South Jersey councilman-elect under fire for Blackface Photo

[NJCher]

FYI, Pitman is in South Jersey

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PITMAN – Just days after winning a Borough Council seat, political newcomer Vincent Kelly is having to explain an old social media photograph showing him at a Halloween party dressed as a Black entertainer and wearing dark makeup on his hands and face.

The picture was shared Thursday in an email from the group Pitman Anti-Racist Collective, which previously has targeted the official borough seal as offensive. A link to the photograph on Kelly's Facebook page was part of an email from group member Judy Walker.


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Kelly said the picture was taken in 2008, shared to Facebook in 2015, and that he was unaware it still was on his page. The costume was purchased as a complete package from an area store, and he vehemently disputes any characterization of the makeup as blackface, he said.

Kelly said the event was a theme party, with people asked to come as an "odd couple, Hollywood people.” His wife, who is in the picture, dressed as Peg Bundy from the show "Married ... With Children." Kelly, wearing an oversized clock around his neck and a horned helmet, is dressed as rapper and reality TV star Flavor Flav. His face and hands appear darkened.

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Picture is at link and has been removed from his Facebook page.

https://news.yahoo.com/south-jersey-councilman-elect-under-134533998.html

[Demovictory9]

1. "I've not a racist bone in my body.