N.J. school board president apologizes after ‘Coming to America’ remark deemed racist

Jersey City School Board President Noemí Velázquez has apologized for a comment she made comparing a trustee’s appearance to the classic comedy, Coming to America.

Trustee Lorenzo Richardson called out Velázquez, saying the remark was racist.

The conflict erupted Thursday night during a board of education meeting in Jersey City.

Velázquez said Richardson was “looking like someone that’s coming to America,” referencing his clothing, which resembled traditional African style.

“I did not appreciate you, because I’m wearing this, saying I’m ‘coming to America,’” Richardson said.

Coming to America is a 1988 film starring Eddie Murphy, who portrayed an African prince who travels to Queens, New York.

“I thought that was disrespectful and, to some degree, racist,” said Richardson, who added he could not believe what she said. “I’m just going to be honest with you.”

Velázquez and Richardson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the incident.

Velázquez, originally from Puerto Rico, was elected to the city’s board of trustees in 2019 and is serving her second term as president, according to the board’s website.

The board president said she thought she was giving him a compliment. “If you can’t take it, then that’s up to you,’” she said.”

Richardson said it was no compliment to him.

“I would hope that you accept my apology and that we can move on,” said Velázquez, who apologized publicly. She said she did not mean it in a disrespectful way.

“Nothing should stop us from the job that needs to get done,” Velázquez said.