On July 2, 1962, Sam Walton cut the ribbon on the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas. According to the store’s official website, the Walton family owned 24 stores by 1967, which brought in $12.7 million.
Today, Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the world. However, it started with Sam Walton’s vision for a new business model. Most importantly, Sam paved the way for the Walton family to start a generational economy. Today, the Walmart brand is a publicly traded company. At its core, Walmart is a family business owned and operated by the Walton family.
More:Rakeem Jones: Fayetteville rapper, former basketballer records hit with Houston icon Bun B
In Fayetteville, Lamont “L” Clark and the Clark family have established themselves as a premier name in entertainment and nightlife. Clark’s childhood dream was to own and operate a nightclub.
Being around clubs at an early age, Clark had ambitions to become a supporter. However, the Clark family’s entertainment empire predates L. His uncle, Freddie, or “Unk”, has been a major player in the Fayetteville entertainment industry for years.
More:Rakeem Jones: The Fayetteville rap community says goodbye to Makumi Matatu, a pioneer from Massey Hill
Through Unk’s work, L and his brothers were able to establish their careers in the family business. In 1999, Unk booked actor DL Hughley to appear at the Crown Coliseum. I took the opportunity to set up an after party at Pavilion nightclub.
More:Rakeem Jones: Fayetteville barber Vic Blends, rapper Murray to team up for Christmas Giveback
However, this party did not produce what was expected. He repeated his approach and rented the Pavilion again for an event entitled “Mrs. Claus and her Elves” at Christmas. The success of this event led to the possibility of holding parties on Thursday evenings.
Those Thursdays helped L and the family secure a Saturday night spot at the Odyssey nightclub. However, L still wanted to have and use his space.
In 2001, he went into business with the owner of the Pavilion and opened Club Palace (now Mansion Cabaret) on Bragg Boulevard. Club Palace was known for having great parties, such as the first Sunday.
Clark, a soldier, would have had the papers circulated at Fort Bragg. Due to the success of Club Palace, L and the Clarks opened a venue on Raeford Road called Carolina Live (formerly Red Roper). The launch of Carolina Live brought country music.
The first national act to perform in Carolina Live was Atlanta rap legend Pastor Troy. Since then, Carolina Live has been established as a venue that has hosted a number of high quality music events.
In addition, Clark was able to keep his “ear to the streets” and establish relationships in the music industry. His grandfather, Freddie, was instrumental in the success of Empire Records signee KStylis, whose songs are still played in nightclubs across the United States.
Another member of the Clark family, Wayne (or Wayno), his cousin, worked at Jay-Z’s Rocafella Records in the early 2000s and now serves as VP of A&R at Atlanta based music powerhouse, Quality Control Music, home of such popular acts. like Migos and Lil Baby.
L was not interested in entering the music industry. However, he realized that there was nothing to cover up. Although Fayetteville is home to top-tier musicians J. Cole and Murray, nothing established provides a platform designed to help artists grow.
Enter Way 2 Real Records. Founded by Unk Clark and his partner, Way 2 Real Records serves as a hub for artists to grow and develop without going to Atlanta or Charlotte. L works in the Recruitment and Artist Development department. As a club owner, he experienced some of the challenges presented in the music industry and wants to pass on the knowledge he gained from those experiences.
He doesn’t just want to sign artists, he wants to teach them about monetizing their art. The first to sign is Fayetteville singer Mr. Red Carpet. Mr. Red Carpet’s new song “Oh Ok” has been trending all over the country and online.
Along with Mr. Red Carpet, Lamont and the Clark family continue to provide a platform and opportunities for artists to grow.
An opportunity to act
On Saturday, independent artists will have the opportunity to perform alongside national acts Kodak Black, Rubi Rose, Nardo Wick and Finesse 2 Tymes at the Crown Coliseum for the Super Gremlin Tour. The event is hosted by country recording artist Chrisean Rock.
However, it does not stop there. L plans to open a brick-and-mortar building that will serve as a facility for arts and education development. In addition, he wants to create a collection of ten great artists in the city.
“It’s loud. Treat your business like a business,” says L, a 48-year-old graduate of Pine Forest and owner of Superior Automotive Group, located at 1933 Pamalee Drive. “B can put in time, balance, and sweat. Always put God first.”
Say hello to L, the Clark family, and all the activists at work. Peace
Rakeem “Keem” Jones is a community representative and father of three from the Shaw Road/Bonnie Doone area of Fayetteville. He can be reached at [email protected]
