Black Man Found Hung in New York: Questions Surround Police Ruling

By Erika Lindsay, Staff Reporter – June 22, 2025

Albany, NY — Tension is mounting in Albany after the discovery of a 58-year-old Black man found hanging from a tree on Westerlo Street last Wednesday, June 18. While authorities have ruled the death a suicide, members of the community — including individuals claiming to be family — are pushing back, demanding further investigation and answers.

According to the Albany Police Department, the preliminary findings indicate no signs of foul play. In an official statement, police said the evidence so far "appears to be consistent with suicide" and added that they "have no reason at this time to believe the incident is criminal in nature." However, they have not released the man’s name or detailed any findings beyond that brief conclusion.

That silence has only deepened suspicion.

Community members quickly took to social media to voice their concerns. Within hours of the police statement, posts began circulating identifying the man as Earl Smith, a longtime Albany resident. A GoFundMe campaign launched shortly after claims to be raising funds for funeral expenses, further fueling speculation and emotional reactions online.

A woman identifying herself as Smith’s niece posted a video disputing the official narrative. “My uncle was a happy soul,” she said. “He did not hang himself. He had plans, he had people who loved him, and he wasn’t in that kind of place mentally.” She also questioned why police haven’t released or reviewed surveillance footage from nearby buildings. “There are cameras all over Westerlo Street,” she said. “Why isn’t anyone asking to see the video?”

Residents echo her frustration. Several have pointed out what they perceive as a rushed ruling from the department and the lack of public transparency. Some have begun organizing a candlelight vigil and community meeting to call for an independent investigation into the circumstances of Smith’s death.

“This is not just about one man,” said community activist Jalen Thomas. “It’s about how quickly Black lives are written off without answers. We’ve seen this before, and we won’t let it slide this time.”

Police have not responded to calls for further comment, and it remains unclear whether additional information — including autopsy results or surveillance footage — will be released in the coming days.

In a city still grappling with issues of race, trust in law enforcement, and mental health awareness, the death of Earl Smith has reignited old wounds and sparked urgent new questions. For many, the official story simply does not sit right — and they’re determined to keep asking until they get the truth.

Tired of Waiting: When Faith Feels Like a Life Sentence

There comes a time in life when “just wait on God” starts to feel like a trap. A spiritual sedative. A nice way of telling people to accept being stuck, broken, and unfulfilled. For years, I clung to that advice like a lifeline—eyes lifted toward heaven, heart open, hands folded. I waited. And waited. But eventually, even the most patient soul runs out of hope.

This isn't a piece meant to mock faith. I believe in God. I believe in purpose. I believe in divine timing. But I’m also human. And as a human, there’s only so long I can carry the weight of disappointment while being told my blessing is “on the way.”

The truth is, we’re taught to suffer in silence. To wear misery like a badge of honor and call it “obedience.” We’re told to stay in dead-end jobs, toxic relationships, and unhappy relationships  because “God must be testing you.” But what if the test isn’t about waiting? What if the real test is about moving—getting up and deciding not to die in a life that doesn’t bring you peace?

I’m tired of the knife. The invisible blade of waiting. The emotional cuts of watching other people live freely while I sit in spiritual purgatory, hoping that maybe next month, next year, next lifetime, my turn will come.

Maybe God is waiting on me. Maybe He’s already given the tools, the vision, and the spark, but I’ve been too paralyzed by religious guilt and fear to use them.

I’m not writing this for those who are content with crumbs and calling it a feast. I’m writing this for the silent screamers—the ones smiling in public but crumbling inside. You are not ungrateful for wanting more. You are not less holy because you're tired of waiting.

At some point, you have to choose yourself. Not in rebellion, but in responsibility. Faith without movement is just spiritual stagnation. And sometimes, “waiting on God” becomes the most dangerous excuse for staying unhappy.

So if you're tired, you’re not alone. You don’t have to wait forever to live. Maybe it's time to stop waiting and start living  for you.