Hempstead assemblywoman again under fire for comments made at church

<p>Weeks after comparing her party's chairman to a plantation owner and her primary opponent a slave, Hempstead Assemblywoman Earlene Hooper was caught on camera making remarks that some consider to be racist.</p>

News 12 Staff

Aug 18, 2018, 9:52 PM

Updated 2,070 days ago

Share:

Weeks after comparing her party's chairman to a plantation owner and her primary opponent a slave, Hempstead Assemblywoman Earlene Hooper was caught on camera making remarks that some consider to be racist.
Hooper, who is the deputy speaker of the New York State Assembly, was seen on video obtained by News 12 speaking earlier this week at Calvary Tabernacle Church in Hempstead.
She told the largely African American church "we are the strongest race of people on the face of this earth."
The speech comes on the heels of comments Hooper made last month where she compared Nassau County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs to a plantation owner and primary opponent Taylor Raynor to a slave.
During the speech, Hooper also attempted to clarify her past controversial comments, saying "I had no intention of uttering that name, so obviously, something spiritual told me to say that name. And that name was Jay Jacobs."
In response to the new comments, Jacobs says "Earlene Hooper has, through her own words and actions, demonstrated that she is no longer fit to serve in elected office.  Racism and corrupt behavior can have no refuge in any party, least of all the Democratic Party." 
Meanwhile Raynor, who is also an African-American woman, says Hooper's "us versus them" comments are an attempt to distract from her own record.
Hooper told the audience that she secured $1 million in fund and two crossing guards to help the Hempstead School District after a fire at an elementary school last week.
The district confirmed that it is set to receive those funds from the state.


More from News 12
0:37
Virginia man was sentenced to 20 years to life in fatal 2021 shooting of New Rochelle cab driver

Virginia man was sentenced to 20 years to life in fatal 2021 shooting of New Rochelle cab driver

2:10
Light rain showers linger into tomorrow, sun to return this weekend

Light rain showers linger into tomorrow, sun to return this weekend

0:34
Westchester DA: Yonkers man sentenced 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison for fatal June 2023 hit-and-run

Westchester DA: Yonkers man sentenced 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison for fatal June 2023 hit-and-run

0:28
White Plains police: Teenager arrested in connection to stabbing of 17-year-old outside gas station

White Plains police: Teenager arrested in connection to stabbing of 17-year-old outside gas station

1:54
Cannabis dispensary owners head north to find holy grail of pot sales after being re-zoned

Cannabis dispensary owners head north to find holy grail of pot sales after being re-zoned

0:41
State budget proposal would consolidate Medicaid program used in hiring home health aide

State budget proposal would consolidate Medicaid program used in hiring home health aide

1:35
Double Up Food Bucks program comes to Yonkers market

Double Up Food Bucks program comes to Yonkers market

1:45
Surveillance video captures 58 water trucks in South Blooming Grove neighborhood in one month amid water crisis

Surveillance video captures 58 water trucks in South Blooming Grove neighborhood in one month amid water crisis

0:46
Schuyler Crossing management express frustration with ongoing flooding at affordable housing complex

Schuyler Crossing management express frustration with ongoing flooding at affordable housing complex

Preliminary report uncovers over 100 potential unmarked burials at historic Rye cemetery

Preliminary report uncovers over 100 potential unmarked burials at historic Rye cemetery

0:32
Out-of-court settlement reached in New Rochelle excessive force lawsuit

Out-of-court settlement reached in New Rochelle excessive force lawsuit

0:35
Legal battle over Harrison town supervisor election comes to an end

Legal battle over Harrison town supervisor election comes to an end

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

0:25
Dutchess County drug raid uncovers crack cocaine, cash, ammo and loaded handgun

Dutchess County drug raid uncovers crack cocaine, cash, ammo and loaded handgun

1:24
Westchester County launches Pitch In For Parks initiative ahead of Earth Day

Westchester County launches Pitch In For Parks initiative ahead of Earth Day

1:38
Religious leaders work to salvage sacred Torah scrolls after fire

Religious leaders work to salvage sacred Torah scrolls after fire

0:23
Ford recalls over 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick cars due to loss of drive power risk

Ford recalls over 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick cars due to loss of drive power risk

1:44
Discover a Gothic Revival masterpiece of art and architecture at Lyndhurst Mansion

Discover a Gothic Revival masterpiece of art and architecture at Lyndhurst Mansion

0:19
Suspect in Rockland County stabbing to appear in Ramapo Town Court today

Suspect in Rockland County stabbing to appear in Ramapo Town Court today

0:51
Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips