Michael Sandy Dies; Monday Press Conference Planned At NY City Hall

Patrick
October 13 2006, 5:05PM

Manslaughter at least. R.I.P.

We need to mind ourselves.

saint james
October 13 2006, 5:23PM

May God Almighty comfort his family and friends and bring the perpetrators to justice (Or what appromimates justice in this country).

paul
October 13 2006, 5:41PM

My heart bleeds about this very tragic situation. We as gay people need to do more--we need another revolution (not since Martin Luther King's famous march has anything influenced society's behavior towards the oppressed and discriminated minorities)to drive home our message that we will not stand for this hatred anymore. WE, however, need to see a more integrated gay community such as the one in LONDON (UK) where black and whites march as one to fight against homophobia. As a foreigner, I am amazed how separated and divided the white and black gay communities are. THERE NEEDS TO BE A MORE INTEGRATED GAY COMMUNITY--WE NEED EACH OTHER--WE CLEARLY WOULD DO MUCH BETTER IF WE WERE MORE INTEGRATED. WILL SOMEONE ENLIGHTEN ME A BIT?

The Truth
October 13 2006, 6:45PM

I feel bad for Michael Sandy’s family.

Black community activists in New York have been silent about this incident because:

1)Michael went to meet men he met on the internet for a sex hook-up.

2)Michael went to a historically racist neighborhood for the hook-up.

CPAPhD
October 13 2006, 7:25PM

This is very sad. I cannot imagine what his family must be going through. The unfortunate thing about the U.S. is that segregation and racism is in every community. Even as black people we are divided. I don't know what it will take to move us to the next level in "relationship" other than some type of radical movement. I'm down for the cause.

Blackgayguy
October 13 2006, 8:06PM

My heart is heavy with sadness at this senseless loss of life that could have been avoided with some common sense. Gay men are going to have to also learn, that you can't troll the Internet for sex and not be aware of the consequences just like those who pick up trade on the streets. Going into dark parks at night looking for sex is asking for trouble and is reckeless in this day and age, and I'm not dissing the victim, just being honest. This seems to be more about robbery with the gay bashing secondary from what I have read, and if I'm wrong, I do apologize. This is one of the reasons I feel the black "establisment" has been quiet on this sad situtation.

Deborah Lake
October 13 2006, 8:15PM

I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michael Sandy.

We live in violence. Women fear the violence that comes with being alone on our streets. Men fear the violence that comes with being together in their homes.

We live in anger. Angry fathers attack sons because they seem a little soft. Infuriated mothers admonish daughters because they don’t seem soft enough.

We live in sadness. Heartbroken, we cry year after year as we remember and mourn the men, women, and children who are beaten and killed because of hate.

We live with terror. People are terrorized by bigotry. People are terrorized by homophobia. People are terrorized by misogyny.

People are terrorized if they don’t fit in.

Black LGBT, same gender loving, like speaks to like people we must come together. Together we can stop the violence and anger in our cities and homes. Together we can stop the terrorism in our country.

Respectfully,

D. Elandus Lake
www.sankofaway.org
sankofaway@sankofaway.org

L. Saunders
October 13 2006, 8:42PM

How very, very sad. My heart and my payers go out to the family of this young person. No one deserves that type of treatment for whatever reason. Not ever. It just makes me so angry when we start blaming the victim in whatever form.

TORQUE
October 13 2006, 9:25PM

GO QUINCY GO.....oops....I mean GO KEITH GO!!!! Truth is stranger than fiction sometimes I see, huh.....SMH

Marty Player
October 13 2006, 9:33PM

I have been following the story and am sad to hear of Mr. Sandy's death. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends from South Carolina. How can we help from here?

Harry Frazier
October 13 2006, 10:35PM

So sorry to hear about his passing. I'm sure all of us have lost a friend, brother, sister...loved one. The ripple effect is profound, the wake of grief spreads fast and wide.

