Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD - Episode 8: "Stay Dangerous"

Host: Chenjerai Kumanyika
Release Date: October 21, 2024

Introduction: A Personal Connection to Police Brutality

In the inaugural moments of Episode 8, Chenjerai Kumanyika sets a poignant tone by sharing a deeply personal artifact: a faded letter from his father written in 1964. This letter, addressed to high-ranking officials including the Governor, Mayor, and the UN Commission on Human Rights, demands an end to police brutality and calls for accountability for law enforcement officers. Kumanyika reflects, “[00:00]... even though this letter is just type words on a page, it makes me feel closer to him than that video.”

This personal narrative serves as a gateway to the episode's exploration of the NYPD's tumultuous history with race, activism, and systemic resistance to change.

Historical Context: The Tenderloin Riot of 1900

The episode delves into the early 20th century, spotlighting a pivotal event known as the Tenderloin Riot. In 1900, Arthur Harris, a black man, confronts an undercover police officer, Robert Thorpe, over an assault on his girlfriend. The confrontation escalates, resulting in Harris fatally stabbing Thorpe. This incident ignites a massive riot where approximately 10,000 white men attack black residents across New York City. Historian Khalil Gibran Muhammad explains, “[04:30]... He doesn't know right now that it is a cop. The police officer clubs Harris...”

The riot prompts the formation of the Citizens Protective League within the black community, dedicated to documenting instances of police brutality. This grassroots organization becomes a cornerstone for later demands for reform.

The Struggle for Integration: Samuel Battle's Pioneering Role

Amidst the backdrop of racial tensions and police resistance to integration, Samuel Battle emerges as a seminal figure. Encouraged by community leaders and motivated by a desire to effect change from within, Battle becomes the NYPD's first black officer. Natalie Sherrow, Battle’s great-granddaughter, provides personal insights: “[10:03]... His confidence is a trait she's always felt in her family.”

Despite passing a rigorous examination as the sole black candidate among 600, Battle faces severe hostility from his white counterparts. He recounts discovering a threatening note that derides him, reinforcing the systemic barriers he must overcome. A turning point occurs when Battle risks his life to save a white officer, an act that earns him begrudging respect from his peers. Sherrow observes, “[14:12]... that was how he got accepted.”

Battle's integration is less about fostering genuine community safety and more about providing the NYPD with a defensive shield against accusations of racism. His role underscores a recurring theme: the utilization of black officers for public relations rather than substantive reform.

The Battle Against Civilian Review Boards

As the NYPD becomes more diverse, internal and external pressures mount for genuine oversight. The Amsterdam News advocates for civilian review boards to oversee police conduct, demanding the firing of the officer who killed a youth and the hiring of more black and Puerto Rican officers. However, resistance from the police union, led by John Cassess of the Patrolman's Benevolent Association (PBA), is fierce. Cassess orchestrates a racially charged campaign against the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), portraying it as a threat to "white man's rights."

Despite the unwavering support from black and Hispanic voters, fear and misinformation sway the broader electorate against the CCRB, resulting in its defeat in the 1966 ballot. This setback marks the beginning of prolonged efforts by the police union to stifle reform, embedding resistance into the NYPD's institutional fabric.

Kumanyika notes, “[30:04]... New Yorkers end up voting basically 2 to 1 against civilian review.” The failure of the CCRB exemplifies the entrenched opposition to meaningful oversight and accountability within the police force.

Evolution of the NYPD: From Reactive Diversity to Institutionalized Resistance

The narrative progresses to highlight the NYPD's strategic adaptation to increasing diversity within its ranks. As more black officers join the force, the department leverages their presence as a tool to mitigate public criticism rather than to foster genuine community relations. Figures like James Hargrove of the Guardians fraternity advocate for active support of civilian review, but systemic obstacles largely undermine these efforts.

The episode also touches upon the modern shift where the NYPD becomes a majority-minority organization in 2006. Yet, this demographic change does not translate to reduced racial tensions or improved accountability. Instead, episodes like Edwin Raymond’s experiences reveal persistent systemic racism, even among black officers who face discrimination within their ranks.

Edwin Raymond’s journey, from facing racial profiling as a youth to becoming a whistleblower against the NYPD’s quota systems, underscores the ongoing struggle for integrity and reform within the department. His realization, “[40:07]... As long as this white supremacy, as long as the discrimination is baked into the ingredients, we're still going to get the results that we've been seeing,” encapsulates the enduring challenges in transforming the NYPD from within.

Modern Perspectives: Continuing the Fight for Accountability

In contemporary times, despite the NYPD's increased diversity, accountability mechanisms like the CCRB remain undermined. Police Commissioners like Kishant Sewall and Edward Caban have historically dismissed substantial CCRB complaints, perpetuating a cycle of impunity. The episode emphasizes that the muscle of the system—the police force—continues to reflect the broader societal values, often stymying efforts for meaningful change.

Kumanyika reflects on the lessons learned, emphasizing that superficial reforms and increased diversity are insufficient without addressing the underlying systemic issues. He asserts, “[43:25]... we have to stay dangerous,” advocating for sustained resistance against entrenched power structures to achieve genuine safety and justice.

Conclusion: The Imperative of Root-Level Change

Episode 8 of "Empire City" culminates in a call to action, urging listeners to recognize the NYPD's historical and ongoing role in perpetuating systemic racism and to seek transformative change beyond conventional reform measures. Kumanyika articulates the necessity of addressing foundational societal issues to dismantle the structures that enable police brutality and systemic injustice.

The episode underscores that true safety and accountability require a fundamental rethinking of policing institutions and their alignment with community needs and democratic values. It challenges listeners to remain vigilant, informed, and proactive in the pursuit of equitable and just public safety systems.

Key Quotes:

• Chenjerai Kumanyika [00:00]: “...even though this letter is just type words on a page, it makes me feel closer to him than that video.”

• Khalil Gibran Muhammad [04:30]: “...He doesn't know right now that it is a cop. The police officer clubs Harris...”

• Natalie Sherrow [10:03]: “...his confidence is a trait she's always felt in her family.”

• Natalie Sherrow [14:12]: “...that was how he got accepted.”

• Edwin Raymond [40:07]: “As long as this white supremacy, as long as the discrimination is baked into the ingredients, we're still going to get the results that we've been seeing.”

• Chenjerai Kumanyika [43:25]: “...we have to stay dangerous.”

Discover More: To delve deeper into the untold history of the NYPD and its impact on New York City, follow "Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD" on the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or join Wondery+ for early, ad-free access.