Volume 4/ Issue 11 Black Westchester June 15, 2021

VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 10

COMPLIMENTARY

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

JUNE 15, 2021

DA ROCAH ANNOUNCES PROBE INTO DEATHS OF KENNETH CHAMBERLAIN SR AND DANROY ‘DJ’ HENRY

PAGE 7

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

THE IMPORTANCE OF

READERS SHARE STORIES OF THEIR DAD PAGES 14-15 JUNETEENTH PAGE 21

JUNE 15, 2021 BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

2BLACK WESTCHESTER

CONGRESSMAN

@CongressmanBowman

*ACCORDING TO THE WHITE HOUSE

Voted for and Passed the American Rescue Plan which Brought $152,048,227* in Relief to the District

Helped Open 4 COVID-19 Vaccination Sites in Co-Op City, Mt. Vernon, Wakefield, and Yonkers Allowing People to Get Vaccinated

COVID-19 RESPONSE

FIRST

C O N G R E S S

100 DAYS I N

9 NEWSLETTERS

200+ LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGED FOR MORE FEDERAL FUNDING IN NY-16

January 6th Insurrection, COVID-19 Economic Relief, Voting Rights, LGBT Issues, and Social Security

TOP 5 SUBJECTS INCLUDED:

REPLIED TO 21,650 EMAILS FROM CONSTITUENTS

BRINGING NY-16 TO D.C.

Meetings with Community Organizations & Constituents

68

Constituents Serviced

588

Phone Calls Received

1,251

ASSISTING NEIGHBORS

Here is a snapshot of everything my team and I have accomplished on your behalf so far.

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SERVE YOU IN THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Jamaal Bowman

LEGISLATION CO-SPONSORED OVER 150 BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, AND LETTERS INTRODUCED 2 BILLS AND 1 RESOLUTION COUP Act to Investigate the Insurrection at the Capitol on January 6th Broadband Justice Act to Categorize Broadband as a Utility Making it More Accessible for Low-Income People

@RepBowman

Care for All Agenda, a Vision for Strengthening the Economy by Raising Wages for Health, Home, and Child Care Workers and Guaranteeing Care to All

@CongressmanBowman

JUNE 15, 2021

NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW

BLACK WESTCHESTER

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4 BLACK WESTCHESTER

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

JUNE 15, 2021

JUNE 15, 2021

NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW

BLACK WESTCHESTER 5

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

Email:

BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter: @BlkWestchesterM and @PBPRadio Instagram: @BlackWestchester and @PBPRadioShow 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 Lorraine Lopez Cynthia Turnquest-Jones Lena Anderson-Lee Photographers AJ Woodson Cynthia Turnquest-Jones

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

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

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

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

BW’s purpose is not only to address the political process that affects the everyday lives of communities of colour in Westchester County. BW’s mission has also been to shine a light on the brilliant culture, morals, values and elegant lifestyle of Black people. It’s time to change the narrative on how Black people are 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 W elcome to our June 15, 2021 Issue.

This month we focus on celebrating Black Music Month, the Importance of Juneteenth and Celebrating Fatherhood, both important topics that do not always get the press they deserve especially when speaking of Black Fatherhood.

Next month we will be celebrating the seven year anniversary of Black Westchester Magazine (BlackWestchester.com) in August we will be celebrating the seven year anniversary of the People Before Politics Radio Show and the four year anniversary of Black Westchester Newspaper. If you are interested in advertising in either one of our anniversary issues, please reach out to us at AdvertiseWithBW@gmail.com as soon as possible.

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. 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!

Graphic Designers AJ Woodson Paula S. Woodson/ PS Visually Speakin’ For Advertising Rates Contact Heather Smith at hsmith. blackwestchester@gmail.com Letters To The Editor BWEditorInChief@gmail.com

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6 BLACK WESTCHESTER

NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW

JUNE 15, 2021

YOUTH SHELTER PROGRAM OF WESTCHESTER NAMED LEAD AGENCY FOR MOUNT VERNON EMERGING ADULT JUSTICE PART INITIATIVE

YSOW Executive Director Joanne Dunn [Black Westchester]

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The City of Mount Vernon has announced that the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester (YSOW) will be the lead agency in a new partnership with the 9th Judicial District and Mount Vernon City Court. The Emerging Adult Justice Part of the Mount Vernon City Court is a new initiative established in the Ninth Judicial District. The mission of the Mount Vernon Emerging Adult Justice Part or “Emerging Adult Court” is to provide meaningful opportunities for resolving criminal cases by pursuing alternatives to conventional prosecution, sentencing and incarceration for young people between the ages of 18-25.

Headed by Executive Director Joanne Dunn, YSOW will serve as the lead agency providing the coordination of services and case management for all involved within this critical project. The objective will be connecting young adults with services, resources, and opportunities through a collaborative effort involving public and private stakeholders to place emerging adults on the path of success and self-autonomy in becoming productive members of society.

Since assuming the role of Executive Director of the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester in 2020, Joanne Dunn has sought to engage in conversations on the various aspects of criminal justice in an effort to effect change, particularly around alternatives to youth incarceration. “What we know here at the shelter is that young people are far better than the worst thing that they’ve done. We focus on their dreams, their aspirations, and their ambitions…to become successful members of their communities. And after 40 years of successfully providing meaningful opportunities for young people to turn their life around, I am grateful to the City of Mount Vernon to allow us to take the lead here,” said Ms. Dunn.

The kickoff of The Emerging Adult Justice Part of the Mt Vernon City Court will be on June 17 at 12pm on the steps of City Hall. It is a free event and all are welcome to attend.

For more information about the Youth Shelter visit www.ysow.org

HECTOR AND LORRAINE LOPEZ HOST BERKELEY COLLEGE TO SHUT DOWN FIRST LATINO SHOW ON WVOX IN 30 YEARS WHITE PLAINS CAMPUS Berkeley College plans on moving its local campus out of Westchester. The White Plains campus, located at 99 Church Street is no longer accepting new applications and is working with current students to transition them to a Berkeley College campus of their choosing in New York City, Online, or in New Jersey. Beginning in the Fall 2021 semester, the White Plains campus will be consolidated with the New York City campus. This consolidation does not impact the current spring semester and courses will continue as scheduled The school says it will be consolidating the White Plains campus with its campus in New York City by the start of the fall semester.

Berkeley President Michael Smith says declining enrollments and an increasing reliance on remote and hybrid approaches led to the school’s decision.

The White Plains location had been open since 1945.

SUMMER SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM WESTCHESTER AIRPORT TO NANTUCKET

Wheels Up, the leading brand in private aviation, announced Monday, June 14th the easiest way to the beach: shuttle service with round trip flights from Westchester County Airport (HPN) to Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) through Labor Day weekend.

Members will be able to book directly on the Wheels Up App and pay by the seat, rather than booking an entire aircraft, for flights on a King Air 350i. For the health and safety of all members and the crew, all flights will abide by Wheels Up Safe Passage™ health and safety protocols and, in accordance with federal guidelines, all passengers will be required to wear a face covering while inside FBOs and during flight.

Total flight time from White Plains to Nantucket Memorial Airport will be a Little Over 60 Minutes. The shuttle will operate one-way flights each Friday at 5PM from HPN to ACK. Return flights will depart ACK for HPN each Sunday at 5PM. Holiday weekends will operate a special schedule departing Thursdays and returning Mondays. For more information, go to www.wheelsup.com/ACKShuttle, and to book a flight, download the Wheels Up App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

PELHAM MANOR POLICE CHIEF RETIRED DURING INVESTIGATION

Brother and sister team up to host Latin Reign, the first all Latino program on WVOX in 30 year. Hector Lopez (Chairman of the Westchester Hispanic Law Enforcement Association -WHLEA) and his sister, the lovely Lorraine Lopez (BW Latino Empowerment columnist and PBP Radio co-host) bring that Latino flavor to WVOX in the way the station audience have never heard before. Latin reign kicks off Wednesday, June 16th and airs every Wednesday afterwards at 7:00PM. This is a show you do not want to miss. Knowing both Hector and Lorriane it should make for some good radio.

Pelham Manor officials have confirmed that former Police Chief Jeffrey Carpenter retired following an investigation into his conduct. Journal News/ lohud reported Carpenter’s last day on the job was May 29 after filing his retirement papers with the state the previous day.