On the flip side, this type of violence makes no sense. I rack my brain trying to understand it and I never seem to get it....How can someone HATE so much. It's against our instintual nature, it has no logic and it makes me so disappointed in mankind. With all that we can do, have done, have seen ignorance still prevails. And the hate seems to be everywhere...not just against gays (although of significance to me) but Kurds and Sunni....Shitte against Sunni....Muslim against Jews....N Korea against everybody...MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL and it pains me.....and I'm so disappointed...makes me wish i were a tree in a desert. But i can't bury my head in the sand...I/WE must stand up and face this down

The Doctor
October 13 2006, 11:39PM

The weird part about hate crimes against a community is that suddenly the community will come together and unite FOR THAT MINUTE that is 60 seconds. But when no one is pubically being beaten or killed we throw shade, we become country clubs divided by preferences and social status. We really expect prejudice and hate crimes to just stop by protesting. I think not, a house divided cannot stand. We need to clean our own community before we demand society to pay us attention. We lack love, we lack sincerity amongst each others and gay prides have become podiums for self promotions of our get money organizations and of course the ancient roman sex parties we so love to promote. How can we demand respect when we hate each other? It's time for the gay community to pull out the mirrors and view the ugly reflections staring back. Dont clean another man's yard until yours is racked.

Patrick
October 14 2006, 12:53AM

I was walking in the entrance of Prospect Park a few years ago at 1:30 pm and two kids about 18 asked me for a cigarette. As I was getting it, one went behind me and got me into a headlock with a box cutter and the other punched the side of my head. It was around Christmas time I think. This was sort of a mugging with the guise of a cruise, they were straight but new how to ask me in a cruisy way. I remember that I didn't want to report it and I only did because of an eye witness who insisted that I do it. They robbed two others the same day.

DDC
October 14 2006, 3:12AM

I am consumed with mourning about this tragedy and frankly I'm sickened by it. And I agree a million percent with L. Saunders. I, too, get miffed when victims of hate or sex crimes are blamed for getting attacked or murdered. I don't care if they're looking for a internet hookup, stray into the "wrong neighborhood" or have gotten into the car of a complete stranger to get paid, saying "so-&-so shoulda been more careful" is lazily shifting blame and responsibility off the perpertrators. Predators like this are the completely wrong party, completely!

Ronald Belyea
October 14 2006, 4:15AM

My prayers are with the Sandy Family, It's sad when things like this happens in this day and time. America we really need to think what we are doing, JUST THINK.

raskl
October 14 2006, 4:21AM

This is heartbreaking news.

Lisa
October 14 2006, 7:03AM

Ya know why do my african friends always forget the rest of us when they come out, with this stuff it would have happen if he was white also!!! it seems you fight for your own and spit on the rest....WHY....are you making everyone thats white pay for these assholes.....what about gay white rights how would you like it if we had a march that was just for our white gay community.....you would be outraged!!! i dont want to hear your crap no more!!!!YOU DONT HAVE A SLAVERY IN MY FAMILY EXCEPTION,SO YOU CAN LEAVE US WHITE PEOPLE OUT,I UNDERSTAND BITTERNES BUT TO STICK UP JUST FOR BLACK FOLK IS WRONG,AND WONT GET PITY OR ANYTHING FROM ME WITHOUT INCLUSIVENESS FOR ALL THE GAY FOLK!!!YOU DO THIS ALOT LATELY DONT EXPECT ME TO NO LONGER HAVE RESPECT FOR YOU IF YOU DO THIS CLEARY BIGOTED STUFF CONSTANTLY!!!!

Miss Thang
October 14 2006, 8:45AM

In New York, it takes about a year for a case like this to go to trial.

In the summer of 2005, a 23 year old black man was beaten with a bat by a 19 year old white boy named “Fat Nick” in the Howard Beach Section of Queens. At the court trial earlier this year, Fat Nick’s attorney told the jury that is was OK for Fat Nick to hit the black man upside the head with a bat while calling him the “N” word because young blacks call each other that word these days. He told the jury that the word doesn’t have same meaning that it did years ago. The prosecutor was smart enough to get a few older blacks on the jury who didn’t fall for that mess. The jury found Fat Nick guilty and he got 15 years.

