A Freshman Lawmaker Seeks Safety Amid Tense Relations with Colleagues
East Harlem Democrat Eddie Gibbs, the first formerly incarcerated person to be elected to the New York State Legislature, has become a vocal advocate for prisoners' rights. However, his efforts have been met with pushback from some of his own colleagues.
In June last year, an altercation broke out between Gibbs and Assemblymember Ari Brown during a floor debate over the word "inmate." The term, which Gibbs views as derogatory, sparked heated words between the two lawmakers, including f-bombs and threats. According to Gibbs, the situation escalated when Brown poked him in the nose before security intervened.
Since then, Gibbs has become increasingly uncomfortable attending legislative sessions or participating in committees. He claims that he's not safe in the chamber due to his safety concerns, citing Brown's threat of assault. Despite efforts by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and his office to address the issue, tensions between Gibbs and his colleagues remain high.
Gibbs' experience highlights challenges faced by non-traditional lawmakers who often struggle to navigate the existing power dynamics at the State Capitol. For formerly incarcerated individuals like Gibbs, confronting the established order can be particularly daunting, as they often face systemic marginalization and neglect from their peers.
The case has also drawn attention from advocacy groups, such as Release Aging People in Prison, which supports the rights of formerly incarcerated individuals. The group's director, Jose Saldana, who spent 38 years behind bars, expressed outrage over Gibbs' treatment by his colleagues, stating that his own colleagues have failed to support him.
As Gibbs prepares for his re-election bid this November – a decision he has stated will be his last – he seeks solace from the harassment and threats that have plagued him. For now, he remains determined to advocate for those who need his voice most: prisoners' rights.
East Harlem Democrat Eddie Gibbs, the first formerly incarcerated person to be elected to the New York State Legislature, has become a vocal advocate for prisoners' rights. However, his efforts have been met with pushback from some of his own colleagues.
In June last year, an altercation broke out between Gibbs and Assemblymember Ari Brown during a floor debate over the word "inmate." The term, which Gibbs views as derogatory, sparked heated words between the two lawmakers, including f-bombs and threats. According to Gibbs, the situation escalated when Brown poked him in the nose before security intervened.
Since then, Gibbs has become increasingly uncomfortable attending legislative sessions or participating in committees. He claims that he's not safe in the chamber due to his safety concerns, citing Brown's threat of assault. Despite efforts by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and his office to address the issue, tensions between Gibbs and his colleagues remain high.
Gibbs' experience highlights challenges faced by non-traditional lawmakers who often struggle to navigate the existing power dynamics at the State Capitol. For formerly incarcerated individuals like Gibbs, confronting the established order can be particularly daunting, as they often face systemic marginalization and neglect from their peers.
The case has also drawn attention from advocacy groups, such as Release Aging People in Prison, which supports the rights of formerly incarcerated individuals. The group's director, Jose Saldana, who spent 38 years behind bars, expressed outrage over Gibbs' treatment by his colleagues, stating that his own colleagues have failed to support him.
As Gibbs prepares for his re-election bid this November – a decision he has stated will be his last – he seeks solace from the harassment and threats that have plagued him. For now, he remains determined to advocate for those who need his voice most: prisoners' rights.
! Like, who pokes someone in the nose? That's just low 
. And f-bombs and threats? No thanks, dude 
. Can't say I blame him for bein' uncomfortable in the chamber, that'd freak me out too 
. Advocating for prisoners' rights is one thing, but gettin' bullied by your own people is another story altogether 
. Hope he gets some support from those advocacy groups and can keep pushin' for change 
I'm so worried about Eddie Gibbs, you know? He's doing this amazing work as a lawmaker, fighting for people's rights... and then some of his own colleagues are being super harsh on him 
. Like, who does that? It's totally unacceptable to be poked in the nose by someone over words 
. And the thing is, he's not even trying to change the word itself, just asking for some respect 
. I get that it can be tough to navigate new situations, but come on... 
. We should all try to be more understanding and empathetic, especially when we don't agree 
.
. I feel bad 4 him, he just wants 2 make a difference & help those in need. It's not cool when u r elected 2 represent ppl & u can't even do ur job w/o bein intimidated 
.
Let's support Gibbs and organizations like Release Aging People in Prison who are fighting for those who've been marginalized for far too long. We gotta create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone, especially those with the most vulnerable voices. 
I'm worried about Eddie Gibbs, the first ex-con in the NY State Legislature 
. I mean, who uses an f-bomb and threatens to assault someone? 
That's just not cool, period 
. He's breaking down barriers and showing that anyone can make a difference 
.
. We need more people in politics like Gibbs who aren't afraid to challenge the status quo and fight for what's right 
. Fingers crossed for Eddie Gibbs' re-election bid – he'll definitely have my vote 
!
The fact that the word "inmate" is being used as a reason for this drama is wild... shouldn't we be focusing on finding solutions rather than getting into fights over words? 
As someone who's passionate about social justice, it breaks my heart to see people from different backgrounds struggling to work together. 
#StandWithGibbs #PrisonersRightsMatter #InmateNotAName
. I feel bad for Eddie Gibbs, having to deal with this kind of pushback from his own colleagues 
. Not easy, right? Anyway, I'm rooting for Gibbs and his efforts to make a difference – we need more voices like his in politics 
And poor Eddie Gibbs, he's already been through so much by being released from prison and now he's facing this kind of harassment. It's just not right. We need to treat everyone with respect, no matter what their background is. 
. It's not like he's asking for special treatment or anything, just basic human decency 
it's no wonder he's having trouble attending legislative sessions 
- like how can some ppl treat him so harshly just cuz he's a felon? his experience is crazy and its not fair that others R making it hard 4 him to do his job 
Gibbs is just trying to make a difference in laws that affect the whole state and people still gotta diss him because of one word... come on! 
. Nowadays, everyone's so sensitive, even when they're tryin' to do somethin' right. And don't even get me started on the threats and harassment... that's just plain cowardly 
. i've been following eddie's story since he was elected and i gotta say, he's an inspiration - being in prison doesn't define you, it defines what you do with your second chance 
. anyway, i'm definitely voting for him this november 
It's crazy that Eddie Gibbs is having to deal with this kind of treatment from his own colleagues. Like, I get it, you're upset about the word "inmate" being used, but threatening him and poking him in the nose?! That's not okay at all