On March 16, 2021, Trustee Bennett received a communication from a PMPD officer containing a formal complaint. The officer requested that the information in his communication be kept confidential. The Board took the complaint seriously and promptly contacted outside employment counsel.

Working with counsel, the Village hired a seasoned, independent investigator to conduct a thorough review of this internal personnel matter. The investigator interviewed several members of the PMPD, many of whom agreed to speak with the assurance that their statements would be kept confidential.

As the investigator concluded his interviews, Chief Carpenter decided to retire. TCarpenter has been with the force since 1998 and chief of the department since 2015. Lt. Thomas Atkins, who has served as second in command since 2017, is currently in charge of the Pelham Manor Police Department (PMPD).

JUNE 15, 2021

WWW.BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

BLACK WESTCHESTER

7

DA ROCAH ANNOUNCES PROBE INTO DEATHS OF KENNETH CHAMBERLAIN SR AND DANROY ‘DJ’ HENRY

BY AJ WOODSON

White Plains — Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced, Thursday, June 10th – at press conference live streamed on Facebook – that her office will be conducting an independent review into the killing of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr and Danroy ‘DJ’ Henry. A former federal judge will assist the Westchester District Attorney’s Office (WDAO) in its review of two previous police-involved shootings in Westchester that led to the deaths of county residents Danroy Henry and Kenneth Chamberlain, as well as the subsequent handling of these matters by the WDAO.

“For the families of Kenneth Chamberlain and DJ Henry, the pain of their loss has not gone away over the past ten years, nor have the questions they have about why their loved ones were killed,” District Attorney Rocah shared with Black Westchester. “The Chamberlain and Henry families and many members of the Westchester community have asked me to review the circumstances of the shootings, the investigation and charging decisions by the DA’s Office, and the grand juries’ decision not to return indictments in either case. Today, I am announcing that I will do exactly that. Some may ask, why look backwards? The reason is simple: Today, we have appropriately higher expectations have for scrutiny of police encounters with mentally ill and unarmed people and for prosecutors’ responses to such incidents,” DA Rocah added. “The Henry and Chamberlain families and our community have felt strongly that further independent review is needed to heal the open wounds from these shootings. It is in that spirit that this review will be undertaken.

Danroy Henry, Jr., known as DJ, was killed on October 17, 2010 when officers shot at Henry’s moving vehicle. He was 20 years old and a student at Pace University. Kenneth Chamberlain, Sr., a 68-year-old former U.S. Marine who suffered from mental illness, was shot and killed in his home thirteenth months later on November 19, 2011, following a confrontation with White Plains police after they responded to an accidental medical alert. At points during the confrontation, Mr. Chamberlain possessed a knife.

In the months following these two incidents, the Henry and Chamberlain shootings were reviewed by WDAO prosecutors who ultimately presented evidence and witnesses to grand juries, whose role was to determine whether that evidence was sufficient to support the criminal charges that prosecutors presented.

In both cases, no indictment was returned by the grand juries and the proceedings were automatically sealed by the court.

The current reviews will be conducted internally by designated Assistant District Attorneys and investigators who have been selected for this task by DA Rocah, with the assistance of a team of pro bono attorneys led by John Gleeson, a Debevoise & Plimpton LLP partner who previously served as a U.S. District Judge in the Eastern District of New York and who was also a federal prosecutor.

The pro bono team includes Debevoise & Plimpton LLP counsel Douglas S. Zolkind, a former federal public corruption prosecutor in the Southern District of New York and associates from the firm. Judge Gleeson and Mr. Zolkind have been sworn in as Special Assistant District Attorneys for purposes of the review.

Both families expressed that they were pleased the matter is under review of the district attorney. For Kenneth Chamberlain Jr, he has been fighting relentlessly for justice in the summary execution of his father for the past 10 years, saying it is a big step to affecting positive chance.

Danroy Sr and Angella (parents of DJ Henry & Kenneth Chamberlain Jr [Black Westchester]

“My family and I are pleased that the matter is being reviewed by the Westchester County DA’s office,” Chamberlain Jr., shared with Black Westchester following the press conference. “After 10 years, we believe there may never be actual justice

for my father, but we are hopeful that there will be some accountability in the killing of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. In my opinion this is a big step toward building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”

‘This is a moment we have been waiting for for a long time. So thank you to the DA’s office for a fair review of the facts,” Danroy Henry, Sr. and Angella Henry, the parents of DJ Henry, shared. “In the 3,088 days since our son was killed, we have simply asked for an objective review of the absolute truth surrounding his killing. We welcome today’s news as a necessary and overdue step which we hope will lead to some more just outcome, we appreciate the courage of this office.”