If the lawyers for the boys who killed Michael Sandy are able to get a mostly white, older jury from the Sheephead Bay, Mill Basin or Gravesend sections of Brooklyn, the boys could be found not guilty. The older white jurors would see the boys as one of their sons and would not want to see them go to jail.

Britney
October 14 2006, 9:20AM

This isn't just an issue for black gay people. It's an issue for every human being that believes in equal rights and justice. We ALL have an equal responsibility to end hate crimes and violence! If you are human and want the right to be yourself, then you have an obligation to speak out against the injustice inflicted upon Michael Sandy. Because someday it could be you...

"First they came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
"Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
"Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
"Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
"Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up." ~Martin Niemoller

SPEAK UP! If you don't, it will be too late. As a whole, we CAN change things. No matter your race, religion, sexual orientation, etc-- fight against hate! RIP Michael Sandy. We won't forget.

mike
October 14 2006, 10:30AM

Closing the park is wrong.

This man did what hundreds of others are doing of different races, gay or str8, looking for that hookup.

The one person complaining about a black/white thing, get over yourself. If it really doesn't matter, then where are the 'white' gay groups protesting and being outraged?

Sady, we will forget! Individuals will not, but groups will.

Maybe Law and Order will do a show on this as a way to remind people of what values we need to be reminded of.

Friends of Mike Sandy
October 14 2006, 12:06PM

Thank you all for your well wishes and comments. They will be shared with the family.

To be counted and updated send an email to

friends.of.michael.sandy@gmail.com

Peace.

whatever
October 14 2006, 8:38PM

Do you think it was his fault too? He did make those chat line visits looking for some company. I wish people would be more careful when they use the internet. It seems that faggot is looking for some you know what.
If they spent more time reading a book and going to church they might still be alive.

Brian Jones
October 14 2006, 10:04PM

Hate crimes are a tragic occurrence and my heart goes out to the family that has sufferred this terrible loss. But i have to disagree with the people that think that there is no accountablility for ourselves.... If we behave in careless and irresponsible ways, we must be aware of and be willing to accept the possble consequences. In a violant world, it is not enough to say that the evil doers must be stopped. We must also be responsible enough to protect ourselves from the evil doers. Otherwise, we are nothing better than sheep to the slaughter. Let's be smart about life people. A booty call is not worth taking risks which could result in loosing your life.

Dwight Powell / CLIK
October 14 2006, 10:10PM

Well, I really think we need to rethink the scheduled protest. While my heart goes out to Michael and his family, I really don’t think that this is a hate crime. It appears to be a calculated mugging. Gays to them merely appear as easy targets to lure. This was a robbery that went bad. Black Gay groups holding city officials accountable for this incident is a bit much. Monday’s Town Hall rally in NY should be called off or they should at least change the focus and premise of the gathering. A gathering to celebrate the life of Michael might be much more appropriate. In this world, there are good people and unfortunately there are people that do bad things. Holding the city accountable in this incident is not appropriate – Crying foul that the straight Black community is not up in arms is also inappropriate. Unfortunately, Black, White, straight, gay and bi people are murdered in this country everyday. MICHAEL SANDY WAS NOT KILLED OR DID NOT DIE BECAUSE HE WAS GAY.

Mel Smith
October 14 2006, 10:38PM

A lot of gay people like myself go on chat lines because it is hard for us to meet people in public. Heterosexuals can easily meet someone in public. Homosexuals cannot because we don't know who is straight or gay. That is why we go meet people on phone lines and on the computer. It is definitely not safe. It was a hate crime because those heterosexual guys specifically went on a gay website to violate a gay man. They are not gay and they had no business trying to rob him. That is the main point. Damn, I cannot believe gay folks are in a disagreement about this issue. Heterosexual people do phone and online dating too. Therefore, let the brother rest in peace and come off of that ignorant sh!t.

