Binghamton community protests in light of recent death of a Black man in Albany

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) — The community in Binghamton is joining others around the state, voicing their concerns over the death of a Black man in Albany that they believe is suspicious.

Earlier this month, police in Albany found 58-year-old Earl Smith hanging from a tree.

Although Smith’s family believes foul play was involved, Albany police are ruling the death a suicide.

Many around Albany and the state are saying the death has disturbing similarities to lynching.

Protestors in Binghamton were agreeing with that sentiment.

“There have been a lot of people found hung in trees around the country. There was just a situation around twin boys, young teenagers that were found down south under a tree,” said local activist Salka Valerio. “They’ve been ruling them as suicides, and a lot of people in the black community are not feeling that they were. And the investigations are not happening.”

The protestors mentioned it’s also important to advocate for every individual, even though they might not be from our area.

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