In a dramatic turn following Daniel Penny’s acquittal, Black Lives Matter’s Hawk Newsome stirred controversy by advocating for black vigilantism, sparking a national debate on race and justice.
At a Glance
- BLM’s Hawk Newsome urges black vigilantes after Penny’s acquittal.
- Penny, charged with homicide after Neely’s death, was acquitted.
- Neely was reportedly erratic and threatening before the incident.
- BLM calls for self-reliance in protecting black communities.
Newsome’s Controversial Appeal for Vigilantism
Hawk Newsome, a leader within Black Lives Matter, called for “black vigilantes” to take charge in response to Daniel Penny’s recent acquittal. This comes after Penny, a former Marine, was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely. Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, was put in a chokehold by Penny after reportedly displaying erratic behavior on a New York City subway in May 2023.
Witnesses on the subway described Neely’s behavior as alarming and potentially dangerous, which led to Penny’s actions. Despite being charged with negligent homicide by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Penny was acquitted after a lengthy trial. The verdict has brought forward numerous protesters demanding justice for Neely.
The acquittal of Daniel Penny in the death of Jordan Neely has effectively given license for vigilante justice to be waged on the Black community without consequence.
It's a painful reminder of the inequities in our justice system. Jordan deserved compassion. Instead, he was met… https://t.co/JOdxjZJXBi
— NAACP (@NAACP) December 9, 2024
The Call for Action and Community Response
Newsome’s statements reflect deep frustration with the perceived ineffectiveness of America’s justice system in handling racial disparities. He urged black communities to focus on organizing events and discussing community needs rather than solely relying on traditional protests. His appeal for self-defense highlights a growing divide over the role of vigilantism in racial justice movements. “People want to jump up and choke us and kill us for being loud, how about we do the same when they attempt to oppress us?” threatened Hawk Newsome.
As protests erupted in various cities, Newsome’s words sparked reactions nationwide. By signifying the importance of community-led safety, he portrays a narrative frequently seen as controversial but widely debated. Meanwhile, allegations over financial misconduct and Marxist ideologies within Black Lives Matter continue to shadow the movement.
Race, Justice, and the Path Forward
The case of Daniel Penny and Jordan Neely has become a flashpoint in discussions about race and justice in America. Protesters argued that Neely’s death and Penny’s acquittal reflect broader systemic issues. BLM leaders, including Newsome, continue to criticize perceived injustices, while promoting the importance of self-reliance and vigilance in black communities.
The advocacy for black vigilantes underscores a divide over how best to address ongoing racial disparities. As the nation examines the intersections of race, justice, and self-defense, the role of vigilante actions remains a critical part of the dialogue.
Sources:
BLM Leader Calls for Retaliation After Daniel Penny Acquittal
New York Black Lives Matter leader calls for ‘black vigilantes’ following Daniel Penny verdict
