Volume 3/ Issue 9 - Black Westchester April 15 2020

VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 9

COMPLIMENTARY

APRIL 15, 2020

Unapologetically Delivering News To Communities Of Color in Westchester & Surrounding Areas

REMEMBERING MIN. ABDUL HAFEEZ MUHAMMAD

BLACK WESTCHESTER

FEATURES

COVID-19 & THE BLACK COMMUNITY WHAT TO DO MOVING FORWARD PAGE 8

REMEMBERING ROSLYN EDWARDS PAGE 16

A TRIBUTE TO EARL GRAVES

BY PHIL ANDREWS PAGES 17

HATE CRIMES

ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES & HIGHER EDUCATION SPACES

BY CHRISTIANA BEST

PAGE 21

UNITED STATES THE RACE FOR NY-17 YONKERS RESPONSE TO COVID-19 CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT STRONG

BY A’YANNA ARMSTRONG CONTINUES TO HEAT UP BY LORRAINE LOPEZ PAGE 23

BY AJ WOODSON

PAGE 22

PAGE 20

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2 BLACK WESTCHESTER

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

APRIL 15, 2020

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APRIL 15, 2020

NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW

BLACK WESTCHESTER 3

On June 23rd vote for experience, leadership and integrity for Yonkers City Court Judge.

Justice for Yonkers #ProtectYourBench VOTE PRIMARY DAY June 23rd

Re-Elect Judge Thomas

DALY

Elect Attorney Verris

SHAKO

Keep Judge Brendan

McGRATH

Black Westchester_1/2 page1.indd 2

3/6/20 10:40 AM

Where The Name Speaks For Itself

@topclasslimo

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4 BLACK WESTCHESTER

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

Engel_BlackWest_Dec.qxp_Layout 1 12/10/19 9:34 AM Page 1

APRIL 15, 2020

Eliot Engel. n Equal Pay for Equal Work for Women legislation.

Rated as one n “A” rating from the NAACP. of the 10 Most n Hate Crime legislation to ban gun sales to anyone convicted of a hate crime.

Effective n Believes “Health Care is Human Right,” a leader in passing Democratic Obamacare and is an original co-sponsor of Medicare for All. Congress n Author of 3% Minimum Annual Social Members. Security Increase legislation.

Congressman Eliot Engel His record for us in Congress includes:

*

engelforcongress.com engelforcongress

@teamengel

*Rating from the Center for Effective Lawmaking

Paid for by Engel for Congress

On our side, working for us. Vote for Engel. Democratic Primary, June 23.

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APRIL 15, 2020

NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW

BLACK WESTCHESTER 5

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK Founded in 2014 by DAMON K. JONES AJ WOODSON Published by URBANSOUL MEDIA GROUP 455 Tarrytown Rd., Suite 1318 White Plains, NY 10607 (914) 979-2093 www.BlackWestchester.com

Email:

BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:

As Publisher of Black Westchester Magazine (BW), I would like to thank everyone for their support of our efforts to bring information to the people of Westchester County. As we embark on a new chapter for BW, we hope to continue to empower the reader on issues in their communities.

Independent media like BW has become more than a mere institution; instead, the independent media acts as a direct participant in the traditional three-branch system of governance.

What many fail to realize is that independent media serves a fundamental role in making democracies run efficiently, even though there are frequent clashes. Independent media system thus often “reflects the political philosophy in which Democracy indeed functions”.

This being said, BW will not be disregarded as a trivial player in the responsibilities of being a check and balance system in the political process of the Black Communities of Westchester.

BW’s purpose is not only to address the political process that affects the everyday lives of communities of colour in Westchester County. BW’s mission has also been to shine a light on the brilliant culture, morals, values and elegant lifestyle of Black people. It’s time to change the narrative on how Black people are perceived in media.

As Publisher of BW, our doors are open to the public. From the publication, the website, our radio show and now the newspaper; our doors are open to the people. We do not do this for any grander position or status; we do it for the people.

Twitter: @BlkWestchesterM and @PBPRadio Instagram: @BlackWestchester and @PBPRadioShow Facebook: /BlackWestchesterMagazine

A FEW WORDS FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Publisher DAMON K. JONES

As we all naviagate through these unchartered waters of COVID-19 we have all had to make sacrifices. For us that meant releasing this digital only version on this months newspaper again because atleast 90% of the places we normal distribute the print version (libraries, community centers, churches, etc) are still closed as we all observe this social distancing to prayfully flatten the curve.

@DamonKJones

Editor-In-Chief AJ WOODSON

@BWEditorInChief

Mistress Of Information Brenda L. Crump News Reporters/ Writers AJ Woodson Damon K. Jones Dr. Christiana Best Phil Andrews Kwamain Dixon A’yanna Armstrong Lorraine Lopez

Welcome to our April 15, 2020 edition of Black Westchester Newspaper

But even though the print newspaper you are used to won’t be in your hands this month, we made sure to get out our digital version and distribute it as much as we can online. We ask all of you reading this please share the digital version with family and friends so we can still reach as many people as possible.

We want to thank the Undoing Racism Movement for their generous donation to keep us going during this pandemic and all of you who have continually supported us as we approach the three year anniversary of the newspaper and the six year anniversary of the website and radio show in a few months. We would not still be here with out each and every one of you.

Send us your feedback and let us know what you think of this issue and let us know subjects/ topics you would like to see us cover in the future by sending an email to BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com.

Peace and Blessings

Photographers AJ Woodson Damon K. Jones Graphic Designers AJ Woodson Paula S. Woodson/ PS Visually Speakin’ For Advertising Rates AdvertiseWithBW@gmail.com Letters To The Editor BWEditorInChief@gmail.com

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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION UPDATE Here’s your Black Westchester public transportation update: COVID-19 has caused some changes in the schedule, here are the most recent upadates

BEE-LINE BUS SYSTEM The Bee-Line Bus System will operate on a Saturday schedule Monday-Saturday and will continue to operate Sunday service on Sundays. The schedule change follows the “New York State on PAUSE” order, which directed New Yorkers use of public transportation for only essential travel and to limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders. Bee-Line has taken every precaution to protect passengers and drivers, including implementation of rear-door boarding, and the elimination of payment transactions.

For service alerts and updated schedule information visit www.westchestergov.com/beelinebus METRO-NORTH RAILROAD Metro-North Railroad is operating on a Saturday schedule on the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven Lines until further notice. The amended schedule provides all-day service for healthcare workers, first responders and essential employees from early in the morning until after midnight. The schedule has additional trains in the morning and afternoon peak periods, and hourly service during off-peak midday and evening periods.

During this special schedule, off-peak fares will be in effect. On weekends, an hourly service will run on the Hudson, Harlem & New Haven lines until further notice. The Hudson Rail Link buses serving Spuyten Duyvil and Riverdale will operate on special schedules, see the Connecting Service page.

You can access the amended schedule online here. For train times, and real-time arrival and departure times, download TrainTime.

Also, the North End entrances of Grand Central Terminal are closed until further notice.

All ticket offices are closed for Coronavirus precautions. Customers can use cash, credit, debit and contactless cards at Ticket Vending Machines to make ticket purchases. Customers can also download MTA eTix, the electronic ticketing app that works directly from your smartphone.

Stations are being disinfected twice daily, trains are being sanitized daily, and a complete cleaning of trains is being performed every 72 hours.

Stay safe everyone, stay home to reduce new cases of COVID-19. Remember your mental and physical health. Call a friend, and reach out if you are having difficulties with social isolation. Free mental health advice is available through NY State at 1-844-863-9314.

BLACK WESTCHESTER NEWS

BERNIE & OBAMA ENDORSE JOE BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT

BY AJ WOODSON

WASHINGTON DC – Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed his longtime rival former Vice President Joe Biden, Monday, April 13th - a move aimed at unifying a Democratic Party long fractured along moderate and liberal lines ahead of the election match-up against Trump.

Sanders cited the COVID-19 Pandemic as a reason for the party to come together behind

Biden, the likely Democratic presidential nominee after the progressive firebrand Sanders suspended his White House campaign.

Sen. Sanders’ endorsement during an online campaign event came as Biden’s team had already begun reaching out to advocacy groups on the left to enlist their support for the Nov. 3 general election battle against the Republican Trump.

Before the pandemic brought the Democratic primary contest to a virtual halt, Biden had built up a commanding delegate edge over Sanders, leading the Vermont.

Senator to declare the week before, he saw no viable path to the nomination.

“I am asking all Americans, I’m asking every Democrat, I’m asking every independent, I’m asking a lot of Republicans, to come together in this campaign to support your candidacy, which I endorse,” Sanders said.

The backing is a crucial development for Biden, who must bridge the Democratic Party’s ideological divide to unify voters against President Donald Trump in the fall. Biden and Sanders, a leading progressive, clashed throughout the primary over policy issues such as the “Medicare for All” universal health care plan.

