Juneteenth, a day meant to celebrate liberation, bore witness to a shocking spike in violence in the heart of New York City. Eric Adams, in his unflinching and direct critique, challenged the silence of Black Lives Matter (BLM) on this day of dread.
On June 19th, New York City recorded one of its deadliest days in recent memory. Marking the historical commemoration of Juneteenth, the city was instead blighted by an outbreak of violence that was as unexpected as it was horrific.
The shocking statistics paint a somber picture. The day saw a total of 10 shootings resulting in six homicides, including the dreadful loss of a 16-year-old boy who was shot at close range. This was a far cry from the peaceful celebrations that Juneteenth was meant to inspire, and it left the city in a state of shock and mourning.
In response to the violence, Eric Adams, mayoral candidate and former NYPD captain, expressed his disappointment and concern. In his public address, Adams pointedly questioned the silence of those who routinely express anti-police sentiments, including Black Lives Matter.
“If Black Lives Matter,” Adams implored, “Black Lives Matter when innocent people are shot on our streets.” His challenge to BLM was clear: they must break their silence on the violence affecting their community. This brutal day in New York City should not be ignored, and yet there was a noticeable absence of outcry from the prominent organization.
Adams made it clear that he won’t continue to remain silent about the violence plaguing the city. His sentiment resonated with many in New York City, who were left grappling with the bitter aftermath of the deadliest Juneteenth in the city’s history.
As the city works to recover from this unprecedented wave of violence, questions remain. When did the sanctity of life become so cheap that disagreements escalate into deadly violence? How does a city recover from such a devastating blow on a day that was meant to be a celebration of liberation? And where do we go from here?
In the face of such tragic events, silence is not an option. Eric Adams’ challenge to BLM underscores the urgent need for engagement and dialogue to address the violence plaguing our streets. The fight for Black Lives doesn’t end with police reform; it must encompass the broader challenge of community safety and the prevention of such tragic loss of life. As we reflect on this deadly Juneteenth, let’s strive to make every day a true celebration of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
