New Yorkers #StandWithShams
New Yorkers #StandWithShams to condemn the actions of West Side Community Organization (WestCo) and their attorney Randy Mastro, who sent former-NYPD private investigators to the new home of former Lucerne resident Shams “Da Homeless Hero” DaBaron. According to legal papers filed by Mr. Mastro, “We have borne the expense of sending investigators to [redacted]’s residence over the past two days. They photographed him answering the door at his new apartment.” The papers contain sworn affidavits from two former-NYPD PIs, as well as a photograph of Mr. DaBaron in a state of undress, clearly unaware he was being surveilled. Gothamist further reported on March 23rd that the PIs posed as plumbers, and actually entered Shams’s apartment under the ruse of checking a leak.
We are outraged and sickened by this reckless disregard for Shams’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual safety. This is only the latest example of the segregation-era tactics that have been deployed to try to restrict Black and brown homeless people from being able to reside on the Upper West Side. Furthermore, the City has tacitly endorsed this campaign of terror by repeatedly acquiescing to demands that Lucerne residents be moved. Enough is enough. It is far past time for the Mayor to unequivocally condemn the actions of WestCo and Mr. Mastro, and the broader campaign to displace Lucerne residents. Moreover, we call upon the City and DHS to launch an investigation into how WestCo and Mr. Mastro were able to obtain Mr. DaBaron’s address. We ask all city officials, those seeking elected office, and civic groups, to stand up for equity, justice, and housing for all, and cut ties with any person or organization that does not share those values.
New Yorkers came together on March 26 to condemn these actions with a rally at the Adam Clayton Powell State Office building. Included among the speakers were Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Mayoral Candidate Maya Wiley, Manhattan Borough President Candidate Lindsey Boylan, State Senator Brian Benjamin, City Council Member Helen Rosenthal, and Manhattan District Attorney candidate Diana Florence.