Pitman Councilman-Elect Shares Blackface Photos on Social Media Account

 Pitman Anti-Racist Collective Calls On Vince Kelly to Renounce Blackface, Undertake Diversity Training


PITMAN, NJ – Republican newcomer Vince Kelly was elected to Pitman Borough Council on Tuesday, November 2, edging out Democratic incumbents Amy Rudley and Paul Blass.

A political novice, Kelly campaigned as a Christian family man who opposes the GCL (Glassboro Camden Line).

A photo of Vince Kelly in blackface, shared in 2015, came to light on Tuesday evening. Dressed as Flavor Flav, the former member of Public Enemy and star of reality TV, Kelly is clearly seen engaging in this widely condemned, racist practice.

The photo in question was a “cover photo” on Kelly’s personal Facebook page. It is shared with the public, and was still posted as of Thursday, November 4. The photo has circulated among many in town; its existence is widely known at this point. (Link to the photo on Kelly’s FB page: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=976553079084916&set=a.97655189575170)

The Pitman Anti-Racist Collective (PARC) believes Kelly must be held accountable for the existence of this photo and its continued presence on Kelly’s social media.

 PARC calls upon Kelly to make a public apology and to undertake Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training so that he might understand the unacceptable nature of his actions. In the absence of apology and accountability, PARC calls upon Kelly to step down.

“It is outrageous that in 2021, anyone running for political office would proudly display such racist images on their public social media accounts,” explained Judy Walker, PARC member.  “We are disgusted that he would engage in such practices, and continue to make public photos available throughout his political campaign. PARC does not believe open racists should have a seat at the table in our municipal government.”

PARC has previously reported on Pitman’s troubling ties to the racist pastimes of minstrelsy and blackface. Until the mid 1900’s, minstrels performed – in blackface – in churches and social clubs, dehumanizing African Americans. (https://pitman-antiracist-collective.com/news-and-stories/everybody-likes-pitman-and-minstrels)