Blacks' criticism nixes name of 'slave auction' event at Texas church

Jet, March 25, 1996

A White Texas television evangelist apologized and changed the name of a high school fundraising event he called a "slave" auction after receiving criticism from Black leaders and others.

The Rev. John Hagee of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio was attempting to raise funds for seniors at Cornerstone High School for their senior trip.

The uproar about the event prompted Hagee to rename it a 'student auction." In his church bulletin, Hagee had publicized the event by writing that slavery in America is returning to Cornerstone. Make plans to come and go home with a slave." At the church event, students would be auctioned off in front of the congregation and expected to work at the home or business of the highest bidder.

Black leaders were appalled about the proposed auction.

"I think anyone should be incensed and outraged by it, and especially people of African-American descent should be outraged," said attorney Cornelius Cox.

Hagee said he believed the name change would "pass and be politically correct, sterile enough."

"We certainly did not intend to offend anyone and apologize to anyone offended," he said.