Volume 7/ Issue 1 BW August 15, 2023 - 6th Anniversary Issue

AUGUST

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Founded in 2014 by DAMON K. JONES

AJ WOODSON

Published by URBANSOUL MEDIA GROUP 342 South 7th Avenue Mount Vernon, NY 10550 (914) 979-2093

www.BlackWestchester.com

Email: BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com

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Publisher

DAMON K. JONES @DamonKJones

Editor-In-Chief

AJ WOODSON @BWEditorInChief

Mistress Of Information

Brenda L. Crump

News Reporters/ Writers

AJ Woodson

Damon K. Jones

Photographers

AJ Woodson

Joy Malone

Graphic Designers

AJ Woodson

Paula S. Woodson/ PS Visually Speakin’

For Advertising Rates

AdvertiseWithBW@gmail.com

Letters To The Editor

BWEditorInChief@gmail.com

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.

A FEW WORDS FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Welcome to our special Anniversary Issue of Black Westchester.

This issue celebrates several anniversaries, the 9-year anniversary of BlackWestchester.com, and the People Before Politics Radio Show as well as the 6-year anniversary of Black Westchester Newspaper. We also made the prestigious City & State Magazine Westchester Power 100 list for the fourth straight year

We want to take this time to thank all of you, we could not have gotten here without you and we are dedicated to continuing delivering The News With The Black Point Of View and continue give you that Real Talk For The Community!

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

AJ Woodson

MOUNT VERNON TAXPAYERS ON THE HOOK FOR ANOTHER RICHARD THOMAS LAWSUIT

Former Mayor Settles Lawsuit with Former Police Commissioner Who Accused Thomas of Defamation

On August 18th, 2023, former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas settled a lawsuit brought against him for defamation by former Police Commissioner Robert Kelly. Thomas offered a written retraction to defamatory comments he made against Kelly to settle the lawsuit.

Kelly filed the lawsuit in New York Supreme Court, after Thomas, acting as a private citizen, gave an interview to the Yonkers Voice on December 3, 2021, in which Thomas falsely claimed that Kelly, “framed” innocent people.

Thomas’ retraction stated, “1 am not aware of any instance in which former Police Commissioner Robert Kelly framed people for a crime.” The retraction corrected the untruths uttered in the interview.

“It is important to fight the good fight. Transparency and honesty are necessary for good government. And those who are not honest should be held accountable,” Kelly stated.

In Dec. 2021, Mt Vernon Corporation Counsel, Brian Johnson, initially refused to provide Thomas with legal counsel to defend Thomas in the lawsuit, because Thomas was acting as a private citizen. However, this year, Johnson reconsidered, in large part because of a state judge’s ruling in an unrelated case.

Following his arrest in 2018, Thomas in an effort to deflect attention from his arrest, marshalled the

resources of the city’s Corporation Counsel to file a malicious and factually untrue civil lawsuit against Kelly and others, in the Southern District of New York. Kelly representing himself had those charges dismissed in federal court with prejudice. The cost to the City of Mt Vernon for this legal action is unknown.

Kelly was fired by Thomas, in 2016, when Thomas was Mayor and Kelly served as Police/Fire Commissioner. Thomas contends that Kelly was fired for changing police reports, related to the afterhours entry to City Hall by two city councilmen, both critics of Thomas. The report listed them as suspects, which Kelly acknowledged changing. Kelly contends that Thomas fired Kelly because Kelly would not reinstate Thomas’s brother as a city firefighter, after he was arrested for selling illegal handguns to an FBI undercover agent, while on duty.

Kelly said he took Thomas’ letter last week as an acknowledgment that he had been untruthful. The lawsuit was never about money, he added, but holding people accountable for their words. Lohud reported that Kelly said the amount he sought in his lawsuit, $832,000, was based on a New Testament passage, John 8:32, in which Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”

Thomas ran a write-in campaign in the Democratic primary for mayor but finished in last place. According to the BOE, his bid to get an independent line on the November ballot failed.

CE LATIMER TOUTS LARGEST EVER ILLEGAL VAPE BUST

County Program Aimed at Cracking Down on Illegal and Underage Sales Continues

(White Plains, NY) – As part of County Executive George Latimer’s initiative aimed at cracking down on illegal vape sales, the Westchester County Dept of Health has been conducting more frequent and enhanced compliance checks. These checks over the last two months have resulted in more than 70 inspections of licensed facilities in the County.

This is one of the largest illegal vape sales the County Health Dept has come across in the history of the Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act (ATUPA) program. This “bust” was done in combination with Greenburgh Drug and Alcohol Taskforce. The Taskforce is made up of Police Agencies from Ardsley, Greenburgh, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, Irvington, Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow and North Castle. The County confiscated all of the product and have it secured and the operator was issued a ticket and has a hearing on the issue pending.

“In our pursuit of protecting public health –particularly in the case of minors, our initiative against illegal vape sales is showing real results, CE Latimer shared with Black Westchester. “Through intensified

compliance checks and strong partnerships like the recent operation with Greenburgh Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, we’re combatting this issue. Our actions, supported by dedicated teams, are showing results. While most comply, we’re taking a stand against illegal sales, confiscating banned products and upholding our commitment to a healthier Westchester. We salute the County professionals who enforce these laws every day.”

Since the County began the enhanced enforcement, utilizing Dept of Public Safety Park Rangers under the age of 21 and a larger group of trained staff (sanitarians), the County has seen greater results with enforcement of NYS Tobacco Regulations.

Although the majority of checks have resulted in facilities being in compliance, there have been multiple illegal sales of tobacco products to minors across the county. In addition, the County Health Department has also seized hundreds of flavored vape tobacco products which are illegal to sell in New York State.

Facilities that are found to be in violation of New York State Public Health Law Article 13-F are issued an appearance ticket by the Department of Health where significant fines may be assessed in addition to potentially losing their license to sell tobacco products.

NEW ROCHELLE BRANCH OF NAACP CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY

The New Rochelle branch of the NAACP celebrated a century of defending civil rights, Saturday, August 19th.

“The constant is, we’re made of people who love our community and are committed to justice,” said New Rochelle NAACP president Mark McLean. “The NAACP is always at the forefront of fighting for our community.”

At New Rochelle’s Five Islands Park, locals and visitors alike commemorated the 100th anniversary of the New Rochelle NAACP. New Rochelle Branch President Minister Mark McLean and other officers were on hand to welcome everyone to the picnic and day of fun. The occasion marked a watershed moment in the development of the New Rochelle Branch, and the public was invited to attend and share in the festivities.

The Branch was founded in 1923 under the presidency of Dr. Leon Scott, and since then it has been led by a number of influential figures. A group of people

who care deeply about doing what’s right for their neighborhood and the world, President McLean said. The NAACP has been a pioneer in the struggle for civil rights for African Americans.

“I would like to Congratulate President Mark McClean and all the members of the New Rochelle NAACP as they celebrate 100 years of the legacy and the mission of the NAACP,” Janice Griffith, White Plains/ Greenburgh NAACP President shared with BW.

“Congratulations on reaching a historic milestone of 100 years. Your tireless dedication to civil rights and social Justice has made an incredible impact on society. here’s to a century of advocacy, progress, and positive change. May your legacy continue to inspire generations to come,” said Kathie Brewington, Mount Vernon NAACP President.

ENERGY JUSTICE ALLIANCE APPLAUDS WESTCHESTER COUNTY ADOPTION OF SINGLE USE PLASTIC LEGISLATION

Reducing single-use plastic use reduces waste, forwards environmental justice and promotes healthy communities. The Energy Justice Alliance applauds Westchester County’s adoption of single-use plastic legislation aimed at reducing the amount of plastics in the County’s waste stream. The law will require that restaurants must supply single-use items only upon request and bans plastic single use stirrers. This law will reduce waste, preventing single-use items that can’t be recycled from being landfilled, incinerated or polluting our land and waterways.

“We applaud Westchester County for taking action on single-use plastics. Single-use plastics end up in the water, in landfills, in trash incinerators, and ultimately in our bodies, disproportionately impacting frontline communities,” Raya Salter, Executive Director, Energy Justice Law and Policy Center: We look forward to working with officials to make Westchester a zero-waste county.”

The Energy Justice Alliance of the Hudson Valley is a BIPOC-led coalition of community stakeholders throughout the region, connecting residents in Albany and Troy to Mount Vernon and New Rochelle. We work to ensure a community-based equitable dialogue and economic participation during unprecedented times for environmental remediation and climate justice. The Energy Justice Alliance is a coalition convened by the Energy Justice Law and Policy Center

The Honorable Harry O. Bright, Jr. peacefully departed this life on August 4, 2023. The White Plains resident was a constant champion of civil rights and social justice for all Westchester residents. He served as executive director of the White Plains Commission on Human Rights from 1985-2003. He was also chair of the board of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam, past president of the New York State Association of Human Rights Commissions, co-founder of the White Plains Coalition for Cultural and Racial Harmony and co-founder of Embracing Diversity and Ending Racism and the co-founder of the Black Democrats of Westchester.

Harry held many positions of responsibility and leadership throughout his life in White Plains. He taught Physical Education at Mount Vernon Public Schools and was proud to see many of his students go on to live successful, fulfilling lives. For five years, he worked with the National Conference of Christians and Jews as Associate Director of New York City. Harry went on to serve on the White Plains Common Council from 1975 to 1979, the first African American to serve in an elected capacity for the City of White Plains. After 14 years in marketing with Eastman Chemical Products, Harry returned to his love for the community, taking the position as Director of the White Plains Commission on Human Rights which he proudly held for over 12 years.

Harry’s service to the community took a myriad of forms. He was a Past President of the Rotary Club of White Plains; a Paul Harris Fellow; the President of the Association of Local Human Rights Agencies of New York State; and President and Co-Founder of the White Plains Coalition for Cultural and Racial Harmony. Harry served on the Boards of the White Plains YMCA; the Greater White Plains Council of Community Services; and the United Way of Westchester and Putnam Counties. He received Community Service Awards from the Salvation Army and the White Plains Historical Society. Harry was a Senior Trustee of the Chatterton Hill United Church of Christ. From 2004 to 2007, he was the Chairman of the Board of United Way of Westchester and Putnam. Harry was honored with many proclamations and recognitions from city and state officials throughout his career. Throughout it all, Harry maintained his love for music by playing violin as a member of the Westchester Community Orchestra and the New Westchester Symphony Orchestra.

A graduate of Seton Hall University and New York University, Harry was the recipient of many distinguished awards, including the: YMCA of White Plains Racial Justice Award, Westchester Philharmonic Music America Lifetime Achievement Award, Westchester County Human Rights Commission Champion of Human Rights Award, and the Ted Benjamin Award for Outstanding Service to the People of White Plains and in 2002, Harry O. Bright, Jr. was inducted into the Seton Hall University Athletic Hall of Fame for his prowess in track and field.

