Volume 6/ Issue 9 BW May 15, 2023

RAPPER JA RULE HELPS THE YOUTH SHELTER OF WESTCHESTER CELEBRATE 45TH ANNIVERSARY

WESTCHESTER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION RESULTS

BY AJ WOODSON - PAGE 7

HEAVY D HONORED WITH SCULPTURE IN MOUNT VERNON

MVPD POLICE MEMORIAL DAY

GREENBURGH’S GLENN BUTLER JR .

MAKES IT 4-FOR-4, WINS CIAA FIELD

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR, AGAIN

BY AJ WOODSON PAGE 20

THE BLACK LOVE SERIES: BLACK LOVE IS KNOWING THE ART OF LOVING COMMUNICATION

RACE CONSCIOUS ADMISSIONS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The Youth Shelter Program of Westchester (YSOW) celebrated the organization’s 45th anniversary with an elegant gala at the Greentree Country Club located at 538 Davenport Ave, New Rochelle on Friday, May 5, 2023. Rapper, songwriter, singer, record producer and actor Ja Rule served as the keynote speaker of the gala, helping the organization celebrate 45 years of transforming lives... continues on page 14-15

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

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.

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Letters To The Editor

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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 portrayed in media.

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

A FEW WORDS FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Welcome to our May 15, 2023 the first of three issues over the next month. Look out for our special Pre-Primary Edition (we will be giving you last look at every race in the Westchester County Democratic Primary - June 27, 2023) hitting streets around June 5th and our regularly scheduled June 15, 2023 hitting street around June 20th

In this issue we extensively celebrate the Youth Shelter of Westchester who just celebrated their 45th Anniversary (pages 14-15), The Mount Vernon Police Department National Police Day celebration (page 18) and we share all the results (that were available at press time) of all the Westchester County School Board Elections (page 7)

As always we would like to take this time to thank all the readers, listeners, supporters, sponsors, contributors, and advertisers for their support in our effort to deliver the “News With The Black Point Of View,” since 2014. We are always looking for writers, photographers and interns, email BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com to inquire.

Send us your feedback, let us know what you think of this issue. Let us know subjects/ topics you would like to see us cover in the future and send your letters to the editor to BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com.

Peace and Blessings

AJ Woodson, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Owner

BLACK WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY CLAIMS OF ADVERTISEMENTS THAT APPEAR IN PRINT OR ANY OTHER DIGITAL OR AUDIO FORMAT. ADVERTISEMENTS DO NOT INFLUENCE EDITORIAL DECISIONS OR CONTENT, WE ARE THE FREE PRESS!

DA MIMI ROCAH SEEKS TO VACATE CONVICTIONS & CHARGES FOR 27 INDIVIDUALS IN 2017 MT VERNON UNDERCOVER NARCOTICS OPERATION

Plaza to announce the civil pattern or practice investigation into the City of Mount Vernon and the Mount Vernon Police Department, Black Westchester and the Gothamist have extensively covered many of the case the DOJ referred to in their press conference, but the coverage fell on deaf ears of the former District Attorney. Unlike her predecessor, Anthony Scarpino, who appeared to turn a blind eye, Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah commended DOJ for opening this investigation. Rocah looked into what Scarpino ignored and found enough to refer practices of the MVPD to the DOJ in addition to creating a Conviction Review Unit (CRU) conducted to perform an exhaustive examination.

Our extensive coverage also consisted of several radio shows, Karen A. Newirth, former director of the Exoneration Project‘s Mass Exoneration Initiative also appeared on the Black Westchester Power Hour, Wednesday, June 10, 2020, to talk the wrongfully incarcerated, what the Exoneration Project does. We interviewed one of the individuals whose case Newirth was representing who was allegedly falsely arrested, by the same officer mentioned several times on the Bovell Tapes. The Mount Vernon resident evidentially had his case was dismissed and he sued the city. Another case that was dismissed before the CRU report was New Rochelle’s Henderson Clarke.

“What that [assistant district attorney] just proved is no matter what, you’re guilty until proven innocent, and they will cover it and you basically gotta fight for your freedom,” Clarke said at the time.

Black Westchester along with journalist George Joseph released a series of stories on widespread corruption, brutality and other misconduct in the Mount Vernon Police Department. Joseph first broke this story in the Gothamist/WNYC, February 18, 2021. Today, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah delivers on campaign promises to investigate allegations revealed in the secretly recorded Mount Vernon police tapes, obtained exclusively by Gothamist/WNYC, recorded from 2017 to 2020 by Murashea Bovell, a 12-year veteran of the department who has been blowing the whistle on misconduct for years. The same tapes her predecessor refused to investigate.

On Wednesday, May 10th, DA Rocah announced that she will seek to vacate the convictions and charges of 27 individuals for their alleged drug sales to a Westchester County Police – Department of Public Safety undercover officer during a 2017 narcotics operation conducted by the Mount Vernon Police Department. The District Attorney cited a pattern of inconsistencies, errors and disclosure issues uncovered by the Conviction Review Unit she established early in her term (report available below). DA Rocah also announced the conclusion of her criminal investigation into the MVPD Narcotics Division that was prompted by allegations of wrongdoing made by a former MVPD officer and heard on secret recordings.

“In light of the allegations made on the secretly-recorded conversations among various Mount Vernon police officers, as well as complaints from the public received by the District Attorney’s Office, my Conviction Review Unit conducted an exhaustive examination into certain Mount Vernon police narcotics prosecutions, DA Rocah shared. “The Conviction Review Unit’s review uncovered inconsistencies, reliability concerns, and significant disclosure issues that leave me unable to stand by the prosecutions connected to the MVPD’s 2017 undercover narcotics operation. As a result, I will seek to vacate these convictions and dismiss the charges. Though rare, wrongful convictions erode community trust and the public’s faith in the criminal justice system.”

Thirty-two individuals were initially charged in the 2017 narcotics operation. Five people had their cases dismissed prior to the CRU’s review: three due to significant issues with the evidence, and two due to the individuals completing diversion programs. Of the remaining 27, 26 of which were resolved by pleas, 11 involved felony charges and will be brought before Judge George E. Fufidio in Westchester County Court; 16 involved misdemeanor charges and will be handled in Mount Vernon City Court. Among the cases stemming from the operation, 16 individuals served sentences from up to one year in jail or up to one-and-a half to four years in state prison. Another 10 received non-custodial sentences such as conditional discharges or probation, or their cases were covered by another case. One matter is still open. None are currently incarcerated. Defense counsel have been notified of the CRU’s findings.

DA Rocah’s separate criminal investigation into the MVPD Narcotics Division, prompted by the secret recordings, uncovered conduct and practices that led the District Attorney to request that the Department of Justice conduct a civil rights “pattern or practice” investigation, which it initiated in 2021. However, the recordings themselves are not admissible in court to prove the crimes discussed on them and could not alone support criminal charges. Although MVPD leadership offered and provided assistance with our investigation, without cooperation of certain Narcotics Division officers and civilians who would be key witnesses, charges could not be brought due to legally insufficient evidence to overcome the high burden of proof in criminal cases of beyond a reasonable doubt.

“I understand that people may be confused and possibly even disappointed by the lack of criminal charges after hearing the secretly-recorded conversations among certain Mount Vernon police officers. We could not rely on the allegations contained on the recordings as evidence in a court of law. Additionally, our criminal investigation was hampered by significant hurdles, such as recantations by an officer who was heard on the recordings alleging corruption, and lack of cooperation by some law enforcement and key witnesses,” DA Roach said. “As a result of this investigation, and the findings by my Conviction Review Unit, I am proud of the subsequent actions we have taken to help restore even a measure of public faith in our justice system.”