Pink
October 14 2006, 11:06PM

Sounds more like murder to me. Intentional at that.
Oh yes hate crime with it. Get the culprits real good.
Don't ever let them out. wow

Sandra
October 15 2006, 1:44AM

Micheal Sandy was brutalized and murdered because he was gay. May God rest his soul.

DDC
October 15 2006, 1:49AM

Okay, so then I guess Yuself Hawkins bears some responsibility in his own racially motivated murder since he "Carelessly" went into lily-white bensonhurst? Hey, he should've known better than to think those macho thick-headed Italians WOULDN'T kill a black man on sight. Does James Byrd bear some accountability in his dragging death because he should've known the "consequences" of trusting southern white men? PULEEEZE! The only reason victims like Michael Sandy has to be bear "accountability" is because of the sexual factor involved. It's no different from people being blase about serial killers targeting prostitutes. This really goes to show how our society, and world, is still so ashamed of sex. Wanting sex or having sex is still such a taboo that we feel the need to punish the people involved if it goes wrong in some way.

Liquid Fonts
October 15 2006, 3:57AM

I'm all for internet safety but I find it difficult to assess blame on Michael Sandy's part given that so many gay men have been forced to use the internet and phone lines to meet other gay people often because they may feel safer than coming out to someone in school or at work. Of course it's not safe!

We need to figure out how to make it safer for gays to meet and greet in more traditional settings as well as on the web.

Michael Sandy is not alive to say whether he went to that location to have sex or not however, it is clear that those young men plotted and executed an internet based robbery scheme that specifically targeted gays which lead to the death of a gay person.

edwin greene
October 15 2006, 9:52AM

There is a long article about Michael Sandy and his attackers in today's edition of the New York Times (page 30). It seems, if this article is any indication, that the law enforcement people investigating the case are taking this crime seriously.

A woman, described in the article as knowing all four of the attackers, claimed that it was not a hate crime and that they just wanted money. She said they chose a gay man to rob because he probably wouldn't fight back.

To my gay brothers, we HAVE to learn how to fight and defend ourselves. One of the reasons why gay men so often end up being targets for homophobic violence is because creeps like the four attackers that killed Mr. Sandy think they will get away with it because "a gay man won't fight back". It's up to us to change that perception.

Curious
October 15 2006, 10:22AM

I don't mean to sound racist, but every time I turn on the news here in New York, one of Michael Sandy's white friends are saying nice things about him.

Did Michael have any black friends?

Amanda
October 15 2006, 10:34AM

Hi Curious,

I'm one of Mike's white friends. Honestly, we worked at Ikea in Hicksville Long Island - not the most racially diverse neck of the woods. Mike was friends with EVERYONE. I can't name one person, out of the 100+ employees, that didn't like Mike. No matter what color they were. He was the only black member of the design team, and those guys (and 1 or 2 gals) were all very, very close. People tend to call Ikea co-workers a cult - we work together all week, and then hang out together all weekend.

I would think of judging Mike based on the number and quality of his friends, not the color of his friends.

And to the person who said they should cancel the rally because this wasn't a hate crime - Whether the intent was to kill him or not, they SPECIFICALLY TARGETED A GAY MALE - that, by DEFINITION is a hate crime. I don't even believe in Hell, but I hope it exists, just so the monsters who kiled my friend can burn in it.

edwin greene
October 15 2006, 1:54PM

"Whether the intent was to kill him or not, they SPECIFICALLY TARGETED A GAY MALE - that by DEFINITION makes it a hate crime".

Amanda's reasoning is absolutely correct. Tomorrow's march should go forward as planned.

etienne
October 15 2006, 2:57PM

I didn't know You Michael..But your death really saddens me deeply...I can't really understand what those who took away your life can possibly be made of...I hope your death doesn't go unnoticed...

My condolences to your family and friends.