While DA Rocah is announcing the review into both cases in the name of transparency, she was clear she has not and will not prejudge the outcome.

“I want to be very clear: While I have chosen to conduct this review, I am in no way pre-judging the outcome. At this point, I cannot say whether any further action should be taken,” DA Rocah said. “I can say that further action beyond the review will only be taken if the facts and law warrant it. I will make the final determination on what, if any, additional steps are appropriate. Because the District Attorney’s Office played a central role in the original investigation and presentation to the grand juries, I believe that having Judge Gleeson participate in the review and make recommendations to me is the best way to proceed,” DA Rocah said. “Judge Gleeson’s record as a federal judge has earned him widely-held respect and a reputation for fairness and integrity, which I saw firsthand when I served as a law clerk for him many years ago. I am so pleased that he agreed to take on this important task.”

Judge Gleeson said: “It is a privilege to assist in this important undertaking.

Our team looks forward to examining the circumstances of these two shootings, as well as the investigations of them and the evidence presented to the grand juries, and making an independent recommendation to DA Rocah concerning how best to proceed.”

Robert Baskerville Ph.D. founder of the Research Initiatives for the Strategic Empowerment of the Urban Populace (RISEUP) says DA Rocah’s announcment is a testament both to her integrity and the wisdom of the vocal support given to her by the Black community and the addition of Judge Gleeson only gives further conficdence in the investigation.

“The appointment of Judge Gleeson, one of the nation’s most-respected jurists, is especially reassuring,” Baskerville sahres with Black Westchester.

“Gleeson showed exceptional courage in years recent when he penned an editorial in the Washington Post challenging the decision of Bill Barr’s DOJ to withdraw the guilty plea of Trump’s disgraced former national adviser Michael Flynn. We are confident he and the other will give these tragedies the thorough review they should’ve received the first time around.”

Damon K. Jones, President of Blacks In Law Enforcement of America and BW Publisher also supports and welcomes the announcement of the independent review of both cases.

“As a national law enforcement organization whose core belief is professionalism, accountability, and transparency of law enforcement, we fully support the Westchester County District Attorney, Mimi Rocha announcement to reexamine the evidence of the Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. and the Danroy Henry shooting by police departments within Westchester County,” Jones shared with Black Westchester. “Our organization has worked with both families, and in our opinion, in both cases, former District Attorney Janet Difiore left more questions than answers and no real justice for the families.”

Sorraya Sampson, President and CEO of the Urban League of Westchester was also please the DA’s office decided to review these cases.

“This is a critical moment in time, where the families of DJ Henry and Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. can get a fair chance at justice,” Sampson shared. “An independent review will make it possible to answer the questions that many of us in the community have been asking for a decade. An objective review is crucial to examine the evidence and circumstances in their entirety, with fairness and integrity, and determine further actions.”

DA Rocah stated she cannot say how long the review will take and her office has set not timetable for completion

“Because we are at the beginning of the review process, and because of grand jury secrecy rules, I am limited in how much I can say publicly,” DA Rocah added. “However, we know the importance of maintaining the public’s trust and we believe that announcing the commencement of our review publicly is the best way to proceed. There is no set timetable for completion of the review process.”

Stay tuned to Black Westchester for more on this developing story!

8 BLACK WESTCHESTER

REAL TALK FOR THE COMMUNITY

JUNE 15, 2021

SELF DESTRUCTION 2021 – A CALL TO ACTION

BY AJ WOODSON

Henry Terry of SNUG and community leaders rally on South 8th Avenue in Mt. Vernon where 17-year old was shot 10:20 am the day before [Black Westchester]

This Is An Open Letter To The Black Community, Our Community Leaders and Elected Officials. We Can Either Be Proactive Now Or Re-active Later, But Action Will Be Required. The Choice Is Yours!!!

