UNITED STATES of America (USA) Democrat leader, Hakeem Jeffries, is currently making headlines for defending his anti-semite uncle who accused Jews of aiding the slave trade and conspiring against Afro-Americans in Hollywood.

According to CNN, the 1992 editorial under the headline: “The Back Conservative Phenomenon,” Jeffries defended his uncle who was accused of being an anti-semite for claiming that Jews helped finance the slave trade and were involved in a plot to keep Black actors out of Hollywood.

The editorial has sparked controversy as many believe it is inappropriate for a public figure to defend someone who holds such views.

Some are also questioning Jeffries’ own views on the matter and whether he may hold similar beliefs. This controversy highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding issues of race and religion, and the importance of public figures being careful with their words and associations.
Jeffries was quick to issue a statement denouncing his uncle’s views and distancing himself from the controversial views.

His Spokesperson, Christina Stephenson, in a comment said: “Leader Jeffries has consistently been clear that he does not share the controversial views espoused by his uncle over thirty years ago.”

However, some are calling for stronger action, such as Jeffries apologising for the editorial or even resigning from his position as Democratic leader.

Others are defending Jeffries, pointing out that the editorial was written when he was in college and that people’s views can change over time.

This controversy comes at a time of heightened awareness around issues of race and discrimination in the United States, particularly in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests that swept the country following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

It also highlights the importance of understanding and confronting anti-semitism, which has been on the rise in recent years.

Last year, Jeffries was called out by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali after he failed to respond to an invitation to meet with him during his visit to Washington DC.

The President had said that Jeffries, who represents parts of Brooklyn and Queens, appears to have close relations with New York-based Guyanese Rickford Burke who has persistently accused the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration of racial discrimination against Afro Guyanese, despite no evidence.

The government has repeatedly rubbished those claims.

“Let me be clear on this. This President asked the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Ambassador Hinds [Guyana’s ambassador to the US) to write him [Congressman Jeffries] inviting him to a meeting.”

Jeffries however, according to the President, never replied to the invitation.

“He has not responded to the ambassador’s invitation. Ask yourself why? If you have all these concerns why you haven’t attended a meeting, you were invited to?” the President questioned.

“Stop playing politics with the future of a country. This President will not allow it. I will speak about it and in stronger terms I’ll speak about it,” he said.

Other Congressional members had lauded the President for his visionary leadership. During his visit to the US, the President was bestowed with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.