Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Comment
Tayo Bero

Jordan Neely’s cry for help should not have been his death sentence

Activists take part in a vigil and protest in response to the death of Jordan Neely in New York, New York.
Activists take part in a vigil and protest in response to the death of Jordan Neely in New York, New York. Photograph: Sarah Yenesel/EPA

Since 30-year-old Jordan Neely was choked to death on a New York City subway, much has been said about his state of mind in the moments before he was killed. Witnesses reported that Neely was upset and that he said he was hungry and ready to die.

Usually, none of those things would result in a violent, public death; but Jordan Neely was also Black. And his killing – along with the subsequent justifications of it – have revealed just how low the bar is for justifying Black death in America.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.