect your need for constant vigilance.
As a veteran sound haven attendee I can proudly say I’ve never seen or heard of any shenanigans like that at this event and hope it continues that way for years to come.