Ebolaphobia Persists: Two Senegalese-American Schoolboys Were Bullied and Called 'Ebola'

 Irene Chidinma Nwoye | The Village Voice | October 27^th, 2014

Senator Perkins joined leaders and members of the Senegalese American Association in Harlem to speak out on the offensive, senseless and hurtful stigmatization faced by many in the African Community, including NYC-born youngsters—Pape and Amidou Drame, 8^th and 6^th graders, respectively, in I.S. 318/The Bronx—who have been repeatedly taunted, ostracized and physically beaten simply because of their Senegalese heritage.   

The Senator said:  “A very real and disconcerting phenomenon is emerging in the form of stigmatization of the African community rising from the false perceptions of Ebola as an “African disease”— a virus is a virus, it is not indigenous to certain people, countries or cultures.  Our thoughts toward those afflicted should be compassionate and supportive.  All of our energies should be shifted toward prevention, treatment and a cure for this dreadful disease.  Scapegoating and attacking our neighbors serves no useful purpose whatsoever.  Recent acts of violence and discrimination fueled by ignorance against our fellow New Yorkers are inexcusable and must not be tolerated.”