As a result to the combines coverage of Black Westchester and George Joseph and the secret Bovell Tapes, the Justice Department launch an investigation into the patterns and practices of the Mount Vernon Police Department. Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division held a press conference 1pm Friday, December 3 at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, located at 1 St. Andrew’s

DA Rocah explained in her report, why her office was not able to bring charges against the police officers involved in the false arrest and corruption revealed on the tapes due to lack of cooperation with officers (The MVPD was cooperative but the actual officers were not) and other recanting what was said on the tapes, but the MVPD has had the tapes as well and we have to ask, have these officers been disciplined by the department? Are they still with the MVPD? If they haven’t been disciplined, why not? We may have to wait on the results of the ongoing DOJ investigation. You can go to BlackWestchester.com to see the DA’s reports!!!

On Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Westchester Community College, the participants were recognized and awarded for their presentations with certificates, bronze, silver and gold medals. The Westchester Region Coalition will sponsor the nine gold medalists to participate in the NAACP ACT-SO National Competition to be held in Boston, Massachusetts, July 26-July 29th.

The Westchester Region Coalition Inc will continue to engage in fundraising to ensure that all expenses are paid for the students to compete in the NAACP ACT-SO National Competition.

The Westchester Region ACT-SO Coalition congratulated the nine gold medalists who will attend the NAACP National Competition.

The nine gold medalists are;

Orion Divino Juma Douglas –STEM-Medicine & Health – Senior, Ossining High School – Will attend Northeastern University in the Fall, Leah Charity-Spriggs – STEM-Engineering –Junior, Tuckahoe High School,

Aryanna Luesma-Hoover – Painting – Senior, Alexander Hamilton High School (Elmsford) – Will attend SUNY Purchase College in the Fall,

Michael Middleton – Dance Contemporary – Freshman, Denzel Washington School of the Arts (Mount Vernon),

Lauren Satchell – Music Vocal Contemporary – Senior, Denzel Washington School of the Arts (Mount Vernon) – Will attend Stonehill College in the Fall,

Brice Buchanan – Music Instrumental Contemporary – Senior, Denzel Washington School of the Arts (Mount Vernon) – Will attend SUNY Purchase College in the Fall, Harmony Hopwood – Poetry Performance – Freshman, New Rochelle High School, Ilana RahimBraden – Music Composition – Senior, Westhill High School. Stamford, CT.,

Devynn Hernandez- Drawing, Senior, Ossining High School – Will attend SUNY Purchase College in the Fall.

ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) was founded in 1978 by author and journalist Vernon Jarrett and adopted by the NAACP as a major youth initiative. It is a vehicle through which African American high school youth may develop and demonstrate potential for excellence in arts and letters, scientific and artistic pursuits.

DOZENS OF TALENTED HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

PARTICIPATE IN WESTCHESTER REGIONAL NAACP ACT-SO REGIONAL COMPETITION JOURNEY

WESTCHESTER 2023 SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTION RESULTS

BY AJ WOODSON

Campaigning is over, the polls have closed, and the votes are counted — here are the unofficial elections results from Westchester County School Districts. we were able to obtain at press time.

MOUNT VERNON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The unofficial results of the Mount Vernon City School District and Mount Vernon Public Library trustee election are not in yet confirmed. Here’s what we do know, there were five Mount Vernon City School District (MVCSD) board seats up for election. Candidates running included: Gloria Atisogbuie, Kenyetta Collins, Cynthia Crenshaw, Precious Ferrell, Orville Gayle, Rosemarie Jarosz, Thomas Keller, Sabina Kelley, Donna Marable, Lynn Middleton, Warren Mitchell, Helene Njenga, and Erica Peterson.

According the the MVCSD Facebook page, voters approved the Mount Vernon City School District’s $265,969,821 school budget for the 2023-2024 school year by a 1,091-522 vote – unofficially –Tuesday night, May 16, 2023. Results will be certified and made official on Wednesday.

“I want to thank the Mount Vernon community for supporting this very important budget,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith. “This is a sound spending plan that will keep our students safe, improve our programs and repair buildings to ensure that students can learn in comfortable, healthy spaces.”

Lynne Middleton (858 votes) was sworn in for a super term expiring June 30, 2026. The remaining school board seats will be decided after counting and verifying the 24 affidavit ballots, which is expected to be completed on Wednesday, May 17. The District will provide updates when the votes are tabulated the district also reported. Of the 109 absentee ballots some were declined but no explanation about how many were good and how many were not.

The remaining unofficial, we repeat unofficial winners in the race were Sabrina Kelley (830 votes), former trustee Warren Mitchell (823 votes), Orville Gayle (787 votes) and Cynthia Crenshaw (736 votes). The third highest vote getter will take over Jeff Redd seat that expires in July 2023.

The Mount Vernon Public Library (MVPL) Board Trustee election

There were four library board seats up for election. Candidates running included: Damaris Mone, Jonathan M. Davis, Delores Mack, Faith A. Walters, Lorretta Thomas, Tamara Stewart, James Carlos, Hope Marable, Gwendolyn J. Allbritton, and Ron Hood.

Delores Mack was the highest vote getter (730 votes). Loretta Thomas (625 votes), Hope Marable (602 votes) and Jonathan M. Davis (567). Damaris Mone came in close fifth place (560 votes) and is still in the running until after counting and verifying the 24 affidavit ballots.

Brenda L. Crumb who live streamed the election contributed to this story.

Stay tuned to BlackWestchester.com for more on this developing story

Other Westchester County School Board Elections

Ardsley School District: Budget passes, 484-166. Elected to the school board were incumbent Mitchell Kleinman with 542 votes and Stella Urban with 494.

Bedford Central School District: Budget passes, 1,804-776. Elected to the school board were newcomers Betsy Sharma with 1,537 votes and Kristine Stoker with 1,508 votes.

Blind Brook School District: Budget fails. The vote was 385-314 in favor of the budget (55%), but a 60% supermajority was needed to override the district’s tax cap. A proposition to lease/purchase two school buses passed 438-253. A proposition regarding a capital reserve fund/bus fleet passed 416275; a proposition regarding a capital reserve fund/capital reserve passed 424-265. Elected to the school board: Danny Fung: 554 votes; Katherine Hallissy Ayala: 550.

Briarcliff Manor: Budget passes, 356-75. Board member Tony Sammi was re-elected unopposed.

Bronxville Union Free School District: Budget passes 799-174. A capital reserve fund proposition passes 780-166. A proposition to conduct board elections on an at-large basis passes 698-283. Christina Skinner is elected with 524 votes and Sara Kenny is elected with 830.

Byram Hills: Budget passes, 355-61. Lori Kanner and Lara Stangel were both re-elected with 362 and 367 votes respectively.

Chappaqua: Budget passes 1,431-394. Alissa Dorfman was elected to the school board with 1,138 votes and Matthew Auerbach with 923.

Croton-Harmon: Budget passes, 748-138.

Dobbs Ferry: Budget passes, 762-291. Newcomers Pavithra Nagarajan (818 votes) Rebecca Hershberg (792 votes) were elected to the board

Eastchester School District: Budget passes 833-567

Jill

were

Edgemont: Budget passes, 228-46. Voters approved the creation of a capital reserve fund for future infrastructure projects, 225-50. Elected to the school board were incumbent Jennifer DeMarrais with 241 votes and Heather Stern with 240.

Elmsford: Budget fails, 328-552. A proposition to amend the capital reserve fails, 546-309.

