Renowned Ghanaian-American comedian Michael Blackson has announced plans to initiate a high school bullying speaking tour aimed at supporting immigrant and foreign-born students following the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong in the Bronx.
Javits Frimpong, a high school student at DreamYard Preparatory School who had immigrated from Ghana to the United States just a year prior to join his father, was shot and killed near East 171st Street in the Claremont neighborhood of the Bronx while on his way to school. The tragic loss sparked widespread outrage and grief across both New York City and the global Ghanaian diaspora.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Blackson shared his personal experience with childhood bullying after moving from West Africa to New Jersey. Recalling his early years in Newark, the comedian revealed that he faced severe harassment as the only African student at his school, once being physical assaulted simply for achieving good grades.
“This story broke my heart,” Blackson expressed in a public statement. “I remember being that age my first time in America… I was bullied and once punched in the face because I had good grades. This 15-year-old kid couldn’t wait to come to America, and now a year later he’s dead. This has to stop.”
Moved to tears by photos of the late teenager, Blackson emphasized that the challenges immigrant youth face in unfamiliar environments require immediate community intervention and open communication at home.
As an immediate response, Blackson pledged to visit high schools to speak directly with foreign-born students, offer guidance on navigating bullying, and advocate for youth safety.
“I will start making appearances at high schools to talk to foreign kids and help them on dealing with bullying,” Blackson stated. “May God help us all to deal with this.”
Authorities continue to investigate the shooting in the Bronx, while community leaders, prominent figures, and organizations have joined in calling for justice and support for the Frimpong family.
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