December 27th 2023.
Bishop William J. Barber II, former chair of the North Carolina NAACP, recently had an unfortunate experience at the AMC Fire Tower 12 movie theater in Greenville. On Dec. 26, he and his 90-year-old mother went to watch The Color Purple, but he was not allowed to use his own chair in the handicapped section.
The Bishop suffers from Ankylosing Spondylitis, which makes it difficult for him to sit in the theater-provided seats. As a result, he walks with two canes and usually carries a chair to accommodate his ailments. However, the management of the theater refused to let him use it.
Two police officers were called to the scene and escorted him out of the building. According to Lt. Justin Wooten, the department received a trespassing call and he witnessed Barber arguing with the staff. Barber left without incident, but his experience left him feeling stunned.
"I have never been told that I am not allowed to use the chair," Barber said. "Whether I'm on Broadway, the White House, the State House, United States Congress, they always let me bring this chair. Never been a problem. In fact, other movie theaters have never been a problem."
The Greenville Police Department released a statement regarding the incident and said no charges were filed against the minister. Barber, however, plans on hosting a press conference soon to speak on his experience.
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