Blackface was featured in a social event at a south Florida police department- and now the photos have made it to the internet.
The incident took place at a fashion show held by the Medley Police Department, where a man was seen dressed in blackface, wearing a tribal-like costume and holding a spear.
To make matters worse, Medley Mayor Roberto Martell was in the picture.
Needless to say, it didn’t go well with the local NAACP.
“If you know the history of blackface, since the 1800s it was used as a minstrel show, a way to depict black people in a derogatory way,” said Ruban Roberts, president of the NAACP in Miami-Dade County.
According to Local 10, the fashion show was for senior citizens and was given an “African Safari” theme.
“In 2019, the mayor (and) police department should be aware of what those images conjure up in people of color,” Roberts said.
Medley PD Chief Jeanette Said-Jinete released a written statement on the matter.
“The Medley Police Department has been running our senior fashion show for 19 years,” the statement read. “This event brings our senior citizens together to promote community and have a good time. This year’s theme was African Safari, and unfortunately, a 78-year-old participant dressed inappropriately and clearly did not understand how others might be offended. For this, we apologize and regret the incident.”
The NAACP plans to meet with police and the mayor to discuss the incident.
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