Deputy Fired For Depicting Kamala Harris As Watermelon Jack-O’-Lantern
A Michigan sheriff’s deputy has been fired after he posted a racist photo of a carved watermelon to depict Kamala Harris.
Sherry Prose from the part-time Oakland County Sheriff’s Office deputy was fired after officials learned of his disgusting posts. The post consists of three pumpkins labeled Trump, Pence, Biden and a carved watermelon for Kamala.
“We are outraged by this former employee’s actions and condemn the behavior she chose to engage in,” Undersheriff Michael McGabe said in a statement. “These types of incidents are disgusting and will never be tolerated or pushed aside at the sheriff’s office. Behavior such as this brings tarnish to the badge and is not representative [of] all those in law enforcement who protect and serve.”
Watermelons being used to represent black people have been considered a racist symbol dating back to the civil war.
Detroit Branch NAACP President, Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony reiterated that the post was racist.
“It grows out of [the] past and a recognition that often is linked to buffoonery and to less than,” Dr. Anthony said. “Yes, I believe that the intent was purposely structured to diminish and to dilute the significance of the first African American…. as vice president of these United States. To some people ignorance is bliss.”
Apparently, when 7 Action News reached out to the fired deputy he responded,
“I worked hard in my law enforcement career and I am proud of the reputation I earned in my 30 plus years of service. I’m not a racist and never will be.”
Sheriff @MikeJBouchard says a part-time @oaklandsheriff deputy has been terminated after this racist social media post.
It shows a carving of VP-elect @KamalaHarris from a watermelon and others from a pumpkin.
A statement from the sheriff is in the photos. @wxyzdetroit pic.twitter.com/pCFN2peQc7
— Rudy Harper (@RudyHarperWXYZ) November 16, 2020