Who is Hawk Newsome? BLM activist calls on “black vigilantes” to retaliate after Daniel Penny verdict

Hawk Newsome, leader of New York’s Black Lives Matter chapter, made a controversial call for 'Black vigilantes' to act in response to Daniel Penny’s acquittal in the subway chokehold trial against Jordan Neely.

On 9 December, the jury reached a verdict, acquitting Penny of negligent homicide. Right after the decision, a media conference was held outside the courthouse where Neely's father, Andre Zachary, said that he would be moving to file a civil lawsuit against Daniel Penny. Hawk Newsome also joined Andre Zachary in addressing the media and said:

"We need some Black vigilantes... 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?"

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Hawk Newsome's speech was nothing less of explosive and sparked intense debates about race, justice, and accountability, as he accused the judicial system of perpetuating systemic inequities. Newsome said:

"Today, white supremacy got another victory. Today, the KKK [Ku Klux Klan], the Klansmen, the evil in America got another victory,"

He also urged that 'racism is still alive and kicking in America.' Newsome was also critical of people cheering and applauding Daniel Penny in the courtroom after the verdict:

“F—k America. How dare you laugh and cheer when someone gets away with murdering us... Racists: burn in h*ll.”

Chivona Newsome, Hawk's sister and the co-founder of Black Lives Matter, greater New York, also shared her frustration at the verdict. She stated:

"I stand here heartbroken because I have to hug a father who knows that the murderer of his son will most likely go free."

Who is Hawk Newsome?

Hawk Newsome, born Walter Newsome, is a prominent activist and co-founder of New York Black Lives Matter (BLM) Inc., a group he established with his sister, Chivona Newsome. According to The New York Post, although it is not affiliated with the national Black Lives Matter Global Network, Newsome has gained attention for his outspoken views and activism.

Background

Education and Early Life: Hawk Newsome is a high school dropout who overcame personal struggles, including alcoholism and anger issues, to earn a GED and later complete a law degree at Touro College. He also attended Concordia College in Bronxville, NY.
Career: Hawk previously worked as a paralegal for the Bronx District Attorney's Office and later as a community organizer. In 2013, he entered local politics, running for a City Council seat in the borough. Despite his efforts, he garnered only 3% of the vote, losing to Vanessa Gibson, who now represents the West Bronx.
His sister, Chivona Newsome, also ventured into politics but was unsuccessful in her bid for the 15th Congressional District seat during the 2020 primary elections. After his electoral defeat, Newsome adopted the name 'Hawk' and redirected his energy toward activism.

Activism and BLM Leadership

Formation of BLM NY: In 2016, he and his sister Chivona launched New York Black Lives Matter Inc., which is not associated with the national BLM organization. The group has faced criticism for its financial transparency, having lost its charitable status for not filing IRS reports for three consecutive years.
Hawk Newsome became an activist following high-profile police-related deaths, including Trayvon Martin's and Eric Garner's cases. He gained national recognition after addressing a rally of Donald Trump supporters in 2017, which received praise and backlash.

Newsome is a father to two children and has been open about his challenges and journey toward activism. While his activism has sparked controversy, his efforts have centered on addressing systemic racism and police reform.

The aftermath of Hawk Newsome's speech outside the courthouse

Several protesters were taken into custody following demonstrations sparked by Daniel Penny's acquittal in the subway chokehold case. Demonstrators expressed their outrage, chanting slogans like 'No Justice, No Peace!' as tensions escalated across New York City.