Bahamian-American lawyer, political commentator, and abolitionist thinker Olayemi Olurin has ignited critical discussions around crime, policing, and systemic inequities in her latest YouTube episode of Olurinatti The Show.
Titled “New York is Falling Apart & Here’s Why,” the episode offers a piercing critique of recent high-profile incidents, including the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the death of a homeless woman on the subway, and the systemic abuses within New York’s correctional system.
In her commentary, Olurin dissected the public reaction to the arrest of 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering Thompson. While acknowledging the widespread disdain for health insurance companies, Olurin criticized the inconsistent public response and media coverage, suggesting that Mangione’s race and societal privilege played a significant role in shaping the narrative around the case.
“Had Luigi been a Black man named Jerome Jackson,” Olurin argued, “the public and media would not have afforded him the same grace or attention. This reflects the systemic disparities ingrained in our justice system and society at large.”
Olurin also highlighted the stark contrast in responses to Mangione’s case compared to those of Black and Brown individuals, many of whom face harsher penalties and less public support for far lesser crimes.
She noted historical examples of Black activists and protesters charged with terrorism enhancements for acts of resistance, underscoring the racial inequities in the application of justice.
The episode expanded beyond Mangione’s case to shed light on broader systemic failures, including the tragic deaths of Robert Brooks, a corrections officer brutality victim, and Theresa Jones, who died due to medical neglect at Rikers Island.
Olurin also spoke about the lack of accountability and transparency in these cases, juxtaposing them against the extensive resources and public outcry devoted to Mangione’s trial.
Another harrowing example was the death of Debrena Kawam, a 57-year-old homeless woman set on fire while sleeping on a subway. Olurin criticized the systemic neglect that left Kawam vulnerable, condemning the lack of attention to structural issues like affordable housing and the criminalization of homelessness.
“We focus on vilifying homeless people and immigrants while ignoring the systemic failures that lead to their victimization,” Olurin said. “This is not about individual bad actors—it’s about a system that dehumanizes entire groups of people.”
Olurin’s incisive critique also took aim at New York City Mayor Eric Adams, accusing him of exploiting high-profile crimes to justify increased police funding while neglecting systemic solutions like affordable housing, fair wages, and social services.
Her podcast, Olay & Friends, and her YouTube series continue to serve as platforms for addressing complex social justice issues, making her an influential voice in advocating for systemic reform.
For more of Olayemi Olurin’s commentary, tune in to Olurinatti The Show on YouTube or subscribe to Olay & Friends on your favorite podcast platform.
