Chicago school reacts to E2 tragedy
Columbia College
The Columbia Chronicle
(U-WIRE) CHICAGO — Few Columbia College students and faculty seemed surprised by the stampede at the E2 nightclub on Feb. 17, but many said they would change their attitudes about partying as a result of it.
After security guards allegedly tried to break up a fight with pepper spray or Mace, patrons raced to one of the exits and became entangled in the rushing crowds. Many of the victims died at the top of the stairs in the resulting pileup.
Twenty-one people died in the accident, most from cardiac arrest. One former Columbia student, De Shand Ray, 24, was killed in the panic of the crowd.
A combination of factors -- constant overcrowding, closed-off exits and a tough atmosphere -- made the club ripe for a tragedy, said many in Columbia's community. The club, located just 10 blocks south of campus, was a popular hangout for many students and teachers.
Rufus McClinton, a senior, said he has often gone to the club in the last four to five years and has witnessed the crowding first-hand.
"There are about 30 to 40 steps overcrowded with people on that narrow staircase," McClinton said.
"I can see why this happened," said Lashie Patterson. She said the club was often jammed with too many people. Estimates of the number of patrons present at the time of the stampede range from 1,500 to 2,000 people.
"Like everyone else said, it was a death trap," said Robert Chapman.
For some Columbia students, however, the crowding was part of the excitement.
Timmy Osoba, a film and video major, said he was a regular at E2, usually visiting on Fridays. He said that the entrance was always packed, but that he enjoyed himself when he went.
"There isn't another club like this one in Chicago," Osoba said. He said it was full of beautiful women, fashionable people and celebrities.
The nightspot was popular particularly among younger African-Americans. Most of the victims were under the age of 30.
Columnist Mary Mitchell of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote that E2 "was one of the few places that young blacks could party. And [owners Calvin] Hollins and [Dwain] Kyles were among the few dance club owners who weren't turning them away."
Logan Vaughn said she tried to go to E2 once, because it was one of the few 18-and-over nightspots in the city. After she and her friends arrived, though, Vaughn said they decided it was too crowded and noisy and left.
Despite the popularity of the club, many students and faculty said E2 had a reputation for being a violent establishment. Several said they had personally witnessed fights.
"I remember hearing of several shootings and fistfights, and have seen the fights first-hand," said broadcast journalism major Stephen Lindsay. "I stopped attending the club when it became too rough of a crowd."
Osoba also remembered witnessing a fight.
"I did not like [the club]. It was ghetto and dirty, and it cost too much," said Marina Funes, a fashion retail management major. Funes said the typical cover charge was $20.
"I've only been there once," said Perci Lucas, "years ago, when it used to be called the 'Clique.'"
Melanie Jamison, a senior advertising major, said she had been to E2 before when it was called the Clique. She said she has grown out of the club scene for many reasons.
"Clubs have changed over the years," Jamison said. "They are just too wild now. I'm 26 years old."
Osoba said he, too, will change some of his habits. Although he plans to continue going out, the tragedy will have an impact on his nightlife.
"I won't stay up late," he said, adding, "I'll be concerned if the club gets packed."
Even Columbia students who have never been to E2 said they will stay away from bars that are full or only have one exit.
"I always try to avoid overcrowded clubs," said Darrell Corrington. "But I'll still go to clubs anyway."
Ron Boyd, a full-time faculty member in the Television Department, said he believes himself to be more cautious than many younger clubbers.
"I'm always looking for a way out, because I am from the era of 'Our Lady Angels,' where students were killed in a fire. So I just think about it anyway," said Boyd, who has visited E2.
McClinton said that even if the E2 passed inspection and was remodeled, he would never go back.
"People died there. It's not a place to party anymore." --Staff writers contributed to this report.
— Georgia Evdoxiadis
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