In 1958 he went to Cambodia to work for the US State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Exchange. He trained local teachers in Physical Education methodology and served as National Track and Field Coach. While there, he wrote Track and Field for Beginners, the first sports book to be translated into the Cambodian language. Its French translation was used in the French-speaking countries of Africa, where Harry also worked. We celebrate the life & legacy of Harry O. Bright Jr, a true Black Westchester Legend!

FLORIDA STATE REPRESENTATIVE ANGIE NIXON SAY RON DESANTIS HAS ‘BLOOD ON HIS HANDS’ AFTER JACKSONVILLE SHOOTING

BY AJ WOODSON

was instead one of three Black people gunned down Saturday afternoon at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida.

Gallion, 29, was shot as he entered the store’s front door with his girlfriend in a predominantly Black neighborhood. The killing marked him as another victim in the latest racist attack in the US.

“My brother shouldn’t have lost his life,” his sister, Latiffany Gallion, said Sunday. “A simple day of going to the store, and he’s taken away from us forever.”

NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement, condemning the act of hatred and calling for the ban of assault weapons:

“It’s a sad day in America when we realize that extremists will stop at nothing to undermine our work to thrive. As we continued the march for freedom in Washington, hateful actors continued to carry out the white supremacist agenda in Jacksonville, claiming the lives of Black Americans in the name of an era we refuse to go back to. Today’s tragedy is a reminder of why we march, and why we will stop at nothing to ensure that democracy works for everybody. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who stand to be forever impacted by today’s acts of hatred. Enough is enough. We must ban assault weapons now.”

On May 20, 2023, the NAACP Board of Directors issued a formal travel advisory for the state of Florida. The travel advisory comes in direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis’ aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools.

During the continuation of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, a white supremacist follower in Jacksonville claimed the lives of three Black Americans at a Dollar General store.

Florida lawmaker Angie Nixon slammed Governor, Ron DeSantis, after a 21-year-old white man named Ryan Palmeter, who “hated Black people” killed Angela Michelle Carr, 52, Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre Jr, 19, and Jarrald De’Shaun Gallion, 29 in what officials described as a “racially motivated” attack in Jacksonville on Saturday. August 26th.

“Look, at the end of the day, the governor has blood on his hands,” Nixon, who represents a district that includes the site of the deadly Dollar General store shooting, told MSNBC on Sunday.

“He has had an attack, an all-out attack on the Black community with his antiwoke policies, which we know very well was nothing more than a dog whistle to get folks up and riled up in the way in which it just happened yesterday. As I listened to him for the first time with that statement, my blood is literally boiling,” Nixon said.

As the Gov DeSantis began speaking at the vigil on Sunday, many members of a crowd of over a hundred people booed DeSantis, forcing him to step back from the microphone.

The shooting took place at a Dollar General store just blocks from the historically-Black Edward Waters University.

Shortly before the gunman went on a killing spree, his parents called law enforcement to say they had found a manifesto. The gunman had reportedly called his parents ahead of the attack and told them to look at his computer.

Sheriff TK Waters described those writings as a “disgusting ideology of hate”. “The manifesto is, quite frankly... the diary of a madman,” he said. “He knew what he was doing. He was 100% lucid. He knew what he was doing and again, it’s disappointing that anyone would go to these lengths to hurt someone else.”

Family members, including Anolt Laguerre, father of Dollar General cashier Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre Jr., expressed their unspeakable anguish on Sunday. Laguerre said his son recently graduated from high school and was working as a cashier at the Dollar General store where the shooting took place. “He hasn’t even lived his life yet,” the father said.

The anger and rage I right now as electeds in Florida throw up their hollow statements about the racist violence that occured. Your complicity is one of the factors that led to this. I am so angry and sad for those families,” State Rep Angie Nixon post on X (formerly called Twitter).

Nixon criticized DeSantis, who has condemned the attack, after he said “targeting people due to their race has no place in the state of Florida” at a press conference on Sunday.

DeSantis has come under fire for backing efforts to loosen gun restrictions, gone after what he describes as “woke” policies, and supported controversial standards for teaching Black history in his state.

Nixon noted that she and other Black lawmakers have “repeatedly” warned the GOP presidential candidate about his rhetoric.

“This is absurd, it’s ridiculous. He is one of the causes to this. This is an agenda that he has been pushing since he has gotten into office,” said Nixon, who referred to the governor’s “monkey this up” remark when he ran against 2018 Democratic opponent Andrew Gillum, who is Black.

“We have Republican leadership across this state who are doing everything to continually attack Black lives. They are doing everything to erase Black history. They are feeding our children propaganda. All that does is lead to the devaluation of Black lives,” she added.

Nixon, who appeared alongside the governor as he was booed at a Jacksonville vigil on Sunday, wrote in a post on X that DeSantis “needs to apologize for his part” in the attack.

“Gov. DeSantis and the Republican Party of Florida are doing nothing but hurting us. And I am angry. I will not continue to sit idly by,” Nixon said in an emotional message.

Just hours after a gunman opened fire in a Dollar General, killing three people, the National Rifle Association (NRA) posted a pro-gun photo on X. The post took a quote by President Joe Biden saying “Nobody needs an AR-15” and claimed that most Americans “disagree” with this.

“Americans vehemently disagree with Joe on this. Millions of law-abiding citizens own and use AR-15s to defend themselves and their families,” the NRA wrote.

Gun activists criticised the organisation for posting the pro-gun ad just hours after the gunman in Jacksonville used an AR-15-style rifle.

Fred Guttenberg, a gun-control activist, responded: “No entity has worked harder than the NRA to fuel gun violence in America. The American Carnage on our streets is because of them. More guns are not making us safer.”

Father, 29, among three killed in racially-motivated attack, Jerrald Gallion planned to spend the weekend with his 4-year-old daughter but the devoted father was

“Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”

“Let me be clear - failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all,” said NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson. “Under the leadership of Governor Desantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon. He should know that democracy will prevail because its defenders are prepared to stand up and fight. We’re not backing down, and we encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation.”

“Once again, hate-inspired state leaders have chosen to put politics over people. Governor Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida have engaged in a blatant war against principles of diversity and inclusion and rejected our shared identities to appeal to a dangerous, extremist minority,” said Chair of the NAACP Board of Directors, Leon Russell. “We will not allow our rights and history to be held hostage for political grandstanding. The NAACP proudly fights against the malicious attacks in Florida, against Black Americans. I encourage my fellow Floridians to join in this fight to protect ourselves and our democracy.”

America sets horrifying 17-year record for mass killings, the US saw more mass killings in the first half of this year than any other six-month period over the last 17 years, new data shows. There were more than 28 mass killings between January 1st and June 30th, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University.

Previously, the record for a six-month period was 27 – which was set in the second half of 2022. The database defines a mass killing as an incident where four or more people are killed, not including the attacker, within a 24-hour period.

I close with the words of State Representative Angie Nixon who sums up the whole ordeal perfectly/

“The racist coward litterally went to a Historically Black University to kill Black students. Got stopped. Then redirected his hatred, racism and vilence to the local store where he told all non Black people to get out and then proceeded to kill Black People.”

MOTHER PEARL C. QUARLES IS RECOGNIZED DURING PRE-MOTHERS DAY JAZZ BRUNCH 2023

Sister to Sister International saluted Queen Mother Pearl C. Quarles during their PreMothers Day Jazz Brunch & Hat Parade to benefit their Reach for the Stars scholarship fundraiser at Julianos in New Rochelle, NY.

Special Guest Mistress of Ceremonies for the occasion was Supreme Court Judge Janet Malone joined by a who’s who of elected officials, STSI members, family and friends.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman presented a Congressional Proclamation to the Hon. Pearl C. Quarles, the first African-American woman to serve on the Westchester County Board of Legislators. She was also the first Black to chair the New Rochelle School Board, and was a leader in various civic, religious and charitable endeavors. The Hon. Pearl C. Quarles was also the first African American to be hired in a “white collar” position in the banking industry in Westchester County and has received numerous awards for her contributions, over the years. She was also an inaugural board member of Sister to Sister International and has most recently served as parliamentarian.

The Pre-Mothers Day Jazz Brunch & Hat Parade event was well attended by various elected officials from Westchester County including NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Deputy County Executive Kenneth Jenkins, Mt. Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Yonkers City Council President, Lakisha Collins-Bellamy, and Judge Delores Scott Brathwaite, White Plains, Greenburgh Town Court; Yonkers City Court Judges Verris B. Shako and Karen T. Beltran; along with Legislators Terry Downes Clements, Christopher A. Johnson and New Rochelle Mayoral Candidate, Yadira Ramos-Herbert.

Previous scholarship awardees: Sayidana Brannan Douglas, Khadyja Sarr, and Jordanne Lewis provided testimonies explaining their journey being part of the STSI STEAM program and how it has greatly benefited their career trajectory as adults. All attended the Inaugural STEM Camp in 2010 and have since secured master’s degrees and pursued careers in filmmaking and digital media, hospital administration and medicine, respectively. Additional testimonies were shared by former scholarship recipient and STEAM Program Consultant, Jhinelle Walker and Leah Townsend Brown, college student at New Delhi.

BW MAKES CITY & STATE MAGAZINE’S WESTCHESTER

POWER 100 LIST FOR 4TH CONSECUTITIVE YEAR

“Its humbling and an honor to be recognized by City & State Magazine as one of the Top 100 Power Brokers and ‘remarkable leaders powering Westchester,’ and to be highlighted for all our hardwork as we celebrate our 9-year anniversary of giving you the News With The Black Point of View and that Real Talk For The Community. Thank you all who have been riding with us. Like my brother Damon said we would not be here without all of you, we appreciate you and thank all of you for believing in us.”

The list included a pleothera of heavyweight in politics, business and community advocates like Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who forever destroyed the phrase Three Men In A Room, as the first female legislative conference leader In New York State history, who calls Yonkers, NY home. She tops the list at number one.

SISTER TO SISTER INTL. SALUTES LAVINIA

PETERSON BURNS SMITH

City & State Magazine released their 2023 Westchester Power 100, Monday, August 21st Black Westchester’s Publisher Damon K. Jones and Editor-In-Chief AJ Woodson made the prestigious list for the fourth year in a row.

“There may be no more dynamic journalistic duo in Westchester than Damon Jones and AJ Woodson, who collaboratively run one of Westchester’s largest Black publications: Black Westchester. Woodson has used the platform to commentate on the happenings of New York, diving into the rise of white vigilantism and public safety within the county. The pair have also interviewed a series of influential leaders on the People Before Politics Radio Show,” City & State Magazine wrote.

“Numerous Westchester elected officials bemoaned Gov. Kathy Hochul’s sweeping housing proposals, which would have required New York City’s suburbs to speed up the building of new homes. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins held firm in negotiations with the governor, putting the ambitious housing plan on hold. That’s not the only time this year the Yonkers Democrat has stood up to Hochul, as she played a key role in blocking the governor’s nominee for state chief judge.”

Then you have County Executive George Latimer next in the number two slot and Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano number three. Assembly Member Amy Paulin (#4), State Senators Jamaal Bailey, Nathalia Fernandez, Pete Harckham and Shelly Mayer collectively are listed in the number five slot. U.S. Congressman Jamaal Bowman os holding down the number six slot.