Greenburgh Central School District: Budget passes 371-141

Voters also elected Erin Jacobsen (411 Votes) and Tracy C. Mairs (391 Votes) to the Board of Education.

Harrison: Budget passes, 918-213. A capital reserve proposition passed 902201.

Hastings-on-Hudson: Budget passes, 1,262-330. Elected to the school board were Theresa McCaffrey with 816 votes and Jodie Meyer with 746

Irvington School District: Budget passes, 466-127

Katonah-Lewisboro School District: Budget passes 2049 1215

Lakeland School District: Budget passes 943-306

Mamaroneck School District: Budget passes 853- 171

Mount Pleasant School District: Budget passes 576-143

New Rochelle City School District: Awaiting results at press time for 2023 budget and school board election. Two seats are up for election on the New Rochelle Board of Education.

North Salem School District: Budget passes 583-186

Ossining School District: $167 million budget passes 1394-134

They also authorized expenditure from the “Facilities Improvement Program 2017” capital reserve fund.1441, 266

Rob Melstein (1,216 votes), Frank Schnecker (incumbent) (1,105 votes), and Annie Gomez (1,006 votes) win

Peekskill City School District

Proposition #1 Budget passes Yes - 321 (74%) No - 113 (26%) Total - 434

Branwen MacDonald (349 Votes) and Amy Vele (333 votes) win

Pelham Public Schools District: $91 Million budget passes 1261-534 Annemarie Garcia (1,029 votes) and Sid Burke 931 (votes) win

Pleasantville School District: Budget passes 513-76

Pocantico Hills School District: Budget passes 81-17

Port Chester/ Rye Union Free School District: $142,895,880 budget passes 1161-421 - Roberto Dominguez (892 votes) & George Ford (811 votes)

Rye School District: Budget passes 686-164

Rye Neck School District: Budget passes 637-132

Scarsdale School District: $177.8 million budget passes 555-91 Incumbents Amber Yusuf and Robert Klein ran unopposed

Somers School District: Budget passes 2126-1322

Tarrytown School District: Budget passes 459-106

Tuckahoe School District: Budget passes 676-249

Scott Bogetti (481 votes) and Peter Casson (466 votes) begin three-year terms on the Tuckahoe Board of Education starting July 1, 2023

Valhalla Union Free School District: $57,600,924 budget passes 319-106

Board President Susan Martinez & Vice President Duane Smith were re-elected

White Plains School District: $256.6 million budget passes 1020-123

A proposition authorizing the use of $13.5 million additional funding from the 2019 and 2022 Capital Reserve Funds for districtwide construction was approved. Incumbent Rosemarie Eller and Valerie Daniele ran unopposed.

Yorktown School District: Budget passes 1151-289

Cosentino, incumbent Robert Krukoswki, and Sean Fellini

elected to the school board.

REV. SHARPTON PUTS MCDONALDS ON NOTICE OVER RACIAL DISCRIMINATION PRACTICES

NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK PUTS

MCDONALD’S CORPORATION ON NOTICE OVER RACIAL DISCRIMINTATION PRACTICES

Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), today sent a letter to McDonald’s Corporation CEO Chris Kempczinski to finally address the multiple accusations of racial discrimination by the company. Coming out of the 2023 NAN Annual Convention held in New York City, Rev. Sharpton said the national organization would mobilize to demand action against the fast-food giant unless it meaningfully rectified these longstanding issues.

“We find it appalling and inexcusable that McDonald’s Corporation has not satisfied its differences with the Black community,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of NAN.

“And let’s not forget the $10 billion lawsuit brought by Byron Allen over the fact that Black-owned media did not get its fair share of McDonald’s supersized advertising budgets,” Rev. Al continues. “We are also outraged at the removal of John Rogers, a well-respected business leader for the Black community, from the Board of Directors. We unequivocally demand they immediately acknowledge and address these issues, or we will begin a national campaign around McDonalds. You cannot sell Black folks Big Macs and give us little justice.”

About National Action Network (NAN)

National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender.

For more information go to www.nationalactionnetwork.net.

WHEN YOUR FRIENDS DO NOT UNDERSTAND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH SITUATION

circumstances. Your health

is more important than what other people may think.

3. Your goal is to get better: Concentrate on how you can face your fears and anxieties. Don’t waste your time arguing with your colleagues who are giving you a difficult time. This isn’t a public relations event where you need to get approval from everyone. This is your life and you are the one suffering. Your main focus is to get better.

4. Tell your friends to learn about your situation: Explain to your peers that the best way for them to help you is to learn about your mental health issues. They could talk to a counselor, read some good books, or join a support group to better understand your situation. If your friends won’t make an effort, then stay away from them because they will only make things worse.

5. Distance yourself from those who give you a difficult time: Distance yourself from those who won’t make an effort to help understand what you are going through. You need to surround yourself with positive and supportive people. If you have problems or issues with a particular person, you can always ask a counselor for advice.

Do you struggle with your mental health and have a difficult time in getting the people you know to be more understanding? In some cases, your colleagues might give you a hard time regarding your anxieties and depression.

As a result, here are seven suggestions on how to deal with the people you know regarding your mental health issues.

1. Listen to the professionals and not your friends: Your peers may mean well, but when it comes down to it, the professionals are aware of your circumstances more than anyone. A counselor knows what you are going through and can help you deal with your problems. When you have questions about your mental health, consult with a therapist.

2. Don’t argue with others: It is important that you do not get into arguments with those who are giving you a rough time. Your number one priority is to get relief from your anxieties. It is not your job to worry about how others may view your

6. You are not alone: It can be very frustrating to manage your fear related issues when the people you know are on your case. Remember, you are not alone. There are millions of people around the world who struggle with their fears, anxieties, and depression. The key is to find those people who can relate to you through various organizations in your area.

7. Join a local mental health support group: There are many mental health awareness support groups in your area. Many hospitals, churches, and counselors in your area will be able to provide you with a list of these organizations. These groups will be aware of your situation and can give you additional advice regarding your problems.

In addition, talk to a professional who can help relieve your depression and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with suggestions and insights on how to deal with your current problem.

“There are lawsuits brought by Black franchises. Another brought by a Black former executive over racial discrimination from the highest levels.”

THE RACIAL WEALTH GAP BY CHARLENE CLAXTON

When it comes to finances, it is time for us to put some of that resourcefulness to work!

Because of all the obstacles and roadblocks placed in front of us, we have to be that more strategic in our response. Basically, we need a game plan. We cannot sit idly by waiting for things to get better. We have to do the work to make our lives better financially. This can be done by reading more on the topic and learning from others who are financially savvy.

The two top creators of wealth are homeownership and retirement accounts. The average wealth of homeowners is $305,000 versus those who rent who have a negative wealth of $4,000. No matter where you are financially at this time, there is still an opportunity for you to get to a better place. Most people don’t think about their financial future when they are young, but that is exactly when you should start planning. There is no time like the present. Black people do not have the luxury of blindly going through life without a plan. We have to be very intentional about our money and how we save, spend and grow it. Here are a few steps to get you started.

Step 1: Decide What You Want Your Financial Life To Look Like

Are you debt Free? Do you have an emergency fund and retirement accounts? Do you want to be a homeowner?

Did you know the racial wealth gap has continued to widen? In 2013, the average wealth of the designated groups was as follows: white households had $134,000, Hispanic households had $13,000 and Black households had $11,000. According to the most recent Census, the average household wealth of Black households is $14,100, Hispanic households $31,700 and white households had wealth of approximately $187,000. The wealth increase for Hispanic households more than doubled while Black households increased by $3,000 and white households had a wealth increase of more than $50,000.

There are a host of reasons for the discrepancy in Black wealth, the least of which is redlining and the fact that Black people are generally paid less than their white counterparts for doing the same job. Black families face disparities other groups do not. These are not the only reasons of course.

Black people also contribute to the wealth gap by not intentionally seeking out wealth accumulation and instead overspending and carrying too much debt. It is possible for Black families to increase their wealth despite the multitude of obstacles we face. We are very resourceful and resilient as a people.

Step 2: Believe The Life You Want Is Possible

You have to believe that financial security is possible for you and your family.

Step Three: Take Action

You have to take the first step toward your goals. Baby steps are fine to start, but you have to get started in the direction you want to go. You might surprise yourself with all you are capable of accomplishing.

We have all heard the refrain that “we have to work twice as hard to be considered half as good”. With all the obstacles that have been placed in front of the Black population for centuries, this is the approach we need to take to get ahead. Being intentional about our finances through saving and investing is one thing we can control without interference. No one is blocking us from saving and investing our money. We have to make the choice to do it and take our equity back! There is no better time like the present.

COMMON FINANCIAL MISTAKES YOU MIGHT BE MAKING AS A YOUNG ADULT

BY AJ WOODSON

Forgetting to Map Out Financial Priorities

Our previous article on ‘Identify Your Family’s Financial Priorities’ discusses the four main financial priorities for the American family: income, savings, retirement, and debt. It’s nearly impossible to attend equally to each one of them. Instead, families should decide which one to make their priority. Those with an urgent need to increase their income can do so, for example, by taking on freelance jobs. People more worried about saving may, on the other hand, choose to set automatic monthly transfers to a savings account. In either case, identifying the most important financial priority and trying to balance it with the other three is the most reasonable strategy.

Using Credit Cards Too Frequently

Most adults have no problem admitting their current financial situation is not what they expected, according to a report by Forbes. The root of the problem is usually linked to bad financial habits in early adulthood. Small mistakes like not paying attention to the money being spent or forgetting to carefully review the conditions of a loan can and will pile up, putting future plans and hopes in danger. Most of these long-term effects can be avoided, however, with just some minor changes in behavior.

Stopping to Monitor Expenses

People tend to have a more intuitive approach to monthly budgets. Appearances can be deceiving though, and spending can easily get out of control in different ways. For instance, the occasional superficial purchase may not put a household out of balance, but inadvertently starting to live an unaffordable lifestyle can, suggests a post by the New York Times. Sitting down to make a monthly budget that differentiates between necessary and frivolous expenses can ensure people don’t find themselves unexpectedly out of funds.

Credit cards can be a life-saver. The problem is that most people forget they are supposed to be used as an extraordinary measure. A good rule of thumb is to never use a credit card just because of an expected increase in income. That would be like buying smaller sizes of clothing as soon as we start a diet. It’s also important to consider how well a specific debt can be handled. In a recent article, CNBC reminded readers that only being able to make the minimum credit card payments can prolong debt by a considerable amount. This can increase the chances of finding oneself unable to continue paying due to unforeseen circumstances, which will negatively affect credit score.

Not Being Proactive with Student Loans

Student loans are among the most common forms of debt. Still, not all student loans are the same and reading the fine print is essential. In some programs, for example, the debt can be forgiven after a certain number of payments have taken place. Under these conditions, a post on student loans by AskMoney recommends making regular payments even if the federal government has paused the need to make them. By contrast, if the debt will be forgiven after a specific amount of time, then it’s better to save the money for future emergencies.

Achieving certain life goals like getting a university degree, buying a house, or even having a comfortable retirement, depends on the ability to develop the right financial habits. This is particularly difficult during early adulthood, when the sudden increase in disposable income makes superfluous and spontaneous spending truly tempting. Nevertheless, making these small changes could greatly increase the chances of building a financially stable household and enjoying a more or less worry free adulthood.

IN CELEBRATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIP-HOP, ARTIST ETO OTITIGBE UNVEILS SCULPTURE HONORING RAPPER

HEAVY D AND MOUNT VERNON’S MUSICAL LEGACY AT 42 BROAD

On Thursday, April 27th, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, ArtsWestchester and the family of the influential hip-hop artist Heavy D joined the development team behind 42 Broad — a joint venture of Alexander Development Group, The Bluestone Organization and institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives — for the unveiling of Brooklyn-based artist Eto Otitigbe’s Peaceful Journey, a monumental public art installation that celebrates the rapper’s music and legacy in Mount Vernon.

“I wanted to pay homage to the Mount Vernon community that had such an important place in hip-hop with this work of art,” says Eto Otitigbe of Peaceful Journey. The artist explains that the Heavy D song the sculpture is named after “offers a thoughtful and complex picture of the lives of Black and Brown people [living] in places like Mount Vernon, the Bronx or Los Angeles” and that the Mount Vernon native’s music was transformative for him growing up.

Inspired by various points of interest including architecture, physics and hip-hop, Otitigbe won a commission for a site-specific installation within the plaza at 42 Broad, a striking high-rise that will be one of the nation’s most energy-efficient residential buildings when it opens this spring. Situated at the corner of Broad Street and Fleetwood Avenue, Peaceful Journey will be on view for pedestrians, as well as drivers exiting and entering the Cross County Parkway. The sculpture, which was selected through an open competitive process managed by ArtsWestchester, a leading public art proponent, offers the hope of tranquility through turbulent times and represents how harmony and balance can be achieved even during times of change.

Heavy D’s mother Eula Elliot Myers thanked Eto and shared when Eto first approached her and talked about how Heavy D’s album Peaceful Journey inspired him and he wanted to something for Mount Vernon and he wanted to do something for Hev. Heavy D’s brother couldn’t be there so he had his wife Robin Harmon-Myers read a statement from him

“We are grateful and honored to the City of Mount Vernon, ArtsWestchester, and the 42 Broad development team of Mark Alexander, Nicholas Alexander and the Bluestone Organization for commemorating the legacy of the groundbreaking album ‘Peaceful Journey’ by Heavy D & the Boyz during the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop music and culture,” says Floyd Myers, brother of Heavy D. “Today’s sculpture unveiling is a testament to the impact of this album and the artistry of Dwight Myers (Heavy D), Troy Dixon (Trouble T-Roy), Eddie Ferrell (Eddie F.) and Glen Parrish (G-Wiz) had on the music industry. We hope this statue will inspire future generations to tap into their creativity as a means of expression and expanding the message of love, peace, and unity as voiced in the music of Heavy D & the Boyz.”

MT VERNON NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH CENTER’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY, GROUNDBREAKING, RIBBON CUTTING & UNVEILING OF NEW BRAND

On Wednesday, April 19, 2023, elected officials, dignitaries, residents community leaders, and guests gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center (MVNHC) located at 107 W Fourth Street. The occasion was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony for a $12 million renovation of the Mount Vernon facility and the unveiling of MVNHC’s new name and brand.

In order to more accurately reflect its broader geographic service area, MVNHC will now be known as Westchester Community Health Center. “Because we operate centers in Greenburgh/White Plains and Yonkers, we are changing our name to Westchester Community Health Center to more accurately reflect the larger community we care for”, said MVNHC Chief Executive Officer Judith Watson.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer who spoke at the ceremony said, “The Center offers much more than healthcare, it offers hope.”

County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels said the “The Center provides vital services to the community and Westchester County is committed to supporting it”.

On-hand New York State Acting Health Commissioner Dr. James V. McDonald said, “My highest priority is working to eliminate health disparities.”

Former Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson recounted the history of the Center, recalling the activists who worked to find funding and the opening of the current facility in 1980. She spoke of the need that the center filled, giving the citizens of Mt. Vernon a place to obtain quality healthcare.

As they broke ground, Judith Watson, CEO said, “We welcome everyone here, regardless of their ability to pay or their immigration status. We want to take care of everyone who needs our services.”

The center has been serving residents of lower Westchester County and The Bronx since 1973

RAPPER JA RULE HELPS THE YOUTH SHELTER OF WESTCHESTER CELEBRATES 45 YEARS

BY AJ WOODSON

The Youth Shelter Program of Westchester (YSOW) celebrated the organization’s 45th anniversary with an elegant gala at the Greentree Country Club located at 538 Davenport Ave, New Rochelle on Friday, May 5, 2023. Award-winning rapper, songwriter, singer, record producer, actor and enterpreneur Ja Rule served as the keynote speaker of the gala, helping the organization celebrate 45 years of transforming lives.

Rev. Darren Morton gave the welcome address, followed by a video presentation about the YSOW and then Kerrie Muhammad & Mustafa Ali-Smith introduced Ja Rule, the keynote speaker. Congressman Jamaal Bowman gave the Keynote Award Presentation. Awards were given to the Honorable Judge Lyndon Williams who recieved the Individual Award. The Community Award recipient was Rye Presbyterian Church Thift Shop and the Women’s Association. The Corporate Award was given to New York-Presbyterian Westchester. The Reginald Lafayette “Servant’s Heart Award” was given to Barbara Lerman, Esq. Steve Tsekares, Dillion Faulkner, Judge Nichelle Johnson, Juliet Kinloch Jacobs and Julie Sootin were honored as Unsung Heroes.

YSOW, through their LEAD (Leadership, Excellence, And Development) Academy, serve young people ages 1625 who are coming out of incarceration within their facility or from other correctional facilities throughout the county. LEAD Academy offers vocational training, substance abuse and mental health services, a GED program, conflict resolution, violence prevention training, and arts and cultural enrichment programs. Through LEAD Academy, young people receive ongoing case management and support for a minimum of one year and encompasses specialty court initiatives, cure violence programming and local/national advocacy efforts.

“YSOW understands the power of transforming justice through restorative practices. Young people should be seen as more than their crime; moreover, as individuals who need support, nurturing, and guidance to reshape their futures. In the words of our special guest JaRule, we definitely were “living it up” at YSOW’s 45th Anniversary Gala on Friday, May 5, 2023 entitled Transforming Justice. We were thrilled to have so many you in attendance and making it such a memorable night,” Executive Director of Youth Shelter Program of Westchester Joanne L. Dunn shared with Black Westchester.

Black Westchester congradulates the YSOW on their 45th Anniversary and celebrate them for all they do for our young men. Salute!!!

MVPD POLICE MEMORIAL DAY MAY 15TH

Every May 15th Peace Officers Memorial Day pays tribute to local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice or been injured in the line of duty. The observance takes place during Police Week.

Peace Officers Memorial Day started in 1963, several months after President John F. Kennedy signed the bill into law in October 1962. In Kennedy’s proclamation relating to the events in May 1963, he began by stating that “law enforcement officers have played an important role” since “the beginning of this Nation.”

On Monday, May 15, 2023, The Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD) honored their Officers that made the ultimate sacrifice as well as those that go above and beyond to serve the citizens of Mount Vernon.

Award recipients included EXCELLENT POLICE DUTY recipients Sgt. Patrick King, Sgt, Daniel Debenedictis, Det. Mark Ludwicki, Det. Joseph Dimperio, Det. Montika Jones, Det. Edward McCue, Det. Benny Gutierrez, Det. Joel Adao, Det. Robert Puff, PO Christopher Cartwright, PO Cody Housen, PO Gabriel Saladini, PO Raiton Betty, PO Joseph Detz, PO Michael Paulson, PO Michael Hutchins, PO Casey Bordeaux, PO Timothy Price, PO Joseph Diaz, PO David Lopez, PO Edwin Castillo, PO Gabriel Salameh, PO Daniel Suspiro, PO William Guevara.

LIVESAVING recipients Lt. Robert Wuttke, Det. Sgt, Sean Fegan, Det. Billy Exarhakos, Det. Billy Exarhakos, Det. Jorge Monge, PO Charles Rizzo, PO Tiesha Heath, and PO Casey Bordeaux. POLICE OFFICER CITATION recipient PO Frank Castillo.

MERITORIOUS POLICE DUTY recipients Lt. Robert Wuttke, Lt. Mark Symonette, Det. Sgt. Wendell Griffith, Sgt. Murashea Bovell, Sgt. Kareem Lloyd, Sgt. Patrick Jean-Jerome, Sgt. Christopher Grieco, Sgt. Didier Florez, Sgt. Carl Osterling, Det. David Clarke, Det. Rasheem Williams, Det. Joseph Valente, Det. EZ carruthers, Det. Enzo Baia, Det. Robert Puff, Det. Edward McCue, Det. Marlon Talbot, Det. Darron Light, Det. Michael Plunkett, PO Natalie Powell, PO Jason Dilegge, PO Andrew Martin, PO David Culbert, PO Charles Rizzo, and PO Phillip Leonti.

COMMISSIONER’S AWARD DAY recipients Sgt. Patrick King, Sgt. Daniel Debenedictis, Det. Mark Ludwicki, Det. Joseph Dimperio, Det. Tariq Hylton, Det. Edward McCue, Det. Benny Gutierrez, Det. Joel Adao, Det. Robert Puff, PO Derrick Williams, PO Michael Paulson, PO Michael Hutchins, PO Christopher Cartwright, PO Casey Bordeaux, PO William Guevara, PO Marquis Randolph, PO Steven Beato, PO Jacob Camacho, PO Joseph Detz, PO Raiton Betty, PO Timothy Price, PO Brandon Rivera, PO Michael Nalbandian, PO David Lopez, PO Gabriel Salameh and PO Daniel Suspiro.

“It’s great to see all the hard work that we do being acknowledged by the city, but the sad truth is that some if not most of the Officers being acknowledged today will soon work for other Police Departments unless the Mayor addresses this massive pay gap by giving us a long overdue contract,” PBA President Nicholas Mastrogiorgio shared with Black Westchester.

Black Westchester congradulates all of the officers that recieved commendationsand salutes all the good men and women of the Mount Vernon Police Department who selflessly do their job to protect and serve the community everyday

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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.

DEMOGRAPHICS

GENRE

Male - 42.55%

female - 57.45%

RACE/ETHNICITY/NATIONALITY

Black/ African-American- 62.24%

Hispanic or Latino - 6.12%

White - 23.47%

Asian - 2.04%

Caribbean - 10.20%

Native American - 7.14%

Other - 2.04%

AGE

17 OR YOUNGER- 5.15%

18-20 - 1.03%

21-29 - 4.12%

30-39 - 6.19%

40-49 - 31.96%

50-59 - 29.90%

60 OR OLDER - 21.65%

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Employed, Working Full-Time- 46.24%

Employed, Working Part-Time - 5.45%

Self Employed - 15.05%

Unemployed - 5.38%

Retired - 18.28%

Disabled, Unable To Work - 8.60%

RELATIONSHIP

Democrat - 50.53%

Independent - 25.26%

Something Else - 18.95%

Larger news outlets such as The Journal News (Lohud), News 12 Westchester and Fios1 News, The New York Post, ABC News, and others also follow us and have quoted us for breaking stories that they, in turn, did follow up stories on. Black Westchester is the voice of the voiceless and has covered many stories that other news outlets often overlooked and in turn followed our lead and reported later.