Biden responded by terming Sanders “the most powerful voice for a fair and more just America.”

With social distancing in widespread effect, Biden has been forced to move the bulk of his campaign to online events and has watched as the global pandemic had relegated the U.S. presidential race to the back burner. The Sanders endorsement gives him a much-needed jolt of energy and attention.

As the last two standing in a bruising Democratic primary, Biden and Sanders represented the conflict raging within the party between its moderate and liberal wings, with moderates claiming expansive progressive policies would alienate centrist voters needed to beat Trump.

“I think that your endorsement means a great deal,” Biden said. “It means a great deal to me. I think people are going to be surprised that we are apart on some issues but we’re awfully close on a whole bunch of others. I’m going to need you -- not

Former President Barack Obama endorsed Joe Biden, his two-term vice president, on Tuesday morning in the race for the White House.

“Choosing Joe to be my vice president was one of the best decisions I ever made, and he became a close friend. And I believe Joe has all the qualities we need in a president right now,” Obama said in a video posted to Twitter.

While Obama’s lengthy statement never addressed Trump by name, the remarks centered around the need for strong, principled leadership in the White House – especially in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Obama praised Biden for his efforts during the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, helping “to prevent the Ebola epidemic from becoming the type of pandemic we’re seeing now.”

“Joe has the character and the experience to guide us through one of our darkest times and heal us through a long recovery,” Obama said. “And I know he’ll surround himself with good people – experts, scientists, military officials who actually know how to run the government and care about doing a good job running the government, and know how to work with our allies, and who will always put the American people’s interests above their own.”

APRIL 15, 2020

NEW ROCHELLE BOARD OF EDUCATION PUTTING LIVES IN DANGER

BY KWANMAINE DIXON

T he New Rochelle Board of Education all smoke and mirrors. There should really be a re-

view done on everyone from top to bottom for the feckless manner in which this crisis was handled. This Board (with exception to the Newly elected officials) has lied and put the community and it’s essential workers in harms way.

If the superintendent would have close when Cuomo said it the first time there wouldn’t be so many staff members self quarantining, some home very sick and even death has occurred. This district doesn’t care about the cleaners/ laborers along with part timers. The district is paying part timers but did you know that they are only getting 4 hours a day. They in a hazardous building working to sanitize the buildings and for their sacrifices they only get 4 hrs a day. That’s a clear sign of trying to save money instead of sparing no expense to get the job done. The permanent employees who where working 5 1/2 hrs. a day had their hours cut by 1 1/2 hrs a day but they say they care. No notice went to any of the employees about the 1 1/2 hr cut. The majority of the workers are African American employees in the B&G Dept. Employees are afraid to speak up in fear of losing their jobs. When you go to City Hall for a meeting it’s always the district lawyer along with B&G management.

This is clear intimidation and bullying tactics.

They say sign this paper or either you can retired or get fired. They want employees out with 20+ years of employment. Now they have a new chemical out called Bio Protect 500 which nobody knows what it is. Employees have had different reactions to this chemical in different buildings including nose bleeds while using chemicals all because they didn’t want to spend the money for a essential professional to come sanitize all the school buildings the proper way.

First of all it’s not their personal money, it’s taxpayers money. So you cut part timers hrs., spend alot of money on this unknown chemical and I mean alot of money, so why are they trying to take the shortcut instead of doing it the right way. The district is not telling the community about the number of employees that had to self quarantine or how many was tested positive instead the superintendent is trying to be a model school district, well it’s too late for that The board need to go, The superintendent needs to go, B&G management needs to go and the lawyer for the district needs to go. They don’t care about the safety of the employees at all. New Rochelle needs to wake up, read between the lines, and go to these meetings and hold all of them accountable for the poor decisions that they are making and been making.

We need to start asking questions like why is this District trying to be hush hush? Or Why now are you doing what Cuomo said but fought him at the beginning? What is this chemical being used? Is it safe when students come back to school? Why the District wouldn’t spend the money for a professional cleaning company? Please don’t say the money because money should never come before staff, students, employees or families. For some reason they don’t want to answer that. Remember the superintendent came through the back door not the front door. New Rochelle School District is out of control. This District thinks they hold the highest power and that they are untouchable.

New Rochelle Residents Please Wake Up And Pay Attention.

You also have a soon to be retiring Union President who because he’s retiring feels he doesn’t have to still fight for the workers. This is why you should never have a union rep who draws a check from the same people who pays them because how much they really going to fight for the workers?

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APRIL 15, 2020

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BLACK WESTCHESTER

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CITY OF MOUNT VERNON RECEIVES A NEW COVID-19 WALK-THROUGH TESTING CENTER T

he City of Mount Vernon in collaboration with New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center (MVNHC) will opened a new COVID-19 testing center, Thursday, April 16th.

The Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center - located at 107 West 4th Street - Mount Vernon will is the location of the new testing site, a tent will be erected in the parking lot to facilitate testing outside of the center. The site will operate as a mobile facility for those who do not have access to a car, this will allow people to use the facility by walking thru instead of pulling up in a car.

The testing site will only be open for APPOINTMENT ONLY, NO WALK-IN appointments will be allowed.

The hours of operation will be Monday -Friday starting at 9am to 5pm. For those looking for a testing appointment the hotline number is 1-888-364 -3065.

Mayor Shawyn Patterson- Howard along with State Senators Jamaal Bailey and Alessandra Biaggi, wrote a joint letter on March 31st to Governor Cuomo and Commissioner of Health Howard Zucker requesting a testing site in Mount Vernon. Their efforts were bolstered by Senate Majority Andrea Stewart Cousins and Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow who expressed the urgency for Mount Vernon and Yonkers and other key communities to have a testing site. A city of over 70,000 people, Mount Vernon is on track to have the second most COVID-19 cases in Westchester County, with 1313 as of April 15. As the only minority-majority city in Westchester County, with approximately 14% of the population over the age of 65, and a large group of residents who have pre- existing conditions, this testing center will provide an opportunity to vulnerable Mount Vernon residents to get tested, save lives and help flatten the curve.

Mayor Shawyn Patterson- Howard said, “I am excited for the opening of a walk-thru testing site in Mount Vernon. Our community has been devastated by the impact COVID-19 and this testing site will go a long way to helping us save lives. I’m thankful for the incredible partnership with our Governor Andrew Cuomo and our state elected officials including Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senators Bailey and Biaggi and Assemblymen Pretlow who strongly advocated to get this site here in Mount Vernon. I especially want to thank Judith Watson, and the Health Center for leading the way in testing in Mount Vernon. This

collaboration is important to ensuring that Mount Vernon is protected against a global pandemic and that our most vulnerable and at-risk residents have access to testing. As Mayor, I will continue to work with our City Council, County Legislators, State and Federal elected to fight for health equity in our community, including the increase of services at Mount Vernon Hospital.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea StewartCousins said, “Mount Vernon has been fighting hard against the COVID-19 outbreak. I was very pleased to work with the Mayor and my colleagues in the state legislature to get mount Vernon the testing site it so greatly needed. This is a positive step towards flattening the curve and saving lives. We must ensure that critical services are available to our most vulnerable residents.”

Assemblyman Gary J Pretlow said, “Over the last few weeks we’ve seen an increase in cases in Mount Vernon that have become a growing concern.

I’m happy to see that the residents of Mount Vernon will havea site that they can utilize to get the testing they need. We must continue to ensure our residents have equal access to critical health services.

Senator Jamaal Bailey said, “I am thrilled to learn that the City of Mount Vernon will be getting a testing site. Mount Vernon, a majority-minority City, has been one of the hardest hit cities in Westchester with COVID-19. Its location on the border of New York City and other hot spot cities in Westchester, leaves Mount Vernon residents at a high risk of contracting the virus. With this new testing site, Mount Vernon residents will now be able to get ahead of the curve and expand their testing capabilities. I would like to thank Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and my colleagues in government for advocating for this

site, Governor Andrew Cuomo, the State Department of Health, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins for approving this request.”

Senator Alessandra Biaggi said, “”The City of Mount Vernon has been devastated by the impact of COVID Within just four-square miles lives over 70,000 residents, and though density is not the sole factor, it is certainly one strong reason why the City has some of the highest numbers of confirmed cases in Westchester County. The implementation of a walk- thru testing facility will save lives, not only because it is a critical tool for the monitoring of this outbreak, but because we must not forget that many communities have residents without access to a car, and therefore cannot make use of existing drive-through testing sites. I have deep gratitude for the collaboration of my colleagues in government, as well as our community partners in obtaining this site, and am inspired by the continued commitment to secure the resources Mount Vernon needs to survive this pandemic.”

CEO of MVNHC Judith Watson, said, “Community health centers have become part of the comprehensive, quality primary care services for the masses of underserved in our community. I’m thankful to the City of Mount Vernon and the State of New York for partnering with us to supply the community with access to COVID-19 testing. We know that in Mount Vernon we have residents who don’t have access to cars and the ability to have a testing site where people can schedule an appointment and walk- thru will open access to vulnerable residents. The Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center stands ready to assist with flattening he curve and stopping the spread of COVID-19 in Mount Vernon.

COUNCILWOMAN DIAZ LEADS YONKERS COUNCIL IN REQUEST TO GOV. CUOMO TO SECURE BENEFITS FOR ALL GOV’T EMPLOYEES WHO DIE DUE TO COVID-19

Yonkers Councilwoman Tasha Diaz, Council President Mike Khader, and Councilwoman Shanae Williams ask Governor Andrew Cuomo to Secure Benefits for all Government Employees who fall ill and pass due to COVID-19 while working.

“This is the first step in protecting our first responders and essential workers,” said Councilwoman Tasha Diaz. “They put themselves on the frontlines every day.”

“Our first responders and essential workers who continue to work and put their lives on the line deserve to know that they and their families will be taken care of should the worst occur,” said City Council President Mike Khader. “I urge Governor Cuomo to heed our call to secure benefits for our essential workers and hope that this small step shows how grateful we are for their selflessness.”

“As the coronavirus continues to spread, we must think about how to prepare for the worst,” said Councilwoman Shanae Williams. “Every day, more first responders and essential workers are at risk of getting infected and should they pass away; as a result, their loved ones should not be burdened with medical bills or funeral expenses. They are our heroes, and we have to take care of them as best we can.”

Councilman Diaz discussed contacting the Governor on the Black Westchester Powerhour Radio Show, Friday, April 3rd.

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8 BLACK WESTCHESTER

APRIL 15, 2020

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

COVID 19 AND THE BLACK COMMUNITY WHAT TO DO MOVING FORWARD?

BY DAMON K. JONES

HOW DOES THIS VIRUS AFFECT US? 13.8% of severe cases and 6.1% critical of COVID-19 cases are due to the virus trekking down the windpipe and entering the lower respiratory tract, where it seems to prefer growing. The lungs are a major target

As the virus continues to replicate and journeys further down the windpipe and into the lung, it can cause more respiratory problems like bronchitis and pneumonia, according to Dr. Raphael Viscidi, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

SO WHY ARE BLACK AMERICANS BEING INFECTED AND DYING AT A HIGHER RATE?

So, there is now a national conversation on the enormous numbers of black Americans being infected by the Coronavirus or COVID-19.

At the beginning of this pandemic, I had posted on social media that Black People would be fooled to think that we had some kind of immune to the virus, or we won’t be significantly affected when the data is finally shown.

The recent data is showing that there is a disparate impact on who’s infected and who is from the virus.

In Michigan, Black Americans are 14% of that state’s population but 40% of deaths.

In Illinois, where 113 African-Americans have died out of a recorded 274 deaths, representing 41% of the total figure. The Black community in the state numbers 1.8 million, or 14.6% of the population. We see the same disparity in North Carolina, Milwaukee, and Detroit.

Here in Westchester, if we look at the reported numbers, we can see that each city or town that have a high number of Black and Brown population also have a high number of reported positive COVID 19 when compared to cities or towns with a low percentage of Black and Brown people.

For a start, there are health inequities including access to health care, and differences in the quality of care African-Americans receive.

In other communities (white communities), hospitals are essential allies and stakeholders in helping the city to address some of the underlying issues that impact community health. With the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing the collateral damage of a failed healthcare system for Black People.

Data from the CDC released March 31 shows Americans with chronic medical conditions face an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Black Americans lead in many of the chronic medical conditions that make us an increased risk.

Diabetes is 60% more common in Black Americans than in white Americans. Black Americans are three times more likely to die of asthma than white Americans.

Blacks develop high blood pressure earlier in life — and with much higher blood pressure levels — than whites. Nearly 42% of black men and more than 45% of black women aged 20 and older have high blood pressure.

Black Americans are disproportionately affected by obesity. Among non-Hispanic blacks age 20 and older, 63 percent of men and 77 percent of women are overweight or obese.

Black Americans having these types of chronic diseases and weakened immune systems make us more victims of catching the virus and, unfortunately, dying from the illness.

There is an old saying when America catches a cold, Black American catches the flu. As usual poor and underserved rural communities, where people are less likely to have quality health insurance, are more likely to suffer.

SO HOW DO WE PROTECT OURSELVES? First, we must follow the CDC guidelines.

1. Wash your hands often 2. Avoid close contact 3. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others 4. Cover coughs and sneezes 5. Clean and disinfect SECOND, BLACK AMERICANS MUST EAT BETTER! I have a saying If Black Lives Mattered to Black People, We would eat better! Our eating lifestyle impacts our health. The food that we put in our bodies can save us or kill us.

All the chronic diseases we face as Black Americans are dietary-related diseases. Research studies have long indicated that high consumption of plant foods is associated with lower incidents of chronic disease.

Just changing our diet to add more fruits, vegetable nuts, and legumes and regular exercise can put us on the right track.

This change in lifestyle must be preached from every pulpit in the Black Community, especially the Black church. A Duke University Study found that Black men who attend church services frequently are nearly twice as like to be obese than Black men who never attend services.

Lastly, what else do Black Americans need to show them that we need a national agenda on how we relate to policies and systems on health in the Black Community. We should not allow our loved one’s deaths and the agony of surviving this virus to go in vein without creating a national conversation about our health, our healthcare and the racist systems that exist.

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APRIL 15, 2020

REAL TALK FROM AJ WOODSON

BLACK WESTCHESTER 9

HOW CRIME & VIOLENCE IS DISREGARDED IN BLACK COMMUNITIES BY OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

BY AJ WOODSON

Black Westchester has always reported one of the most important positions Black and Brown communities can vote for is the Office of District Attorney.

Lamont Riddenhour is a prime example how public safety is disregarded in Black Communities. The long-overdue Riddenhour arrest also sheds light on the inequality of safety and security between Black and White municipalities across Westchester County.

Many Mount Vernon residents were scratching their heads, wondering how an alleged serial arsonist was free to continue to set fires despite being arrested on multiple occasions.

District Attorney Anthony Scarpino said there wasn’t enough evidence to prosecute. Black Westchester has been very vocal about the DA dropping the ball when it comes to Mount Vernon. Especially with this individual who is clearly a threat to public safety and possibly suffers from some sort of mental health issue. Only with the help of Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Mental Health Joseph A. Glazer, ESQ. and CPRT Team leader Nieves, did Riddenhour get arraigned according to Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Glenn Scott.

District Attorney Anthony Scarpino said there wasn’t enough evidence to prosecute. Black Westchester has been very vocal about the DA dropping the ball when it comes to Mount Vernon. Especially with this individual who is clearly a threat to public safety and possibly suffers from some sort of mental health issue. Only with the help of Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Mental Health Joseph A. Glazer, ESQ. and CPRT Team leader Nieves, did Riddenhour get arraigned according to Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Glenn Scott.

While blame was being thrown around everywhere by residents on Facebook, the Mount Vernon Police Department did their job. From February 8 until he was finally arraigned on April 17th, Riddenhour has been arrested 32 times on a plethora of 49 criminal charges including varying degrees of Arson, Robbery and Attempted Robbery, Grand and Petit Larceny, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Trespass, and Criminal Contempt.

Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino [Black Westchester]

Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard with newly appointed Police Commissioner Glenn Scott in the Mayor’s Conference Room, January 2020 [Black Westchester]

“Everyone agrees that no other community in Westchester County would be treated in this manner,” Commissioner Scott – who feels the DA’s office is trying to paint him as being incompetent, inexperienced, and waivering in opinion – shares with Black Westchester. “No other community would tolerate it. I will not tolerate it nor be whipped like a slave [for speaking up and calling it out].”

Commissioner Scott told Black Westchester exclusively on April 17th, “the DA’s office was useless, releasing Riddenhour over and over again. On his last arrest we sent him directly to Mental Health and had him held until we could build a felony arson case and that is how we ended this one man crime spree.”

DA Scarpino disagreed with Commissioner Scott’s assessment of the situation and told Black Westchester the crimes Riddenhour were charged with were not eligible under the bail statute.

“The District Attorney does not and cannot make the decision to release defendants after they are charged with a crime. That decision is up to a judge, based on the law and nature of the charges. With respect to this individual defendant, the charges on which he has been arrested previously, and will still be prosecuted for, were not eligible under the bail statute. In addition, our multiple requests for mental health evaluations, which would have allowed him to be held, were denied by sitting judges. While the District Attorney’s Office rejects the Police Commissioner’s regrettable and inaccurate comments, we are grateful this individual is no longer on the streets of Mount Vernon and we will continue to do everything we can to keep Mount Vernon and Westchester safe.”

