Jersey City BOE President Apologizes After Comment Called Racist

The president of the Jersey City Board of Education issued a public apology late Thursday after a remark directed at Trustee Lorenzo Richardson was described as racist during the same meeting in which the board voted to ban former Board President Mussab Ali from district facilities.

The comment occurred during board member reflections following student performances marking the centennial of Black History Month. Interrupting another person’s speech, Board President Velasquez addressed Richardson, stating, “Trustee looking like somebody that’s coming to America.”

Coming to America is a 1988 comedy film starring Eddie Murphy. The movie follows an African prince who travels to the United States in search of independence and a partner, and it is widely recognized as a prominent work in Black cinema.

Richardson did not respond at the time. The meeting proceeded with a presentation on school funding and a debate over a resolution to bar Ali from district schools.

The issue resurfaced shortly before the board entered closed session. During his comment period, Richardson addressed the earlier remark.

“I did not appreciate you because I’m wearing this saying… coming to America,” Richardson stated. “I felt that was disrespectful and to some degree racist.” He added that although he initially hesitated to respond, he “couldn’t not say something” because of his disbelief that the comment had been made.

Velasquez initially defended the remark, stating she was “giving [him] a compliment.” After Richardson said it was not received as such, Velasquez replied, “If you can’t take it, then that’s up to you.”

Following a two-hour closed session, the board reconvened. Velasquez opened the final portion of the meeting with a public apology.

“I want to make a public apology to Trustee Lorenzo Richardson because when I thought it was okay to compliment him and I took it lightly, he didn’t,” Velasquez said. She acknowledged that the remark caused embarrassment and said Richardson “merits an apology.” She added that she did not intend to be disrespectful but recognized the impact of her words.