Volume 7/ Issue 2 BW Sept/Oct 2023 Issue

FIND YOUR DREAM CAREER

Supporting those who are justice-impacted and other underserved populations. All are welcome.

OCTOBER 18

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

YONKERS

PUBLIC LIBRARY

1 LARKIN CENTER

QUESTIONS

hello@untappedsolutions.io

rb.gy/7ahqj REGISTER

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

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter: @BlkWestchesterM

Instagram: @BlackWestchester

Facebook: /BlackWestchesterMagazine

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

Precious Ferrell

Photographers

AJ Woodson

Graphic Designers

AJ Woodson

Paula S. Woodson/

PS Visually Speakin’

For Advertising Rates

AdvertiseWithBW@gmail.com

Letters To The Editor BWEditorInChief@gmail.com

DNA HELPS EXONERATE LEONARD MACKS OF 1975 NEW YORK RAPE CONVICTION

before their attacker raped one of them twice and tried to sexually assault the other victim, prosecutors said.

Mack was arrested hours after the crime because he fit the suspect description of a black man with an earring and hat, the DA’s office said.

Despite presenting alibi witnesses at trial, he was found guilty by a jury of firstdegree rape and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah shared with Black westchester that her Conviction Review Unit and the Innocence Project will be asking the court to vacate the conviction of a South Carolina man who served more than seven years in a New York prison for a 1975 rape in Greenburgh that he did not commit. The CRU’s investigation included new DNA testing that conclusively excluded 72-year-old Leonard Mack as the perpetrator and identified a convicted sex offender, who has now confessed to the rape. This would be the longest wrongful conviction in U.S. history to be overturned by new DNA evidence, according to the Innocence Project, the national litigation and criminal justice policy reform organization dedicated to exonerating the wrongfully convicted.

“Today we’re asking the courts to find Leonard Mack actually innocent for a rape he never committed; for which he unjustly served more than seven years in prison. We were able to prove Mr. Mack’s innocence, in large part, due to our independent Conviction Review Unit’s commitment and Mr. Mack’s unwavering strength fighting to clear his name for almost 50 years. This exoneration confirms that wrongful convictions are not only harmful to the wrongly convicted but also make us all less safe,” DA Rocah told Black Westchester on September 5th.

The Westchester County DA’s Office Conviction Review Unit’s investigation included new DNA hit that led investigators to a registered sex offender who confessed to the crime; wrongful conviction would be the longest known to the Innocence Project to be overturned by DNA evidence

Leonard Mack, who was the victim of a wrongful conviction of rape he did not commit, received the greatest gift of his life on his 72nd Birthday as a State Supreme Court judge of Westchester County officially exonerated him after 47 years of wrong conviction against him. Mack served seven and half years in prison for a rape he did not commit. The Innocence Project called Mark’s case the longest wrongful conviction in American history to be overturned by new DNA evidence. Leonard Mack, now a South Carolina resident, received the gift of exoneration on his 72nd birthday, Tuesday, September 5th.

State Supreme Court Judge Anne E. Minihan overturned Mack’s 1976 conviction that left him languishing in prison for more than seven years. He was previously found guilty of raping one teen girl and trying to rape another.

But advanced DNA testing proved Mack was not behind the attacks, and instead pointed to a sex offender who recently confessed to the disturbing crimes, the Westchester District Attorney’s Office said.

Mack, a Vietnam War veteran, was originally on authorities’ radar when two high school students were forced at gunpoint into the woods in the town of Greenburgh on May 23, 1975, the district attorney’s office said.

Mack and Judge Minihan embraced during an emotional hearing. Elijah Craig II/Innocence Project. The two girls were tied up, blinded and gagged

Mack, who is now married, tried behind bars to challenge his conviction multiple times in the 1980s, but the effort was opposed by the Westchester DA’s office and rejected by the courts.

“Today has been a long time coming. I lost seven-and-a-half years of my life in prison for a crime I did not commit and I have lived with this injustice hanging over my head for almost 50 years,” Mack said in a press release from the Innocence Project that contacted the DA’s office in November 2022.

“It changed the course of my life — everything from where I lived to my relationship with my family. I never lost hope that one day that I would be proven innocent. Now the truth has come to light and I can finally breathe. I am finally free.”

At one point, the South Carolina man wiped tears away.Elijah Craig II/ Innocence Project Minihan, the judge, told him it was the honor of her career to vacate his conviction, according to The Journal News.

“This is your day. You’ve waited much too long for it,” she reportedly told him. “In what we do the stakes are very high and it’s important to get it right.”

The judge left her seat on the bench to give him a hug during the emotional hearing, according to a photo from the Innocence Project.

The man who confessed to the rape was not identified by prosecutors. He could not be charged because the statute of limitations had run out on the old case. He was previously linked to a 1975 rape in Queens – just two weeks after the Greenburgh rape – and another 2004 sex crime in Greenburgh, the DA’s office said. He’s in custody and is being prosecuted for failing to register as a sex offender connected to the 2004 crime, prosecutors said.

Mack, who served seven and half years in prison for the crime, said, “I never lost hope that one day that I would be proven innocent.”

On May 22, 1975, police pulled over Mack in Greenburgh, New York, two and half hours after two teenage girls were stopped as they were walking home from school. One teen was violently raped. The other teen broke free and ran to

NYS HEALTH DEPT REPORTS TOBACCORELATED CANCERS DOWN IN NEW YORK

In aftermath of the vetoed menthol ban in the county, a new report released by the NYS Department of Heath Thursday, Sept. 14, found that f ewer New Yorkers are being diagnosed with tobacco-related cancers. The reports states several of the cancers most often associated with smoking declined throughout the state between 2016 and 2020.

The report found a steep decline both in New York City and elsewhere in the state of incident rates of esophageal, laryngeal, and lung cancer, those most closely related to tobacco use.

Rates of oral cancer, however, increased by 1.3 percent each year between 2006 and 2020 among those living in New York City. Researchers also noted that cigarette smoking among teenagers has reached an all-time low of 2.1 percent.

The NYS Dept of Health Bureau of Tobacco

Control released three new reports June that point to the effectiveness of ongoing tobacco control policies adopted in the State over the last few years. Among the key findings is continued declines in tobacco use by both adults and youths in New York.

“These reports are solid evidence that our policies aimed at improving health outcomes by restricting the purchase of harmful tobacco products are effective,” Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “The intent of banning the sale of flavored vaping products and restrictions on certain other tobacco sales was to prevent young people from starting a deadly addiction and to encourage adults to quit. We’ve made progress, but have more work to do, both in public education and in policy, to combat this public health threat, including continuing to push for a ban on flavored tobacco products such as menthol.”

WESTCHESTER REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN DOUG COLETY REMEMBERS HON. PEARL QUARLES

It is with great sadness I announce the passing of a Westchester and New Rochelle legend and a beloved member of our Westchester GOP family, Hon. Pearl Quarles. Please join me in extending your prayers for Pearl and her family during this difficult time.

Pearl was a true trailblazer, having been the first African-American woman elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators and the first African-American President of the New Rochelle Board of Education. Her public service also included the President of the Westchester County Black Political Caucus and the Commissioner of the New Rochelle Youth Bureau, among so much more.

A proud Republican, Pearl was a great friend and staunch supporter of former County Executive Rob Astorino, and her fame was renewed and her legend grew in 2013 when she starred in an iconic television commercial leading up to Rob’s landslide re-election. I first became acquainted with her during my time first as a member of the New Rochelle Republican Committee and later on as New Rochelle Chairman. In the almost 30 years I knew Pearl, I could always count on her wise counsel and I remain grateful for her years of friendship. May God Bless Pearl and may she rest in peace.

Doug Colety, Chairman Westchester

GOP

a nearby school where a teacher called the police. The attack happened in a predominantly White neighborhood. The Greenburgh Police Department had put out a call for Black male suspect in his early 20s, the statement said.

Mack, who is Black, was driving through the neighborhood at the time, and even though he was wearing different clothes than the suspect and had an alibi, he was brought into the police station.

The Innocence Project said racial bias was a factor in police honing in on Mack and not investigating other potential suspects. Black Americans are more than seven times more likely to be convicted of a serious crime and then exonerated than White Americans, researchers found in a 2022 National Registry of Exonerations report. The Death Penalty Information Center found that exonerations of Black people for murder convictions are 22% more likely to be linked to police misconduct.

The victims identified Mack in a series of “problematic identification procedures,” said the Innocence Project, explaining that victims were led through different photo arrays and lineups in which the material wrongly suggested Mack was the perpetrator. Eyewitness misidentification is the leading cause of wrongful convictions, with 70% of wrongful convictions happening due to witnesses picking out the wrong perpetrator. The Innocence Project said eyewitness misidentification has contributed to 64% of their 245 exonerations and releases.

At the trial, prosecutors presented flawed forensic testimony, the Innocence Project said. The medical examiner tested crime scene evidence at the time and found Mack was not a match, but prosecutors didn’t present this information at trial and instead rebutted the findings and cast doubt upon them, the Innocence Project said.

NEW BOOK CELEBRATING WESTCHESTER HIP-HOP COMES OUT IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY SEASON - PRE SALES STARTED

BY AJ WOODSON

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 Road) 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 apartif you drive non-stop. It takes a whole lot longer to get to Upstate New York, I’m just saying.

Still many people consider Westchester, Upstate New York. But the truth is and you will see several examples in my book that even though HipHop started in the Bronx, 914 played a big part in the early days of Hip-Hop as well way before many others regions who consider Westchester Upstate New York.

“Everything that Grandmaster Flash, The Furious Five and Melle Mel, the Cold Crush Brothers, The Fantastic Five and other did, anything they did in the Bronx immediately hiccupped into Mount Vernon,” Floyd Meyers, Heavy D’s older brother shared during one of my interviews for the book.

You will read about all the pioneers who often came to Mount Vernon and Yonkers and even some like the Imperial Jaycee, a DJ for Kool Herc and Herculoids, who moved to and lived in Yonkers for awhile in the early days of Hip-Hop, bringing everything that was going on to in the Bronx to Westchester with him, before many other regions were up on what was going on. Zulu Nation membership quickly spread to Mount Vernon in the early 1980’s when I was in high school.

But still not being from one of the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester artists had to be more original and had to work extra hard to get that credibility and respect. While Mount Vernon, Yonkers and New Rochelle artists did get that respect (some didn’t know groups like Masters of Ceremony weren’t from the 5 boroughs), it became apparent they weren’t trying to mimic Bronx, Brooklyn and Harlem artist, they wanted the world to know, ‘We Got Our Own Thang.’

The features interviews with Andre Leroy Davis known for drawing rappers in The Last Word in the Source Magazine talkng about his inspiration, And Hip-Hop heads like Ralph McDaniels of Video Music Box talking about his favorite videos from The 914, Wildman Steve (WBAU), Chuck ‘Jigsaw’ Creekmur (AllHipHop.com), Floyd Meyers, Bobbito aka Kool Bob Love, US Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Al B Sure, Jeff Redd, Talent The Comedian, and much more share their memories and talk about their favorite artists, songs, videos, and lyrics coming from the 9-1-4. Also features chapters celebrating the life and legacy of the late DMX and Heavy D and a plethora of conversations, interviews, articles, memories, and much much more to show just how important the region of Westchester County was and in Hip-Hop!

I’m proud to announced the upcoming my new book, “We Got Our Own ThangA Look At Hip-Hop From The 914,” is coming out on Black Friday. Pre-sales for the upcomng book began, Friday, October 6th.

The new book is meant to give you a ‘Look At Hip-Hop from the 9-14’ and show that as long as there has been Hip-Hop, there is a rich history in Westchester County as well. But we never tried to be like the 5 boroughs, much like the artists from Strong Island, because in the immortal words of the late great Dwight Myers “We Got Our Own Thang!”

The pages of this book are filled with articles I wrote, interviews I conducted, and research I’ve done, sprinkled with lots of fun facts and little-known details about Hip-Hop on the 9-1-4. While there is no debate Hip-Hop started out in the Bronx, what many people don’t know is cities like Mount Vernon and Yonkers border the Bronx and many of the early legends spent a lot of time in 914.

This book was never meant to be a definitive catalog of all the contributions or the complete history of Westchester County Hip-Hop, I did however attempt to cram in as many of the players in 914 Hip-Hop as I can, the recording artists that you all know and some you may have never heard of, the early legends in Hip-Hop that inspired all of those do what we ended up doing. Some of the early graf writers like REM 311, the breakers, and the B-Boys, the big sound system crews and early emcees that came before us, and those who were instrumental in fashion, and many who paved the way, etc.

When most people in New York City hear Westchester County they immediately think oh that’s upstate. Well allow me to start off with 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

EARLY WESTCHESTER HIP-HOP LEGENDS

Man, what’cha gon’ do now?

(What we’re gonna do right here is go way back)

How far you goin’ back? (Way back)…

In the chapter I want to pay tribute to some of the early Hip-Hop Legends in Westchester County. While we celebrate the legends of Hip-Hop like Kool Herc and the Herculoids, Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation, Lovebug Starsky and crews like Cold Crush Brothers and DJ’s like Kool DJ AJ doing their thing in the Bronx , which is celebrated as the birthplace of Hip-Hop, you had Grand Wizard Theodore and The Fantastic Five MC’s and Theodore’s older brothers Claudio and “Mean” Gene known as the L-Brothers in Harlem, Grand Mixer D.ST, (whose name was a reference to Delancey Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan), DJ Flowers and.., in Brooklyn, you had the Force MC’s and their DJ Dr. Rock in Staten Island just to name a few you had heads getting busy in Westchester back then too.

While I mentioned some of their names throughout the book, in this chapter I wanted to pay tribute to some of the legends in the 914 that came before recorded rap records, that many do not know about. You had the Legendary Collins Brothers, DJ Blade, DJ Nu Rock, The CB Crew, Eddie Rob & The Money Making Mob and others in Mount Vernon, The Smith Brothers in White Plains, Les Love and Solo Sounds and the Imperial JC (from The Herculoids) and his crew Just Four, The Devasting Brothers – who Tri State Jericko says was ‘the best duo in Yonkers, hands down – you had The Together Brothers, Raw Rome, The Bedrock and others holding it down in Yonkers and you had Dr Graves in New Rochelle.

This is an exerpt of my new book titled, “We Got Our Own Thang: A Look At Hip-Hop From The 914” email MrAJWoodson@gmail.com to preorder your autographed copy!

BLACK WOMEN DESERVE GOOD HEALTHCARE TOO

BY PRECIOUS FERRELL

I was recently diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by my OBGYN. For months, I complained to her about the pain that I would have for some months but not have a menstrual cycle. In 2022, I took a visit to my previous OBGYN, and they discovered I had a small fibroid. I disclosed this information to my new OBGYN, but there was no follow-up. The solution? Get back on birth control. Since I was 14 I took my birth control pills every day until I turned 23 and decided to give my body a break. My body responded fairly well until April 2022, when I wasn’t having a cycle at all. This is when everything went downhill.