Ok so let’s look at the facts. Again, from February 8 until he was finally arraigned on April 17th, Riddenhour has been arrested 32 times on a plethora of 49 criminal charges, including 7 felony charges, 2 of which are classified as Violent Felonies, which does not fall under the bail statute DA Scarpino referred to. Here is a brief summary of the 60 plus days of terror from Riddenhour and his many arrests.

In the month of February 2020, he had 4 total arrests, 1 was a warrant arrest the others were Criminal Trespass and in one of those instances he was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Control Substance (CPCS) in the 7th degree.

In the month of March 2020 is when the Arson charges began.

Riddenhour was arrested a total of 22 times in March with charges varied but included 14 Criminal Trespass or Trespassing charges. 5 Arson charges (2 Arson 5, 2 Arson 3, 1 Arson 4), 2 Criminal Contempts, 1 Robbery 3rd and various other misdemeanor and violation charges. There were even 4 occassions where there were 2 arrests in a single day.

In April he had a total of 6 arrests on a total of 12 charges. Arrest charges include Arson 2, Attempted Robbery 1, Arson 5, Reckless Endangerment, and Criminal Contempt.

So far in 2020, Lamont Riddenhour has been arrested on a total of 7 felony charges, 2 of which are classified as Violent Felonies. In total the MVPD has charge Riddenhour a total of 10 counts on various degrees of Arson.

Black Westchester has learned the Detective Division is currently looking at approximately 12-15 other incidents of apparent arson that match Riddenhour’s MO, of these one involves an occupied home (13 S. 10th Av) and another involves an automobile.

The MVPD is also working with Yonkers Police and Fire Departments to see how many fires can be attributed to him there. As of now Yonkers FD states they have 5 in the month of April that match.

With 32 arrests consisting of a plethora of 49 criminal charges including 7 felony charges, 2 of which are classified as Violent Felonies that do not fall under the bail statute, one has to ask why was this individual free to terrorize Mount Vernon and Yonkers for 60-plus days?

Has the District Attorney’s office actually changed since Janet Defiore for Black People?

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10 BLACK WESTCHESTER

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

APRIL 15, 2020

Opportunity – Marketing The Wall Street Journal called WVOX and WVIP "America's Great Community Stations!" And now as the last remaining, true community stations in Westchester ... we're adding to our Marketing and Advertising Departments with Immediate Openings for highly-motivated and dynamic Advertising Account Executives ... perfect opportunities for personable, confident and articulate individuals who know and love Westchester as we do ... where you make your own hours ... as a full or part time Advertising and Marketing Executive.

Call our station President David O'Shaughnessy and come in for a tour of our modern studios in New Rochelle. Hudson Westchester Radio Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

David O’Shaughnessy 914-636-1460 David@WVOX.com

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APRIL 15, 2020

NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW

BLACK WESTCHESTER 11

Notice a change in a loved one?

We are here to help.

For many families, the holidays are the first time they’ve seen their loved ones in a while.

If someone is acting differently, and you suspect it may be dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter is here for you. We have a variety of programs and resources that can help.

Call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit us online at alz.org/hudsonvalley.

800.272.3900 • alz.org/hudsonvalley This advertisement is supported in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

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12 BLACK WESTCHESTER

BLACK WESTCHESTER DIGITAL EDITION

APRIL 15, 2020

ONAMA AVA WWW.THESOCIALBUTTERFLYONLINE.COM

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APRIL 15, 2020

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

BLACK WESTCHESTER13

CHARTER SCHOOL OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE A FREE REGIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOL OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Visit our website at www.charterschoolofeducationalexcellence.org to download the application Kindergarten to 9th Grade

We welcome English Language Learners and Special Education Students

260 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10701 914-476-5070 Designated as a REWARD SCHOOL FOR 2014-2018 by the New York State Department of Education

We are accepting new student applications for Grades K-9

Estamos aceptando solicitudes para los grados K-9

INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS: November 19, 2019 9:00am December 12, 2019 2:00pm January 8, 2020 9:00am January 23, 2020 4:30pm February 13, 2020 4:30pm March 4, 2020 9:00am March 19, 2020 5:00pm

SESIONES INFORMATIVAS: noviembre 19, 2019 a las 9:00 am diciembre 12, 2019 a las 2:00 pm enero 8, 2020 a las 9:00 am enero 23, 2020 a las 4:30 pm febrero 13, 2020 a las 4:30 pm marzo 4 a las 9:00 am marzo 19, 2020 a las 5:00 pm

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 1, 2020 4:00pm LOTTERY DATE: April 14, 2020 9:00am

Fecha límite para entregar las solicitudes es abril 1, 2020 a las 4:00 pm El sorteo de lotería se llevará a cabo en abril 14, 2020 a las 9:00 am

For an application or more information please call 914-476-5070 Ext. 4

Para obtener informacion llame al 914-476-5070 Ext. 4

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14 BLACK WESTCHESTER

REMEMBERING MINISTER HAFEEZ

APRIL 15, 2020

COVER STORIES BW COVER STORY

REMEMBERING EASTERN REGIONAL STUDENT

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APRIL 15, 2020

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

BLACK WESTCHESTER 15

BW COVER STORY

MINISTER ABDUL HAFEEZ MUHAMMAD

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16 BLACK WESTCHESTER

BW COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

APRIL 15, 2020

Roslyn Edwards, the beloved wife of J. Yuhanna Edwards, passed away on April 6 after a valiant battle against COVID-19. Married to Yuhanna for 51 years, Roslyn is the mother of Monte Edwards and Maiysha Warren, both Cornell University graduates, and grandmother to Angel Solomon, Skye Edwards, Kyla Warren, and Corey Warren.

Mrs. Edwards worked as a nurse for over 40 years at hospitals throughout New York City. She retired in 2010 as the Vice President for Nursing at the Bronx division of the Jewish Home and Hospital. Mrs. Edwards received her Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Bronx Community College, her Bachelor of Science from Adelphi University, and a Master of Science in Health Services Administration from Columbia State University.

Mrs. Edwards held several leadership positions, Board appointments, and organization memberships.

She was an active member of Friendship Baptist Church in Long Island City for over 60 years and in 1978, she co-founded the Mount Vernon Razorbacks Youth Football & Cheer organization. She was an active member of the 400 Concerned Citizens Block Association, Bridge to Africa 360 Degrees, Neighbors That Care, NAACP, United Nations Association-USA, Westchester chapter, and Youth Community Outreach Program (Y-COP).

Mrs. Edwards has received numerous awards for her outstanding community service and dedication to youth and senior citizens. Her commitment, hard work and dedication have been instrumental in instilling positivity to youth, seniors, family and friends throughout the years. She will be dearly missed. We have lost an amazing human being and a champion of human rights.

Black Westchester expresses its sincere condolences to the family of former Mount Vernon City Councilman and current The UNA-USA, Westchester President, J. Yuhanna Edwards, his children and grandchildren. This is an enormous loss to all of us and to the community at large.

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APRIL 15, 2020

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

BLACK WESTCHESTER 17

TRIBUTE TO EARL GRAVES, SR. FOUNDER OF BLACK ENTERPRISE

BY PHIL ANDREWS

On April 6, 2020 America lost an Icon Earl Graves, Sr. Founder of Black Enterprise Magazine. Black Enterprise Magazine has been a staple to Black America across states, counties, towns and villages.

I fondly remember reading Black Enterprise during my young adult years and the impact this leading publication in Black America had on my views, actions, and commitment to Black Economic Empowerment.

The publication also reminds us the importance of media publications and news outlets such as the Amsterdam News, Street Hype Newspaper, The Village Press, New York Trend Newspaper, Hempstead Uniondale Times, BlackPRWire, Southeast Queens Scoops, Black News Scoop, Black Westchester Magazine and a host other news channels across America. It is important that we continue to read, support, advertise, and share these publications as they are important voices and vehicles of empowerment for Black America.

One lesson we can extract from Mr. Graves’ life his journey was not easy, but if we persist and persevere we can achieve at the highest levels in America. As the New York District Office of the United States 2019 Small Business Champion for 14 counties in Downstate, New York I believe being exposed to Black Enterprise Magazine left an indelible imprint on many areas of my life.

Many years ago Black Enterprise Magazine had a campaign to encourage blacks to buy homes by the age of 25, and I was fortunate to reach that goal of purchasing a home at that age in the Village of Hempstead, New York. In addition, I went on to become one of the Co-founders of the Haircut Hut Barbershop Franchise which is also a testament to staying up on the latest trends, concepts, strategies and ideas which we readily looked forward to in BE Magazine. Many years later I was proud to be featured as a Black Enterprise Magazine as a BE Modern Man.

As an active member of 100 Black Men of America, Inc.’s local chapter 100 Black Men of Long Island, Inc. I understood the importance of the Power Base of the Black Community standing in the gap for those less fortunate in our community. Thank you Mr. Graves for standing in the gap for so many years by being a trailblazer for Black America.

New York District Office of the United States Small Business Administration 2019 Small Business Champion for 14 Counties in Downstate, New York

As a two-term President of 100 Black serving under multiple leaders such as the founder of the black bank named the Guardian Bank on LI, two Past Presidents of 100 Black Men who opened first Black Burger King located at Restoration Plaza in Bedford-Stuyvesant gave me an upfront glimpse of what we can achieve as a community.

Earl Graves, Sr. – Black Enterprise Founder and Publisher Earl G. Graves, Sr., the quintessential entrepreneur who created a vehicle of information and advocacy that has inspired four generations of African Americans to build wealth through entrepreneurship, career advancement and money management, has died. According to his son, Black Enterprise CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., he passed away quietly at 9:22 p.m. on April 6, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Graves was 85.

Graves was widely considered to be the ultimate champion of black business, launching Black Enterprise in 1970 to not only chronicle the rise of African American entrepreneurs, but also provide the tools for African Americans to succeed in the business mainstream and “achieve their measure of the American dream.”

In his award-winning, now classic, business bestseller, How To Succeed In Business Without Being White, Graves stated his life-defining purpose for founding Black Enterprise in simple, direct terms: “The time was ripe for a magazine devoted to economic development in the African American community. The publication was committed to the task of educating, inspiring and uplifting its readers.

My goal was to show them how to thrive professionally, economically and as proactive, empowered citizens.”

Driven by that mission, Graves became a trailblazing entrepreneur in his own right, building Black Enterprise from a single-magazine publishing company 50 years ago, to a diversified multimedia business spreading the message of financial empowerment to more than 6 million African Americans through print, digital, broadcast and live-event platforms. As such, Black Enterprise was one of two companies that would appear on the BE 100s—the publication’s annual rankings of the nation’s largest black-owned businesses—each of its 47 years.

At one point, Graves would operate two companies on the list, including PepsiCola of Washington, DC, one of the nation’s largest soft-drink distributors owned by African Americans. Graves’ influence and reach also extended into the mainstream of corporate America. One of the few African Americans to serve on the boards of major corporations such as American Airlines, Daimler Chrysler, Rohm & Hass and Federated Department Stores (Macy’s), he was a staunch advocate for African-American inclusion in the C-Suite and corporate governance. Graves was also a tireless champion of major corporations doing business with black-owned companies.

Phil Andrews is the current President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and a Two-Term Past President of a local chapter of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. In 2019 the New York District Office of the United States Small Business Administration selected Phil Andrews as the 2019 Small Business Champion for 14 counties in Downstate, New York. The New York District is responsible is responsible for the delivery of SBA’s many programs and services in New York City, Long Island and the downstate counties of Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

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18BLACK WESTCHESTER

BW COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

APRIL 15, 2019

WESTCHESTER IN ACTION

Everytime we turn on the news these days, all we hear about

is Coronavirus COVID-19, the amount of people who tested positive, the number of people who died. As we are shut-in to be effective in the new social distancing existance it can downright depress you. Black Westchester wanted to share some positive news, show how we are coing together as a community to feed those who need it, restuarants feedback frontline and healthcare workers, giving out breakfast and lunch to school children and organizations feeding the seniors and those in the community that are in need. In Westchester when it goes down, we step up, come together and do what needs to be done. This is the one time, when common people step up to help their neighbors.

These are just some of the images of those who are stepping up to do what needs to be done, while there was only so much space, I want to give a shout out to all those who are feeding the community, all our people on the frontlines, the healthcare workers, police, fire, emergency services workers, the uber and delivery drivers.

I know things look dark right now, but we will get through this. We may not even go back to what it was, but we will adjust to our new normal like we did after 9/11.

All of you who are doign the selflless act to service their community, feeding the students, the seniors and those less fortunate. Black Westchester salutes all of you.

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APRIL 15, 2019

ADVERTISE WITH BW

BLACK WESTCHESTER19

DEMOGRAPHICS GENRE Male - 42.55% female - 57.45% RACE/ETHNICITY/NATIONALITY Black/ African-American- 62.24% Hispanic or Latino - 6.12% White - 23.47% Asian - 2.04% Caribbean - 10.20% Native American - 7.14% Other - 2.04% AGE 17 OR YOUNGER- 5.15% 18-20 - 1.03% 21-29 - 4.12% 30-39 - 6.19% 40-49 - 31.96% 50-59 - 29.90% 60 OR OLDER - 21.65%

RATES Full page – $650.00 (10 1/3″ x 13 1/4″) – inside covers (front and back) $750 – outside Back cover $850 Half page – $375.00′ -horizontal 10 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ -vertical 5 1/8″ x 13 1/4″ Quarter page $250.00 -horizontal 10 1/2 x 3 1/4″ -vertical 5 1/8″ x 6 1/2″ 1/8 page $175.00 -horizontal 5 1/8 x 3″ -vertical 2 3/8 x 6 1/2″ Business Card $75 – Double Business Card Ad $125 ***Multiple Month Discount*** For 3,6 and 12 months Send PDF or JPEG of your business card to AdvertiseWithBW@gmail.com

About Black Westchester: BlackWestchester.com is a magazine (website) and print newspaper for people of color for Westchester and the Tri-State area of New York at every economic level. Black Westchester is committed to being a platform to profile life, culture, economics, politics, sports and entertainment and those who are representing vision in these marketplaces and who can both encourage and provide role models to other men and women. Black Westchester, through its online magazine, print newspaper, weekly talk radio show, and editorial content, will be a vessel of community information throughout Westchester and the Tri-State area of New York. Our mission is to promote the concept of “community” through media.

The Black Westchester Newspaper is a monthly newspaper, 10,000 distributed monthly throughout Westchester and Surrounding areas with a heavy concentration in Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Elmsford, White Plains, Greenburgh, Peekskill, Tarrytown, NE Bronx, Harlem, Stamford, CT with a slightly smaller presence elsewhere in the county and surrounding areas.

Black Westchester is the best vehicle to reach communities of color throughout the county, but not limited to just communities of color, we have a large non-African-American readership as well.

Black Westchester and the People Before Politics Radio Show started in July and August of 2014 respectively and the print edition started on our three year anniversary in August 2017. In such a small amount of time, Black Westchester has heavily influenced the county, public policy, and the elected officials while informing the public in a way that was missing, filling a necessary void.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS Employed, Working Full-Time- 46.24% Employed, Working Part-Time - 5.45% Self Employed - 15.05% Unemployed - 5.38% Retired - 18.28% Disabled, Unable To Work - 8.60% RELATIONSHIP STATUS Married- 33.68% Widowed - 3.16% Divorce - 14.74% Separated - 1.05% Domestic Partner or Civil Union - 2.11% Single but Cohabiting - 8.42% Single, Never Married - 36.84% HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION Graduated from High School- 9.72% GED - 2.78% Some College - 23.61% Graduated College - 37.50% Some Graduate School - 8.33% Completed Graduate School - 18.06% POLITICAL AFFILIATION Republican- 5.26% Democrat - 50.53% Independent - 25.26% Something Else - 18.95%

Larger news outlets such as The Journal News (Lohud), News 12 Westchester and Fios1 News, The New York Post, ABC News and others also follow us and have quoted us for breaking stories that they, in turn, did follow up stories on.

Black Westchester is the voice of the voiceless and has covered many stories that other news outlets often overlooked and in turn followed our lead and reported later.

Black Enterprise Magazine reported, “Black buying power currently stands at over $1.1 Trillion dollars annually and is on the road to hit about $1.5 Trillion by 2021. These figures have also been documented by the Huffington Post, The Atlantic, MediaPost.com, Fortune Magazine, and many other respected media outlets. This collective buying power means that nearly $2 Trillion dollars will be flowing through Black American annually very soon, making us a centerpiece for various researchers, marketers, advertisers and other campaigns designed to influence black spending patterns.

With that said, for businesses who do business and want to do businesses with communities of color in the Westchester County and surrounding areas, advertising with Black Westchester, not only makes dollars but also makes perfect sense. We are the voice of the Black Community.

Sponsorship and advertising are also available of our weekly talk radio show People Before Politics Radio, where we have been bringing you Real Talk For The Community since 2014.

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20 BLACK WESTCHESTER

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

APRIL 15, 2020

YONKERS STRONG

BY LORRAINE LOPEZ

Yonkers, New York, my beautiful hometown of over 200,000 residents, a majestic city with a tapestry of cultures is along with many other cities in NYS suffering from this ungodly pandemic. It seems like everything changed overnight. It was quick.

It came with a vengeance. Lockdowns, school closings, businesses closed, urgent need of healthcare resources are just a few of the areas affected. Yonkers quickly became the epicenter of Westchester County as more and more residents became sick and tested positive for Covid-19.

We have 3,478 cases and it continues to rise. Covid-19 does not care about your background or what language you speak as it is widespread throughout the city.

