“They wanted him to speak with American slang” – Ghana’s US Ambassador recounts son’s bullying experience amid Javits’ death

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, has recounted how his son was bullied by fellow students because of his African background and accent while attending school in the US.

His account comes amid reports that 15-year-old Ghanaian Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong, who was fatally shot in New York, had experienced bullying at school.

Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, Mr Smith said the experiences of African children facing harassment over their accents and cultural differences were not uncommon in American schools.

He disclosed that his son had also endured similar treatment, describing the experience as particularly troubling because the bullying was often perpetrated by other black students.

“This kind of bullying is no news at all. Personally, I’ve experienced it, my son. They do that. I don’t know why they do it. But the most painful part is that usually it’s black people doing it to black people,” he said.

The Ambassador explained that his son was expected to adapt to American slang and speech patterns from the beginning of his schooling, with the pressure making some African children feel excluded by their peers.

“They wanted him to speak with American slang on day one. And they make you feel just like unwanted. They make the kids feel lonely,” he said.

Mr Smith said the experience had given him a better understanding of the emotional and psychological toll bullying could have on children.

Reflecting on reports that Javits had become withdrawn, he suggested that persistent harassment and unfriendly treatment could contribute to a young person’s reluctance to interact with others.

“From what the father is saying, he’s very quiet at home. He doesn’t like to go anywhere. Of course, because of the harassment, people are unfriendly,” he said.

The Ambassador also recounted instances of students being physically assaulted at school without provocation.

He argued that bullying among young people of colour should not automatically be attributed to racism, suggesting that the behaviour could also be influenced by how children are raised.

“For racism, people might think that it was the white boys who dealt with the Black boys that way. But in recent times, they’re people of colour. So then it’s not too much to do with racism. But in my personal view, it’s to do with people’s upbringing,” he added.

Javits was fatally shot by unidentified assailants at about 9:20 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, in the Bronx, New York, while on his way to school.

Also read:

• I expect thorough investigation to identify Javits Frimpong’s killers – Ghana’s US Ambassador

• Bronx residents to hold vigil for slain Ghanaian teenager Javits Frimpong