July 7, 2025
Chivona may be heard telling the officers, seemingly defending themselves, that what they had been doing is “unjust.”
The New York Metropolis Police Division (NYPD) is being known as hypocrites for arresting Black folks for internet hosting what they deem “unlawful” barbecues and turning round and doing the very same factor.
A viral video circulating on social media exhibits Hawk and Chivona Newsome, founders of Black Lives Matter New York, confronting members of the NYPD for arresting Black residents and posting “no unlawful BBQ” indicators — all whereas doing the identical factor simply steps away from a metropolis courthouse. Officers in uniform had been seen peacefully grilling scorching canine and enjoying music, identical to different New Yorkers are likely to do through the summer time months, because the Newsomes approached with certainly one of their indicators seen across the metropolis.
The brother and sister duo claimed that members of “New York’s Most interesting” had been violating metropolis ordinances and supplied them a chance to shut it down earlier than involving the media. Chivona may be heard telling the officers, seemingly defending themselves, that what they had been doing is “unjust.” “The saddest factor about it’s you’re locking folks up; persons are coming to jail, must see this grill out right here,” Hawk shouted.
“You notice how f****** insensitive that’s? You’re going to lock folks up for this, and then you definitely’re doing it once they get right here!”
Just a few days prior, NYPD officers had been seen shutting down a barbecue on the streets of New York, bodily trying to maneuver tables that held plates, cups, and cutlery, whereas attendees labored to maintain the occasion going.
In accordance with NYC311, there are strict guidelines about grilling within the metropolis. Barbecuing is permitted in designated areas solely inside metropolis parks, and coals should be discarded correctly, as propane grills are prohibited. For residential and industrial properties, grills utilizing charcoal, electrical, or piped pure fuel are permitted — together with on an residence terrace — however provided that in compliance with the Fireplace Code.
The principles additionally state that residents ought to report individuals barbecuing in a restricted space of a park, seashore, or greenway.
Because the movies went viral, social media customers are celebrating the Newsomes for calling out the police and highlighting that gentrification could also be a cause behind why a number of avenue barbecues had been aggressively shut down, because it is part of NYC’s tradition. “Gentrifiers transfer in and displace you. Usually, this might by no means be an issue,” one consumer wrote.
One other known as the founders “nice residents,” saying “NYPD will not be above the regulation.”
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