For some black Muslims, bin Laden's death means little (VIDEO)
theGRIO VIDEO - The reaction of some Muslim-Americans to bin Laden's death was much more subdued compared to those celebrating the terrorist's demise...
Brooklyn, New York – Late Sunday night, President Barack Obama announced to the world U.S. forces had killed Osama bin Laden.
The news set off celebrations in cities and on college campuses across the country. Many Americans viewed bin Laden’s death as a symbolic turning point in the global war on terror.
“Finally somebody that’s tremendously evil, you know beyond evil, you can’t even describe how evil he is…he’s gone,” 9/11 survivor Don Basca told NBC Chicago. “I was completely elated. I couldn’t believe it.”
The mood in Abu’s Homestyle Bakery in Brooklyn, New York was much more subdued.
“I don’t believe bin Laden was the face of Islam,” said Shakima Heath, who is Muslim. “So, for me, life goes on as normal.”
The bakery, which is owned by Idris Conry, a devout Muslim and former public school teacher, has been a staple in the Bedstuy community of Brooklyn for nearly a decade.
Conry’s son Muhammed, who also works in the bakery, wasn’t overwhelmed by the news of bin Laden’s death. He remains skeptical of its significance.
“There’s just going to be someone that comes right behind him,” Muhammed said. “Actually, I thought he was dead already. In my mind, he’s like a Boogey-man.”
Follow theGrio’s Todd Johnson on Twitter at @rantoddj
