American rapper Cardi B has spoken out against bullying in US schools following the tragic death of 15-year-old Ghanaian student Javits Frimpong in the Bronx, New York. During an Instagram Live session, Cardi B addressed the dangers of bullying faced by immigrant children, highlighting that they often face harassment from multiple groups. The Grammy-winning artist, who was raised in the Bronx herself, expressed her dismay at the incident and its possible connection to gang culture.
Javits Frimpong was shot and killed on October 29, 2026, near his school in the Bronx. He had relocated from Ghana to the US last year to live with his father, Thomas Frimpong. According to reports, Javits was walking to DreamYard Preparatory School when he was shot in the stomach near East 171st Street and Crotona Place. He managed to run approximately one block before collapsing on the steps of St. Barnabas Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Cardi B emphasized that immigrant students arriving from countries such as Ghana and the Dominican Republic often face harassment from multiple groups, not solely from Black American peers. She argued that persistent bullying can lead to gang involvement as children seek protection and a sense of belonging. Drawing on her own upbringing, she explained that being constantly picked on can push a young person towards seeking safety in numbers, often with dangerous consequences.
Thomas Frimpong, Javits' father, believes bullying at school may have played a role in the events leading up to the shooting. He revealed that the school's principal had informed him that two students were suspended for a week for bullying Javits, roughly three days before his death. New York Police are currently searching for three teenage suspects believed to be connected to the incident, who were reportedly wearing black tracksuits and blue surgical masks.
Cardi B also disclosed that she would not want her own children attending public schools in New York or growing up in tough neighborhoods. She warned parents thinking of relocating to the East Coast to consider Pennsylvania over New York City. The rapper's comments have sparked a conversation about the need for greater support and protection for immigrant children in US schools.
The Ghanaian community in the US held a candlelight vigil for Javits, bringing mourners together to support his father and the grieving family. A video from the vigil captured a young woman overcome with emotion as candles lit the night. The gathering was a testament to the impact Javits had on his community, and the need for collective action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of immigrant children in US schools. As the search for the suspects continues, Cardi B's comments have highlighted the need for a more nuanced conversation about bullying and its consequences. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background.
Key points
- Cardi B condemns bullying of immigrant children in US schools
- Javits Frimpong was shot and killed in the Bronx on October 29, 2026
- Cardi B warns parents to consider Pennsylvania over New York City for their children's education