“Rep. Jamaal Bowman doesn’t shy away from conflict. The former school principal has gone viral for denouncing gun violence in standoffs with Republicans and joined fellow progressives in boycotting Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s address to Congress in July. Some observers have speculated that the progressive politician could mount a strong challenge against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, but Bowman has said he isn’t interested. A primary standoff may be headed his way regardless, as rumors suggest Westchester County Executive George Latimer may challenge him.”

Congressman Mike Lawler sits at number seven, Westcheser County District Attorney Mimi Rocah sits in the number eight slot, Marsha Gordon (President & CEO) and John Ravitz (COO) of the Business Council of Westchester share the number nine slot and Assembly Members Chris Burbick, Dana Levenberg, Steve Otis, J. Gary Pretlow, Nader Sayegh, Maryann Shimsky and Matt Slater collectively round off the top spot.

Mother Lavinia was a dedicated Board Member of Sister to Sister International, Inc. for many years and was active with all the organization’s women and girl’s empowerment strategies, especially related to youth. Our Board Members and the Community loved her dearly and were with her in sickness and in health. She became like an adopted grandmother to the STSI founder Cheryl Brannan and was loved greatly by her mom and aunt, who were both part of the STSI founding family group.

STSI will create a Scholarship in her name as part of their Reach for the Stars Scholarship Program 2024, along with her family. Please email bwgc2015@gmail.com should you wish to donate or assist with fundraising in memory of our beloved board member and champion for youth and seniors. Special thanks to Mayor Patterson for the proclamation presented by the City of Mount Vernon during Mother Lavinia’s services. Also, and a great vote of thanks to STSI team members who presented during her Home Going Services including: Cheryl Brannan, E. Adell Dowdy, Brenda Bracey, Subomi Macaulay and Malikah Dada Lumumba.

Born in Harlem Mother Lavinia attended schools in Harlem and the Bronx and later received Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College. She also received a PhD in Guidance and Counseling from Columbia University. She attended school with the Late John Henrick Clarke and Ruby Dee.

Mother Lavinia taught Early Childhood in and was a guidance counselor as well at PS 112X in the Northeast Bronx. During her tenure she was also involved with writing curricula for grades K-12.

In 1960 Mother Lavinia married the late Arnold Smith and resided in Mount Vernon, NY for many years.

She later retired but could not accept retirement and spent thirty more years working with young people wherever she could.

Mother Lavinia was very active and supported a number of community activities. She became a member of the Intergenerational Choir of Mount Vernon emerging as their lead songstress in the “Rapping Grannies” group! They rapped about social issues and were quite popular throughout the county.

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized for our unwavering commitment, determination, sacrifices, and unwavering faith that have fueled our journey thus far. We couldn’t have achieved this without the support of our amazing readers and community,” Damon said when the list came out.

Others on the list include Ken Jenkins, the first African-American Deputy County Executive (#17), Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and Comptroller Darren Morton (#18), Congressional Candidates Mondaire Jones, Whitmer Gereghty and MaryAnn Carr (#20), Yonkers President Lakisha CollinsBellamy, the first Black Woman to serve in the council’s top role (#22), Acting Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor shares the 23rd spot with the county’s Director of Operations Joan McDonald and Chief of Staff Andrew Ferris.

Vivian McKensie, Peekskill’s first Black Woman to serve as the city’s mayor holds down the 32nd slot. Belinda Miles, Westchester Community College’s first Black president comes in at number 37. New Rochelle Councilwoman Yadira Ramos-Herbert who is attempting to become the city’s first person of color and first woman to be elected mayor in November sits in the 40th slot. The Honorable Ruth Hassell-Thompson (#40) and Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus President Subomi Macaulay sits the 51st spot.

Other prominent leaders on the list include Grace Baptist Church Sr. Pastor Rev. W. Franklyn Richardson (#53), WCA Exec. Director Allison Lake (#57), Purchase College President Milagros Pena (#58), Tai Johnson (#70), Westhab President & CEO Rich Nightingale (#81), Community Voices Heard Exec. Dir. Juanita Lewis (#82), Westchester Community Health Center CEO Judith Watson (#84), Lifting Up Westchester CEO Anahaita Kotval (#85), M&T Bank Tarrytown regional President Tyre Robinson (#86), ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam (#91), Black Westchester Publisher Damon K. Jones & Editor-InChief AJ Woodson (#92), WESPAC Foundation Exec. Director Nada Khader (#96), Gov. Hochul’s Regional Representative, Lower Hudson Valley Brandon Lloyd is #99

Mother Lavinia was also a member of the Mount Vernon NY Senior Choir aka “The Rappers” and enjoyed practicing at the Dole Center in Mount Vernon. May she rest in Peace and Power. She is truly missed.

REP JAMAAL BOWMAN, SENATE MAJORITY LEADER SCHUMER, INTRODUCE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE HIP HOP’S CULTURAL IMPACT

BY AJ WOODSON

and disparaged the music altogether. Rep. Bowman’s resolution aims to reverse the lack of public recognition of Hip Hop by unequivocally recognizing Hip Hop and commemorating its place as a critical part of American culture for the past 50 years.

“Hip Hop is the rebirth of civilization,” said Rep. Jamaal Bowman. “For people who were disconnected from their continent, from their language, from their culture, and from their ancestry, Hip Hop represented a step toward rediscovering what it means to be a Black American or to be a Latino American. In using the English language to create an entirely new art form, the pioneers of Hip Hop created a vessel that grew to impact nearly every facet of American culture. As we continue our fight to advance civil rights and racial justice, we need to not only recognize but celebrate how Hip Hop and Black Americans have given so much to our culture and our country. I’m proud to lead Congress in formally recognizing Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary and the contributions that Hip Hop has made and will continue to make to our country and the world.”

“For decades I have fought to preserve and promote the legacy of Hip Hop as an original American art form. When greedy landlords wanted to close the apartment building on Sedgwick Avenue, where DJ Kool Herc first disk jockeyed beside an emcee and lots of hardworking people lived, we stopped them,” said Senator Charles Schumer. “I’m proud to honor Hip Hop’s history and its lasting influence with this Senate resolution, which acknowledges the evolution of Hip Hop culture and the tremendous impact it has had on our society and across the globe.”

Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA43), and Congresswoman Sydney-Kamlager Dove (CA-37) reintroduced a resolution in the House of Representatives that would designate August 11, 2023, as “Hip Hop Celebration Day,” August 2023 as “Hip Hop Recognition Month,” November 2023 as “Hip Hop History Month,” and celebrate this year as the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.

In mid July, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), led the resolution, and the United States Senate unanimously passed it, commemorating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Previously, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was born and raised in New York City, worked with DJ Kool Herc, rapper KRS-One, and the residents of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue to save the building when the owner wanted to sell it and remove its affordable housing units, according to Schumer.

“As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, we honor the genre’s contributions to our society and remember the lived experiences of our people who, through music, have changed the world,” Rep. Maxine Waters said. “Some of the early Hip Hop legends came out of the greater Los Angeles area, and through their lyrics managed to tell honest stories about our struggles and our triumphs. I’ve always said that there is no better way to tell our stories than for us to tell them ourselves and on our terms. Hip Hop, from its birth, has always given voice to the unheard and has served as a catalyst for change that moves our community, our culture, and our country forward. I am proud to join Rep. Jamaal Bowman in co-leading the reintroduction of this resolution.”

“Hip Hop is a critical part of America’s culture and our democracy,” said Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove. “From California’s own Hip Hop legends like Tupac to Nipsey Hussle, Black Americans, in particular, have used Hip Hop to advance movements and build community. I am glad to join Congressman Bowman and Senator Schumer in introducing this bicameral resolution to honor the legacy of Hip Hop as we mark its 50th anniversary this year. Hip Hop has touched nearly every American and impacted every community across the country, and we should shine a light on the work that Hip Hop artists and entertainers continue to do to make a difference in people’s lives.”

“We were able to prevent so many people from being displaced, and at the same time, make sure this historic landmark would be forever honored properly,” Schumer said in a speech on the Senate floor following the passage of the resolution.

Moreover, Schumer thanked Sen. Bill Cassidy and Rep. Jamaal Bowman, who worked on the resolution, and his friend LeRoy McCarthy, a “historian of hip-hop” who proposed the idea of honoring hip-hop, during his speech.

“Over the decades, hip-hop has transcended language, race, age, both geographic and socioeconomic barriers. Many people can attest to the fact that Hip Hop actually changed their lives for the better, gave them purpose and meaning. I know many of them myself, many of whom are New York City and Bronx residents,” Schumer continued. “So, Hip Hop is great. It’s a uniquely American art form that quickly blossomed into a global movement and we are proud, proud, proud today that this resolution, honoring the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, has passed.”

Hip Hop, now a worldwide phenomenon, had humble beginnings in New York City. Fifty years ago, on August 11, 1973, at a “Back To School Jam” held in the recreation room of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, New York, a new innovative style of disk jockeying and engaging the crowd with rap was introduced by Clive “DJ Kool Herc” Campbell. Since then, Hip Hop culture has spread across the nation and the world, uniquely infusing itself into the roots of communities everywhere.

The art and culture of Hip Hop, an original American creation, has transcended boundaries and has been reinvented many times over since its creation in 1973. Hip Hop artists and supporters were originally of African heritage but Hip Hop art and culture has become a melting pot, with its artists and supporters transcending ages, ethnicities, religions, locations, and socioeconomic statuses. Hip Hop has spawned a multi-billion dollar economy in various industries from high fashion to social media platforms. This influence has arguably placed Hip Hop at the center of American culture, both directly and indirectly influencing other genres of music and parts of American social life.

Despite these invaluable contributions to American culture and social life, Hip Hop has struggled to receive the recognition and admiration it deserves on a national level, and government officials have even banned the sale of certain rap albums and

LeRoy McCarthy of Heterodoxx Inc, a longtime New York City resident who led the naming effort to recognize the artists, Notorious B.I.G., who died in 1997, and Wu-Tang Clan, thanked the elected officials and their staff for unanimously passing the resolution. He said the action symbolized America’s support for the creators and communities from which Hip Hop came, thereby announcing to the nation and to the world that Hip Hop is a significant contributor to American society through the arts and culture. “Hip Hop, Don’t Stop!” he added.

“Hip Hop has come a long way from its roots in The Bronx, NYC, traveling around the world for 50 years, to being recognized in The House with this Hip Hop Resolution, as the saying goes Hip Hop Don’t Stop!” said McCarthy. “Thank you to Rep. Bowman, government officials, and staff, for this magnanimous honor for Hip Hop.”

“Thank you, Representative Bowman, the U.S. Congress members, and staff, for the 2023 Hip Hop Resolution,” said Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell. “We are looking forward to the continuous support and love from America for Hip Hop Arts and Culture into the future.”