The last two weeks Black Westchester has discussed on our radio show

People Before Politics the need to get involved to end the senseless gun violence plaquing our streets. Both shows, Episodes 299 and 300 were a call to action. But I woke up this morning with a need to reach out to our readers with another call to action, because we are about to face a crisis. A pandemic that may be worst than COVID is heading our way and we can either be proactive now or reactive later, but one thing’s for certain, action will be required from each and every one of us…

In 1988 – during what we call the Golden Era of Hip-Hop – KRS ONE started the Stop the Violence Movement in response to the violence in Hip-Hop and the Black Community at the time in what became known as the Crack Era. After a young fan was killed at a 1988 Boogie Down Production (BDP) and Public Enemy (PE) show and inspired by the recent murder of his mentor and one of the founding members of BPD, DJ Scott La Rock, KRS enlisted an all-star cast of emcees of the time – Boogie Down Production (KRS, D-Nice & Ms. Melodie), Statsasonic (Delite, Daddy-O, Wise & Frukan), Kol Moe Dee, MC Lyte, Doug E Fresh, Heavy D, and Public Enemy (Chuck D & Flavor Flav) to create the classic anti-violence PSA, ‘Self Destruction,’ in hopes to encourage the HipHop Community to end the violence being committed amongst ourselves.

This 2021 Black Westchester editorial is somewhat of a remix, 33-yearslater without the All-Star emcees, with out over the samples of Funky Drummer

by James Brown and Pass The Peas by the JB’s but with the same Call To Action and the same pleas of encouraging the Black Community to end the senseless gun violence being committed amongst ourselves. The Summer of 2021 has the potential to be as deadly and dangerous and again it will be us killings ourselves.

This is a call to action to the Black Community as a whole – Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Greenburgh and Black and Brown Communities of Westchester and surrounding areas in particular.

The iconic 1988 Hip-Hop classic starts off with a sample of Malcolm X We all agree tonight—all of the speakers have agreed that America has a very serious problem. Not only does America have a very serious problem but our people have a very serious problem, America’s problem is…

Self Destruction. you’re headed for Self Destruction Back in the sixties our brothers and sisters were hanged How could you gang-bang?

I never ever ran from the Ku Klux Klan And I shouldn’t have to run from a black man – Kool Moe Dee Before we can expect our young people to stop gang banging or avoid gangs, we the adults have to stop gang banging and avoid our gangs. We politically gangbang, and use political decapitation to destroy one another. I live in a Black run city and we do more damage to ourselves than the white man ever could. We are doing the devil’s work for him and we wonder why are city is in a hellish state.

We wonder why the youth are outta control, where do you think they get it from?

First step is admitting our role in the self destruction of our communities. In a city like Mount Vernon, you cannot blame the white man for our problems. You cannot blame Trump and the Republican cult the follows him, when you got Black Dems politically decapitating and trying to destroy each other.

While we all enjoyed the song when it played in clubs and on the radio did we forget Heavy D’s lyrics on the joint…

Ayo here’s the situation: idiodicy Nonsense, violence, not a good policy Therefore we must ignore, fighting and fussing Heavy’s at the door so there’ll be no bum-rushing Let’s get together or we’ll be falling apart I heard a brother shot another, it broke my heart

I don’t understand the difficulty, people Love your brother, treat him as an equal They call us animals — mmm mmm, I don’t agree with them I’ll prove them wrong, but right is what you’re proving them Take heed before I lead to what I’m saying Or we’ll all be on our knees, praying 33 years later the situation is still idiodicy, nonsense and violence. We’re still fighting and fussing and right is what we are proving those outside our community. Before we expect out young people to treat each other with respect and respect themselves we must first keep ourself in check as adults. PE told us…

Yes, we urge to merge, we live for the love of our people The hope: they get along (Yeah, so we did a song) Getting the point to our brothers and sisters Who don’t know the time (Boyyyee, so we wrote a rhyme) Instead in your head, you know, our job To build and collect ourselves with intellect (Come on) To revolve, to evolve to self-respect ‘Cause we got to keep ourselves in check Or else it’s…. Self Destruction…

We have to stop talking about how the youth are outta control and check ourselves first. What kind of example are we setting, when they see the so-called leaders of the community, the elected officials, politicians, political candidates and adults (some who are just children over the age of 21 who never grew up and do not know how to act their age) fighting and doing everything to destroy ourselves and our community. Yes I said US and OUR community, because I mean ALL OF US! Not only what kind of example are we setting, what kind of cities are we leaving for them? What are WE doing to make their lives better?

