Jordan Neely, a talented, 30 year-old African American male, known for his performances as a Michael Jackson impersonator, experienced challenges, such as the brutal death of his mother, resulting in deep feelings of isolation, disaffection, and emptiness. According to eyewitnesses, Mr. Neely was on the train in a mental health crisis hinting at violence and self-harm. While on the train, Mr. Neely was held in a choke hold for some seven minutes and choked to death by Daniel Penny, a white male and former Marine, who claimed that he was protecting other passengers. Despite pleas by passenger to release Mr. Neely and turn Mr. Neely over on his side to prevent him choking on his blood, Daniel Penny failed to do anything except to continue applying pressure to Mr. Neely’s neck. The medical examiner subsequently ruled that Mr. Neely’s death was due to, “compression of the neck.” This happened not in the Jim Crow south, but in the New Jim Crow of northern, liberal, New York City. The New York Association of Black Psychologists condemns the recent acquittal of Daniel Penny.
We rebuke Matt Walsh, a popular right wing Catholic pundit, who immediately declared Daniel Penny a hero. Mr. Walsh tweeted, “The Left fills our cities with violent dirtbags, dares you to take any step to defend yourself and your community, and then promptly ruins your life for it. These people are truly wicked. I mean pure evil. That’s what we’re dealing with.” The acquittal of Daniel Penny has not only created a national outrage but it is a clear indication that the life of an African American male, with mental health issues has no value and by extension the lives of Blacks in general are undervalued, are less than human, and evil? What about his mental illness? In another reprehensible statement by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) “I don’t know about you all, but I think we need a lot more Daniel Penny’s in this country, because we have far too many Jordan Neely’s.” This is another instance of the utter devaluation of Black life and the embrace of White supremacy.
As a clear opportunity to continue to devalue the lives of Blacks, particularly Black men, instead of viewing Daniel Penny as a criminal, the then President-Elect’s administration made him a hero by showcasing photos of Penny appearing beside then President-Elect Donald Trump. NO mention of sympathy for Jordan Neely’s family has been expressed by President Trump or members of his administration. Is this a case of White supremacy? Is this another example that the lives of Blacks don’t matter?
This is a failure of the criminal justice system to acknowledge and value the rights of victims. With the recent pardons of the January 6 insurrectionists by President Trump, it appears that this kind of vigilantism could be not only on the rise but worse yet, sanctioned.
Our people, especially our young people, are at risk of absorbing these negative depictions of African descent peoples. There is a deep mental health crisis in our NYC Black population. Approximately 14.4% of the US population identified as Black in 2022 (Pew Research, January 18, 2024). In 2023, more than 1 in 5 or 8% of the Black population in NYC has experienced serious psychological distress (Dept of Health and Mental Hygiene, May 31, 2024)
Given the depth of the mental health crisis in our society, with Kujichagulia (Swahili for self-determination), we can avoid accepting the inaccurate and destructive definitions placed upon us. We must help our people avoid helplessness and powerlessness that trauma can engender. We must build emotional armor against the continued devaluation of our people.
In addition to the work of our members with individuals and families, The New York Association of Black Psychologists will continue to focus on the injustices and double-standards that so often lead to egregious outcomes for victims like Jordan Neely. We will not be silent! We will partner with legal, non-profit, advocacy and grassroots organizations to combat the many aspects of systemic racism inherent in our legal and justice systems that affect African Americans.
Board of Directors
The New York Association of Black Psychologists, Inc.
www.nyabpsi.org
nyabpsi1@yahoo.com