Meet Darren Martin, a former White House staffer under President Obama who recently moved back to New York City from D.C.
But Martin’s move back to NYC didn’t go smoothly…
As he moved into his apartment — the 5th floor of a 5-story walk-up on 106th street at 11 p.m. on Friday night — one of his neighbors called the cops to report a burglary in process. Martin documented his encounter with the NYPD in a livestream which he later posted to Twitter. Check it out (Note the one cop who keeps asking how many likes he’s got as he films):
I was happy to move back to NYC and into my new apt in the UWS, near Harlem. The plan was to do this today in daylight, recording all the pomp that comes along with such a move. Well, life and work happens and you end up having to move on a Friday night at 11pm, and unexpectedly, pic.twitter.com/D16sHCEI7i
— Darren D. Martin (@MartinDarrenD) April 28, 2018
Martin went on to say race played a part in the 911 call, but come on. Moving into an apartment at 11 p.m. is not normal:
you find yourself instead recording a very unfortunate circumstance. I lie when I say "unexpectedly." I partly expected this once I added up all the factors: I'm a Black man, late at night, moving valuables around in a gentrifying neighborhood. See, this checklist is something
— Darren D. Martin (@MartinDarrenD) April 28, 2018
Black men find themselves reviewing in a host of scenarios. 'I should stay far away from this woman on this dark street clutching her purse.' 'It's casual Friday, but should I wear a suit so they know I'm part of the meeting?' 'The Pokemon in that guy's yard may not be worth it.'
— Darren D. Martin (@MartinDarrenD) April 28, 2018
Moving past quandary, I decided to get it done with – the worst part of this would be whatever comes with moving to the top of a 5th floor walk up. Which, btw, you shouldn't do on an empty stomach. So halfway through, I make my way down to the lobby where my things were, and
— Darren D. Martin (@MartinDarrenD) April 28, 2018
As if on cue, right outside on the street I see an NYPD car parking quickly and in the wrong direction. They meant business. 3 officers hop out, demand I let them in the building, and proceed to question me. I live here and I'm moving, was my message, but it didn't permeate.
— Darren D. Martin (@MartinDarrenD) April 28, 2018
As if on cue, right outside on the street I see an NYPD car parking quickly and in the wrong direction. They meant business. 3 officers hop out, demand I let them in the building, and proceed to question me. I live here and I'm moving, was my message, but it didn't permeate.
— Darren D. Martin (@MartinDarrenD) April 28, 2018
3 or 4 more officers in plainclothes rush in and corner me, as per the video, while the others go up to "investigate" – unlawfully entering my apt, pulling my friend out of the shower, and questioning him. Then I heard the police dispatcher describe my alleged misdeed:
— Darren D. Martin (@MartinDarrenD) April 28, 2018
Breaking and entering (from the roof?) possibly with a weapon – a large one. There are few moments more jarring in a Black man's life than that moment right at the beginning of the criminal justice system. I'm talking pre-arrest, when your fate is NOT in your hands.
— Darren D. Martin (@MartinDarrenD) April 28, 2018
There are fewer moments less dignifying, than at the scene when the police and witnesses assess you to determine if you committed this crime or perceived crime – when you know you didn't. Hey, you already fit the profile so that's half their battle.
— Darren D. Martin (@MartinDarrenD) April 28, 2018
And, again, this is how you feel pre-arrest. Not mentioning the rest of the CJ system, this part is one that at least many Black men have been in. I was blessed enough to be released and not become a hashtag. This was a tame encounter compared to others I've been in and witnessed
— Darren D. Martin (@MartinDarrenD) April 28, 2018
But the next & lingering pit in my stomach came from how my my neighbors viewed me. How they officially welcomed me into the building. Call the police on this Black man who DEFINITELY doesn't live here. The man who worked for President Obama and now serves his fellow New Yorkers.
— Darren D. Martin (@MartinDarrenD) April 28, 2018
Yeah, him. I gotta say, moving up a 5th floor walk up is tough, but each of those 100 plus steps becomes increasingly grueling with the thought that you're feared or just not wanted in the building.
I guess next time I'll wear a suit.#MovingWhileBlack
— Darren D. Martin (@MartinDarrenD) April 28, 2018
Or, next time, don’t move in at 11 p.m.?
***