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

With that said, for businesses who do business and want to do 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.

GREENBURGH’S GLENN BUTLER JR. MAKES IT 4-FOR-4, WINNING CIAA FIELD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR, AGAIN

The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania men’s track and field program can now boast one of the greatest field athletes in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s (CIAA) storied history as Glenn Butler, Jr. (Greenburgh, N.Y./ White Plains) has now gone back-toback-to-back-to-back as the CIAA Field Athlete of the Year spanning the last two indoor and outdoor seasons.

Butler has been at LU since the COVID-19 campaign when the CIAA did not host indoor or outdoor championship events, but once they began giving out postseason awards following the 2022 iteration it has been a clean sweep for the jump specialist, bringing home the hardware each and every time since he became a Lincoln Lion.

He was selected by the coaches and sports information directors in an online vote.

During the outdoor season, the senior secured seven medals over nine events, capturing four golds and three silvers while never finishing lower than fifth place.

The gifted student-athlete won the long jump at both Charleston Southern (7.49m) and West Chester (7.03m), came in first for the triple jump on the campus of St. Mary’s College of Maryland (13.40m), and leapt to the top spot during the high jump at Morgan State (1.88m).

The former transfer from SUNY-Delhi grabbed a trio of runner-up placements as well, doing so twice in the long jump at Morgan (7.32m) as well as Norfolk State (7.37m) on top of a second-place allotment in a running event too, the 100m at WCU (11.06).

A graduate of White Plains High School, Butler went for fourth at NSU in the high jump with a height of 1.97m to go along with the fifth-fastest time in the 100m by sprinting a personal-best 10.68 seconds at CSU.

Head Coach Roland Whiting and the rest of the squad compete in the CIAA Championships on Friday and Saturday in

Lincoln (PA)’s Glenn Butler Jr. Finishes 2nd In Long Jump, 12th In High Jump At Indoor National Championships

The LU men’s track & field program saw one of its greatest student-athletes in program history continue to make his mark on the national stage, earning the silver medal in the long jump event and placing 12th out of 17 participants during the high jump at the weekend’s NCAA Indoor National Championships inside the Virginia Beach Sports Center.

Glenn Butler, Jr. set a new personal-record with his runner-up showing in the long jump, reaching a distance of 7.70m to trail only Pittsburg State’s Henry Kiner (8.04m) in the entirety of the NCAA’s Division II level.

The senior from Greenburgh, New York also gained a height of 2.04m in the high jump to tie for the 12th-best mark while coming ahead of Brayden Sorensen (Nebraska-Kearney), Trey Bartholomew (Oklahoma Baptist), Steven Schmidt (Northwest Nazarene), and Brendan Jewell (Missouri Southern).

Black Westchester celebrates the All-American, Back-To-Back-To-Back-To-Back, 4X CIAA Field Athlete Of The Year, Glenn Butler Jr., and Congrdualete him for graduating from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania,which signifies his hard work, dedication, and commitment to his education, and it marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Glenn Butler Jr., is a true Black Westchester Legend in the making!!!

BW BLACK LOVE SERIES: BLACK LOVE IS KNOWING THE ART OF LOVING COMMUNICATION

BY DAMON K. JONES

At the foundation of Black Love is communication. The greater the depth of communication, the stronger the bond is between you and your spouse.

Black Love survives and thrives when people share their thoughts and feelings regularly. You develop trust in your relationship by sharing your heart and allowing yourself to become vulnerable. You make that trust grow when you resolve to become a person that makes your spouse feel safe to open up and be vulnerable.

Being in a long-term relationship or marriage is work, and it can often cause complicated emotions within both of you. In that case, however, you can maintain your spiritual bonding even when life presents its most significant challenges. Black Love is committing to seeing the other person’s point of view and creating an atmosphere of safety and open communication. Communication is vital in a healthy relationship, but it’s not always easy to communicate lovingly.

One of the most intricate attributes of Black Love is loving and thoughtful communication.

Loving communication can be integrated into listening, talking, body language, daily habits, and other activities. Discover how to use all these forms of communication to enhance Black Love in your relationship and experience a more joyful and fulfilling love life.

Black Love is Listening

When communicating with your partner, listening is even more important than speaking. You must listen carefully to your partner.

Unfortunately, it’s easier to speak than to hear each other. Many couples develop habits such as tuning out the other person or nodding their head in agreement without listening. They may learn to ignore each other rather than focus on each other during their conversations. Unfortunately, these actions can spell doom.

You can use the same conversations to strengthen your relationship instead of taking advantage of them to show your love.

Try these ways to show your Black Love when you listen: Look at your partner when they’re talking. They’ll be pleased that they have your full attention. This action allows you to start the conversation in a positive, respectful, and complimentary light – even when you’re not the one talking. Practice active listening. This type of listening shows the other person you’re engaged in the conversation.

Active listening can take many forms.

Some examples of active listening include nodding your head, saying something in agreement, or asking questions to clarify their meaning.

Show that you understand. Sometimes a smile or a nod is enough to show this. Other times you can show understanding by continuing the conversation and providing advice or tips.

Avoid interruptions. Whether your phone goes off during a conversation or you stop the speaker in the middle of a sentence, interruptions can be annoying and break down communication.

We have been culture sabotaged to keep our phones in our faces when talking. This is not how you show love when communicating. Turn off your phones and other devices while listening to your partner. Make the conversation a top priority. Show how much you care by the way you listen. Your partner will notice the loving difference!

Black Love is Talking

The way you talk to each other has a significant impact on your relationship. From small talk to terms of endearment, your voice has power.

Many couples can share their love through conversations at the beginning of a relationship. However, they struggle to keep the momentum going, and loving words fade as the relationship ages.

You don’t have to forget love while talking!

Consider these tips for keeping your love alive:

Give small talk a chance. Sometimes, small talk is appropriate and can be used to convey Black. It’s only occasionally necessary to have deep and meaningful conversations.

• From discussing work to discussing the weather, small talk can be an easier way to start a conversation with your partner. It can show that you still care about each other by sharing things.

• Even sharing small details of your life can strengthen your emotional bond. Remember to use loving terms. Terms of endearment can make a big difference in a relationship.

• Using affectionate terms or cute pet names is one option.

Keep saying you love them. Many couples who have been together for a long time forget to say I love you. Remember to tell your partner that you love them.

• Although there are many ways to express your love, sometimes it’s important to say it out loud. These three simple words, “I love you,” can serve as verbal reassurance.

Express yourself with love. Sometimes anger and resentment can boil over in a conversation, but it’s important to resist them.

• Try to avoid using language that is hurtful and negative with your partner.

• Consider how your partner will feel after hearing you talk.

• Avoid letting anger and the passion of the moment cloud your judgment.

• It often helps to take a break or walk away to cool off during a severe argument. Use words that still contain love when you return.

The way you talk matters in a loving relationship. Ensure you communicate your love through your words daily.

Black Love is Body Language

Do you pay attention to body language while near your partner?

Your body language is another way to show love in a relationship. Whether you use your eyes or a smile, subtle things can express love. Your body language is essential to your partner. They can pick up on unverbalized emotions from your body language, so make it count!

Try these strategies to show love with your body language:

Focus on the eyes. Do you look at your partner while talking, or are you staring at the wall or your phone?

• Researchers have found that partners who gaze at each other lovingly have stronger relationships. So it’s essential to look at your partner while talking and listening.