But it has hit the minority community particularly hard in Southwest Yonkers. The majority of cases have been from the Latino and African American communities. There are many reasons for this, it’s a high density area, lack of healthcare, a large immigrant community that are fearful and have a language barrier, and the fact that many are essential workers. They are part of a large group helping to keep the city running.

Despite the fear and uncertainty around us, I proudly state that we are something beautiful.

Early on Mayor Mike Spano held a online community meeting with Dr. Rabadi, his Health Advisory Board Chairman, a well known and cherished doctor to speak on the virus and advise us all on what we needed to do to keep ourselves and others from contracting it. Dr. Rabadi has subsequently also been on Black Westchester’s People before Politics radio show and other venues to educate folks on the virus. It began to hit us hard. Both our hospitals, St. John’s Riverside Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital were inundated with patients as the numbers began to rise. Many have lost loved ones. But, despite all the doom and gloom that comes with this insidious virus, Yonkers has stood strong. They say Yonkers is a big city with a small town feel. I couldn’t agree more. Mayor Spano despite suffering his own loss including his dear friend Detective Sullivan of the Yonkers Police Department (a great loss to many), has been working tirelessly in keeping the city together and all services available and has begun to hold regular community town hall meetings via the internet to keep us all updated on city services and the pandemic. Everyone has become a hero. From the first responders, to the essential workers, to those staying at home, practicing social distancing and doing the best they can to avoid catching or spreading the virus.

The children of the Yonkers Public Schools System are learning via the internet at home. Grab and Go breakfast and lunch sites are located in several areas throughout the city. Yonkers Schools Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada and his staff are also handing out 100 bags of food a week to those families in need. The children are hungry in many homes. They are collecting donations of rice, beans, and other non-perishables. If you’ll like to make a donation please contact Lissette Colon-Collins at Lcolon-collins@yonkerspublicschools.org. Dr. Quezada has also distributed over 1,000 laptaps to children and families in need. Many more are needed. The teachers are missing their students as they continue to work with their students via today’s technology. Many of the children are looking to their teachers for comfort. The teachers are delivering.

Our doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers have become superheroes.

They’ve been hit hard. Working desperately to save lives and provide comfort as they put themselves in ground zero while risking their own lives.

Our Mayor has delivered lunches to the hospitals. The YPD, YFD, and OEM have also brought them food as well as cheered them on with a parade of trucks and vehicles as they stood outside clapping and thanking them. EMS has been seen all over town picking up patients and transporting them to hospitals.

Many have taken to social media as a way of socializing and keeping in touch while we pause. Mom’s posting the antics of their children while homeschooling. Folks share information on resources. DJ Lenny Santawasso and his lovely lady Lucia have kept us entertained with live videos, music and their funny antics. Governor Cuomo’s daily briefings have given us the raw truths as well as brought us great comfort. Folks are coming together to help one another. Small businesses although struggling have been donating and delivering food to healthcare workers and first responders. Our Southside which has been hit the hardest is filled with a cornucopia of essential workers.

They are our postal workers, supermarket and bodega workers, truck drivers, delivery men and women, office workers, janitors and maintenance, and a host of different healthcare workers in all areas of the field. They put themselves out there everyday for the people of the city and to take care of their families. Then they go home in fear that one day they’ll bring it to their families. Neighbors are helping neighbors. The City of Yonkers Office of the Aging has been delivering thousands of meals to the local seniors and continues to provide them with the services they need.

Jimmy Nolan founder and President of the Michael Nolan Foundation has been out there volunteering his time and also partnering with others to bring food to hospitals not only in Yonkers but throughout Westchester including Mount Vernon and Westchester Medical Center. Brian Harrod of Yonkers Newswire has been taking time off of his blog to spend many hours coordinating a food pantry and delivering meals to families. Showing us that he actually does have a soft side! RuRos from Yonkers Voice on FB has been doing an excellent job enterviewing everyone of every aspect of this pandemic and is keeping folks informed as well. Deanna Renee Robinson as well her her #914 crew teamed up with Hector Santiago of Stop and Shake and has delivered countless meals and essentials as well. Condolences on the loss of her grandmother.

Many volunteers are out there deliveries meals, masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer.

Hundreds of face masks have been sown and donated by folks staying at home and wanting to help.

Churches and congregations are also reaching out to help those in need.

Particularly with food pantries. Many organizations and local Latino leaders especially in the undocumented community have been reaching out, helping and educating the non English speaking community. They have not been forgotten. This is just an example of the what the people are doing. There are many stories of compassion in this city.

Our government continues to work. State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh was the first to call for a Covid-19 testing facility in Yonkers in a letter to Governor Cuomo dated on March 20th. He has also called for the suspension of parking meter

enforcement during the Covid-19 epidemic.

The City Council and the City Council President have been handing out everything they can get there hands on to their constituents from meals to masks.

They have passed legislation sponsored by Council President Mike Khader requiring the sanitation of building lobbies, laundry rooms, entrance doors, handles, trash rooms and common areas in multiple dwelling buildings as well as commercial office buildings and retail establishments.

Councilwoman Diaz also sponsored legislation requiring all parks and schools playgrounds to be sanitized. Council President Mike Khader also has proposed and sponsored legislation calling for the cancellation or reduction of penalties and late fees regarding county taxes.

Councilwoman Shanae Williams who’s district has been the most impacted, introduced legislation calling for a testing facility in Yonkers. On Friday, April 17th Yonkers opened up a testing site in Councilwoman Williams district at St. John’s Riverside Parkcare Pavilion located at the corner of Ashburton and St. Joseph’s Avenues. The center will be open by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. First appointments and priority will be given the residents in the 10701 zip code area. On a press release issued by the City Council, Councilwoman Shanae Williams stated,

This mobile testing site is crucial for my constituency. I am both happy and grateful that Governor Cuomo and our State Delegation heard our call and placed a testing site in the 1st Council District in Yonkers” said Councilwoman Williams. “I plead with my neighbors and constituents to get tested. Knowledge is power. You can protect yourselves and your families by getting tested. Before today, many residents were unable to get tested because they don’t have health insurance. With this mobile testing site testing is free for everyone. I strongly urge all my constituents to take full advantage of this testing site. Call the state health number for COVID19 and schedule an appointment now. The number is 888-364-3065. Remember, getting tested can save your life!” Councilwoman Tasha Diaz who’s 3 district does come in contact with the 1st district echoed her sentiments by staying , “With the soaring number of Coronavirus cases plaguing Yonkers

This testing site is needed to help combat the spread of Covid -19. I’m ecstatic to see our delegates both local and state put People Before Politics and band together to advocate for this well needed testing site in Yonkers.”.

Our Yonkers Police Department Commissioner Mueller has also been reaching out to the community via question and answering sessions and sharing information with the public. Both YPD and YFD have been out there non stop working hard while also being hit with cases amongst their departments.

Mayor Spano summarized it best in thanking our heroes for this article. “The work our health care professionals, first responders, teachers, and other essential workers do daily is demanding as it is. Now because of the current health pandemic, they have taken their performance to another level with their tremendous grit and determination,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “There are no words to describe the sheer gratitude I have for the work they are doing during this difficult time. They are heroes in the truest sense of the word.” The Mayor, holding the city together so we don’t collapse.

There’s so much more we will be dealing with. There will be more lives lost.

The new normal is changing every day as we learn new information regarding this Coronovirus pandemic. But, Yonkers is resilient. We are #YonkersStrong, we will get through this together. We will continue do our part by staying home, practicing social distancing, sanitizing, and helping each other out during these difficult times.

Condolences go out to all who lost a loved one.

So I say this, Yonkers has risen and how fitting during these holy days. And we will continue to rise, we will do our best to adapt to the changes in our lives, and we will beat this monster.

And tonight, at the Mayor’s request, I like many of the amazing residents of the City of Yonkers will stand outside my balcony at 7:00 p.m. and clap for the first responders and all the essential workers, as I listen to the sweet song of the bells ringing from our new firehouse in our downtown.

This is Yonkers.

This is my hometown.

And I couldn’t feel more proud of it.

Lorraine Lopez is a People Before Politics Radio Show co-host and Latino Empowerment Columnist, She made history in 1999 as the first Latina to be elected in the Yonkers City Council. She is a longtime power player in Yonkers and Westchester political circles, and is a dedicated community activist and the voice of the voiceless in her community for years.

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APRIL 15, 2020

REAL TALK FOR THE COMMUNITY

BLACK WESTCHESTER

21

HATE CRIMES ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES AND IN HIGHER EDUCATION SPACES

BY DR. CHRISTIANA BEST

H ate crimes or bias-motivated crimes are on the rise today. But let’s

not fool ourselves: students of color have always been plagued by crimes driven by racism – often relegating them to living in fear on the grounds of higher education institutions. As a college student, I knew there were some parts of my campus I couldn’t walk by myself after dark because I feared being taunted and subjected to racial animus and even worse – being attacked. As a first-generation college student, I had numerous issues and hurdles to navigate as part of my college career. However, concerns for my safety due to the color of my skin was not one I had anticipated when I applied to college, and neither do many of today’s college students.