The Hip Hop Resolution designates the following national observances:

• August 11th, 2021 as “Hip Hop Celebration Day” in honor of the anniversary of the birth of hip hop

• August 2021 as “Hip Hop Recognition Month” to highlight the contributions of Hip Hop to the broader American cultural landscape

• November 2021 as “Hip Hop History Month” to reflect on the historical treatment and development of the culture

You can read the full text of the resolution on BlackWestchester.com

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (left) said both he and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (right) were influenced by hip-hop music. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images

RENAISSANCE AT LINCOLN PARK

178 UNITS AT 117 GUION PLACE

New Rochelle, New York, Westchester County

Application Due: September 29, 2023

Amenities: Fitness Center, Pet-Friendly*, Parking Garage, Laundry Room, A/C, Community Room

Transit: Amtrak, Bx0007, Bx0042

Income Restrictions Apply – No

Applicants will not be automatically rejected based on credit or most background check info

Priority admissions: Mobility – disabled applicants (5%); Hearing/Vision disabled applicants (2%)

More Information: www.renaissance-lincoln-park.com

*Tenant pays electric. Income guidelines & permitted household size are subject to change.

**Minimum income listed may not apply to applicants with Section 8 or other qualifying rental subsidies. Asset limits also apply

***Breed Restrictions apply

Application Due Date: September 29, 2023

Must be postmarked or submitted online by this date. Sending more than 1 application may disqualify you

How to Apply:

Online: www.renaissance-lincoln-park.com

Request Application By Email: therenaissance@elhmgmt.com

By Mail:

Renaissance at Lincoln Park PO Box 8009 255 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY, 10802

Lottery Date & Location: October 16, 2023 at 10am via Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 224 326 012 626, passcode: iKxJGj)

The lottery will determine which applications will be reviewed for tenancy

YOU HAVE RIGHTS!

• If you have experienced housing discrimination: https://dhr.ny.gov/journey-fair-housing or call 844-862-8703

• Learn about how your credit and background check will be individually reviewed: https://on.ny.gov/3uLNLw4

INFORMATION

• 9 units are adapted for mobility impairment

• 4 units are adapted for hearing/vision impairment

• Reasonable accommodation and modifications may be requested

GREENBURGH FARMERS MARKET

BY AJ WOODSON

Something exciting and nutritious has come to Greenburgh! The towns first ever MWBE contract Colby Jenkins’ Gemstarr Entertainment in partnership with the Town of Greenburgh brought a new farmers market to Elm Street on the side of 90 Manhattan Avenue in the Fairview section of Greenburgh.

“We’re here because this was needed in this community, everyone else has a farmers market but Greenburg did not. We are in beautiful Greenburgh which was voted eighth in the in the United States as a family oriented community,” Athena Dent Alleyne, Manager of the Greenburgh Farmers Market shared. “The great thing about a farmers market is it allows to have healthier food choices in reference to fresh produce, vegatables and healthy baked goods. We support the small business owners, our produce vendor has food that comes straight for the farm. The fact that the community can get the same foods as a chef who cooks in restuarants and they can bring farm to table to their homes.”

Some of the vendors include Chef Sterling who has been a chef for 30 years and now owns Sterling Bake Shop (sterlingculinaryconcepts.com) in Ardsley, which has freshly basked desserts made from all organic ingredients, and Mrs. Helen’s Desserts who has all kinds of sweets, “Freshly Baked With Love,” Mrs Helen is one of the farmers markets eldest vendors (seen pictured with Lane Cobb), she has some delicious oatmeal raisin cookies and vegan brownies, which I personal purchased and tasted and enjoyed myself, Tish’s Home Baked Goods, Black Seed Watermelon and Natural Juice, Four Wall Farm, El Morral’s Taco Truck, Mount Vernonbased Decota Naturals LLC, a family run soap company where you can get all kinds of great homemade Body Butters, Body Oils and Body Scrubs, basically everything you need for your cpmplete skin care routine, trust me when I tell you, there’s something there for everyone!

“What I love the most about the Greenburgh Farmers Market is the economic development that we’re bringing to the community. We are supporting small business owners in a sea of commercial businesses,” Tasha Young seen wearing the Black Girl Magic tshirt holding up the fresh prodiuce in picture to your right.

No need to worry about GMOs, at the farmers market you will find fresh vegatables like corn, carrots, fresh basil, green peppers, cabbage, zucchini I picked up some fresh cucumbers for my salad, last week.

The Greenburgh Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9am - 2pm until November 18th. Stop by, pick up some fresh produce and support the local vendors, tell them Black Westchester sent you. They are also always looking for new vendors!

SISTER TO SISTER INTERNATIONAL (STSI’S) 2023 LOCAL & GLOBAL SUMMER INITIATIVES MAKE GREAT IMPACT!

PHOTOS BY JOY MALONE

in Yonkers specializing in fashion and technology. She has attended the STSI STEAM camp and various programs for over six years. Simone served as a camp counselor and has become a great public speaker while honing her skills at STSI and in the community over the years. She has a GPA of 82.39 and will be attending SUNY at Old Westbury with an interest in Higher Education.

Eko Dodd- Brown is a graduate of New Rochelle HS. Eko holds records in track and field and maintains community involvement through church and local organizations. Eko has challenged herself with the caliber of courses that she has elected to take including AP and honors. She has a GPA of 85.3 and will be attending SUNY at Oneonta where she plans to major in Business Administration.

Sabiha Dodd Brown is a graduate of New Rochelle HS. She is a student athlete and artist. Sabiha has achieved awards from the Westchester County All County Spring Track and Field Third Team, and is a national race walk champion. Sabiha is also active within her church youth group and local organizations. Sabiha has a GPA of 83.2 and will be attending Central Connecticut State University in the Journalism Broadcast program.

Jordan Acevedo is a graduate of Woodlands High School Greenburgh Central School district. She is the recipient of many Westchester and NYS recognitions for exemplary academic performance, athletic ability, and community service. Jordan is interested in biomedical engineering with a focus on creating medical devices and prosthetics. She has a GPA of 89.2 and will be attending Hampton University.

Sister to Sister International, Inc. (STSI) is a nonprofit non-governmental organization founded in 1994 whose mission is to motivate, educate, train, and advocate for the advancement of Black women and girls in Westchester County and beyond, in STEM & STEAM, Black Maternal Health, Entrepreneurship & Pay Equity and Social & Juvenile Justice. STSI collaborates with various partners to make a positive collective community impact in our areas of focus.

STEAM SUMMER CAMP 2023

Did you know that over 13 years ago, STSI created the first ever STEM & STEAM Summer Camp in the region for Black and girls of color? STSI STEM/STEAM programs have positively impacted over 2,000 girls in the region with many STEAM Sistahs embarking on careers as hospital leaders, architects, engineers, filmmakers, curators and more.

This year, STSI was excited to host twenty-five students at the Yonkers Riverfront Library, during their first fully in-person summer camp since the pandemic. The counselors were STSI student leaders Sanaa Beckles, Woodlands Middle High School, Oluwafadeyemi “Testimony” Akinkuolie-Ibidapo, Yonkers High School and alumni, Anaiya Baptista, at SUNY Delhi. The participants included middle and high school Black and girls of color from throughout the region.

Cheryl Brannan, STSI founder & STEAM Program Architect, said “We are delighted to once again host in person sessions during our STEAM Camp and are grateful to again have AT&T join us as a gold sponsor. They have been a great partner and investor in supporting our digital literacy curriculum and activities.”

STSI’s seminal research report entitled, “The Status of Black Women & Girls in Westchester County,” (2019) highlighted the lack of fully resourced STEM & STEAM programs in schools with large Black and Brown, student populations in the region. This year not only did STSI continue its advance review of math and science courses with students, along with leadership, public speaking, healthy eating and movement modules, they expanded their offerings with other great opportunities.

According to Jhinelle Walker, STSI’s STEAM Program Consultant, “The girls were able to participate in modules that educated and helped them explore selfadvocacy, establishing healthy boundaries, colorism & texturism, professional etiquette, improving executive functioning, digital literacy, as well as growing and trusting one’s intuition.”

Some of the inspirational field trips included an Arts Westchester Yonkers: Special Comic Book exhibition with Evan Bishop, where students made their own superheroes and identified their superpowers; the Science Barge taught students about environmental sustainability and climate change; and the Westchester County Airport visit where students learned about careers in aviation and toured custom aircraft. Sagar Sarr, an 11th Grader at Walter Panas High School and the STSI STEAM Co-President said, “Sitting in the pilot’s seat at the Westchester County Airport during STEAM camp made me more determined to pursue a career as a pilot!”

Longtime friend and STEM Camp supporter NYS Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart Cousins delivered remarks and assisted in awarding certificates to graduating STSI STEAM Sistahs and Reach for the Stars Scholarship Award recipients who were both celebrated during the same ceremony, along with STSI leaders, members, family and friends at the Beczack Environmental Center, in Yonkers on the Hudson River.

REACH FOR THE STARS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

STSI awarded six Reach for the Stars scholarships and recognition to students, including STEAM Sistah high school graduates and other outstanding youth in the community who are pursuing higher education.

Special STSI Founders Recognition was presented by Cheryl Brannan to Jaelee Hewlett a STEAM Sistah and graduate of New Rochelle High School where she was a varsity sprinter and will be attending Pennsylvania State University, majoring in Hospitality Management in the fall; as well as Charles Jaden Taylor who is a former Roosevelt High School senior in Yonkers, who is pursuing a career in carpentry. He has supported STSI and our programs over the years.

Other distinguished scholarship recipients included Oluwafadeyemi “Testimony” Akinkuolie-Ibidapo recently graduated from Yonkers High School where she received an International Baccalaureate diploma and was a member of many clubs. Testimony has been an outstanding STEAM Sistah and served as a senior counselor for this year’s summer camp. She has a GPA of 91.82 and will be attending Mount Holyoke.

Simone Brannan is a graduate of Saunders Trades and Technical High School

Eugene Robinson is a graduate of Woodlands High School in the Greenburgh Central School District. They have pushed themselves beyond the box in their choosing to take courses such as Mandarin Chinese and Cyber Security in High School. Eugene indicated that they want to become one of the first African American Artificial Intelligence experts to change how AI is utilized. Eugene intends to build robotics and AI that do not have racial default or bias. Eugene has a GPA of 96 and has been accepted to Spelman College.

STSI Scholarship Chairperson, Brenda Bracey, said “We thank the public for their support of our fundraising campaigns enabling us to raise funds to support our stellar scholarship recipients reach for the stars in life. We are confident that they will be successful!” (article continued on page 24)

IN REMEMBRANCE: CAROLE J. MORRIS

BY AJ WOODSON

and others in health care, rest in solidarity and pursuit of common goals for the benefit of all.”

We will remember Carole for her friendship, her indomitable spirit, and her invaluable contributions that helped advance Community Health Centers into the forefront of America’s health care.

Our deepest sympathies are extended to family, friends, and the communities she loved.