• Try to avoid staring into space or looking at another object while they talk.

• When you look away from your loved one while they talk, they may think you’re bored with the conversation or even bored with them.

Smile. Of course, you only want to smile at appropriate times, but many couples need to remember to smile. However, this simple gesture can carry a lot of meaning.

• Remember that smiling can also help you by boosting your immune system and improving your mood, so you get many benefits.

Face your partner. While you’re talking, face each other. This shows you’re focused and interested in them.

• In addition, lean in a bit while they’re talking. This also shows that you care and are involved in the conversation.

Other body language tips. Use these actions, too, in your body language to communicate your love:

RACE CONSCIOUS ADMISSIONS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

BY JAMES A. JOHNSON

“………nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

– Fourteenth Amendment of the US Constitution ((1868).1 Race – the biological distinction. Race – the durable singular social preoccupation of the United States throughout its history. Race – the constitutional Continental Divide.

Equal Opportunity

One of the most difficult and divisive social problems of our time is how to promote equal opportunity for students of color without engaging in reverse discrimination. Yes, white people may have problems and face barriers, but systemic racism is not be one of them. Most Americans recognize the blatant discrimination of African Americans and subscribe to the broad objective of moving persons of color into the main stream of American life. The problem is how to achieve that objective. In higher education and employment affirmative action and preferential treatment in using race to determine inclusion or exclusion involves getting somebody in and keeping somebody out. Is this reverse discrimination? Possibly. Or, is it a way to eliminate the barriers of racial discrimination to bring about equality of opportunity that only affects a very small number of white applicants.

Constitutional Standard

In 2003 Barbara Grutter, a white Michigan resident sued the University of Michigan Law School alleging the school discriminated against her on the basis of race in violation of the 14th Amendment, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 42 U.S.C. 1981.

The U.S. Supreme Court held that the use of an applicant’s race as one factor in an admissions policy of a public educational institution does not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment if the policy is narrowly tailored to the compelling interest of promoting a diverse student body. However, it must use a holistic process to evaluate each applicant, as opposed to a quota system.² Grutter set the constitutional standard used today that narrowly tailored use of race in admissions furthers a compelling interest in obtaining a diverse student body.³

In 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court heard Fisher II. Abigail Fisher, a white applicant sued the University of Texas alleging that the university’s use of race in the admissions process violated the equal protection clause. The Court held that the equal protection clause was not violated and the university’s use of race was narrowly tailored and had articulated concrete and precise goals.⁴

Affirmative Action

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in Grutter v Bollinger stated “we expect that 25 years from now the use of racial preferences will no longer be necessary to create a diverse student body.5 However, after 20 years litigation continues.

In 2014 Students for Fair Admissions sued Harvard University6 and the University of North Carolina.7 Plaintiffs allege Harvard’s admissions process violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by penalizing Asian Americans applicants, overemphasizing race in discriminating against Asian Americans in favor of white applicants and rejecting workable race neutral alternatives. Plaintiffs allege the University of North Carolina’s admission process violates the equal protection clause by using race as a factor in admissions. In both cases, the plaintiffs want the U.S. Supreme court to overrule Grutter v Bollinger and hold that institutions of higher education cannot use race as a factor in admissions. Representing Harvard in the US Supreme Court is fellow alum and former 41st U.S. Solicitor General Seth P. Waxman.

Iona University

Iona in New Rochelle, New York has an active Diversity Program as set out in its Mission and Vision Statement:

Grounded in our Christian Brothers identity and in keeping with our pursuit and practice of the social justice imperatives of the Catholic Faith, the mission of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) within the Office of the Provost is to support Iona University’s shared commitment to sustainably advance a diverse, equitable campus culture, that is inclusive thereby creating a sense of belonging where diverse communities are celebrated, can excel and can thrive through collective effort and strategic collaborations across the university and neighboring communities.

Its Mission is guided by its Framework to:

Facilitate active integration of diversity, equity and inclusion into the very fabric of the institutional culture by incorporating institutional expectations in terms of practices, policies and competencies including their measurement into the performance management process.

Alison Munsch, Ph.D. is the interim Associate Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

SUNY Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College has an Official Diversity Statement: Westchester Community College fosters an intentionally inclusive campus culture that celebrates and respects the diversity of the community while acknowledging the differences among the lived experiences of individuals. The college will promote equity, disseminate knowledge, and take visible actions to remove barriers to access and advancement that adversely affect individuals from marginalized communities.

Its Mission is set out below:

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is committed to the urgent, sustained, and comprehensive work of creating a welcoming campus climate in which all members are valued and have a voice. We do so by keeping fairness and accessibility in higher education at the heart of our policies and procedures. We value a deep, collective understanding that an institutional and personal commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is a genuine commitment to meaningful, lifelong learning.

The Chief Diversity Officer & Title IX Coordinator is Dr. Rinardo Reddick The Spoken Word

The black community and other communities of color do not need handouts or charity. They need access to capital resources that will help an entrepreneurial class grow in minority communities. Corporations and firms can start by creating a culture of listening and learning in the workplace. Building a cultural foundation requires getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. This will eventually improve working relationships. Take the advice of Atticus Finch in the 1962 movie “To Kill a Mockingbird – you never really understand a person……until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” Words have power. We use words every day to communicate, to bond, to teach and to express an opinion. Words can hurt but also can be used as medicine - to heal a wound or create a closer relationship. Words have the capacity to make change. Words can be used as seeds and can sow equality and life-sustaining paths for others to follow. As you reread this article consider what seeds to plant today and tomorrow.

Conclusion

Race conscience admissions began in the 1960s as a product of the affirmative action policies resulting from the civil rights movement. These policies had an immediate impact with many colleges and universities substantially increasing their minority enrollments. Every college and community in New York State has benefited from race conscience admissions including Iona University & SUNY Westchester Community College. Admissions officials should continue to look beyond grades and scores in their commitment to diversity with special reference to the inclusion of African-Americans. Race conscience admissions policies are crucial to an equitable society.

Endnotes

1. Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution, Section 1. (1868).

2. Grutter v. Bollinger, 539 U.S. 306 (2003).

3. Fisher v. University of Texas, 579 U.S. 365 (2016).

4. Students for Fair Admissions v. President of Harvard Coll.., 397 F. Supp. 3d 126 (D. Mass. 2019).

5. Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina, 567 F. Supp. 3d 580 (M.D.N.C. 2021).

6. Students for Fair Admissions v. President of Harvard Coll.., 397 F. Supp. 3d 126 (D. Mass. 2019).

7. Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina, 567 F. Supp. 3d 580 (M.D.N.C. 2021).

About the Author: James A Johnson is an accomplished trial lawyer and social activist. He is an active member of the Massachusetts, Michigan, Texas and Federal Court Bars. Jim concentrates on serious Personal Injury, Insurance Coverages under the Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy, Sports, Entertainment Law and Federal Criminal Defense. He can be reached at www.JamesAJohnsonEsq.com

WHAT’S GOING ON? MARVIN’S 1971 LYRICS OF POLICE BRUTALITY AND SENSELESS VIOLENCE STILL RING TRUE 52 YEARS LATER!

BY AJ WOODSON

This was inspired by the docu-series, 1971 The Year That Music Changed Everything, I watched last night on Apple TV. What’s Going On was the eleventh studio album by soul singer, songwriter, and producer Marvin Gaye. It was released on May 21, 1971, by the Motown Records subsidiary label Tamla. At the time Black artists weren’t typically creating classic album-length artistic statements on par with The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and Bob Dylan’s “Blonde on Blonde,” then along came Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” a 1971 game-changer that turned 52 on May 21st.

