Racism Threatens to Split Newark . . . Again

by: Juan Melli

Wed Aug 15, 2007 at 10:41:40 PM EDT

A New York Times piece today notes that Cory Booker is taking heat from some blacks in Newark for choosing two white men to serve in the top law enforcement positions in the city. The decision to make acting Police Chief Anthony Campos the permanent police chief is said to potentially split the city that has come together in the wake of the murders of three college students.

I'm not an expert on the history of racial tensions in the city, but I was surprised at how seemingly racist some of the comments in the story sounded. If the words "black" and "white" were interchanged, I think few would argue that these statements would indicate racism from some elements of the black community. For example (my text in italics):

In a city like Newark, where the majority of the population is black (white) and race issues bubble just below the surface, the decision to place two white (black) men at the helm of the city's Police Department could threaten the good will and unity that Mr. Booker has been enjoying of late.

Or this:

"Rightly or wrongly, perception is just as important as reality, and in a city that is largely African-American (Caucasian), there is not going to be a comfort level with two white (black) guys running the Police Department," said former Mayor Kenneth Gibson. "Quite frankly, this is going to be a problem he doesn't need."

And finally:

Donald M. Payne Jr., a City Council member who had been lobbying for Captain Wilson's promotion to police chief, said he was disappointed by the decision to keep Mr. Campos (a black man) in the position. "This just continues the pattern of denigrating African-Americans (whites)," he said.

Does the historical distrust between black Newark and the police somehow justify this response or is it simply unjustifiable racism?

Juan Melli :: Racism Threatens to Split Newark . . . Again

Tags: Anthony Campos, Donald Payne Jr, police, Cory Booker, racism, Newark, (All Tags)

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Racism Threatens to Split Newark . . . Again | 3 comments

As Little Anthony sang, (0.00 / 0)

"I'm on the outside..looking in." Newarkers have to make a couple of tough adjustments. First, there's a mayor who intends to run reasonably honest administration. Second, there's a mayor who understands it's no longer enough to continue using Newark's identity as a "Black city" to shake down the political & corporate establishments in the style of Gibson & Sharpe. How " Black or African-American" is Newark? In 2000, 53.46%.

by: Wesleylake @ Thu Aug 16, 2007 at 03:42:13 AM UTC

A shame (0.00 / 0)

It wasn't long ago, folks were angry at Booker for not being black enough. This has to just stop somewhere. If these men are committed to helping Booker in this fight for the soul of Newark, then God Bless them for taking on the challenge. It isn't going to be easy.

One Vote. Yours. It really does matter.

by: carolh @ Thu Aug 16, 2007 at 04:48:31 AM UTC

Racism (4.00 / 1)

Race isn't just about difference, it's about power. Flip-flopping black and white doesn't work because the words don't have the same power and meaning.

by: tmchale @ Thu Aug 16, 2007 at 21:10:07 PM UTC