On August 27, 1973, Carole J, Morris founded the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center. During an interview where we celebrated Black Women of Westchester on the People Before Politics Radio Show, the opening week of my book release, one of those whose lives she touched, the current CEO Judith Watson, RN, BSN, MPH discussed how Carole was a mentor and more to her.

“Carole Morris, The founder and CEO of the Mount Vernon Health Center is an amazing, amazing woman, human being, and mogul, not just in Mount Vernon but in the county of Westchester, nationally, and regionally. I am actually at a conference right now in Albany, our Primary Care Association of Community Health Centers, she is one of the founders of this organization, 50 years ago, and here I am sitting at this conference right now. Carole Morris, mentor, friend, mother, boss,” Judith Watson, RN, BSN, MPH shared with Black Westchester on Sunday, March 5, 2023.

On Wednesday, April 19, 2023, elected officials, dignitaries, community leaders, and guests gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center (MVNHC). The occasion was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony for a $12 million renovation of the Mt. Vernon facility and the unveiling of MVNHC’s new name and brand. In order to more accurately reflect its broader geographic service area, MVNHC is now known as Westchester Community Health Center.

Her many highlights and accomplishments, (too many to name all here) include being a speaker at the White House Conference of Teenagers – Raising Responsible and Resourceful Youth, May 2, 2000, during the Clinton Administration. the conference was a gathering to underscore some of the common misconceptions that parents have about the teenage years and offered strategies for raising responsible and resourceful youth. Conference participants highlighted ways in which parents, schools, businesses, the media, and others in the larger community can support children during this critical stage of life. This was President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton’s first-ever White House Conference on Teenagers

Carole J. Morris may be gone, but her legacy lives on in the newly named Westchester Community Health Center, and all the lives she touched like the current CEO Judith Watson.

The founder and CEO of the Mount Vernon Health Center Carole J. Morris transitioned, Thursday, June 29, 2023. Black Westchester would like to take this time to offer our condolences to her daughter Linda Morris, her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched along the way.

The Westchester Community Health Center (formerly Mount Vernon Health Center) remembers its founder and CEO Carole Morris

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Carole Morris, RN, BA, former founder and CEO of the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center (now Westchester Community Health Center) on June 29, 2023. For over forty-four years, Ms. Morris worked tirelessly to provide quality healthcare services to the most vulnerable. She was a true visionary who grew the health center from trailer units to multiple locations currently serving over 42,000 patients and 132,000 visits annually.

We will miss our matriarch. She worked to improve public health in her community. She served as the first President of the National Association of Community Health Centers and one of the founders of the Community Health Care Association of New York State. Ms. Morris also served as President of Community Choice Health Plan of Westchester.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

The National Association of Community Health Centers also released a statement in remembrance of its first President.

NACHC mourns the passing of a colleague and leader in the Community Health Center Movement – Carole J. Morris, who passed away on June 29th.

Carole was the founder and former CEO of Mt. Vernon Neighborhood Health Center, now Westchester Community Health Center in New York. She was also a longtime member of NACHC, serving as Board Chair from 1995-1996 – and a founding member of the Community Health Care Association of New York State.

Throughout a lifetime of service, Carole was a forceful advocate for the nation’s medically underserved and low-income populations. During her tenure as NACHC’s Chair of the Board, she helped navigate a turbulent time when health centers were buffeted by dramatic shifts in public policy.

She called for the mobilization of the grassroots and for health centers to show in “hard facts” the savings they produce and the value of positive outcomes of primary care interventions. She also called for a strong NACHC, expressing what holds true today:

“We must speak with a collective voice that bears clout and strength. The many successes we have achieved … the recognition that we hold among providers

The Board of Directors of the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center, Inc., d/b/a Westchester Community Health Center, will be opening its doors on Saturday, July 29, 2023, and hosting a repast, following services held at the Greater Centennial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church located at100 Carole Morris Way (W 4th Street), to the friends and family, for Health Center staff, and for community members whose lives have been touched by Ms. Carole Morris’ legacy. Ms. Morris was a visionary among leaders in the healthcare field. She worked tirelessly for over forty-four years to provide quality healthcare services that serve as a safety net for the poor and the medically underserved while providing the highest quality healthcare services for all those who enter their doors regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.

Carole Morris’ Homegoing will be Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 10 am at Greater Centennial, and the repast immediately following at the Neighborhood Health Center she founded across the street, 50 years ago on August 27, 1973.

We celebrate Carole J. Morris a true Black Westchester Legion!!!

REMEMBERING ELISE FINCH: CBS LOSES A BELOVED COLLEAGUE, MT. VERNON LOSES A NATIVE DAUGHTER

BY AJ WOODSON

CBS-New York meteorologist and Mount Vernon resident Elise Dione Finch Henriques, died suddenly over the weekend, just a day or two after appearing on air. She was 51 years old, she died July 16, 2023, in a local hospital, although her cause of death isn’t disclosed just yet.

In April 2007, Elise Finch, a meteorologist, and Emmy Award winner joined the CBS New York weather team and was most recently on the morning news with Mary Calvi and Chris Wragge. In September, Elise joined Cindy Hsu on the 9 am newscast. Before joining the CBS team, Ms. Finch formerly worked for NBC as a meteorologist on the “Early Today Show,” MSNBC, and NBC Weather Plus.

CBS in remembrance in the beloved colleague said, “Elise was a gifted and consummate professional who took great care with her work. She was also a wonderful ambassador in the community, including her hometown of Mount Vernon. Above all, Elise was a fiercely loving and devoted mother to her daughter Grace and wife to Graig Henriques, who is a photojournalist at WCBS.”

WCBS anchor Jessica Moore choked up with grief as she announced Finch’s death on-air Sunday. She also tweeted a heartwarming message.

“Elise was fiercely loyal to those she loved, a straight shooter, a consummate professional, and made me laugh until I cried,” Moore wrote. “But above all she was completely devoted to her family, especially her daughter Grace. I love you so much, my friend. Heaven now has an angel like no other.”

WCBS reporter Tony Aiello also remembered Finch for her love of music.

“The song of her life deserved many more verses. Her gifts were many, and so too the lives she touched,” he tweeted. “My deepest condolences to Graig and little Grace, her parents and sister, and all our CBS2 family.”

“My heart hurts. Elise Finch was our light, our rock, our dear friend. I am beyond saddened at the tragic loss of a woman I so adored and respected,” Mary Calvi shared.

“One of Mount Vernon, New York’s GEMS gone too soon,” Mount Vernon City Councilman Derrick Thompson wrote on Facebook.

Ms. Finch was previously the weekend weather anchor for the Phoenix CBS affiliate. She had previously worked as a news anchor and reporter for the ABC and CBS stations in Austin, Minnesota, and Youngstown, Ohio. It was at E! Entertainment Television that Finch got her start in the television industry; she was a production coordinator for live events and other one-off projects.

Finch attended Mount Vernon High School and grew up in the Mount Vernon community of New York. She attended Georgetown University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science and was honored with a President’s Award. She continued her education at Syracuse University and got her master’s degree in broadcast journalism. The American Meteorological Society accredits Ms. Finch and is a graduate of Mississippi State University’s Broadcast Meteorology Program.

Finch is a big fan of showing up to local gatherings. She has served as emcee for events hosted by the Westchester Library System, the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater New Jersey, the Mount Vernon High School Hall of Fame, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Ms. Finch is a meteorologist and a member of the American Meteorological Society and the National Association of Black Journalists. The Westchester area is her home.

Elise Finch was born on 24th February 1972 in Mount Vernon to James Finch Jr and Charlotte Finch. She grew up with her sibling sister named Kiya. Elise completed her high school education at Mount Vernon high school in New York City.

After which she went on to pursue her college education at Georgetown University. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in science degree and also pursued her Master’s in Broadcast Journalism from Syracuse University. Later she completed the Broadcast Meteorology Program at Mississippi State University and received the seal of approval from the American Meteorological Society.

Elise started her career as a journalist working behind the scenes at E! Entertainment and also helped as a production coordinator for special projects. Later on, she started working as a meteorological journalist in 2007 when she joined the WCBS network where she worked as a weekend weather anchor.

She has worked at CBS, ABC, and FOX network affiliates in Ohio, and Minnesota. After that, she joined the NBC network as a meteorological journalist and started anchoring on the “Early today show” at MSNBC and for NBC Weather Plus. She was well-known for her unique style of weather reporting and is also an award-winning reporter. She was awarded the Emmy Award for her work at CBS meteorological team in 2019.

• Elise was awarded the President award for her academics during her Bachelor’s graduation at Georgetown University.

• She has been an anchor for the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater New Jersey, Mount Vernon High School Hall of Fame, JDRF Walk for a Cure, etc in their community events.

• Elise was a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the American Meteorological Society.

• She was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority for around 25 years.

• Elise was a patron of the Minisink Spirit Inc where leadership training is provided to youth.

While celebrating Elise Finch, Tuesday, July 25th at Macedonia Baptist Church (141 South 9th Ave, Mount Vernon), another great Mount Vernon Knight, the World renowned saxophonist Mike Phillips blessed those in attendance with an incredibly soulful rendition of “Going up Yonder.”

We celebrate the life and legacy of Elise Dione Finch Henriques, a true Black Westchester Legend. You may be gone but will never be forgotten!!

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FOUR YEARS STRONG AND COUNTING

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 threeyear 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.

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 business with communities of color in 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 in our weekly talk radio show, People Before Politics Radio, where we have been bringing you Real Talk For The Community since 2014.

DONT CALL IT A COMEBACK - SIMONE BILES & SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON RETURN STRONG AFTER ADVERSITY

BY AJ WOODSON

The news that the American sprinting star Sha’Carri Richardson faced disqualification from the Olympics after testing positive for marijuana quickly drew an outsized reaction across the country. And for many people that reaction was: “Wait, you can be kicked out of the Olympics for pot?”

Richardson won the women’s 100-meter race at the U.S. track and field trials in Oregon. She was a favorite to win a medal in Tokyo, and with her colorful hair, vivacious personality and blazing speed she seemed poised to be one of the breakout American stars of the Games.

But under the rules, her positive test invalidated her result in the trials, keeping her out of the 100 at the Games. Her month suspension may end in time for her but she wasnt selected to compete in the 4x100 meter relay team in Tokyo, either.

Richardson apologized shortly afterwards and said in an interviews that she had used marijuana to help cope with the death of her biological mother a week before the trials. She said she learned about her mother during an interview with a reporter.

Marijuana is legal for recreational use in more than a dozen states, including Oregon, where the trials were held. It is legal for medicinal use in many more. But it is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances. The drug is banned on race days, but not outside of competition.

In 2021, Simone Biles, 26, won seven Olympic medals, including four golds, before taking a mental health break after the unexpected loss of a family member during the Summer Games. 23-year-old Sha’Carri Richardson had her Tokyo Olympic dreams dashed after a positive marijuana test. They both caught some negative press from mainstream media that couldn’t understand and some fans who want their heroes to be invincible. But guess what these women are human like the rest of us.

Simone Biles made it look so easy until it wasnt. She showed little signs the she was carrying a lot when she walked into the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo. As the face of the U.S. Olympic team, she was shouldering her country’s gold medal hopes. As the greatest gymnast of all time, she was toting expectations for athletic dominance and repeated brilliance. As an outspoken advocate for female athletes, she was lugging around the pressure to make her fans proud.

In making the stunning decision to withdraw from the team final competition, Biles acknowledged the tremendous pressure she had been facing as the “head star of the Olympics” and said she needed to focus on her mental health.

“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day, we’re human, too,” Biles said, according to The Associated Press. “We have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”

Biles, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, said she was not in the right state of mind to continue the competition.

“I’m a fan.”

Those were the words of four-time Olympic gold medallist Simone Biles about the newest athletics star set to take on the world at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, American sprint sensation, Sha’Carri Richardson.

Biles was watching along with plenty of other U.S. track fans as Richardson blazed her way to victory in the 100m on Saturday (19 June), assuring her a spot in Tokyo and a place on the world stage.

The only question: Is the world ready for Sha’Carri? Perhaps not. Long story short Richardson was disqualified and not allowed to compete Fast foward to 2023, you can’t keep a good woman down, both of these sistahs came back to attack with a vengance.

Before Simone Biles began the first routine of her anticipated return this month, the moment held significance: The biggest star in gymnastics had decided to compete again after a two-year layoff following a profoundly public disappointment at the Tokyo Olympics. By the time the U.S. Classic ended, with Biles winning comfortably, her status as the world’s most dominant gymnast seemed restored and secure.

After two years away from competitive gymnastics, Biles participated in the 2023 U.S. Classic on August 5 and proved she’s still the top woman to beat. Earning her a gold medal, Biles’ all-around score of 59.1 was an astonishing five points higher than the silver medalist. She also won the balance beam and floor titles and successfully completed a Yurchenko double-pike vault, a move she is the only female gymnast to land in competition.

Sha’Carri Richardson wins 100, claims fastest woman in world title proclaiming, “I’m not back, I’m better” this season. She put an exclamation point on that statement at the 2023 track and field world championships Monday, August 21st in Budapest, Hungary. The charismatic sprinter is officially the fastest woman in the world. Richardson ran a 10.65 to win her first ever world title in the women’s 100 meters. Her time set a championship record, breaking the mark held by Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce by .02 seconds.

While Jamaican rivals Shericka Jackson, the world’s top-ranked sprinter, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a 10-time world champion, were expected to win, Richardson blew past them despite starting from the outside lane. Jackson and Fraser-Pryce dominated at the Olympics and humiliated Richardson during a post-Olympic race in 2021.

Simone is the most decorated American gymnast, with more than two dozen Olympic and World Championship medals, Sha’Carri is the faster women in the world. Despite the adversity and these sisters are here to stay and it’s time the world put some respect on their names!!!

BRAND NUBIAN USHERED IN AN ERA OF POSITIVITY, CONSCIOUSNESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF SELF

BY AJ WOODSON

The legendary hip-hop group, Brand Nubian changed the game with the release of their inaugural long-player, One For All, released by Elektra Records December 4, 1990. The serious social commentary, funky and well-constructed beats, and the lyrical chemistry between the three leads helped Brand Nubian achieve critical acclaim.

One for all, Is all for one

Getting straight to it, on some we don’t need no intro tip, the fifth single and title track displays the group lyrical prowess over a pretty awesome instrumental containing no less than three James Brown samples, “Can Mind,” “All For One” and “Funky President (People It’s Bad),” Puba, Sadat and Jamar spit a verse apiece showing the power of three solo emcees coming together as the title suggest and each holding his own. Having fun, over a dope beat while dropping knowledge of self and teaching 5% Lesson without being preachy. This will forever be a hip-hop classic.

SLOW DOWN

This has to be one of my all-time favorites and one of song that first comes to mind when you hear the name, Brand Nubian, as well as possibly one of their biggest hit. The trio rides the Edie Brickell & the New Bohemian’s “What I Am”, sample nicely beat, warning the sistahs to “Slow Down,” in the cautionary crack tale.

Sadat was first up to bat with some of the most memorial words of the track…

Hey, baby, your hips was getting big

Now you’re getting thin you don’t care about your wig

Now Woolie Willie got a pair of One for all

Is all for one

One for all

Is all for one my sneakers

Wonder where he got ’em cause I hid ’em behind my speakers... or

Damn it’s a shame you’re the mighty queen of vials

With a wide-eyed look and a rotten-toothed smile

Used to walk with a swagger, now you simply stagger

From one spot on to the next spot on to the next spot on to the next

And Jamar batting second, hits a solid double, like this…

Well, what you are is a stunt, man, you’re on a hunt

And your plan is to take all you can from a man and scram

I’ve seen your kind before you’re not original

Just a sick mixed up individual

Giving up the crotch for a fresh gold watch

Marking off the goods you get going up another notch

Your ways and actions are like those of a savage

If the price is right, then anyone can ravage

Even Monty Hall can have himself a ball if his assets are in order

What’s really scary is you’re somebody’s daughter

Once again, Puba delivers with the lyrics, hitting it out the park, kicking the best verse, batting clean up with a grand slam…

As the jewels jingle from the hot young and single little stunt

A forty and a blunt, that’s all she really wants

But she’ll spend your papes and she’ll use up all your plastic

And if you swing an Ep, you’d better wear a prophylactic

“25 years ago today, Grand Puba, Sadat X, DJ Alamo & myself put out an album that would forever change our lives & the lives of those it resonated with, thank you all for the support over the years. Peace!” Lord Jamar (Facebook – Dec 4, 2015)

As hip-hop moved into the final decade of the 20th Century, she was at a phase of positivity, consciousness, political awareness and teaching the world of the chosen people of Africa and the followers of Mohammed. Among the teachers of Afrocentricity and Islam were Brand Nubian from Now Rule (New Rochelle) consisting of conscious wordsmiths Grand Puba Maxwell, Derek (Sadat) X, Lord Jamar, and DJ Alamo. Lord Lamar and Sadat X the Wild Cowboy first met in a rhyme cipher at the New Rochelle Public Library as solo emcees. Together the talented trio’s teachings on their debut One For All was one of the first albums to get the coveted 5 mics in the Source Magazine, which was bigger than winning a Grammy in Hip-Hop circles at the time.

Cause things are getting drastic

Slide up in the wrong one you’ll end up in a casket (Slow down)…

Honey got a problem with the bends

Meaning she likes to bend over, and then she spreads the skins

The ho is just ho and that’s without no controversy

She can make the bedsprings sing a song of mercy

WAKE UP

Wake Up is the first Grand Puba solo tip, and Puba drops madd knowledge. Slain are those who fought for what was right Slayed are those who fell victim to the pipe

A drug controlled substance, contained in a vial Set up by the devil as he looks and he smiles

Good at the game of tricknology

But I have knowledge of myself, you’re not fooling me

You see, the answer to me is black unity, unification

Produced by Dante Ross’ production group. This was the third single off of One For All.

Like I said just about every track on One For All could have been a single, but other standout joints were “Ragtime”; “Concerto In X Minor” and I loved when Grand Puba teamed up with Positive K and LG over the Steve Arrington sample (Nobody can be you but you!) that was my joint right there. While the group was said to sell just over 400,000 copies of the album, it was most certainly platinum on the streets. Heavy bootleg presence in NYC, might have hurt sales and the achievement of a gold or platinum plaque, but it can’t take away from the album’s relevance as one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever.

Waiting on a highly anticipated follow-up, fans were a little disappointed at first when Puba went solo and Jamar and Sadat continued on to record with the name, it just wasn’t the same. With Puba doing his thing with Masters Of The Ceremony earlier, few questioned his staying power but, Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down showed Sadat and Jamar could hold their own without the Grand Man and that exactly what they did. Despite the fact both were successful, for years fans yearned for a reunion that we were teased about from time to time but thought we would never see until, September 29, 1998, when they reunited for the group’s fourth album, Foundation, eight years later.

While it was a solid effort, and it was great to see and hear the brothers back together again, for most Brand Nubian fans and real hip-hop heads, One For All will always be that album. The joint that set it off and introduced the world to three dope emcees from Now Rule who kicked science and dropped jewels and lesson of the 5% Nation, over some of the dopest tracks for everyone to enjoy, no matter what you believed in spiritually, BN made feel-good music you could vibe to. They weren’t the first Five Percenters to represent in hip-hop, but no one ever incorporated the elements of the Five Percent nation better to a beat, than Brand Nubian.

Much like Langston Hughes in the 1920s and ’30s who accurately articulated the feel of the people during the day of the Harlem Renaissance, Brand Nubian extraordinarily captured the soul of the people for the early 1990s as well. They gave voice to the daily struggles of African-Americans with exciting and vibrant, Poetry for Young People, infusing the knowledge and wisdom of the 5% Nation, in their lyrical content and used the music composed of James Brown-sampled breakbeats and funky R&B loops, to attract young Black youth of that era to Black consciousness.

TEN HIP-HOP CLASSICS FROM THE 914

BY AJ WOODSON

Back in the day it was strongly believed you had to be from one of the 5 boros to truly represent in hip-hop. Slowly but shortly, many other regions held it down like Strong Island, Philly and Jersey just to name a few. Then regions like the west coast and the dirty south ran away with rap music and never came back.

But the area code to truly make noise and get the respect of the world outside of the boros was 914, just miles past the North East Bronx. Yes I’m talking about Westchester County containing Hip-Hop Meccas that each have contributed to the history of New York hip-hop. Yonkers known as Y-O, was the stomping ground of DMX and The LOX (which even though she not included on the list, also gave birth to queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige), Money Earnin’ Mount Vernon that gave birth to Heavy D & The Boyz and Pete Rock & CL Smooth and New Rochelle aka Now Rule (separated from NYC by the barely mile-wide strip of Pelham Manor) gave us Brand Nubian and the Masters of Ceremony.

While everyone has their own opinion on what the greatest songs in hip-hop are. I scanned through the internet real quick to see what some consider the authority in music, like The Source Magazine, Ego Trip and Rolling Stone, had to say about the greatest hip-hop joints. Even on a ‘My Favorite 100’ list, emcee Talib Kweli did for Rolling Stones proved one thing, some of the greatest hip-hop records came out of 914, including some real hip-hop classics.

While I know and expect everyone will have their own opinion and we not only invite it, we encourage you to say ya peace in the comment section. Here it is bam in ya face… without further ado, you know how we do, we present, Black Westchester’s Top 10 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs Comin’ from The 914.

They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) – Pete Rock & CL Smooth (1992)

– 151 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs According to The Source

– 100 Best Rap Singles in The Source

– #12 Rolling Stones 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs Of All Time

– Talib Kweli ‘My Favorite 100 Hip-Hop Songs’ (Rolling Stones Magazine)

– Mecca and The Soul Brother (Album) 100 Best Rap Albums in issue 100 of the Source in 1998

– Mecca and The Soul Brother (Album) Rolling Stone Essential Hip-Hop/ R&B Recordings Of The 90’s

Can’t touch Pete on the beat! Over a mean saxophone and bass sample of Tom Scott’s cover of “Today” by Jefferson Airplane, CL Smooth unravels fond memories of his own childhood creating a timeless track, that was has become one of the greatest hits in the 90’s, inspired by the death of friend Trouble T-Roy.

Ruff Ryders Anthem – DMX (1988)

– 151 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs According to The Source

– Talib Kweli ‘My Favorite 100 Hip-Hop Songs’ (Rolling Stones Magazine)

To this day when you hear DMX bark, “Stop, drop, shut ’em down open up shop Oh, no That’s how Ruff Ryders roll” without being able to control it, the head starts nodding and ya begin to make that ugly face, shouting along as you rock to not only one of hip-hop greatest joints but one of the craziest anthems and posse cuts.

Money, Power, Respect – Lox ft. Lil Kim & DMX

It’s the key to life.

Money, power, and respect.

Whatchu’ need in life.

Money, power, and respect.

When you eatin’ right.

Money, power, and respect.

Help you sleep at night.

You’ll see the light.

It’s the key to life.

– #9 Ego Trips Book Of Rap List – Hip-Hops Greatest Hits By Year (1997)

Speaking of dope posse cuts…. Anything with the Lox and DMX could be on the list!

Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down – Brand Nubian

– #8 Ego Trips Book Of Rap List – Hip-Hops Greatest Hits By Year (1992)

Lord Jamar & Sadat X showed the world, some of whom had written them off, that they could still catch wreck without Puba.

Mr. Big Stuff – Heavy D & The Boyz

– #37 Ego Trips Book Of Rap List – Hip-Hops Greatest Hits By Year (1986)

– 100 Best Rap Singles in The Source

– Livin Large – 100 Best Rap Albums in issue 100 of the Source in 1998

The joint that sampled Jean Knight’s “Mr. Big Stuff” put the Heavster in the rap map forever. It may be the same track sampled used on “Boyz-N-The-Hood” by Eazy-E but it will always be the anthem that set it off for the Overweight Lover Heavy D who put Money-Earnin’ Mount Vernon on the Rap Map!

Sexy – Masters of Ceremony

– #36 Ego Trips Book Of Rap List – Hip-Hops Greatest Hits By Year (1987)

Before Puba joined two other solo emcees in the area, formed Brand Nubian and brought us that classic, All For One, The Grand Man, with his cousin Dr. Who (AKA TLD) and Don Barron put it down for the 914.

This dope dancehall-ready track samples the Isley Brothers who are driven crazy by some sexy lady, and while it primarily courts “the Egyptian queen that’s seen on the Nile / with the brown complexion and a magical smile” (to put it in Dr. Who’s refined manner), Puba can’t help getting into an argument with the girl’s friend and ending up dissing her as well.

Slow Down – Brand Nubian (1991)

– #6 Ego Trips Book Of Rap List – Hip-Hops Greatest Hits By Year (1991)

– 151 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs According to The Source

– 100 Best Rap Singles in The Source

– All For One (Album) received 5 mics in The Source

– All For One (Album) 100 Best Rap Albums in issue 100 of the Source in 1998

– All For One (Album) Rolling Stone Essential Hip-Hop/R&B Recordings Of The 90’s

Over a funky sample of Edie Brickell & New Bohemians’s “What I Am”, (listed as one of Complex magazine Top 100 Hip-Hop beats of all time), Grand Puba, Sadat X and Lord Jamar lyrically lay out a cautionary tale of fast living in the height of the crack era. Off ‘All For One’ the only BN Album to consist of all three righteous rappin emcees, which goes down on one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all times.

Its All About The Benjamins remix – Puff Daddy & Family (1997)

– 151 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs According to The Source

– #1 Ego Trips Book Of Rap List – Hip-Hops Greatest Hits By Year (1997)

– No Way Out (Album) Rolling Stone Essential Hip-Hop/R&B Recordings Of The 90’s

While you will never hear me reference Sean Combs on any greatest emcees list, he know how to make a hit. Later responding to the fact Jadakiss penned his bars on this track, he rapped, “dont worry if I write rhymes, I write checks…” With the help of Biggie, Lil Kim and Yonkers finest, The Lox, this also goes down as one of the greatest posse cuts from the man who invented the remix.

The Overweight Lovers In The House – Heavy D & The Boyz

– #28 Ego Trips Book Of Rap List – Hip-Hops Greatest Hits By Year (1987) Over the JB’s Pass The Pea, Hev proved no one had more bounce to the ounce!

All For One – Brand Nubian

Now they say sinning is for sinners so I guess I’m not a sinner. Beginning’s for beginners so I guess I’m no beginner…

– #9 Ego Trips Book Of Rap List – Hip-Hops Greatest Hits By Year (1991)

– Talib Kweli ‘My Favorite 100 Hip-Hop Songs’ (Rolling Stones Magazine)

Again the entire album is a classic, but the title track best displays the lyrical prowess of each of the trio!

With no less then three, yes I said three James brown Samples from the Godfather of Souls tracks, Can Mind, All For One and of course one of the most sampled JB joints, Funky President.

This is an exerpt of my new book titled, “We Got Our Own Thang: A Look At Hip-Hop From The 914” coming out in mid to late October 2023 in celebration of the 50 year anniversary of Hip-Hop. The book give you a look of how important Westchester County is and was to Hip-Hop. This book is in no way meant to be a definitive catalog of all the contributions or the complete history of Westchester County Hip-Hip, I do however attempt to cram in as many of the players in 914 Hip-Hop as I can, the recording artists (The Emcees, the DJs, the producers) that you all know and some you may have never heard of. It includes the early legends in Hip-Hop that inspired all of those who ended up doing it professionally. Some of the early graf writers like REM 311, the breakers, and the B-Boys, the big sound system crews like The Legendary Collins Brothers, and early emcees that came before us, and those who were instrumental in fashion, and many who paved the way, etc. This book will show that as long as there has been Hip-Hip, its has a rich history in Westchester County as well. But we never tried to be like the 5 boroughs, because in the immortal words of the late great Dwight Myers “We Got Our Own Thang!” Look out, the pre-orders for the book will start soon, make sure you reserve your autographed copy as we celebrate Hip-Hop From The 914!!!

REMEMBERING HEAVY D A TRIBUTE TO THE RAPPER YOUR MOTHER LIKED

BY AJ WOODSON

“Dont come to me and say take it light, I’m ya Mr. Big Stuff”

While groups like Run DMC and Salt N Pepa were making a huge impact in 1986 and LL Cool J was Bigger and Deffer and Public Enemy was starting to Bum Rush The Show, uptown just pass the nothern border of the Hip-Hop’s Garden of Eden, The Boogie Down Bronx, and emcee named Heavy D - who is the only artist to do a song with both Michael and Janet Jackson indivudually - was putting Money Earnin’ Mount Vernon on the Hip-Hop Map!

Before the success of acts like Guy, Mary J. Blige, and Jodeci, it was Heavy D that was the cornerstone of Uptown Records. In fact, rapper-turned-Record Executive Andre Harrell departed from Def Jam and launched Uptown Records, largely off the potential of Heavy D. Hev was instrumental in the structure of the Uptown roster including getting Al B Sure a deal and getting Andre Harrel to hire fellow Mount Vernonite, Sean ‘Puff Daddy’ Combs as an intern and you know where that led. Diddy went on to create Bad Boy Records and Sean John and damn near take over the world introducing the world to another BIG brother.

The year was 1985 when Heavy D walked into Rush Management without an appointment in hopes of walking out with a record deal. Russell Simmon wasn’t interested but he caught the attention of Andre Harrell. Shortly after Harrell left Def Jams, he launched his own label, and his first order of business was to sign Heavy D. Hev put both Mount Vernon and Uptown Records on the map.

Heavy D & the Boyz were the first group signed to Uptown Records, with Heavy D as the frontman and only rapper. Eddie F was his business partner in the group, DJ, and one of the producers. The other two members, T-Roy and G-Wiz were the dancers.

Their debut, ‘Living Large,’ was released in 1987. The album was a commercial success; his sophomore endeavor, ‘Big Tyme’ was a breakthrough that included four hits. “Trouble T. Roy” died at age 22 in a fall on July 15, 1990, in Indianapolis. Dixon’s death led to a tribute on the follow-up platinum album, ‘Peaceful Journey.’ Pete Rock & CL Smooth created a tribute to Trouble T. Roy called “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)” which is regarded as a hip-hop classic by everyone’s standards.

Hev traded verses with both Biggie and Tupac over a bubbly sample of Barry White’s ‘You’re The One I Need,’ on Grand Puba’s “Let’s Get It On,” and went on to perform the theme song for the Keenen Ivory Wayans created sketch comedy television series, In Living Color. And yo, who else could have Kool G Rap on a

914 IS NOT UPSTATE

When most people in New York City hear, the words Westchester County they immediately think. ‘oh that’s upstate.’ Well allow me to kick a little history. The truth of the matter is Westchester (The 914) is located in the New York metropolitan area and is actually Downstate New York It’s just north of and actually borders the New York City borough, The Bronx (The Garden Of Eden of Hip-Hop) and is south of Upstate New York. Westchester shares its southern boundary with The Bronx and its northern border with Putnam County.

So, while many believe Westchester to be part of “Upstate New York,” the truth is a bit more complex. One of Westchester residents’ greatest pet peeves, besides traffic on I-287, involves New York City residents referring to their county as “upstate.” Westchester residents always wondered why anyone would consider a county that begins where the Bronx ends “upstate?” Many forget, and I what intend to show in the upcoming pages of this book is the impact the suburban landscape of Westchester County had on Hip-Hop!

A giant chunk of New York State’s 20 million plus people, around 8.3 million, live in New York City. Map experts note that Westchester residents get New York City-based TV stations and commute to the city on a regular basis. “The suburbs are mostly considered part of the city [region],” Michael Peterson, a professor of geography at the University of Nebraska-Omaha shared with Westchester Magazine in a, November 18, 2021 article titled, ‘So Where Does “Upstate” Really Begin?’

In fact, Westchester cities Mount Vernon and Yonkers border the Bronx. In fact, Mount Vernon borders the Bronx on two sides, the last stop of NYC subways the Number 5 train (Dyre Avenue), and the Number 2 train (241st Street and White Plains Rd.) are a block or so from Mount Vernon’s borders.

Yonkers also borders the The Bronx and is 2 miles (3 km) north of Manhattan. Broadway runs through all three, and railroads also connect them to Grand Central Terminal. The Bronx River separates Yonkers from Mount Vernon on the east. The Hudson River is on the west. Furthermore, what is now Bronx County was originally part of Westchester County. There are several buses that travel back and forth from either Mount Vernon or Yonkers to the Bronx.

New Rochelle is only 6.31 miles southwest of the Bronx, and 8 miles (12.87 kilometers) by car. New Rochelle and Bronx are only 12 minutes apart, if you drive non-stop. It takes a whole lot longer to get to Upstate New York, I’m just saying.

