[New York News\Brooklyn]
Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr.: “What we saw in the window across the street from PS 11, the depiction of brown children hanging from nooses, is something our community flat out does not and will not accept. We expect new residents to have more sense than this, and to be aware of the historical context that has formed the bonds and foundation of our neighborhoods.”
Photo: Facebook
Apparently, the former co-owner of the Artshack in Brooklyn thought the above display portraying Black children hanging from nooses–across the street from a predominantly Black school–was funny.
Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. recently released the following statement after reports of racially insensitive decorations displayed in a window across the street from an elementary school.
“Neighborhoods like Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights, and Clinton Hill have been experiencing rapid growth, and welcoming new neighbors with open arms. Despite unsettling economic and social pressures caused by gentrification, legacy residents have been very kind, embodying the graciousness and warmth of our community,” said Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. (D-36, Brooklyn). “What we saw in the window across the street from PS 11, the depiction of brown children hanging from nooses, is something our community flat out does not and will not accept. We expect new residents to have more sense than this, and to be aware of the historical context that has formed the bonds and foundation of our neighborhoods.”
“While I appreciate the apology and acknowledgment of bad decision making, this instance should encourage new residents to be more aware of the impacts of their actions. Neighborhood change is something many New Yorkers have to contend with, and it is clear there is more progress to be made.”
The display in question was a set of offensive Halloween posters depicting Black children hanging from nooses. They were displayed in the window of Artshack co-owner Dany Rose, who took them down after neighbors complained. Rose wrote the following apology on social media:
“Dear Artshack Community & Neighbors, I made a tremendous mistake. I now realize the harm and hurt caused by the unacceptable imagery I used in my Halloween decorations at my home and understand how it connects to the centuries of historical trauma in this country. Please trust that I will take the time to educate myself and my family and will do everything in my power to make amends. I hope this incident does not take away from all the hardworking, respected members of the Artshack community, and the work that we do for our community. I am deeply sorry. Please reach to me directly out if you’d like to talk further.”
However, many weren’t buying Rose’s apology.
One responder, skimbell5, said, “How in the WORLD to you have have ANY “justification” for this?! I mean, who are you? Who raised you? You knew exactly what you were doing. A true racist.”
Another, the_queen_cee, said “You knew EXACTLY what you were doing! How DARE you placate our intelligence with your sorry excuse of an apology on social media??!”
One responder, dejstil_noir, echoed the sentiment of others saying “I will not support and hope the funders do the same. Just close the shop and we all will be happy.”
Rose, who was a co-founder of Artshack, has since resigned after the continuing fallout. In announcing the resignation, Artshack said that “Please know that our team is working hard on a path toward accountability, beginning with a community meeting.”