Two doctors, multiple sonograms, and bloodwork were being done, but it wasn’t until July 2023 that my doctor finally decided to listen to me and send me for a sonogram, one year later. Black women are one of the largest groups of people who experience the worst side of this healthcare system. Black women have the highest mortality rate, coming in at 69.9 per 100,000 live births, which is three times the rate per white women (Associated Press Projects). We are disproportionately high in numbers, even though Black women as a whole only make up 7% of the population of the United States. We have discussed not feeling heard or seen at our doctor’s appointments numerous times. Doctors have discussed that they do not serve certain pain medications to us because we are being “dramatic” or our pain levels aren’t as bad as we are making it seem.

So why is it that we are treated as such when we visit doctors? Do our voices not matter? Does our pain not equate to a certain metric of understanding?

According to the Center for Disease Control, “In 2021, 1,205 women died of maternal causes in the U.S. compared with 861 in 2020 and 751 in 2019(CDC.gov). Lower to working middle-class Black women do not always have access to healthcare, which can also play a role in why we experience so many disparities. In my case,

I am thankful to be under the age of 26 and still under my mother’s health insurance. Because of this, I have access to certain doctors and streams of decent healthcare (thank you, President Obama). We are not rich, but we have access to doctors and care that other Black women may not have. Most “poor” or “lower class” Black women do not have health insurance or the money to pay for their copayment, which results in them not showing up to receive treatment at all.

So what can we do to fix this? We need a better healthcare system for everyone. In 2023 there should be no one left without health insurance. We need more neighborhood health clinics/centers equipped with doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc. who want to serve and have a passion for helping others. We need a better transit system in poverty-stricken communities so that it isn’t hard to get access to these systems of care. As a social worker, I see on a daily basis how many young girls and women who don’t have access to health care and don’t have a clue on how to get there suffer in silence while they face other challenges in life.

To the doctors and nurses out there, please start listening to your patients the first time around so that we don’t have to keep dealing with these disproportionate rates and issues in our healthcare system. To Black women, don’t give up. Keep advocating for yourself and showing up for yourself. You know your body better than anyone else, so if you don’t feel right, please go see a doctor or even go to urgent care. Be assertive; be the “aggressive Black woman” if needed. You only get one life to live and one temple to take care of. To the world, remember Black women deserve good healthcare too.

Sources: An AP series examining the health disparities experienced by Black Americans across a lifetime

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2021

NYPD SWEARS IN FIRST BLACK FEMALE POLICE SURGEON

expertise will prove to be valuable to our members—especially those who have been impacted by colorectal cancer,” he continued.

O’Connor acknowledged that officers are constantly tending to others and caring for them that they seldom have the time to focus on their own care.

“With my background in this position, I am uniquely positioned to develop colorectal cancer awareness programs, screening programs, and various other initiatives that are going to be key in keeping our officers safe, and keeping them healthy and keeping them fit for service,” the board-certified colorectal surgeon said.

The cancer specialist also encourages young girls who observe her in her roles. “You can be what you can’t see,” she said. “Perseverance pays off.”

She wants young girls to know they are important and their dreams and goals matter.

Monday was O’Connor’s first day on the job. She joined a team of 35 NYPD surgeons, only seven of whom are women.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) # 2023 – 03 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE RESIDENT CASE MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES FOR THE MUNICIPAL HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR THE CITY OF YONKERS

The Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers (MHACY) hereby solicits proposals from qualified firms and/or organizations to provide Case Management and Technical Assistance Services to the residents of the MHACY owned/and or managed eleven (11) housing sites as specified in this Request for Proposals (RFP). This RFP package contains submission requirements and terms and conditions and other pertinent information for submitting a proper and responsive proposal. This RFP is the only information provided to prospective bidders (hereinafter “Responders”) and is available online starting October 17, 2023, at www.mhacy. org.

The RFP questions deadline is October 31, 2023, at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Any and all questions must be emailed to bids@ mhacy.org by the deadline. It is the responsibility of the proposer to see that any proposals submitted shall have sufficient time to be received by the prior to the proposal due date and time. No telephone calls and/or written communication sent via mail will be accepted. FACSIMILE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. ONLY SEALED RFP RESPONSES ARE ACCEPTABLE DO NOT FAX RFP RESPONSES.

The contract is an exclusive contract for the services described. Selection will be made to one (1) Respondents deemed to be fully qualified and best suited among those submitting proposal. Proposals must be received by the MHACY no later than 3:00 P.M. (EST) on November 14, 2023. Late submissions will be handled in accordance with the provisions in Form HUD-5369B. Proposals will be evaluated on the criteria stated in the RFP. Negotiations may be conducted with contractors who have a reasonable chance of being selected for the award. After evaluation of the proposal revision, if any, the contract will be awarded to the responsible firm(s) whose qualifications, price and other factors are considered to be the most advantageous to the MHACY. The MHACY reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any irregularities or informalities if it is in MHACY’s best interest to do so. The MHACY reserves the right to cancel this RFP or to reject, in whole or in part, any and all proposals received in response to this RFP, upon its determination that such cancellation or rejection is in the best interest of the MHACY.

The MHACY is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sexual orientation, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or family status. The MHACY solicits and encourages the participation of minorities and small businesses in procurement. Contact, related to this procurement, with members of the MHACY’s Board of Commissioners, or the MHACY’s officers and/or employees other than the contact person show above, during the procurement process could result in disqualification of a proposal.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) swore in Dr. Lynn O’Connor as its first Black female police surgeon on Monday, September 25th. Her role will consist of treating injured NYPD members, providing consultations, and assessing their fitness level regarding their roles.

“This is incredibly [meaningful] to me,” O’Connor said in an interview with Good Morning America. “If you would have told me at 10 years of age that I’d be sitting here speaking with you and soon to be sworn in as the first Black female police surgeon for the NYPD, I wouldn’t believe it.”

The new Black female police surgeon addressed the need for Black physicians in the country. “Studies have shown when a patient is treated with a physician that is of the same race or ethnicity, they have markedly improved outcomes,” she said.

“They’re diagnosed quicker, they’re seen quicker, their overall health is improved. And that leads to saving lives, that leads to longevity, which is what I want to do when we get into the NYPD.”

According to ABC News, O’Connor is also the chief of colon and rectal surgery at Mercy Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital. NYPD Chief of Personnel John Benoit shared his enthusiasm about welcoming the new police surgeon to the NYPD.

“We’re very excited about this historical appointment of the first Black female police surgeon in the department’s 178-year history,” Benoit said. “Dr. O’Connor is an inspiration to all employees, and her

GREENBURGH TOWN CLERK JUDITH BEVILLE AND RUNNING

MATES KNOCKED OFF BALLOT, PETITIONS INVALIDATED IN COURT

BY AJ WOODSON

invalid the candidacy of Bishop Preston and all 141 signatures witnessed by him. The Court further finds by clear and convincing evidence that Respondent-Candidate Judith A. Beville is chargeable with knowledge of fraud in the procurement of signatures, and thus declares invalid the candidacies of all three Respondent-Candidates.

We reached out to Town Clerk Judith Beville who told us that they had enough unchallenged signatures to get on the ballot, but a deal was made.

“On the basis of the evidence adduced at the hearing, the Count finds by clear and convincing evidence that the entire Designating Petition is permeated with fraud.”

On Friday, April 28, Acting Supreme Court Justice Damaris E. Torren ruled the petitions of Judith A. Beville (incumbent Town Clerk), and Town Council candidates, Manuel Areces, and Bishop Wilbert Preston were invalidated, knocking them off the ballot for the upcoming Democratic Primary.

“The ruling today from Judge Torrent disqualified the candidacies of Greenburgh Town Clerk Judith Beville and Town Council candidates Manuel Areces, and Bishop Wilbert Preston. This will prevent them from appearing on the ballot in this year’s Democratic Primary election.” Preston. This will prevent them from appearing on the ballot in this year’s Democratic Primary election.”

