In the early hours of December 5th, a group of activists took to the F train in Manhattan to make a powerful statement. They replaced the advertisements in the subway car with a simple yet profound message: “A man was lynched here.” This phrase harkens back to a banner once displayed by the NAACP in New York City to acknowledge the horrific history of lynching African Americans.
The activists were drawing attention to the tragic death of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old Black man and Michael Jackson impersonator who was killed in a chokehold by Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran, on May 1, 2023. The incident occurred on an F train between two subway stops after Neely displayed erratic behavior and made threatening remarks.
This bold action on the F train came just days after the conclusion of Penny’s trial. While the second-degree manslaughter charge was dismissed due to a hung jury, Penny still faces a charge of criminally negligent homicide, which carries a maximum sentence of four years.
Cynthia Harris, a forensic pathologist, determined that Neely’s death was a result of Penny’s chokehold. However, a pathologist hired by Penny’s defense team argued that Neely’s death was due to a combination of factors, including sickle cell crisis and drug use.
The death of Jordan Neely sparked numerous protests and calls for justice in New York City leading up to the trial. Many saw his death as a modern-day lynching and demanded that Penny be held accountable for his actions.
The activists behind the subway protest released a statement through journalist Talia Jane, expressing their outrage at the systemic racism and violence faced by Black and brown individuals. They emphasized the need for a city that values and protects all its residents, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.
The guerrilla action on the F train serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice and equality in our society. It is a call to action to confront the deep-rooted issues of racism and violence that continue to plague our communities.