Etienne

Toronto, Canada.

deejay
October 16 2006, 1:03PM

This man lost his life in a most horrible and senseless way. My condolences to his family and friends. I hope the way he lived and died serves as a example to everyone, gay and straight, particularly about the dangers of Internet hook-ups.

However, regarding purpose of today's rally, I'm having some real difficulty reconciling difference in perception (and responsibility) between a hate crime and a "self-hate" crime.

Where's the same level of "take it to the streets" outrage for sgl men whose conduct - raw sex parties, anonymous cruising, etc. - results in perhaps a greater number of deaths within the black community.

Hate crimes are deplorable and should be prosecuted to the fullest extend of the law. The same level of public outrage and action is needed to condemn the "self-hate" crimes that also impact us all. Just my 2 cents

Marian Brewer
October 16 2006, 4:53PM

I went to school with Michael Sandy. If it was'nt for Michael I would have dropped out. See I was 5 feet 8 inches in the 6th grade with really fluffy hair (Think Mariah Carey in her curly days). This one girl would tease me until I had tears. Michael said to me one day "Don't worry I'll fix her". So we were walking to Chorus class and this girl (Won't mention her name) said to me "Marian, what happened to your hair? Looks like ya stuck your finger in a light socket". Michael turned and said to her "Oh shut up!! your just mad 'cause your hair looks like Celie's from the Color Purple". Well, everyone laughed and she never bothered me again. Thank you Michael!! The moral to what I just shared with you is this.. Michael stood up for me and kept the bullies with butt kickings away. Now my friend is dead because bullies bulled him. I am infuriated about this. Michael.. you will forever be emblazoned upon my heart!!!
Marian... Your 6th grade dance partner.. OH yeah!! You win.. Mariah's better then Paula..

DDC
October 16 2006, 11:42PM

That was a very touching anecdote, Marian. Thanks for sharing, I'm sure many others appreciate it, too. :)

Serpentine913
October 17 2006, 12:32AM

I can't even believe that Dwight Powell, editor of Clik magazine no less, wrote what I just read. WTF? "Just a robbery that went bad"? Man please!!! Well, if this was just a robbery that "went bad" then why didn't they choose to go on a website that caters to heterosexuals and do the same thing? There are far more straight dating sites than gay, opportunity galore! Online, couldn't they have just as easily pretended to be a female just to lure straight men to a particular locale and then beat them into a comatose state too? Naw homie, I think they specifically targeted gay men because of the (incorrect) stereotype that gay men are weak and effeminant and would put up much of a fight, just easy targets. Dwight you need to rethink your rationale because you can best beleive that Mr. Sandy lost his life because of his sexuality. This was a hate crime, nothing less!

deejay
October 17 2006, 11:50AM

Serpentine:

I doubt that hoards of women use the 'Net to meet strangers in isolated locations for free sex. Those who do are likely sex workers who perform for a fee (and under the watchful eye and protection of a pimp).

In addition to the fact that most women have been socialized differently with regards to sex, the truth is that the male strength advantage makes this type of activity much more dangerous for women. This is not to say women (who are non-sex workers) don't engage in risky sexual behavior; we do. But generally not through these means.

I agree with Mr. Powell that this tragic incident was a robbery gone terribly wrong. Mr. Sandy was an easy mark for a robbery because he took the bait. This incident will hopefully serve as notice about the dangers of cruising for sex on the Internet.

Jon G Ortiz
October 17 2006, 8:15PM

My heart goes out to the Sandy family and friends. It also goes out to all those in the community whose esteem is diminished by this incidence.

When I was still in NY I worked with the NYC AVP. I know how hard it is to get things accomplished in the face of such systematic oppression, racism and hatred.

However, I hope that my LGBT family back home realize that in order to make a dent, the fight must concentrate beyond rallies, press conferences and media outrage.

We must start to develop spaces where Black Gay Men's lives matter...beyond HIV. For too long we have over-focused the LGBT community with HIV/AIDS. But the truth is that we need address the whole health needs of our brothers and sisters. Not just in NYC but EVERY where LGBT folks are endangered. And that is going to take the strength and prayer of The Village.

My prayers are with you all.

Marcy
October 18 2006, 1:53PM

I knew Michael personally, I would go into his father's Health Food Store in Ronkonkoma on Saturdays, and Michael would be there, with his infectious smile, and good kind words to say....He NEVER had a bad word to say about anybody....he always had a POSTIVE, UPBEAT attitude about everything, and sometimes we would talk for an hour at a time about everything and anything.

My heart truly goes out to his dad, Zeke, and Zeke's lovely wife....I will miss Michael a lot, and my prayers go towards the parents.

The funeral/wake is today from 2 - 4 and from 7 - 9 at Maloney's Funeral Home on Ronkonkoma Avenue in Ronkonkoma across from Kohl's if anyone wants to come and pay their respects.

Marcy

Amontae
October 19 2006, 12:55AM

This was a shame it didnt have to happen. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Being gay shouldn't be a death sentence people need to be respective of each other its 2006 the world needs to wake up beating one guy to death will not make others not be gay, so why kill an innocent man who chose to live his life like so many other men out there who are gay. Hopefully police will bring justice to those involved in the case if not I know god will. RIP Mike.

Zelle
November 3 2006, 7:46PM

I have been meaning to make a comment about this. I for one believe that only God can judge in our own time we will be JUDGED. Michael should not have died nor should he have been subjected to such a hideous crime. Let’s be honest we all know that we should not go and meet people that we met on the internet and straight, bi-sexual and homosexuals have done so in the past and may still do it. I feel it is wrong that this crime was not publicized. Is it because we was black? Caribbean? Gay? Whatever it needs to known all over what people are doing to one another. Another issue that is bothering me which I have not heard anyone discuss and maybe they don’t know their demographics but Coney Island Hospital is closer than Brookdale Hospital. Why was be taken all the way over there? This is puzzling me and I don’t know who to contact regarding this. So it takes me back to my question. What is because he was BLACK? I share the same Trinidad roots as we does and this affects me because I have a bi-sexual nep

mlk
November 8 2006, 3:07PM

black people never had to come out of a closet about being black be open about being black out or openly black in any way shape or form to suffer injustice at the hands of whites whom im sure some were homosexual because we were black you cant make that smae claim with any validity about you homosexuals say what you want to the contrary untill you dont have to come out of a closet
be open out or openly homosexual and it happens to you for that reason any link that you think is there invalid
its not malicious you jst cant handle the truth youre a disgrace to your race no where in the bible is homsexual behavior is condoned why do you homos give a milllion and one reasons you homos should be allowed to marry but youll give a million and one raesons as to why polygamis and incestous peolpe shouldnt

\

mlk
November 8 2006, 3:59PM

as we say about being homosexual or racist IF YOU DONT TELL IT OR SHOW IT DONT NOBODY KNOW IT JUST AS RACISTS STAY CLOSETED ABOUT BEING RACIST HOMOMSEXUALS CAN STAY CLOSETED ABOUT BEING HOMOSEXUAL

hdh
November 9 2006, 1:14PM

boykin you said homosexual had to ride in the back of the too because some blacks are homosexual so are some whites where did they ride on the bus thats the best you can do?

ED
May 26 2007, 2:24AM

I've just been pissing my pants over this guy on www.encylopediadramatica.com, then I come here and he's dead. You guys ruined my lulz!

ED2
August 20 2007, 3:03AM

lulz pwned

Rick
September 7 2007, 8:44PM

I can't believe I just saw this on the news now. I knew Mike very well through high school, I just saw his picture on the news moments ago and thought, no that can't be Mike, then I heard his name. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends, I'm sorry I didn't know any of you better. This was a horrible thing to happen to someone. I'm glad to see it on the news so much time later, things like this can not be forgotten and can never be allowed to happen again.

Anonymus
October 20 2007, 5:44PM

Too bad his CSIII couldn't save him...