Judge Torrent wrote, “…the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the entire Designating Petition is permeated with fraud.”

“We thank the Greenburgh Democratic Town Committee in their diligence in bringing justice and transparency to government. It is important to hold our elected officials and candidates to the highest standards in order to provide the people of Greenburgh with high quality, transparent and responsive government,” Nero, Jackson and Haber said in a joint statement.

On Wednesday, April 19, a case was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York by Greenburgh Democrats endorsed candidates, Town Clerk Candidate Lisa Maria Nero and Town Council Candidates Gina Jackson and Joy Haber in an attempt to disqualify the petitions of their competitors and deny them a spot on the ballot in the upcoming June Primary Election. They allege numerous instances of fraud and disqualifying behavior.

In his decision, Judge Torrent wrote; On the basis of the evidence adduced at the hearing, the Court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the entire Designating Petition is permeated with fraud.

In the alterative, the Court finds by clear and convincing evidence that RespondentCandidate Manuel E. Areces participated in fraud in the procurement of signatures by falsely attesting to having witnessed the signatures on Sheet 85, including a signature which the Court finds is not genuine. The Court thus declares invalid the candidacy of Mr. Areces and all 787 signatures witnessed by him. The Court further finds by clear and convincing evidence that Respondent-Candidate Bishop Wilbert Preston participated in fraud in the procurement of signatures, though without any nefarious motive, by falsely attesting to having witnessed the signatures on Sheet 72. The Court thus declares inva-

“The entire situation is layered with important messages and implications. First, it should be apparent that the endorsed Democratic candidates in Greenburgh are individuals who, clearly, do not and will not challenge nor threaten the “established order” of politics in unincorporated Greenburgh. The only way to decrease the probability that individuals who are not intimidated by or afraid to challenge this growing “order” might defeat the “endorsed” was to attempt to remove the “competition.” The endorsed candidates, apparently, did not have the courage to encounter the competition. They challenged our signatures. We made some mistakes, and the judge dismissed our entire petition claiming it “permeated with fraud.” It was clearly obvious that a witness that Lisa Nero brought forward was a “setup.” However, the judge made a deal with the “petitioner’s” attorney that she would rule according to “the deal” to avoid continuing the “line-by-review” of our signatures. We had enough unchallenged signatures to get on the ballot. However, since she made this agreement, her decision was on pure speculation and, in some instances, backed up by statutes that allowed for flexibility in judgment. On MSNBC, Sat., 4/29, one of the topics was “Ethical Rot in the Supreme Court.” Well, in the judgment of “Nero vs. Beville,” it appears that the fruit hasn’t fallen far from the tree at the state level, either,” Beville shared with Black Westchester.

This article originally ran Sunday, April 30, 2023 in Black Westchester Magazine (https://blackwestchester.com/greenburgh-town-clerk-judith-beville-petitions-invalidated/) The reprinting of this article was paid for by Greenburgh Democratic Town Committee

LOCAL RESPONSES TO THE HAMAS ATTACK ON ISRAEL

WESPAC FOUNDATION STATEMENT

We in the peace and justice community are shattered by the ongoing death and destruction in Israel and Palestine. We are in grief over the loss of Palestinian and Israeli lives in the past few days, months and years and are fearful about the toll escalating violence will bring in the near future. We have great concern for the lives and safety of Israeli and Palestinian civilians where they live and for prisoners and hostages. We are deeply concerned about the threats of violence, massive retaliation and bombing of civilians in Gaza, and we are shocked at right-wing calls for revenge and incitements to violence in Israel’s mixed Arab-Jewish cities.

The attack from Gaza has a context. It follows months and years of constant violence, pogroms, expulsions and other manifestations of apartheid inflicted on Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem. We do not condone attacks on civilians or violence of any kind. We do recognize its root causes in oppression, injustice and apartheid.

The only solution, as it has always been, is to bring an end of apartheid, occupation, and siege, and promote a future based on justice, equality and human dignity for all. We call for a change from unconditional US support for Israël to equitable support for both Palestinians and Israelis in their struggle for peace with justice.

Rep Jamaal Bowman released statement in response to the attacks:

I strongly condemn the horrific attacks by Hamas and am saddened by the loss of precious lives, especially on the holy day of Simchat Torah. We need a way to end this deadly violence that is killing and traumatizing generations of Israelis and Palestinians alike—including the blockade of Gaza. I have been to the Gaza border and know that Israelis and Palestinians are constantly living in fear. We must work harder to ensure peace in the region. As new information continues to emerge, my team and I will be following this closely especially since several of our NY-16 community members are in the area of the attacks.

Rev. Michael Gerald, candidate for Congress in NY16 released statement:

I denounce this despicable act of violence and I stand in solidarity with the people of Israel. I call on the Palestinians to cease and desist in their military advancement upon innocent civilians. Likewise, it is my hope that further escalation does not happen where more human suffering will ultimately occur. This act of terror is an unconscionable one designed to frustrate the normalization of relations between the Arab and Israel governments, and may derail the peace process altogether.”

Point & Ravine Apartments City of Yonkers, Westchester County, NY

121 RENTAL UNITS AVAILABLE BY LOTTERY

Application Due: October 19, 2023 4PM

Amenities: Gym, Laundry room, Pet Friendly, Outdoor landscaped Deck/Rooftop, Community room, and free parking for residents.

Income Restrictions Apply – No Application Fee – No Broker’s Fee

Applicants will not be automatically rejected based on credit or most background check info. 44 units set aside for households with at least one individual 55 years or older.

Units adapted for Mobility disability (9 units) and Hearing/Vision disability (5 units).

More Information: Visit affordablewestchester.org or NYHousingSearch.gov

*Rent includes water and sewer. Tenant pays electric, heat, hot water. 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.

Application Due Date: October 19, 2023 4PM

Must be submitted online or hand-delivered by this time, or postmarked by this date if mailed. Sending more than 1 application may disqualify you. Applications received after the due date will be added to the waitlist.

How to Apply:

Online: www.affordablewestchester.org

Request Application By Phone or Email: 914-428-4519, affordable@wroinc.org

By Mail or In-Person: Affirmative Marketing, Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc., 470 Mamaroneck Ave. #410, White Plains, NY 10605

Lottery Date & Location: November 2, 2023 11:00AM via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87260310888

The lottery will determine which applications will be reviewed for tenancy

YOU HAVE RIGHTS! ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION

 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

 9 units are adapted for mobility impairment

 5 units are adapted for hearing/vision impairment

 All other units are adaptable

Your household must meet these income and occupancy restrictions: __________________________________________________________________________________________________

 Reasonable accommodation and modifications may be requested

Governor Kathy Hochul HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas www.hcr.gov/lotteries NYHousingSearch.gov

62 Main Apartments for Seniors 55+ 100 Apartments

*At least 80% of units must have at least one member of household who is 55 years of age or older.

62 Main Street | Tarrytown, Westchester County, NY

Application Due: October 24, 2023 4:00 P.M.

Amenities: Rooftop courtyard, community room, fitness center, computer area, & onsite laundry facility. Located in historic downtown near public transit & shopping. Income Restrictions Apply – No Application Fee – No Broker’s Fee

Applicants will not be automatically rejected based on credit or most background check info. Additional tenant selection criteria apply. More Information: Visit affordablewestchester.org or NYHousingSearch.gov

Your household must meet these income and occupancy limits:

*Rent includes heat, hot water, electric, including cooking. Income guidelines are subject to change.

Application Due Date: October 24, 2023 4:00 P.M.

Must be submitted online or hand-delivered by this time, or postmarked by this date if mailed. Sending more than 1 application may disqualify you. Applications received after the deadline will be placed onto the waitlist.

