New York Assemblyman Dov Hikind is defending wearing blackface makeup, an Afro wig, and a basketball jersey to a costume party to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim.
Hikind says that criticism that was being leveled against him is "political correctness to the absurd. There is not a prejudiced bone in my body."
The Democrat said he doesn't regret the costume he wore to the party he recently held at his Brooklyn home because it was not meant to be offensive.
Hikind hired a makeup artist and wore an orange basketball jersey and sunglasses.
He wrote on his blog Monday: "Yes, I wore a costume on Purim and hosted a party. Most of the people who attended also wore costumes. Everywhere that Purim was being celebrated, people wore costumes. It was Purim. People dress up."
Assemblyman Karim Camara of the state Black Caucus issued a statement saying Hikind's outfit was "callous and repugnant".
The statement also said: "I am deeply shocked and outraged by the insensitive actions of Assemblyman Hikind, to dress as a black basketball player complete with tanned skin and an Afro wig. We, as leaders have to be extremely careful that we foster understanding amongst our different cultural groups and not use the images of one as a tool for humor."
Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from a plot to annihilate them.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:28 AM EDT2013-06-18 14:28:14 GMT
The competitive streak between Rosanna and Greg continues. This time, the Good Day duo faced off in a comedy challenge. The competition was fierce especially with mentors Linda Smith lending Ro a hand, and Colin Quinn helping Greg hone his routine. In the end, it was Rosanna who was the overall favorite.
The competitive streak between Rosanna and Greg continues. This time, the Good Day duo faced off in a comedy challenge. The competition was fierce especially with mentors Linda Smith lending Ro a hand, and Colin Quinn helping Greg hone his routine. In the end, it was Rosanna who was the overall favorite.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:07 AM EDT2013-06-18 14:07:14 GMT
Boxing returns to the Barclays Center next weekend when Paulie 'Magic Man' Malignaggi takes on Adrien Broner. The WBA Welterweight champion and Brooklyn native sat down with Rosanna and Greg to talk about the fight.
Boxing returns to the Barclays Center next weekend when Paulie 'Magic Man' Malignaggi takes on Adrien Broner. The WBA Welterweight champion and Brooklyn native sat down with Rosanna and Greg to talk about the fight.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:59 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:59:58 GMT
Famed dancer Savion Glover is taking tap dancing to new heights with a show at the Joyce Theater. Glover and members of the ensemble hit the floor with a preview for Good Day NY.
Famed dancer Savion Glover is taking tap dancing to new heights with a show at the Joyce Theater. Glover and members of the ensemble hit the floor with a preview for Good Day NY.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:21 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:21:36 GMT
A familiar face at the most important fashion shows in the world is behind a new book all about the little black dress. Andre Leon Talley, Editor In-Chief, Numero Russia, and former creative director of Vogue gave GDNY a closer look at "Little Black Dress."
A familiar face at the most important fashion shows in the world is behind a new book all about the little black dress. Andre Leon Talley, Editor In-Chief, Numero Russia, and former creative director of Vogue gave GDNY a closer look at "Little Black Dress."
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:43 AM EDT2013-06-18 12:43:13 GMT
Since 2012, NYC high school students have been required to pass all five state administered Regent exams by earning a grade of 65 or higher. The graduation rate this year is down 65.7 percent from 66.1 percent last year.
Since 2012, NYC high school students have been required to pass all five state administered Regent exams by earning a grade of 65 or higher. The graduation rate this year is down 65.7 percent from 66.1 percent last year.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:17 AM EDT2013-06-18 12:17:36 GMT
Talk radio host John Gambling weighs in on the incorrect birth date etched into the tombstone of former NYC Mayor Ed Koch. “Ed Koch was a stickler for detail.I would have thought that the birth date would have already been etched into the marble so he could proof read it, if you will," said Gambling.
Talk radio host John Gambling weighs in on the incorrect birth date etched into the tombstone of former NYC Mayor Ed Koch. “Ed Koch was a stickler for detail.I would have thought that the birth date would have already been etched into the marble so he could proof read it, if you will," said Gambling.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:56 AM EDT2013-06-17 14:56:08 GMT
As predicted, cicadas that spent the last 17 years dormant, have come back to life, at least in the garden of one New Jersey home. Author and journalist Warren Bobrow says the insects are making it difficult to work from home.
As predicted, cicadas that spent the last 17 years dormant, have come back to life, at least in the garden of one New Jersey home. Author and journalist Warren Bobrow says the insects are making it difficult to work from home.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:07 AM EDT2013-06-17 14:07:42 GMT
Actress Mireille Enos plays Brad Pitt's wife in the new movie, 'World War Z,' hitting theaters next week. The stunner also stars in AMC's 'The Killing.'
Actress Mireille Enos plays Brad Pitt's wife in the new movie, 'World War Z,' hitting theaters next week. The stunner also stars in AMC's 'The Killing.'
Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind
