Black people have to build infrastructures for themselves so that we can grow independent of assistance from any other people unless its in a business sense. We definitely cannot continue to wait on the government. Here are some of our ideas.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I am HAWK NEWSOME , I am an activist at the forefront of the New Civil Rights Movement. I have dedicated my adult life to the betterment of my community & our nation as a whole. As a Bronx native was raised in a devout Christian household. As a youth, I succumbed to the temptations of my environment and dropped out of high school.With the love and support of his family, mentors and athletic ability I was able to push forward and obtain a GED, Bachelors of Science, and law degree. After graduating from Concordia College, Hawkworked for the Honorable Robert T. Johnson at the Bronx County Office of the District Attorney, as a paralegal, then as Special Projects Coordinator.
As the DA’s liaison to the community, I worked with N.Y.C.H.A tenants’ associations and social service organizations throughout the Bronx. In my spare time, I organized drives to send medical supplies to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. I joined Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP as a project manager overseeing efforts in the law firm’s 22 national and international offices.
During this period, I founded the Bronx Sharks, an athletic club that has sent numerous at risk youths to college on scholarship. I went on to follow his childhood dream of attending law school. I attended the prestigious Howard University Law School in Washington, DC. and completed my Jurist Doctorate at Touro Law School in Long Island, NY.
After which I ran for City Council for the Bronx district where I grew up. Throughout my life I have engaged in protests and activities to combat injustice. Over the past few years, I had worked tirelessly leading protests and seeking justice for the families of those slain by overzealous police officers. I founded BLMgreaterNY. The organization is one of the most disruptive groups in the country and is continuously fighting against anti-blackness.
Not only has I helped victims of police brutality, I also worked with members of LGBT community, victims of the human trafficking, the mental health community, founded Black Lives Caucus. The caucus was the first group in NYC to endorse Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. I had been quoted in the NYTimes and The Wall Street Journal.
2. What inspired you to commit to social work?
My parents raised me in a very Pro-Black household. I have had an education in the evils of racism and oppression prior to going to school. It was just always talked about in my home. We are devout Christians and I believe that being Christ like is serving the people.
Jesus traveled helping people in need and feeding the masses. He also gave speeches to the masses. Sounds like activism to me. How about you? I stay in this fight because I can't imagine living a self fulfilling life while Black people continue to suffer. This movement captures you and doesn't let you go.
3. According to you what measures and actions should be taken to end racism?
Black people have to build infrastructures for themselves so that we can grow independent of assistance from any other people unless its in a business sense. We definitely cannot continue to wait on the government. Here are some of our ideas.
4. What challenges do you face while making people aware and informed to fight against racism?
Our people are more beaten down then they have been since slavery. The apathy infects and harms our communities more than covid could ever. The government is trying to suppress our voices. The politicians have hypnotized our people.
Their manipulation runs deep and they have Black pawns that control our people. White Supremacy is a highly organized system of oppression. The path to victory lies in organizing our people and deprogramming them.
5. Who influences you the most and why?
There are strong Black women in my life. My mother, sister, and mentors always keep me accountable. The question and challenge me in ways that other people will not. I love Malcolm X because he organized our people. He made them proud and caused over 100,000 to stop drinking, doing drugs and engaging in nonproductive lives.
He was a fisher of men. MLK was brilliant but Malcolm organized us and encouraged us to defend ourselves. As I mentioned before God influences my life first and foremost. In addition, I observe great past leaders and I study the ability to influence that people in pop culture have.
6. How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated?
6. How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated?
Oppression makes me angry. When I am angry I get active.
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
The Bible because it gives guidance. I also love "Who moved my cheese" because it teaches you that in the business of life you have to stay ready and be constantly on the lookout for what is changing around you.
Interviewed By - Anshika Maurya
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