Ghanaian-American comedian Michael Blackson has initiated a school-based campaign to educate students about bullying following the death of 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager Javits Frimpong in New York.
The initiative involves visits to secondary schools, where the entertainer shares personal experiences and urges pupils, especially those from immigrant communities, to report harassment and stand against intimidation.
Javits was reportedly assaulted while travelling to school in the Bronx on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
His death has triggered public outrage and intensified calls for stronger measures to protect students from violence.
Two days after the incident, Blackson disclosed on Instagram that he had also endured bullying as a teenager at Broadway Junior High School in North Newark, New Jersey.
He explained that an individual from another institution once attacked him while he was boarding a bus after classes.
The comedian believed his African background contributed to the discrimination, as he was the only African student at the school.
Recalling the ordeal, Blackson pledged to engage young people and equip them with the confidence to confront and report such behaviour.
He has since commenced the programme at John Bartram High School in Philadelphia, an institution he previously attended.
In a social media update announcing the launch, the comedian acknowledged the school’s headmaster, Brian Johnson, for facilitating the visit and supporting the campaign.
He further encouraged members of the public to suggest additional educational institutions where he could extend the intervention.
The initiative has received positive reactions online, with supporters commending Blackson for transforming a painful personal history and the circumstances surrounding Javits’ death into an advocacy effort aimed at protecting young people.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong