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FREWSBURG, NY (WNY News Now) – The two people who dressed-up in “black face” as their Halloween costume while attending parties over the weekend in Frewsburg have resigned their membership from the Sons of the American Legion.
The American Legion Department of New York tells WNY News Now they launched an investigation into the matter on Tuesday.
Two people, who dressed as lawn jockey statues, attended parties at the Carroll Rod and Gun Club and Frewsburg America Legion.
Photos from the events have since gone viral, yielding outrage from many in our community.
“The photos of two individuals wearing blackface are disgusting,” wrote the American Legion Department of New York in a statement. “The American Legion fully condemns these racist actions.”
Since then, the American Legion Department of New York demanded resignation of the Post 556 Commander James Rossing. Officials said Rossing, who resigned, is no longer a member of the organization.
Furthermore, state legion leaders said the two individuals, who were not specifically American Legion Veteran members, but rather with the Sons of the American Legion group, resigned on Wednesday.
According to Ferris State University, over the decades the prevalence of black versions of the lawn jockey figure touted exaggerated features that was often symbolic of racism and racist imagery.
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