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.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:22 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:22:34 GMT
Blogging site Tumblr has been sold to Yahoo for over $1B. Social media expert Chris Dessi and Laura Kusisto, Wall Street Journal reporter, discuss the sale during Good Day NY.
Blogging site Tumblr has been sold to Yahoo for over $1B. Social media expert Chris Dessi and Laura Kusisto, Wall Street Journal reporter, discuss the sale during Good Day NY.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-05-22 10:07:50 GMT
Spy thriller 'The East' is the latest creation from actor, writer and producer Brit Marling. Marling plays a former FBI agent alongside Ellen Page. Both stars make a stop in the Good Day studios on Wednesday.
Spy thriller 'The East' is the latest creation from actor, writer and producer Brit Marling. Marling plays a former FBI agent alongside Ellen Page. Both stars make a stop in the Good Day studios on Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:06 AM EDT2013-05-22 10:06:01 GMT
Entertainer Ceelo Green is featured on the debut single by Vicci Martinez called 'Come Along.' Martinez, a former finalist on The Voice, visits the GDNY studios in the morning and performs the new song.
Entertainer Ceelo Green is featured on the debut single by Vicci Martinez called 'Come Along.' Martinez, a former finalist on The Voice, visits the GDNY studios in the morning and performs the new song.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:04 AM EDT2013-05-22 10:04:32 GMT
Florina 'Flo' Kaja wants to be the "baddest bad girl of all time.' The Staten Island native is competing on the show, Bad Girls All Star Battle hosted by singer Ray J. The pair visit the Good Day NY studios in the morning.
Florina 'Flo' Kaja wants to be the "baddest bad girl of all time.' The Staten Island native is competing on the show, Bad Girls All Star Battle hosted by singer Ray J. The pair visit the Good Day NY studios in the morning.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:48 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:48:03 GMT
World War II veterans have been known as the Greatest Generation for their service. Volunteers have been making sure that these veterans, who are dying at the rate of one thousand per day, are given a
World War II veterans have been known as the Greatest Generation for their service. Volunteers have been making sure that these veterans, who are dying at the rate of one thousand per day, are given a
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:50 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:50:15 GMT
A massive tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma on Monday. It destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people. If you would like to help those in need, you can donate to relief organizations.
A massive tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma on Monday. It destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people. If you would like to help those in need, you can donate to relief organizations.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:28 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:28:08 GMT
The new book, 'Stiletto Network: Inside The Women's Power Circles That Are Changing the Face of Business,' is shining light on how women cooperate in the workplace.
The new book, 'Stiletto Network: Inside The Women's Power Circles That Are Changing the Face of Business,' is shining light on how women cooperate in the workplace.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:23 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:23:21 GMT
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race.
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race. A poll released Wednesday placed Weiner in second place behind City Council Speaker Christine Quinn in a Democratic primary.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:15 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:15:24 GMT
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers. Edwin Vargas was arrested Tuesday outside his home in Bronxville.
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:28:23 GMT
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:57 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:57:40 GMT
The federal judge presiding over civil rights challenges to the stop-and-frisk practices of the New York Police Department has no doubt where she stands with the government.
The federal judge presiding over civil rights challenges to the stop-and-frisk practices of the New York Police Department has no doubt where she stands with the government.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:35 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:35:12 GMT
A bicyclist was killed when he was struck by a livery cab in Brooklyn early Sunday morning. Police say the victim was riding eastbound on Eastern Parkway between Underhill and Washington Avenues
A bicyclist was killed when he was struck by a livery cab in Brooklyn early Sunday morning. Police say the victim was riding eastbound on Eastern Parkway between Underhill and Washington Avenues
Friday, May 17 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:12:56 GMT
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:28:27 GMT
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:58:24 GMT
Prospect Park is a 558-acre urban oasis in the heart of Brooklyn; perfect for running, relaxation, and recreation. While hundreds take advantage of the trails and paths, many here were surprised to learn
Prospect Park is a 558-acre urban oasis in the heart of Brooklyn; perfect for running, relaxation, and recreation. While hundreds take advantage of the trails and paths, many here were surprised to learn
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:06 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:06:34 GMT
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:17 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:17:42 GMT
Several New York lawmakers are sounding the alarm about security and safety lapses at day care centers across New York City.
Several New York lawmakers are sounding the alarm about security and safety lapses at day care centers across New York City. In a report released Thursday, dozens of daycares cited by the Dept. of Health for serious and critical health code violations since 2010, have not fixed the problems and continue to operate without penalty.
Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind
