Justice Deferred: The Fight for Safety in Uniondale
In Uniondale, Long Island, the legal saga unfolds as the family of a promising high school basketball talent seeks justice through a $150 million wrongful death lawsuit against the town of Hempstead and other governmental bodies.
According to attorneys, 15-year-old Jomani JoJo Wright’s life could have been spared had the town and related entities fulfilled their responsibility in maintaining the safety of the road where the tragedy occurred. They assert that the disregard for the safety of communities of color led to the untimely demise of the young athlete.
“Why was my child in harm’s way? Why didn’t my child return home?” questions Joseph Wright, grieving the loss of his son.
Jomani Wright, anticipated to return safely from a routine basketball practice in January, instead met his tragic fate when the vehicle he was traveling in collided with another, resulting in a fatal impact against a pole.
“How does a parent even begin to process such devastating news?” laments Wright. “Being at work, receiving that heart-wrenching call from your inconsolable spouse, realizing your youngest child is no more.”
On a somber Wednesday afternoon, at the crossroads of Maple and Front Streets where JoJo’s life was cut short, bereaved family members, alongside their legal representatives, convened to announce the commencement of legal proceedings against the Town of Hempstead for its failure to uphold the safety standards at the intersection.
“This perilous, defective juncture at Front Street and Maple Avenue, within the confines of the town of Hempstead, was a well-known hazard,” asserts civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
Despite the subsequent installment of a stop sign post-accident, the family contends that such measures are insufficient.
“We implore the town and all relevant authorities to ensure that the infrastructural investments recently highlighted by President Biden prioritize the safety of communities of color,” urges family attorney Heather M. Palmore.
In response to the lawsuit, the town of Hempstead opted not to comment, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.
“How many more young lives must be lost before action is taken? Will we find ourselves in this tragic position once more? The solution is within reach,” insists Wright, advocating for necessary changes to prevent further tragedies.