Leon Ford, Activist Who Survived Police Shooting, Suggests Jacob Blake Shouldn’t Trust Attorney Ben Crump

Leon Ford, Jacob Blake, Benjamin Crump

Leon Ford, Activist Who Survived Police Shooting, Suggests Jacob Blake Shouldn’t Trust Attorney Ben Crump

Many people across the nation have been sending their thoughts and prayers for Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black father, who was shot in the back 7 times by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It’s being reported that Jacob Blake has survived the shooting and is paralyzed from the waist down. American civil rights attorney Ben Crump is one of the attorneys handling Jacob Blake’s case.

However, according to Leon Ford, Ben Crump can’t be trusted. Leon Ford was wrongfully shot by a Pittsburgh police officer on Nov. 12, 2012, after being mistaken for a suspect with a similar name during a traffic stop. The incident, unfortunately, left Ford unable to walk. 


On August 25th Leon Ford shared a heartfelt message to Jacob Blake via his Instagram account and offered him some words of advice. He posted a photo of himself at Breonna Taylor’s grave and wrote: 

“When you get shot by a cop and die—your family suffers. When you get shot and survive with paralysis—you suffer. Trust me I know. If I could give Jacob Blake any advice I would tell him that there is light in the tunnel if you want it to be there. Your mindset determines your quality of life.”

He continued and said that Jacob Blake should be careful working with Ben Crump and others who might want to exploit his story

“I would also let him know to be skeptical of activist and lawyers—they will exploit your pain for self gain if you allow them. No amount of attention, money, or success can ease the pain—only a paradigm shift within can do that. As someone who survived a police shooting I’ve been through the legal process. I’ve hired and fired national attorneys like [Ben Crump]. I’ve experienced people like him and other activist as they posture for justice just for a photo op.”

He added,

“Question everyone and everything. You will shake hands and rub shoulders with many people but please protect your inner circle, inner peace, and inner g.” 

Leon Ford also gave Jacob Blake advice on how to move forward following such a traumatic event. 

“From here on out everything about your life will be political. Please put an emphasis on healing for you and your family. If not, your pain will magnify and happiness will be a foreign idea. You survived brother so live life to the fullest. This journey will be challenging but it doesn’t have to break you. Stand strong and always remember that GOD has his hands on you”

What are your thoughts on what Leon Ford had to say? Let us know in the comments. 

Authored by: Twila-Amoure McDaniel