How to Apply:

Online: www.affordablewestchester.org

Request Application By Phone or Email : 914.428.4519, affordable@wroinc.org

By Mail or In-Person: Westchester Residential Opportunities, 470 Mamaroneck Ave., #410, White Plains, NY 10605

Lottery Date & Location: November 7, 2023 @ 11:00 A.M. via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83329273554

The lottery will determine the order in which applications will be reviewed for tenancy.

YOU HAVE RIGHTS!

f 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

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION

 6 units are adapted for mobility impairment

 3 units are adapted for hearing/vision impairment

 Reasonable accommodation and modifications may be requested

Governor Kathy Hochul HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas www.hcr.gov/lotteries

REMEMBERING THE HONORABLE PEARL C. QUARLES

BY AJ WOODSON

The Honorable Pearl C. Quarles was a person of many “firsts.” Quarles was the first African-American woman to serve as a Westchester County Legislator, the first African American woman to serve as Vice Chair of the Board of Legislators, the first African-American to serve as president of the New Rochelle Board of Education, I had the privilege of getting to know Pearl Quarles during my time with former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. Pearl was an exceptional woman and a trailblazer - the first African American Westchester County Legislator, the first African American President of the New Rochelle Board of Education, and the first African American to be hired in a ‘white collar’ position in Westchester County’s banking industry. She was also the first female chair of the Shiloh Baptist Church board of trustees in New Rochelle. Through her service as a legislator, a business professional, a religious leader, President of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, a leader in the New Rochelle NAACP, and myriad other roles, Pearl Quarles personified public service. She left an indelible mark on our community, on all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed. and the first African-American to be hired in a “white collar” position in Westchester’s banking industry.

In addition, Mrs. Quarles - who was a proud Republicanserved as the first female chair of the board of trustees of Shiloh Baptist Church in New Rochelle, and currently is a member of the executive committee of the New Rochelle chapter of the NAACP. In addition, she has been active in many local organizations including: The New Rochelle League of Women Voters, Sister to Sister International and the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus and was a member of the New Rochelle school board from 1971 through 1980.

Most of Quarles’ business experience has been in the field of accounting, and she was the comptroller/office manager of a major private company for 19 years. In addition to serving as a legislator she worked for Westchester County as a specialist in job development and employee training. Quarles has always been a volunteer at numerous community organizations and currently serves on the board of directors at United Hebrew, a health care and rehabilitation facility in New Rochelle.

In 2015 Ms. Quarles was inducted in the Westchester County Hall Of Fame at the age of 86. On Wednesday, September 6th at the age of 92, she transitioned in the morning at New Rochelle Hospital.

Black Westchester celebrates the life and legacy the Honorable Pearl C. Quarles

[I’m happy I was able to offer her flowers while she was still living, and the above is an excerpt from my latest book, Black Westchester Celebrates Black Women of Westchester. She read what I wrote about her in the book, appreciated it, and thanked me for included her. On Saturday, March 4, 2023, during a booksigning hosted by the White Plains/ Greenburgh NAACP and the Westchester AKAs at the Greenburgh Public Library, WBWPC President Subomi Macauley presented Mother Quarles with a copy of the book and snapped the picture above - top right.].

In celebration of her Life & Legacy we comprised a colelction of comments, quotes and memories from those who knew her best and whose lives she touched.

On behalf of the entire membership of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, Inc., particularly the New Rochelle Chapter, we extend our sincere sympathies on the passing of our first countywide Treasurer Hon Pearl Christian Quarles. - Subomi Macauley, WBWPC President

I have fond memories of Pearl. She was a fierce warrior and a woman, who was willing to stand alone on her convictions. I often went to Pearl for wise counsel. Not only is this a deep loss for the Caucus, but the Black community and Westchester County as a whole. May her indelible legacy live on. Madame Legislator, we salute you, - Nicole Benjamin, WBWPC Countywide First Vice President

The Yonkers Chapter would like to send our deepest condolences to the family of Pearl C. Quarles whom we referred to as “Queen Mother Pearl” such a remarkable, kind, elegant, and beautiful woman with whom we relied on as a voice of importance. We pray to the Lord for the peace of Pearl’s family, friends, and Caucus Chapter Sisters.

- The Yonkers Chapter of Westchester Black Womens Political Caucus

Mother Pearl was a trailblazer & a leader for the Black community for decades. She was so full of love for everyone and exemplified competence, excellence, and grace. She loved being a member of the NAACP and we loved her so much. She will be greatly missed.

- Elder Mark McLean, President of New Rochelle NAACP

One of the classiest Woman I know loved her Rest In Paradise Mrs Quarles - Cookie Alexander-Campbell

Rest In Heavenly Peace My Forever Friend. I’ve known you since I was five years old. You were mom’s lifelong friend. The memories and countless conversations that we had will forever be dear to my heart. I will always be your little Rosa.

- Rosa Metz

It is with great sadness that I share with my reunion family the passing of Mrs. Pearl Quarles, the beautiful mother of Ernst “Ernie” Quarles a fellow classmate and his sister Donna Quarles. Mrs. Quarles was a pillar of our community and the FIRST African American woman to serve as a Westchester County Legislator. Overall she was just a wonderful individual, a trailblazer. There wasn’t a time when you’d run into her that she wasn’t advocating for someone or something,but before the conversation ended she would have that big, beautiful smile on her face and begin encouraging you too. That was a huge part of her life to support and uplift others and I thank God to have met her because she was a person determined to make a difference in those who’s paths she crossed. Mrs. Pearl Quarles was such a joy to talk to and a true queen of New Rochelle who will be missed by many. May she rest in eternal peace.

- Cindy Bailey Hubbard, 1973 New Rochelle High Class Reunion

The City of New Rochelle, the Queen City of the Sound, has lost it’s Queen. Mrs. Quarles poured into everyone she met. Her CV is full of accomplishments and her life was full of acts of caring and kindness. In addition to her husband, she joins a host of New Rochelle movers and shakers in Glory! - Nancy Hite-Norde Pearl C. Quarles was #HerStoric the first African American to serve on the New Rochelle School Board and the first to serve as it’s President. She also was the first African-American woman to serve on the County Board of Legislators. Where it had only been Ernie Davis and Herman Keith she joined them in 1993 fighting for undeserved communities. She was that voice. While we didn’t always agree we held mutual respect. May she Rest in Peace and Power!! - Mount Vernon Councilwoman Lisa A. Copeland

COMMUNITY LEADER & A WOMAN OF MANY FIRST

BY AJ WOODSON

My deepest condolences to her family. Such a great role model. Thank you for paving the way - Former Mt. Vernon Comptroller Maureen Walker

My husband Damon (Hon. Damon Maher, County Legislator) and I share our most heartfelt condolences on Mother Pearl’s passing. She was a very special person to both of us. I also pass along condolences from the Executive Committee and the Board of the Inter-Religious Coalition of New Rochelle.

I am writing to share some activities and honors related to the Inter-Religious Coalition of New Rochelle (formed by a merger of the Interreligious Council of New Rochelle and the Coalition for Mutual Respect).

Along with her many community leadership positions and activities, Mother Pearl was honored by the Coalition for Mutual Respect in 2009, when she was given the Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin Peacemaker Award to honor her community work. She was an active and valued member of the Coalition for Mutual Respect’s Steering Committee for many years and was a big supporter of all of the Inter-Religious Coalition of New Rochelle’s events and activities.

- Deborah Maher, Vice President of The Inter-Religious Coalition of New Rochelle

In memory of the Honorable Pearl C. Quarles, she will forever be legendary in Westchester County. She was the first African-American woman to serve on the Westchester County Board of Legislators, and she was so much more! She was a humanitarian; her community contributions, innumerable accomplishments, wit, mentorship, dedication & love of advocacy leave a void in our communities. She was also a wonderful seamstress & sewed many of her own stylish outfits. I have the fondest memories of traveling to Albany with her many times, sharing stories & just soaking up her wisdom. As the 2nd woman to represent my Legislative District 8, she holds an honored space on my office wall in tribute to all the women who have represented the District. I am so very glad she was one of the first to see my office with her picture on the wall when I first started serving on the Board. She’s always been a treasure to me & she will be more than missed! - County Legislator Jewel

Williams Johnson

A woman of unmatched style, grace, desire and passion to make a difference in our communities. She is the epitome of a Black Queen as she was a pioneer in breaking glass ceilings for Black Woman in Westchester County by being the First Black Elected County Legislator. Her resilience, determination and ability to be the change you want to see will always live on in those she touched. What I will most remember about her is her smile, her warm but yet firm spirit and how she made space to impart her knowledge in those coming up behind her. A life will lived Queen Pearl, may you rest forever in Heavenly peace. -

Joanne Dunn, Executive Director of The Youth Shelter Program of Westchester

Queen Mother Pearl Quarles legacy will live on for the ages. She lived life to the fullest, becoming the first African American County Legislator to serve in Westchester County. She loved her community and she especially love giving and investing in the next generations of African Americans women. I didn’t know her for a long length of time, but that never mattered to her...she didn’t hesitate to share her wisdom and knowledge with me. It was priceless. Rest well good and faithful servant. You will be missed. - MaryAnn Carr - WBWPC Greater Bedford Chapter

Pearl Quarles was such a special person to me and my family. She was always there to lend a helping hand, offer needed advice or just check in to send her love. I know she’s in a better place but I’m still going to miss her greatly. Rest in peace, Pearl. - Former CE Rob Astorino

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of one of our longtime committee members & friend, Pearl Quarles. She was the first black woman appointed to the County Board of Legislators, & a proud Republican. A strong supporter of former County Executive Rob Astorino, she will always be remembered with fondness, great respect & love. May she rest in peace.- The New Rochelle GOP

I had the privilege of getting to know Pearl Quarles during my time with former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. Through her service as a legislator, a business professional, a religious leader, President of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, a leader in the New Rochelle NAACP, and myriad other roles, Pearl Quarles personified public service. She left an indelible mark on our community, on all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed. - GOP U.S. Congressman Mike Lawler (CD17)

(continues on page 18)

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF HIP HOP

LINCOLN PARK, NEW ROCHELLE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2023

And I can think of many episodes I swung in Lincoln Park...

Almost 1000 people gathered in New Rochelle’s Lincoln Park for the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop celebration, Saturday, September 16th. Hosted by 2 Cool, PJ Splash and and Cuzin Corn, with DJs Pro C, Scram Jones & Jazzy Joyce on the one’s and two’s as well as a special DJ set by DJ Supreme. There were many dope live performances from Mr. Cheeks of The Lost Boyz, Smif-N-Wessun, Stunna Gang, Pretty Hoops, Capella Grey, The Rough House Surviverz, and CL Smooth just to name a few. But it was obvious who the crowd came to see. There were a whole lotta emcees on the stage that Saturday but just as the sun set, Brand Nubian came out and showed it was there house. The crowd was thrilled to see the hometown heroes swing another episode in Lincoln Park. Shout out to Nate Adams & Lachonne Williams (SuggarPlums) for putting together a great event to celebrate this monumental year of Hip-Hop. Mural to the right was done by Signature Savage. I’m told this may become an anuual event!

100 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR PRISCILLA EDMUNDS

BY AJ WOODSON

“Ms. Priscilla Edmunds is the epitome of grace, resilience, and service. On the occasion of her 100th birthday, we don’t just celebrate her age; we celebrate a century of invaluable contributions, unflagging leadership, and boundless compassion. Ms. Edmunds has shown us all what it means to truly ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Her lifetime of action speaks volumes, and we are profoundly grateful for her enduring legacy,” Mount Vernon Council President Danielle Brown shared with BW.

“People wanna know my secret, you have to have a relationship with God and pray through it all,” Priscilla Edmunds shared with the crowd. Over 100 people came out to celebrate the 100th Birthday Celebration of Priscilla Edmunds at Macedonia Baptist Church located at 141 S 9th Ave in Mt Vernon, Saturday, September 2nd.

REMEMBERING THE HONORABLE PEARL QUARLES

Continued from page 15

Remembering Mrs. Pearl C. Quarles. Warmly known as “Mother Pearl” Our hearts are broken! An Angel has received her wings and went to be with the ancestors. First Westchester County Legislator, First African American President of New Rochelle Board of Education, First to be hired in a “white collar” position in Westchester County banking industry, these are just a few of her many accomplishments. Professional, Leader, Mentor, Mother, and most important of all a “Friend”. We Love you and you will be greatly Missed, we know that Heaven is rejoicing at your arrival.

- Phyllis M. Shelton

I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Pearl Quarles, a true trailblazer and a beloved member of our committee. It’s truly heartbreaking to lose someone who has contributed so much to our community. As the first black woman appointed to the County Board of Legislators, Pearl’s legacy will forever inspire and empower future generations. Pearl’s dedication to her work and proud affiliation with the Republican Party made her a strong supporter of former County Executive Rob Astorino. Her contributions and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on our community. In this time of sorrow, let us remember Pearl with fondness, great respect, and love. Her achievements and the impact she made will be forever cherished. May she rest in peace, and may her spirit continue to inspire us as we strive for progress and equality.

The Hon. Pearl C. Quarles has been like a mother to me, always standing by my side and championing causes that improve the lives of Black women, girls and families in Westchester County and beyond. She was an inaugural Sister to Sister International board member and most recently served as parliamentarian. Queen Mother Pearl was a trailblazer in Westchester County and beyond and will be sorely missed. May she rest in Peace and Power. - Cheryl Brannan - founder and CEO of Sister to Sister International, Inc. (STSI).

STSI saluted 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, Sunday, May 7, 2023.

Our longtime friend and board member, the Hon. Pearl C. Quarles was a fierce advocate for humanitarian causes and was always a cherished supporters of United Hebrew. How lucky we were to know her and have her as part of our community! A woman of many “first.” Her legacy extends beyond her groundbreaking`achievements. A remarkable woman with a voice of importance, Pearl was a Westchester County ``pioneer and a community treasure. while we mourn her loss deeply, we will forever `remember Pearl as a trailblazer whose pioneering spirit continues to light the way for future generations.

- United Hebrew of New Rochelle statement

Miss Pearl always supported me in my endeavors in the Town of Greenburgh. She always told me to advocate for the people ion Greenburgh who do not have a voice. And continue to be an activist and hold the town officials accountable. Ms. Pearl will definately be missed, but never forgotten. Community Advocate Clifton Abrams

We celebrate the life of our dear friend. Pearl not only loved history, she MADE history!

I will always remember this Queen Mother who always showed so much beautiful love and care. I love that she was unapologetically Black and did what she wanted to do and said what she wanted to say! - MV City Court Judge Nichelle Johnson

We will forever miss her infectious smile, her wisdom, that endless energy and her friendship. Our deepest condolences to her family. Her last lecture at the Thomas Paine Cottage says it all, “A Life Well Lived”, a talk by Hon. Pearl Quarles”

- The Huguenot & New Rochelle Historical Association

The Honorable Pearl Quarles was an exceptional woman who defied societal expectations. She demonstrated her excellence in the world of politics by effectively representing the interests of Black people, regardless of their political affiliations. It was truly an honor to have had the opportunity to know her.

- BW Publisher Damon K. Jones

- Former Majority Leader of the Yonkers City Council Patricia Diana

What a Magnificent Women! Pearl Quarles babysitted me as a toddler, then she was my mentor as a young parent. She will always be in my heart!! Rest In Heavenly Peace!!! - Phyllis Cole-Hollis

RATES

Full page – $750.00 (10 1/3″ x 13 1/4″) – inside covers (front and back) $850 – outside Back cover $950 Half page – $475.00

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

page $350.00

10

x 3 1/4″

-vertical 5 1/8″ x 6 1/2″

1/8 page $275.00

-horizontal 5 1/8 x 3″

-vertical 2 3/8 x 6 1/2″

Business Card $125 – Double Business Card Ad $175

***Multiple Month Discount*** For 3,6 and 12 months

Send PDF or JPEG of your business card to AdvertiseWithBW@gmail.com

SIX 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.

WILL GEORGE LATIMER ATTEMPT TO UNSEAT JAMAAL BOWMAN? WHO WILL BE THE LAST MAN STANDING?

In this corner...

Democrats were attempting of gerrymandering which led to newly drawn lines by a special master and the turnover of several Democratic which eventually led to the Dems losing the house. in 2024, local NY Dems will not only attempt to flip those seats but one other Dem may have a formable foe.

News 12’s Tara Rosenblum has learned and reported that Westchester County Executive George Latimer has reportedly been approached by Democratoc doners, Police Unions and Jewish Groups about primarying Rep. Jamaal Bowman in the 16th Congressional District, that spans part of the northern Bronx and half of Westchester County. The move to unseat the popular incumbent in the safely blue district raised immediate eyebrows among political observers. But if he chose to run, Latimer could give Bowman a serious challenge – especially as Bowman faces headwinds on the issue of Israel.

CE Latimer told News12 that he is “thinking about the advice I have been given and will have more to come.” He didn’t immediately respond to when Black Westchester asked him if he is in fact running or now, so the prospect of whether he would actually run remains murky. Latimer just won reelection to his second term as Westchester County executive in 2021, but will be term-limited out of office in 2025.

Latimer’s 2021 victory to serve a second term as County Executive was his 20th consecutive political win, which Black Westchester understand is a history-making moment in New York. He faced off against Republican Christine Sculti and took just under 60% of the vote.

Latimer previously served as a member of the New York State Senate for the 37th District from 2013 to 2017, served on the Rye city council, in the Westchester County legislature, and in the New York State Assembly. Latimer was elected as the Westchester County Executive in November 2017, defeating Incumbent Republican Rob Astorino. As of 2021, Latimer has never lost an election in three decades in public office.

Latimer first ran for public office in 1987; he won a seat on the Rye City Council, finishing first in a field of 6 major party candidates. Latimer was elevated in 1991 to the Westchester County Board of Legislators, the first-ever Democrat to win the 7th District seat representing the City of Rye, Village of Larchmont, and Mamaroneck Town and Village. Latimer was re-elected in 1993, 1995, and 1997; in January 1998, Democrats won a majority of seats in the County Board for the first time in 90 years. Latimer was elected to chair the board, and was the first Democrat ever to do so. He was re-elected to his legislative seat in 1999, and served a second term as chairman from 2000 to 2001.

Latimer did not seek a third term as chair in 2002, having been re-elected to a sixth term in the Westchester County Legislature. Westchester County Democrats elected him County Democratic Party Chairman in September 2002, where he served one two-year term. After re-election to the County Legislature in 2003, Latimer sought and won a seat in the New York State Assembly in 2004. In the Assembly, Latimer represented the 91st District, which included the Sound Shore communities of New Rochelle, Rye Brook, and Port Chester alongside the communities of his County Legislative District. He defeated his Republican opponent Vincent Malfetano with over 68% of the vote, carrying each of the district’s seven cities, towns and villages. Latimer was re-elected to the Assembly seat without opposition in 2006, and scored 71% of the vote in his 2008 victory over Republican Rob Biagi. Latimer won a fourth Assembly term in 2010, defeating Conservative Republican Bill Reed with 67% of the vote.

Latimer who was born in Mount Vernon and enjoys the cities support could also put a dent in Bowman large democratic block on Mount Vernon. And Yonkers as well since Mayor Mike Spano is not a fan of Bowman. There has also been rumors, Latimer has his eye on the Governor seat, the only thing we know for sure is this is his last term as County Executive.

In early July Congressman Jamaal Bowman’s comments about the Police Shooting in New Rochelle of Jarrell Garris, calling the shooting “police brutality,” sparking outrage among Police organizations.

Rep. Bowman also recently announced that he would not be attending the address of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Congress. In a statement, Bowman writes, “My decision to not attend in no way stems from a lack of support for the existence of the State of Israel. On the contrary, it is out of concern that there is no sense of urgency about ensuring the safety and security of all Israelis and Palestinians in the region and finally achieving a two-state solution. This is also an informed decision out of engagement and deep listening to President Herzog, members of parliament, Israeli and Palestinian scholars, and community members in the region who experienced settler violence and dispossession. While President Herzog has stated settlements should be frozen and claims to opposes settler violence, he has remained silent as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government has expanded settlements that are illegal under international law and has appointed Ministers that seek the anti-democratic annexation of the West Bank and the demise of any two state solution with the Palestinians.”

“While I appreciate and understand that the invitation to Herzog to speak to Congress over Netanyahu is a strong statement against Netanyahu’s extremist actions, Herzog on his own must answer key questions on how we will arrive to a two state solution, ending annexation, child detention, home demolition, settler violence and the killing of American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. At this time, although Herzog is viewed as a centrist statesman, he has not yet shown the actions of pro-democracy and a pro-peace agenda. I strongly support a democratic Israel and a Palestinian state that are able to thrive with peace and security.”

Bowman’s comments drew some rebukes from many members of the Jewish community in Westchester, and combined with his comments against the Police, a number of wealthy donors, members of police organizations and Jewish groups, have begun to look for a candidate who might challenge Bowman in a democratic primary next year.

Despite Latimer’s strong undefeated record, it wouldn’t be wise to count Bowman who enjoys the support from several grassroot organizations in the county including the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus (WBWPC). Bowman has the support of many activists and advocated and has a strong ground game. He did unseat longtime Congressman Eliot Engel in 2020 to become the first African American to represent the district in the House of Representatives and managed to survive a heated race for re-election in 2022, fending off two Westchester County legislators - Vedat Gashi and Catherine Parker in the primary and Republican Dr. Miriam Flisserin the November General Election. In fact Black Westchester were among the endorsements Bowman recieved in his beid for re-election. BW has been told a letter writing campaign from Westchester progressive is in the works to urge Latimer not to challenge Bowman.

As far as the rebuke from the Jewish community, Bowman has never really enjoyed their support on his two victories. in 2022, two former members of Congress known for their support for Israel are backing a challenger to Jamaal Bowman. Both former Rep. Eliot Engel, who was ousted by Bowman in 2020 after 32 years in Congress and former Rep. Nita Lowey, the retired Jewish lawmaker who represented the northern suburbs and parts of Queens and the Bronx for 32 years, both endorsed Gashi, to no avail. Bowman did enjoy the endorsements of J Street’s PAC and the progressive Jewish group The Jewish Vote.

I wouldn’t be so quick to count out the bold and unapologetic congressman because he has proved he has staying power. Bowman beat Gashi by nearly 30 points. Anyway you slice it, this will be a heavily watched election, both candidates are known to take a punch and a dominant counter puncher. As of right now this is all speculation since Latimer hasnt officially announced but it would be a great fight. In the potential match up, who will be the last man standing?

THIS MONTH IN BLACK HISTORY

We celebrate Black History Month in Febraury, but Black History is 365/24/7. Just because February came and went doesn’t mean we have to wait another year to celebrate Black history, we must remember to never stop celebrating the accomplisments and work of the Black community in our society. February should not be the only time we acknowledge all of the ways Black individuals in this country have left their mark. We must not ever let the energy die. We must keep fighting, keep learning, keep going, keep being an activist, keep supporting and buying from our Black-owned businesses and we must do your part in continuing to learn and teach others about Black history.

We at Black Westchester challenge you to learn something new about Black history every day. Whether that means reading a book by a Black author, listening to music from an African-American artist you’ve never listened to before or just researching the achievements of African-Americans who came before us. With that in mind we share with you some events, dates and achievements that took place in the month of October as we celebrate This Month In Black History!!!

October 1, 1952 — Joe Black became the first African American pitcher to win a World Series game. Black pitched for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1952 World Series and helping his team to defeat the New York Yankees 4-2. Black was also the 1952 Rookie of the Year.

October 2, 1800 — Nat Turner, leader of a major slave rebellion was born in Southampton County, Virginia.

October 3, 1949 — Jesse B. Blayton Sr. became the first black radio station owner and operator in the United States when he bought Atlanta radio station WERD.

October 3, 1974 — Frank Robinson makes history as the first Black manager in Major League baseball when he is named manager of the Cleveland Indiansues.

October 3, 1995 — O.J. Simpson acquitted of the 1994 murders of his exwife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. The verdict was seen live on TV by more than half of the U.S. population, making it one of the most watched events in American TV history

October 4, 1943 — Black Panther, social activist H. Rap Brown born Hubert Gerold Brown (he is now known by his Muslim name of Jamil Abdullah AlAmin) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is most well known for his proclamation that “violence is as American as cherry pie.”

October 4, 1988 — The Martin L. King, Jr. Federal Building in Atlanta, Ga is the first federal building in the nation to dedicated to the name of the slain civil rights leader.

October 4, 2019 — Krista Mann became the first Blacl Female Lieutenant of the Mount Vernon Police Department

Thurgood

Marshall becomes the first African American Supreme Court Justice after being sworn in on October 2, 1967

Thurgood Marshall was born July 2, 1908 in Baltimore, Maryland and died January 24, 1993. He was an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court where he served from October 1967 to October 1991. The 96th justice, Marshall was the first U.S. Supreme Court justice of African descent in the United States.

Marshall was the great-grandson of a man born in the region now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo but brought to the United States as a slave, according Stewart A. Kallen in his autobiography “Thurgood Marshall: A Dream of Justice for All”. Marshall’s grandfather was also born into slavery in the United States. His father, William Canfield Marshall, was the first freeman of his family and became a Pullman railroad porter. His mother, Norma Arica, was a teacher.

“Before his appointment to serve on the Supreme Court, he represented and won more cases before the United States Supreme Court than any other American,” according to The New World Encyclopedia. Before moving into the judiciary, Marshall was an active civil rights trial attorney, trained in law by the civil rights lawyer Charles Hamilton Houston, who was his law professor and professional mentor.

Marshall’s law practice included appointment as in-house legal counsel to the NAACP. As a trial attorney, Marshall may be best known for his victory in the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, which successfully challenged the racialist separate but equal doctrine in American society, a doctrine that was then enforced by the laws of the land.

A Brief Thurgood Marshall Timeline

1930: Mr. Marshall graduates with honors from Lincoln University, cum laude

1933: Receives law degree from Howard U. (magna cum laude); begins private practice in Baltimore

1934: Begins to work for Baltimore branch of NAACP

1935: With Charles Houston, wins first major civil rights case, Murray v. Pearson

1936: Becomes assistant special counsel for NAACP in New York

1940: Wins first of 29 Supreme Court victories (Chambers v. Florida)

1944: Successfully argues Smith v. Allwright, overthrowing the South’s “white primary”

1948: Wins Shelley v. Kraemer, in which Supreme Court strikes down legality of racially restrictive covenants

1950: Wins Supreme Court victories in two graduate-school integration cases, Sweatt v. Painter and McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents

1951: Visits South Korea and Japan to investigate charges of racism in U.S. armed forces. He reported that the general practice was one of “rigid segregation”.

1954: Wins Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, landmark case that demolishes legal basis for segregation in America

1961: Defends civil rights demonstrators, winning Supreme Circuit Court victory in Garner v. Louisiana; nominated to Second Court of Appeals by President J.F.

Kennedy

1961: Appointed circuit judge, makes 112 rulings, all of them later upheld by Supreme Court (1961-1965)

1965: Appointed U.S. solicitor general by President Lyndon Johnson; wins 14 of the 19 cases he argues for the government (1965-1967)

1967: Becomes first African American U.S. Supreme Court (1967-1991)

1991: Retires from the Supreme Court

1993: Dies at 84

October 6, 1838 — Jack Trice, the first African-American athlete at Iowa State is assaulted by players from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota in an apparently racially motivated attack the second play of the game, Trice’s collarbone was broken. Trice insisted he was all right and returned to the game. In the third quarter, while attempting to tackle a University of Minnesota ball carrier by throwing a roll block, Trice was trampled by three Minnesota players. Although he claimed to be fine, Trice was removed from the game and sent to a Minneapolis hospital. The doctors declared him fit to travel and he returned by train to Ames with his teammates. On October 8, 1923, Trice died from hemorrhaged lungs and internal bleeding as a result of the injuries sustained during the game.

October 10, 1899 — African American inventor Isaac R.Johnson patents his bicycle frame.

October 10, 1927 — First Black NYC Mayor David N. Dinkins was born.

October 10, 1966 — Black Panther Party founded in Oakland, California by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale.

October 11, 1887 - African American inventor Alexander Miles patents the electric elevator. He did not invent the elevator however he improved the method of the opening and closing of elevator doors; and he improved the closing of the opening to the elevator shaft when an elevator was not on that floor.

October 14, 1920 — Black Nationalist and Freedom Fighter Marcus Mosiah Garvey was shot and wounded in an assassination attempt by racist George Tyler.

October 14, 1964 — Martin Luther King Jr becomes the youngest man ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

October 15, 1949 — William Hastie is nominated for the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and becomes the first African American judge to sit on the court.

October 15, 1968 Wyomia Tyus becomes the first woman to win a gold medal in the 100 meter race in two consecutive Olympic games (1964 Tokyo & 1968 Mexico City).

October 19, 1960 — Harriet Ida Pikens and Frances Wills are sworn in as the first African American females in the Navy.

October 20, 1898 — The first African American insurance company, The North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance founded by John Merrick, Dr. Aaron McDuffie Moore and Charles Clinton Spaulding.

October 21, 1955 — 18-year-old Mary Louise Smith is arrested for refusing to give up her seat in the “whites only” section of a Montgomery, Alabama city bus.

October 21, 1989 — Bertram M. Lee and Peter C.B. Bynoe purchased a 37.5% share of the Denver Nuggets becoming first African-Americans to buy a controlling interest in a National Basketball Association (NBA) team.

October 17, 1924 — Longtime New Rochelle resident Ruby Dee born Ruby Ann Wallace in Cleveland, Ohio.

October 27, 1964 — B. O. Davis, Jr. becomes the first African American general in the United States Air Force.

October 29, 1969 — U.S. Supreme Court said school systems must end segregation “at once” and “operate now and hereafter only unitary schools.”

October 31, 1950 Earl Francis Lloyd played for the Washington Capitols against the Rochester Royals becoming the first African American to play in the National Basketball Leauge.

October 31, 1993 (Halloween) Tupac Shakur was arrested for allegedly shooting two off-duty Atlanta policemen.

ALSO IN OCTOBER

October 2015 — Dr. Belinda Miles becomes the fist African American and first female President of Westchester Community College

“Slavery is a memory of something we cannot remember, and yet we cannot forget.”

- Bill T. Jones