The Ghana Diaspora Public Affairs Collective (GHPAC) is demanding justice for 15-year-old Javits Frimpong, who was killed just steps away from his home.
Frimpong was chased and fatally shot Oct. 29 near Crotona Park in the Bronx while on his way to school. His father, Thomas, says that he had been the victim of bullying by classmates who had previously been suspended. The school’s principal informed him about the harassment and he believes that the shooting is linked to the bullying.
No arrests have been made yet but the NYPD is moving to subpoena the city schools for records on the bullying, according to the New York Daily News.
The day after Frimpong’s death, on Oct. 30, GHPAC issued a statement demanding justice for Frimpong and his mourning community, while outlining specific demands.
“A child should never have to fear for his life on the way to school. A child who reports bullying should be protected. And no parent should have to bury a son they brought to this country in search of a better life,” GHPAC stated. Frimpong moved to the United States from Ghana one year ago for a better life.
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“Like so many Ghanaian immigrant families, his family came together in America with hopes of greater opportunity, security, and a promising future. That future has now been violently taken away,” the statement said.
“What makes this killing particularly disturbing are the emerging reports that Javits had been subjected to repeated bullying and harassment before his death. His father has publicly described incidents reported to school officials, including a recent confrontation that reportedly resulted in the suspension of two students,” GHPAC said.
The group specifically called for a full NYPD investigation; a report from the NYC Department of Education and school authorities on prior reported bullying and complaints, as well as measures taken to protect Frimpong’s safety; and a meeting between Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Rep. Ritchie Torres, other city officials, and Ghanaian and African immigrant community leaders and affected families in the Bronx regarding potential violence targeting African immigrant communities.
“GHPAC encourages members of the Ghanaian and broader community to stand in solidarity with the Frimpong family during this devastating time,” said the organization, encouraging anyone who wishes to provide financial support to donate through the family’s GoFundMe page.