Colleges and universities are microcosms of American society. A society built to support and privilege some and exclude and marginalize others.

While racism is and has been a problem in the United States since its inception, the current political landscape has emboldened white supremacists to bully, intimidate and in some cases engage in acts of violence against the larger society and toward students of colors, as well as Jewish, Muslim and LGBTQ students, and their allies on college campuses. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, there are 1,020 hate groups in America as of 2018, a 7 percent increase from 2017. The Anti-Defamation League recently reported that white supremacy propaganda increased 182 percent in 2018. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, of the hate crimes reported in postsecondary institutions in 2016, 38 percent were racially motivated; 21 percent were religious bias and 17 percent were sexual orientation bias. Yet, every fall, colleges, and universities across the United States welcome students of color and other minorities to their campuses. Should young people – many of whom may face a lifetime of student debt – pay to be terrorized?

When students of color pursue higher education in order to make a better life for themselves and their families and they are subject to hate crimes and/or other inequities, who is responsible for their physical safety and psychological wellbeing? The federal government requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data, support victims of violence and publicly outline the policies and procedures they have put into place to improve campus safety. The question is, do racial hate crimes and violence get reported accurately?

Several studies have shown that hate crimes are violent acts that have the potential to cause traumatic stressors, potentially leading to anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns. Hate crimes are horrific forms of violence that target individuals because of their race, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation, with the goal of instilling fear and undermining their sense of well-being. What is

so insidious about hate crimes is that they are intended to communicate a message of hate, violence and “othering” – both to the targeted individual and their community.

Racist acts and hate crimes must be taken seriously and addressed immediately. Are colleges appropriately addressing these students’ trauma? A recent study found that cost and stigma were the most prevalent reasons why students do not seek mental health treatment. Moreover, are the counselors on campus trained to treat racial trauma?

To add to these barriers, universities’ counseling offices are understaffed and racially under-represented.

Today’s college students are not submissive, nor are they tolerant of violence against them, the way I was. They recognize the sinister nature of racism in its various forms – microaggressions, patriarchy, structural racism, and white supremacy – and they are taking down names and documenting each incident. Today’s students are demanding safety, protection, and accountability from their schools, administrators, politicians, and the country – telling us just what they need and deserve as U.S. citizens and students. They demand to be able to live and study in spaces free of violence. They are asking to recognize the trauma that comes with being hypervigilant and under constant stress due to bullying and violence (or the threat of them). Most of all, they are asking America – the land of the free and home of the brave, to see their humanity.

Dr. Christiana Best-Giacomini is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work and Equitable Community Practice at the University of Saint Joseph, Connecticut. She is the 1st Vice President at the New York City (NYC) chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), where she co-chairs the Immigration and Global Social Work Committee. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Welfare. She is a licensed social worker and a member of the Advisory Board of the Caribbean-American Social Workers Association. Prior to transitioning to academia full-time, Dr. Best worked in the NYC child welfare system for many years and taught as an adjunct lecturer.

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BW POLITICALLY SPEAKING

APRIL 15, 2020

RACE FOR NY-17 CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CONTINUES TO HEAT UP

BY AJ WOODSON

activist, nonprofit leader, and opening gay Jones also recently picked up two other key endorsements, Wednesday, February 12th, from the first Black woman to represent Massachusetts in Congress, US Representative Ayanna Pressley, who also endorsed Warren for President and the Hispanic Democrats of Westchester.

When we reached out to Castleberry-Hernandez for thoughts on the endorsement from member of the highly-publicized Squad, Ayanna Pressley, she simply replied; “She just followed Elizabeth.”

Both Mondair Jones have already appeared on People Before Politics Radio and Allison Fine and Evelyn Farkas were scheduled to appear on Sunday March 15th, Allison Fine at 6:15 Pm and Evelyn Farkas at 7:00 pm, but the studio we record the show was another casualty of the whole Coronavirus pandemic thing, causing it to close, so we are rescheduling their interviews. We are still trying to confirm a new date for Catherine Parker to appear, the other candidates have yet to reach out to us to appear on PBP Radio.

When Rep. Nita Lowey, the longtime congresswoman announced in October that she wouldn’t seek reelection in 2020, enough candidates to fill a baseball team emerged to succeed Lowey. She has is currently serving her sixteenth term in Congress, representing parts of Westchester and Rockland Counties.

She was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988 and served in the Democratic Leadership in 2001 and 2002 as the first woman and the first New Yorker to chair the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

She is also the first woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee. While the number of candidates continues to go up and down like the Dow Jones, the curent list we have been able to acertian incudes, Democrats David Buckwald, Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, Evelyn Farkas, Allison Fine, Mondaire Jones, Catherine Parker, Adam Schleifer and Former Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) member State Senator David Carlucci as well as Republicans Yehusdis Gottesfeld and Maureen Mcarcdle. Chelsea Clinton was considered by many an early front-runner for the Democratic Party nod — even though she never expressed interest in running for the seat and doesn’t live in the district. She ended the speculation and announced on “The View” in December that she wasn’t running. There were also speculations of Former republican Westchester County Executive Rob Asterino running for the congressional seat by he too put those rumors to rest, many think he will try to make another bid for Govenor. Democratic County Legislator Catherine Borgia was among candidates looking to succeed Lowey but she has since dropped out the race, Black Westchester has learned.

Asha Castleberry recieved endorsements from author, economist, political analyst, and social commentator Dr. Boyce D. Watkins and Patrick Sciarratta, Board Member of the United Nations Association Westchester Chapter and President of Vinculum Foundation.

Mondaire Jones has announced on Thursday April 16th his endorsements from 40 elected officials and community leaders in

Rockland and Westchester Counties including Village fo IrvingtonMayor Brian Smith, Town of Ossining Councilmembers Greg Meyer and Northern Walker, Peekskill Councilmembers Vanessa Aqudelo and Ramon Fernandez, Greenburgh Councilmember Ken Jones, Village of Ossining Trustee Omar Lopez, port Chester Trustee Joan Grangenois-Thomas, Former ossining Trustee Qunatel Bazemore, Mount Vernon Councilmembers Lisa Copeland and Delia Farquharson to name a few.

Common Defense, the country’s only veteran-led grassroots organization committed to engaging, organizing, training and mobilizing veterans to elect accountable leaders and promote progressive values, Friday, April 17th endorsed Mondaire.

“Common Defense was founded by veterans with the goal of fighting back against Trump’s corrupt agenda and sending progressive leaders to Washington who will stand up for our values. That is why we are proud today to endorse Mondaire Jones in New York’s 17th Congressional District,” said Common Defense Executive Director Jose N. Vasquez.

“Mondaire has signed our pledge to End The Forever War, recognizing that his constituents in NY-17 want investments in health care and clean energy, not further military intervention.

By refusing to accept corTwo or the candidates Black Westchester has been watching are Mondaire porate PAC money, MonJones and Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, each has appeared of People Before daire has demonstrated Politics Radio Show, Asha on Sunday, December 16th and Mondaire the following week on Sunday, December 22nd. that he will represent working families in Washington, fighting back against cor Mondaire is a lawyer, nonprofit leader, activist and champion of children ruption and the corrosive influence of money in our politics. Our grassroots and and working families from the Village of Spring Valley in Rockand County and progressive community of veterans is proud to have Mondaire’s back in this former Tarrytown now Elmsford resident Asha is is a veteran, mother, professor critical race because we know he will have our back in Washington.” and national security professional, graduate of Hampton University and Colum- “I am humbled to receive the endorsement of Common Defense; we bia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. A current Major in owe a great debt of gratitude to the organization’s grassroots members who the U.S. Armed Forces and a combat veteran, Asha told BW she is “Ready to have bravely served our country and continue to fight for progessive values. serve”.

Common Defense is an organization committed to taking on the corrupt agen Mondaire has been racking up endorsements from the New York Working da of the Trump Administration and supporting a slate of candidates down the Families Party. The NY WFP’s endorsement of Jones is the party’s fifth Con- ballot who will lead the fight in Washington. I am proud to sign the pledge to gressional endorsement of 2020, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio- end The Forever War because I know that we need to invest in our community Cortez (NY-14), Representative Nydia Velazquez (NY-7), Jamaal Bowman (NY- here in New York’s 17th Congressional District, rather than investing in unnec16), and Representative Jerry Nadler (NY-10). Other endorsements for Jones essary conflict overseas,” said NY-17 Democratic Congressional Candidate include Rockland United Community For Social Justice, Senator Elizabeth Mondaire Jones.

Warren and US Representative Ayanna Pressley.

