July 7, 2025
Chivona can be heard telling the officers, seemingly defending themselves, that what they were doing is “unjust.”
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is being called hypocrites for arresting Black people for hosting what they deem “illegal” barbecues and turning around and doing the exact same thing.
A viral video circulating on social media shows Hawk and Chivona Newsome, founders of Black Lives Matter New York, confronting members of the NYPD for arresting Black residents and posting “no illegal BBQ” signs — all while doing the same thing just steps away from a city courthouse. Officers in uniform were seen peacefully grilling hot dogs and playing music, just like other New Yorkers tend to do during the summer months, as the Newsomes approached with one of their signs seen around the city.
The brother and sister duo claimed that members of “New York’s Finest” were violating city ordinances and offered them an opportunity to shut it down before involving the media. Chivona can be heard telling the officers, seemingly defending themselves, that what they were doing is “unjust.” “The saddest thing about it is you’re locking people up; people are coming to jail, have to see this grill out here,” Hawk shouted.
“You realize how f****** insensitive that is? You’re going to lock people up for this, and then you’re doing it when they get here!”
A few days prior, NYPD officers were seen shutting down a barbecue on the streets of New York, physically attempting to move tables that held plates, cups, and cutlery, while attendees worked to keep the event going.
According to NYC311, there are strict rules about grilling in the city. Barbecuing is permitted in designated areas only within city parks, and coals must be discarded properly, as propane grills are prohibited. For residential and commercial properties, grills using charcoal, electric, or piped natural gas are permitted — including on an apartment terrace — but only if in compliance with the Fire Code.
The rules also state that residents should report persons barbecuing in a restricted area of a park, beach, or greenway.
As the videos went viral, social media users are celebrating the Newsomes for calling out the police and highlighting that gentrification may be a reason behind why several street barbecues were aggressively shut down, as it is a part of NYC’s culture. “Gentrifiers move in and displace you. Normally, this would never be a problem,” one user wrote.
Another called the founders “great citizens,” saying “NYPD are not above the law.”
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