Now that we got the brief history lesson out the way, I hope it is now abundantly clear the 914 is not “Upstate!”

a song called “Don’t Curse” also featuring some of the dopest wordsmiths at the time Grand Puba, CL Smooth, Big Daddy Kane, Pete Rock and Q-Tip!

As I wrote in the intro, Heavy D is the only rapper (and possibly the only artists period whose last name isn’t Jackson) to have worked with both of the Jackson superstars. He worked with Michael Jackson – The King of Pop (Jam) and his sister Janet – Ms. Jackson is ya nasty (Alright) – arguably two of the most influential entertainers of the modern era.

In the mid 90’s he became the President of Uptown Records. Then he caught the acting bug and went to collect countess credits for his contributions in both television and film.

Get up, party people, listen to this rap

‘Cause I’m about to go down and put my town on the map MC Heavy D, delighted you’ll be learnin

About the place where I rest, Money earnin’ Mount Vernon

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, we celebrate the life & legacy of of one of Mount Vernon’s favorite sons, Dwight ‘Heavy D’ Myers. This is another excerpt of my upcoming book, “We Got Our Own Thang: A

MARYANN CARR & MONDAIRE JONES RUN FOR 17TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

BY AJ WOODSON

As former Chair of the Bedford Democratic Committee and the current First Vice-chair of Westchester County Democratic Committee, MaryAnn has always been dedicated to inclusivity and progress. Her Councilwoman and Supervisor tenure in Bedford spurred transformative community change.

Some of MaryAnn’s notable achievements include leading the charge to elect the first Latino to the Bedford Town Board, and the first woman of color to the Bedford Central School Board. During her tenure on the Town Board, twelve new affordable homes were built, and sewers were installed in the business districts of the two hamlets of Bedford (Beford Hills and Katonah), one of the largest projects ever undertaken by the Town. She has been an avid supporter of criminal justice reform, and founded the Town of Bedford Prison Advisory Committee, the only such committee known that advises local and state governments on prison relation matters. She made it a priority to recruit and appoint diverse members to serve on local committees, boards, and commissions where there had been a lack of diversity.

City & State Magazine include MaryAnn Carr and former Congressman Mondaire Jones in who are both candidates in the 17th Congressional District. Liz Whitmer Gereghty who served on the Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education. The 17th Congressional District was highly publicized after the redistricting controversy. Democrat were accused of inauspicious attempting gerrymandering which didn’t just erase the political advantage the party hoped to gain before state courts stepped in to stop them and appointed Special Master Jonathan Cervas. The move led to several Democratic seats being lost, causing Dems to lose control of the House. The New York-based seats are of particular interest to House Democratic leaders, given their Biden-friendly lean and proximity to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ district.

One of the fallouts of the redistricting, former DCCC head Sean Patrick Maloney decided he would run in Mondaire’s 17th district and Mondaire deciding to run in the for the open seat in the 10th district. Both Congressman loss. Now former Rep. Mondaire Jones launched a comeback bid for New York’s 17th District in July, seeking to return to Congress after redistricting led to him running unsuccessfully for a different seat last year.

Jones, who was elected in 2020 and served one term, opted not to run for reelection in the 17th District in the New York City suburbs last year after one of his Democratic colleagues, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, decided to run in the redrawn district. Maloney, who chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee last cycle, lost to Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in November. Jones faces competition for the Democratic nomination to take on Lawler, but he represented much of the district when he previously was in the House.

The race for the seat is expected to be one of the most competitive in the country next year. Biden would have won the district by 10 points in 2020, and both parties view it as a priority as they fight for control of the House.

“Growing up, I didn’t see people like me in Congress. Then I was elected to represent the same people whose homes I watched my grandmother clean,” Jones says in a video announcing his campaign. “I have never been Washington’s choice because I stand up to corruption.”

When he was first elected, Jones made history as one of the first two openly gay men or color to be elected to Congress, and he was immediately endorsed Wednesday, July 5th by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. While in Congress, he was affiliated with a group of progressive lawmakers known as “The Squad,” which includes fellow New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. For the first time Westchester County had to Black Men representing them in congress. The other is another Squad member, Rep. Jamaal Bowman.

Many residents of CD-17 were sad to see Jones not run for re-election in his district. In 2020, Mondaire was elected to Congress to represent the Hudson Valley. His colleagues unanimously elected him the youngest member of House leadership, and he was named the most legislatively active freshman in Congress.

Mondaire was part of the most productive Congress in modern history. He took on the pharmaceutical companies, lowering prescription drug prices for thousands of seniors on Medicare in the Lower Hudson Valley. He negotiated passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is bringing tens of millions of dollars to rebuild our roads and bridges, and passed the American Rescue Plan Act, which kept our small businesses open and brought hundreds of millions of dollars to the Lower Hudson Valley for schools, housing, and health care.

Jones will face Liz Whitmer Gereghty, the Westchester County-based sister of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and former Bedford Supervisor MaryAnn Carr, the only two democrats to announce so far. City & State Magazine wrote; “MaryAnn Carr has spent the longest time in government, sitting on the Bedford Town Council since 2016, although she lacks the name recognition of her rivals.”

While Carr may not have been elected a congress member like Jones or have a well known cousin who serves as Governor like Gereghty, we have to discgree with City & State about Carr’s name recognition in Westchester County where it matters.

Actually until City & State Magazine included her on the list as a congressional candidate, I did not know who she was, that she was running for congress and that she the cousin of the Michigan Governor. Many persons of color in CD-17 are just hearing her name for the first time as well

So who is MaryAnn Carr?

MaryAnn Carr made history as the first African American to serve in elected office in local government in Bedford when she was elected in a special election on March 15, 2016, for an unexpired seat on the Town Board, and elected to a full 4-year term beginning 2018. MaryAnn was sworn in as Town of Bedford Supervisor, Wednesday, January 6, 2021 after Chris Burdick’s election to the New York State Assembly created a vacancy in the seat of the Bedford Supervisor.

At their organizational meeting, the Bedford Town Board appointed Town Councilperson and Deputy Supervisor MaryAnn Carr to the position of Supervisor to fill out the term. She became the first and only African American to serve as Supervisor in Westchester County, and only the second Black Female to run a municipality in the history of Westchester.

Before her historic appointment, Ms. Carr had a long tenure of working on the Bedford Democratic Committee. She continues her long history of working hard to support the many community organizations in the Town of Bedford.

She has also been active in Bedford community organizations for many years, , Town Board Liaison to Recreation and Parks, Planning Dept., Town Court, Bedford Central School District (BCSD), Chair, Community Organizations Committee, Active parent volunteer in Bedford Central School District (BCSD), Committee Member of Bedford 202 Food Forum, Board Member of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts, member of the Bedford Antioch Church engaged in outreach programs for the Community Center in Katonah, and volunteering in a leadership role in the Gala Annual Event for the Martin Luther King Scholarship for Youth.

As far as name recognition, Carr can be scene art various Democratic events throughout the county and is well known for her support of various Democratic candidates and her work with the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus (WBWPC). It was her vision that helped her established a Greater Bedford Chapter of the WBWPC for the northern part of the county.

When Democrat MaryAnn Carr throwing her hat in the ring for the 17th Congressional District she announced her candidacy to News 12’s Tara Rosenblum.

“I’m excited to be in this race. I think I bring a lot to the table,” she told Tara.

In her first interview as a candidate, the former Bedford Town Council Member told News 12 why she decided to throw her hat in the ring in the hotly contested race that helped the Republicans flip control of the House last year.

“The reason I’m running is because I just feel like people like myself, who are working middle class, Washington is not meeting the moment,” said the single working mom and a Westchester County information technology director.

While this has the feel of a heavily contested contest with potenially crowded cast of candidates, this have been Black Westchester First Look at the 17th Congressional District Race. Stay tuned to Black Westchester for further updates on list of candidates!

STSI 2023 INITIATIVES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Committee members included: Co-chair Dr. Angela Campbell, Rev. Marcia White Smith, Ghia Clark, Charmaine Golding, Georgia Reid Douglas, Dana Johnson Sutton, Deana Nelson, Lauren Williams Dr. Marcia Keizs and Tsahai Amazan.

YEAR-ROUND STEAM ACADEMY

STSI’s year-round STEAM Academy begins in (October 2023 – May 2024) for area Black and girls of color and is a great extension of the summer STEAM Camp. The sessions include free tutoring and STEAM exposure activities, including trips, as well as personalized and other academic development opportunities. A flyer and details can be found on the website at https://www.s2si.org/steam

WESTCHESTER CERTIFICATE: ESSENTIAL SKILLS IN THE LIBRARY

Sister to Sister International has been pleased to partner with the Westchester Biotech Project, Joanne Gere Director and Juanice Mickles, Assistant Director, along with SUNY Westchester, for a two-day Essential Skills in the Laboratory Certificate Program recently held at Westchester Community College. The diverse students learned first-hand about lab safety, laboratory notebooks, aseptic techniques, sustainability in the lab and drug development. Please contact STSI at s2si.org should you be interested in a career in biology-medicine-technology or just want to brush up on your skills or may even want to serve as a mentor.

BLACK DOLL INITIATIVE FOR GHANAIAN GIRLS

STSI thanks all of their members, students, parents and community partners who donated a doll and supported their Black Doll Project, in Ghana led by Yedidah Yehudah, now a Ghanaian resident and longtime STSI International Advisory Board member, who started the initiative. STSI founder Cheryl Brannan and sister Beverly Brannan, a long-time educator participated in the program presenting over 300 Black dolls to girls and other gifts to boys at a local Ghanaian elementary school. The school headmaster, teachers, parents and students in attendance were all very appreciative of the contribution. Prior to the Black Doll Project many Black girls would only see white dolls, which perpetuates a white standard of beauty, promotes low self-esteem and reinforces white supremacy at an early age. During their Ghanaian visit and participation in Panafest, STSI was also pleased to reunite with Sister Imahkus a long time Ghanaian resident and partner whom STSI started an Educational Scholarship Program with for students in Ghana over 20 years ago. Special thanks to Sister Yedidah Yehudah for all of her hard work, activism and hospitality extended to the visiting STSI team members. She has truly been a beacon of light. STSI is on the MOVE - locally and globally!! Please email stsionthemove@gmail.com if you would like to participate in this program as well as other potential initiatives STSI is involved in throughout the African diaspora. STSI holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations, and our Board co-chairs are Germaine Scott & Zelda Strong Diaz.

CELEBRATING 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR JOBS & FREEDOM

Six decades ago, an estimated 250,000 people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in the nation’s capital. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech that day, on August 28, 1963, has since emerged as a paramount symbol of the push for racial and social equality.

On Saturday, August 26, 2023 tens of thousands of people gathered in that same spot to declare that dream was in jeopardy — that America had slid backwards in its fight against hatred and bigotry.

“Sixty years ago, Martin Luther King talked about a dream. Sixty years later, we’re the dreamers,” said civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton.

They got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor.

- Tupac