“Common Defense recognizes that it is going to take candidates with

In a tweet early Thursday, February 13th, Castleberry-Hernandez tweet- grassroots support from working families to change our broken system; unlike ed; Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren called ‘a hypocrite, for pandering many of my opponents, I am proud to be a candidate who rejects all corporate to women voters, especially Black Women and then endorsing a male candi- PAC money. I look forward to working alongside Common Defense and the date of several female candidates’ in the highly-contested race to succeed retir- thousands of veterans in their organization who have joined the fight to deliver ing Congresswoman Nita Lowey. At least nine candidates are vying to succeed the type of progressive change we need — both in Washington and here in Lowey.

Rockland and Westchester Counties.

Asha Castleberry-Hernadez told Black Westchester she stands by her tweet Stay tuned to BlackWestchester.com for more interviews with NY-17 when we reached out to her for a quote.

Congressional Candidates and possibly a candidate forum closer to the

Senator Warren endorsed NY-17 Democratic Congressional Candidate Mon- Democratic Primary. We will keep you informed on all the candidates and NY-17 daire Jones, praising the progressive activist and attorney as a champion for working Congressional District news so you can make an informed decision at the ballot families who will fight for big, structural change, Monday, January 28th. The lawyer, box in the June 23rd Democratic Primary.

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APRIL 15, 2020

REAL TALK FOR THE COMMUNITY

BLACK WESTCHESTER 23

THE UNITED STATES RESPONSE TO COVID-19

BY A’YANNA ARMSTRONG

COVID-19 also referred to as the Coronavirus, has incited global panic. There has been a confirmed 1.5 million confirmed cases worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC). Policymakers around the world are struggling to keep up with the rapid spreading of the pandemic unfortunately, due to the late response. The purpose of this editorial is to show the United States (U.S) response to COVID-19, highlight what unprecedented challenges the government has had to face and how it has impacted the public.

This pandemic has exposed the weaknesses of the Federal government in the United States. Infectious viruses such as COVID-19 is the reason why the federal public health powers and emergencies exist. The virus is highly transmittable, crosses borders easily, and threatens the Country’s economy and infrastructure. The United States Intelligence officials warned the military and the White House in late November that there was a contagion spreading in Wuhan, China. Yet, the United States response to the Coronavirus has been remarkably slow. A new report from ABC News revealed that President Donald Trump has ignored the warnings of the military’s National Center for Medical Intelligence (NCMI) warned that coronavirus “could be a cataclysmic event.” One of the sources said of the NCMI’s report, “It was then briefed multiple times to” the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon’s Joint Staff and the White House.

Wednesday night, the Pentagon issued a statement denying the “product/assessment” existed (Margolin & Meek). It was not until late March the President has decided to take action by declaring a national emergency in response to the public health crisis. Currently, the United States has reported 427,460 cases and a total number of deaths of 14,696 according to the CDC. In efforts to trying to decrease the rate of cases, President Trump announced March 29, 2020, that the federal recommendations to practice “social distancing” until the end of April. Unfortunately, this is just a short term solution.

Despite such actions, the U.S pandemic remains a work in progress: unprepared, chaotic and contradictory messages from not only political leaders but also the health authorities such as the CDC. The CDC is one of the major components of the Department of Health and Human Services. First, U.S health authorities advised the public to not wear face masks because it did not serve a purpose only if you were sick, or taking of someone that is sick. Additionally, U.S health authorities have also emphasized that face masks should be reserved for medical health professionals mainly due to the alarmingly scarce hospital supplies. However, now the CDC has changed its recommendation, now alerting the public that they should wear facial coverings because new research has shown that persons affected with COVID-19 can be asymptomatic which means the virus can be spread unknowingly. This makes it seemingly impossible to tell who is healthy and who is not.

The COVID-19 outbreak presents potential health and financial challenges for families, which may disproportionately affect communities of color and compound underlying health and economic disparities (Artiga, Garfield, & Orgera 2020). In states such as Michigan and Louisiana, African Americans make up an inordinately large number of cases regarding the virus. For instance, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), a non-profit organization focusing on national health issues, reported that African Americans make up 32% of the total state population of Louisiana, but accounted for over 70% of COVID-19 deaths as of April 6, 2020. Additionally, people of color are more likely to live in large urban areas, and many may live in crowded, multi-family housing which increases the risk of contracting the virus, according to the Kaiser report. About 41% of African American people live in dense, multi-unit housing, compared to 23% of white people (Kam 2020). Compared to non-Hispanic whites, African Americans and people of Hispanic origin had persistently lower insurance coverage rates at all ages. About twenty-percent of African Americans were uninsured. In comparison non-Hispanic whites had an uninsurance rate of about thirteen percent (Sohn 2017). The President has announced April 3, 2020, that hospitals will be paid for the treatment of uninsured coronavirus patients. “I have seen in my exam rooms mostly black and brown patients who are essential workers and service workers who cannot afford to stay home. These are the ones I see presenting to the clinic with COVID-19 symptoms,” said Uche Blackstock, MD, an emergency doctor in Brooklyn, New York, who has witnessed the effects. “We already know that our health care system is embedded with bias. We have data already that black patients are likely to receive worse care from the minority-serving hospitals in their areas. They’re ill-equipped for coping with COVID-19 patients.”

Terms such as institutional and systematic racism have been often overlooked by the U.S but we are seeing in real data as its occurring.

In order to protect themselves, Americans across the country are staying home. But what happens if you don’t have one? Homeless people are more susceptible to become infected with the Coronavirus. People that live in public spaces and crowded spaces might have difficulty regarding hygienic processes such as frequent washing hands, staying home, cleaning and access to health care. Cities such as San Francisco, recommend that homeless people not living in shelters should keep their tents six feet apart and sleep in a one-person tent. But with the recent vacancy in hotels because of the pandemic, shouldn’t homeless people be allowed to move in? At first, the answer is no for the city of San Francisco. Instead, city officials wanted to implement tent encampments. No more than sixty people will be allowed at any given site, which will most likely be located in an outdoor space, such as a parking lot. Jeff Kositsky, the new manager of the Healthy Streets Operations Center, said “at a minimum,” the sites would provide bathrooms, drinking water, handwashing stations and three meals a day. It has taken the pressure of local lawmakers to order Mayor London Breed to secure the 7,000 hotel rooms by April 26, 2020, to house the homeless population. In NYC, Mayor Bill De Blasio announced in a press conference on April 11, 2020, that 2,000 homeless New Yorkers will soon be transferred into hotel rooms to prevent the continued spread of the Coronavirus. Aforementioned to the situation in San Francisco, this result occurred because of the pressure from non-profit groups who called

out the city encouraging them to take the first steps to protect the homeless population during the pandemic.

Lastly, the forgotten population: incarcerated people. In New York City, “167 inmates, 114 correction staff and 23 health workers” have tested positive for COVID-19 according to the New York Times. From what we already know about this virus, you can expect the numbers to increase, rapidly. For one, people that are in jail live in close quarters, the cells are most likely not regularly cleaned, and incarcerated people are often given a limited amount of soap. After spending nearly 7 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Yusef Salaam is familiar with the unsanitary living conditions in jails and prisons. “When you have people in prisons who have to bunk with someone, if one person gets sick, the whole place, that whole unit will get sick. That’s how serious it is,” said Salaam in an interview with Felice León, producer of Root.

The Criminal Justice reform group, the Reform Alliance, co-founded by rappers Meek Mill and Jay-Z and more are donating more than 100,000 surgical masks to inmates in the United States amid the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, the organization has advocated for politicians to reduce the inmate population in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

It has become clear that the United States was not prepared for this pandemic outbreak. However, it is saddening to see that government and state officials were not willing to take the first steps to protect the most vulnerable populations: people of color, homeless people and incarcerated people. COVID-19 has exposed to the public, almost daily, how selfish most of us have become. Politicians, government and state officials should consider all populations when trying to implement policies or strategies to combat the Coronavirus. It should not have to take non-profit organizations or pressures elsewhere in order to have these policies benefit all populations.

A’yanna Armstrong, a Mount Vernon High School graduate – Class of 2017attended Pace University Pleasantville Campus for two years before transferring to University at Buffalo for her junior year to study Political Science/Law.

She is also the author of a new book called “A New Hope For Justice.”

A Hope For Justice is an innovative approach to how everyone can make an impact on criminal justice reform. It is a non-fiction book that speaks to young adults and adults who are interested in ways to improve the criminal justice system and how to reform prisons to reduce the recidivism rate.

The Mount Vernon native stopped by the People Before Politics Radio Show, Sunday, January 19, 2020 to chop it up on her new book, getting out of her initial publishing deal, choosing the self-publishing route and much more (see interview at https://www.blackwestchester.com/ayanna-armstronginterview/).

You can purchase A’yanna’s new book on Amazon. Black Westchester salutes this young Black Author and encourages all our supporters to support her and cop a copy or two!

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