The song “What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye is unique among the diverse field of anti-war songs. The message it sends is not overtly critical of war, nor does it display any amount of contempt for those that wage violence in war. Instead it exudes an air of confusion; confusion about why the Vietnam War is being waged at all, and confusion about why there is such open hostility between war protestors and those who attempt to subdue them. Throughout the song, language such as “Picket lines and picket signs/Don’t punish me with brutality”, “Father, father, everybody thinks we’re wrong/Oh, but who are they to judge us/Simply because our hair is long”, “There’s far too many of you dying/You know we’ve got to find a way” stand out, sending a message that is centered very much at home in America. This song is certainly anti-war, as evidenced by the lines, “We don’t need to escalate/You see, war is not the answer/for only love can conquer hate”, which is a direct statement that war is not the way to solve out problems.

52 years later the very words Marvin uttered in 1971 can apply to 2023. He sang about too many people dying in the Vietnam War but can be applied to all the lives we are losing today in the streets of Urban America to senseless gun violence. While his lyrics exuded an air of confusion; confusion about why the Vietnam War is being waged at all, they can as easily exude an air of confusion or why so many Brothers and Sisters are dying in the streets today.

Mother, mother

There’s too many of you crying Brother, brother, brother

There’s far too many of you dying

You know we’ve got to find a way

To bring some lovin’ here today – Ya

50 years later, we are not talking about a war being fought 8,703 miles away in Vietnam, but on Urban Streets all across America. The sad thing is the enemy looks like us and is us, WE ARE KILLING OURSELVES!!! There’s a war going on outside nobody’s safe from. Marvin Gaye’s brother Frankie had returned to the US totally traumatized by his three-year tour of duty while his cousin (also called Marvin) had died in service. Now the violence plaguing our streets is traumatizing our youth who are living with PTSD like the soldiers who came back from war.

Which makes Marvin’s 1971 lyrics so prophetic 52 years later. Like Marvin said on Save The Children, Children today really suffer tomorrow. To end the senseless gun violence we must first understand its effects and make sure to put programs in place to help those who are affected by it. You cannot arrest the problem away, it is important for our youth and everyone affected to get the help that they need, so they can heal. So we can all heal. Then and only then can we truly and fully tackle the problem and affects of senseless gun violence. Like Marvin the situation has me scratching my head asking What’s Going On? So I couldn’t just do a traditional celebration of the 50th Anniversary of this monumental musical offering from Marvin without attempting to address What’s Going On today as he did 50 years ago. That’s the only way I could see in truly celebrating our brother Marvin. While we get outraged about Black and Brown people being killed at the hands on law enforcement, we have to be equally if not more outraged when they die at the hands of those who look like them in our communities.

But let’s not forget our brothers and sisters being murdered by law enforcement. Marvin’s lyrics also exude confusion about why there is such open hostility between war protestors and those who attempt to subdue them. In 1971 the were mass protests over the war, and 49 years later there were the same size crowds protesting the killing of Black people at the hands of law enforcement. Black Lives Matter protestors were met with hostility by those who attempted to subdue them. In 1971 Richard Nixon, who escaped impeachment by resigning was in the White House and despised the protestors, in 2020, Donald Trump – the first president to be impeached twice – shared

Nixon’s despisement of the protestors and expressed the same hostility toward them.

THIS MONTH IN BLACK HISTORY

NELSON MANDALA SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT

After being released from 27 years of imprisonment for his battles against the racist system of apartheid, Nelson Mandela makes history when he is elected the first Black president of South Africa on May 10, 1994. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalised racism and fostering racial reconciliation. Politically an African nationalist and democratic socialist, he served as president of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991-97.

May 6, 1787, Prince Hall organizes the nation’s first Black Masonic lodge in Boston, Mass.—African Lodge #459. Hall would go on to become the father of Black Masons in America and a major Black leader in the Northeast.

May 3, 1845, Macon B. Allen passes the Massachusetts bar thus becoming the first African American lawyer to pass a state bar and the first Black person permitted to practice law in the United States. Allen was born in Indiana but after the Civil War he moved to South Carolina where he was elected a judge in 1873.

May 7, 1878, Black inventor, Joseph R. Winters, receives a patent for his designing of the fire escape ladder.

May 14, 1885, Erskine Henderson, an African American jockey, wins the Kentucky Derby on “Joe Cotton”—a horse trained by Alex Perry—an African American trainer. Henderson was the sixth Black jockey to win the coveted race. Indeed, Black jockeys and trainers dominated the Kentucky Derby from 1875 to 1902. However, while some of the reasons are not entirely clear, it appears that as the race became more and more prosperous, Black jockeys and trainers were forced out.

May 15, 1911, Kappa Alpha Psi, one of the nation’s leading Black fraternities, is founded on this day on the campus of Indiana University by 10 young men led by Elder W. Diggs and Byron K. Armstrong.

May 4, 1961, Thirteen Freedom Riders began bus trips through the South to test Southern compliance with a 1960 U.S. Supreme Court ruling outlawing segregation in interstate transportation facilities. They were soon joined by hundreds of other “Freedom Riders” of all ages and races. Despite the Court decision, dozens of Freedom Riders were arrested as the South attempted to hang onto its segregationist ways.

May 11, 1968, Nine caravans of protesters arrived in Washington, D.C., for the first phase of the Poor Peoples Campaign—an anti-poverty effort conceived by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The campaign aimed to united Black, White and Hispanic poor people in an effort to pressure the government to do more to eliminate poverty in America. King had been assassinated the previous April, so the campaign was led by his lieutenant, Rev. Ralph Abernathy. The campaign erected Resurrection City near the Lincoln Monument and held daily demonstrations in Washington from May 14 to June 24.

Friday, May 6, 2016, NYS Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins is inducted into Westchester Women’s Hall of Fame during 7th Annual “In The Company of Women” Luncheon at the Westchester Marriott, 670 White Plains Rd., Tarrytown

May 15, 2022, Mary J. Blige received the Icon Award at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

PRESIDENT BIDEN SPEAKS AT WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

President Joe Biden takes the stage at Westchester Community College in Valhalla on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, to discuss the partisan standoff over the nation’s debt limit and the economic crisis that will occur if it isn’t resolved within the coming weeks. Governor Kathy Hochul, US Senator Kristen Gillibrand and US Congressman Jamaal Bowman each took turns speaking before President Biden delivers his remarks at WCC. Black Westchester correspondent

Cynthia Turnquest-Jones and Moms Demand Action Was also in the house.

“It was great to see President biden, Jamaal Bowman and Kristen Gillibrand in Westchester today with Moms Demand Action volunteers and survivors,” Cynthia shared.

WESTCHESTER & ROCKLAND

Juneteenth

Kick-Off Celebration Event

June 1 | 6–8pm | Free

Bedford Hills Community House

74 Main Street, Bedford Hills, NY

Join us as we come together to kick off Juneteenth celebrations across Westchester and Rockland Counties! The program features a keynote lecture by scholar-activist Professor James Small, a presentation by Black Westchester founders Damon K. Jones and AJ Woodson, music and dance performances by regional artists, including Grammy Awardwinning cellist Akua Dixon, educational workshops for youth, food, and more!

For a Juneteenth celebration near you, check out our calendar of Juneteenth events happening throughout Westchester and Rockland Counties:

Organized by the Westchester & Rockland Countywide Juneteenth Coalition with support from Westchester County Government, in concert with Antioch Baptist Church (Bedford Hills) and the Westchester County African American Advisory Board.