A newly resurfaced video from 2004 is causing a storm for Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, one of the top candidates in the race for New Jersey’s next governor.
The footage shows Baraka applauding and embracing controversial Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan as he makes inflammatory remarks about white people, calling them “demons” and encouraging violence.
In the video, filmed at a Newark church, Baraka introduces Farrakhan as a “major personal inspiration” and “the leader of every Black person,” Fox News reports. During the speech, which was aired on the Nation of Islam’s website, Farrakhan goes on to denounce non-violent protest movements and makes disparaging remarks about white people, including labeling them as “the enemy.”
Farrakhan, who has been widely condemned for his longstanding antisemitic and racist rhetoric, claims, “The cracker is the real devil,” a statement that Baraka is seen applauding in approval. This inflammatory moment, captured on film, has raised serious concerns about Baraka’s judgment and his associations with figures known for their divisive views.
Baraka’s praise of Farrakhan was not a one-time incident. As reported by the New York Post, Baraka hosted Farrakhan multiple times during his political career, including when he was principal of Central High School in Newark.
In 2012, he welcomed Farrakhan to speak to over 1,000 students, a move that raised eyebrows at the time. As Newark’s mayor, Baraka again provided Farrakhan a platform, including a 2017 event titled “Separation or Death,” where Farrakhan called for black people to receive reparations and for the creation of a separate state.
Baraka’s repeated interactions with Farrakhan and his decision to amplify the leader’s message have added fuel to the controversy, especially in light of Farrakhan’s history of antisemitism and inflammatory rhetoric.
Despite the backlash, Baraka, in a statement to Jewish Insider, rejected calls to denounce Farrakhan or apologize for his past actions.
“I will not be bullied or silenced into walking away from the fight for justice,” Baraka said.
He added that he would continue advocating for peace, equality and equity, emphasizing that the Nation of Islam has earned respect in many black communities for its work in reducing violence and promoting self-determination in disenfranchised neighborhoods. However, this stance has not quelled the growing criticism surrounding his associations with Farrakhan.
The resurfacing of this video has raised significant concerns. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) have long tracked Farrakhan’s hateful rhetoric, with the ADL calling him “one of the most prominent antisemites” and the SPLC designating the Nation of Islam a hate group, as noted by Fox News.
These organizations have condemned Baraka’s continued relationship with Farrakhan, adding pressure on the mayor to reconsider his ties to the controversial figure.
Baraka’s controversial ties to Farrakhan could be a critical factor as his gubernatorial campaign heats up. His platform, which includes deconstructing New Jersey’s state budget with a focus on equity, may now be overshadowed by his association with one of the most divisive figures in American politics.
Critics argue that these revelations could also hurt his standing with Jewish voters and others concerned about Farrakhan’s extremist views.
The video also raises questions about Baraka’s commitment to unifying the state and achieving the inclusive vision he touts on his campaign website, where he calls for a New Jersey that “comes together regardless of zip code, or race, or gender or nationality.” As the election draws nearer, it remains to be seen how voters will respond to the growing controversy surrounding the mayor’s past associations.
