The nearly two-hour service at Harlem’s Mount Neboh Baptist Church expressed both hopes for reforms in the city’s flawed homeless support system and demands for accountability in Neely’s death, seen by many as another unjust killing of an African American man.
The circumstances surrounding Neely’s death drew attention to the church on Friday morning.Neely lost his life on May 1 during an altercation in a subway car after a fellow passenger Daniel Penny placed him in a chokehold for several minutes.
Witnesses reported that Neely had entered the car expressing hunger, thirst, and a willingness to die, but there is no evidence of him physically attacking anyone during the incident. A local journalist captured the video of the entire incident where Penny can be seen wrapping his arm around Neely’s neck till he lost consciousness.
Penny, a former US Marine, has been charged with manslaughter, claiming self-defense and stating that he never intended to harm Neely and did not anticipate his death. Lawyers representing Penny and fellow passengers involved in the incident asserted that they acted to protect themselves until help arrived.
At the funeral, Neely’s closed casket, adorned with a wreath of red and white flowers, was placed before the altar. Neely’s funeral was held at the same church as his mother after she was murdered in 2007. Hundreds of people attended the funeral including New York City’s religious, political, and activist communities, such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, along with regular New Yorkers who came to pay their respects.
During the service, Reverend Al Sharpton emphasized the need for justice and acknowledged Neely’s death as an opportunity for change. Neely’s aunt, Mildred Mahazu, described him as a talented Michael Jackson impersonator who performed on the streets and subways, garnering love and recognition from the public.
Jordan Neely’s life
Neely faced challenges throughout his life, including homelessness and significant mental health struggles after his mother’s death. Attempts were made by homeless advocates to help him, but he fell through the gaps in New York City’s support system for homeless individuals. Neely had a history of 42 arrests for various charges, including fare evasion, theft, and assaults on three women.
His death has brought attention to the thousands of individuals living without reliable housing in New York City and the difficulties they face in accessing necessary mental health services. The incident has also triggered an outrage among people and some are even drawing parallels to other cases involving racial injustice. Conservative figures have defended Penny, and a fundraiser for his legal defense has raised significant funds.
The funeral service included calls for reforms in New York City’s approach to addressing homelessness. Advocates argued that the current system, consisting of agencies, outreach organizations, and shelters, falls short of effectively addressing the issue. Reverend Sharpton criticized the city’s failure to care for the homeless and pledged to bring about change in their name.
Amid the service, attendees chanted “no justice, no peace!”—a familiar rallying cry from Black Lives Matter protests. Peaceful demonstrators across the street displayed a banner that read, “Jordan Neely… enough is enough.”
FAQs
How old is Daniel Penny?
Daniel Penny is 24.
Who is Daniel Penny’s attorney?
Thomas Kenniff, a former Republican candidate for Manhattan District attorney is Penny’s attorney.
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