How can so many of us who benefited from the many programs, Little League Baseball, The Razorbacks, PAL, the Boys and Girl Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts – insert any program that you credit for saving your life here – how can we not volunteer our time and money to help save our young people, our youth, our children? How can we not do all we can to provide them with safe spaces to just be children?

I have often said and written, the only reason I did not end up dead or in jail like many of those in my generation (some of which I hung out with and went to school with) was because several older people outside of my parents invested in me. So I say to all reading this, if the youth are outta control, it’s not them failing us, IT IS US FAILING THEM! If you missed that I was say it again.

If the youth are outta control, it’s not them failing us, it is us failing them! What happened to It Takes A Village? What happened to Each One, Teach One? Sure no one of us can save them all, but if we each reach out to at least one…

I believe that children are our future Teach them well and let them Lead the way show them all the beauty they possess inside Give them a sense Of pride To make it easier Let the children’s laughter Remind us how we used To be…..

- The Greatest Love Of All- George Benson The summer of 2021 is coming, in cities like Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and Yonkers as with many inner cities in the country, we have already seen senseless violence, in most cases that led to the death of our young brothers and sisters. How many future leaders have we already lost to senseless gun play or a privatized prison system created to incarcerate them while they are still in elementary school... (continued on page 22)

JUNE 15, 2021

CELEBRATING BLACK MUSIC MONTH

BLACK WESTCHESTER 9

WHAT’S GOING ON? MARVIN’S 1971 LYRICS OF POLICE BRUTALITY AND SENSELESS VIOLENCE STILL RING TRUE 50 YEARS LATER!

BY AJ WOODSON

This editorial 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 50 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.

50 years later the very words Marvin uttered in 1971 can apply to 2021.

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.

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.

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

Father, father We don’t need to escalate You see, war is not the answer For only love can conquer hate You know we’ve got to find a way To bring some lovin’ here today

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.

The Access Community Health Network (ACHN) explains it like this; Now consider for every person shot, hundreds of people are affected. Families and communities are left having to constantly cope and pick up the pieces.

It takes a toll on our mental health, causing everything from anxiety to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Studies show that gun violence has a lasting effect on our mental health. Without sufficient support, often including counseling, individuals may develop one or more of the following:

Picket lines and picket signs Don’t punish me with brutality Talk to me, so you can see Oh, what’s going on

•

• • •

Anxiety: The emotional stress of gun violence will cause overall increased fear, a sense of not being safe and anxiety. Individuals may feel haunted by the event and have recurring nightmares or images. Counseling can address these issues to help the person adjust to their new reality.

Depression: Grief counseling can help a loved one cope with loss, the persistent sadness and mitigate the risk of depression Substance abuse: Often when people suffer a tragic loss, they increase or begin the use of drugs or alcohol to numb their pain. Unfortunately, this can often lead to addiction.

Post-traumatic stress disorder: Individuals may develop PTSD. Common symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, severe anxiety, depression, hopelessness, sleeplessness, heightened watchfulness, and increased irritability and aggressive behavior.

The ACHN goes on to explains the Violence Breeds Violence: According to the National Center for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, youth with PTSD are more likely to exhibit impulsive or aggressive behaviors. This puts them at higher risk for making decisions that put them at risk of harm to themselves and others, thus, perpetuating the cycle of trauma and violence to themselves, their friends and family, and their communities overall.

Which makes Marvin’s 1971 lyrics so prophetic 50 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

Last year the anti-war picket signs of 1971 were replaced by ‘Black Lives Matter‘ and ‘Hands Up Don’t Shoot‘ signs, but we are still asking not to be punished with brutality. Since 1971, we’ve come a long way baby, but how far have we really come? 50 years after Marvin sang his anti war anthem, history is repeating itself. We hear from a new generation of activists who were deeply inspired by this iconic album’s music and its messages. This album was a masterpiece. That’s a word that is too often thrown around, but is defined as a creation in any area of the arts that has been given much critical praise, especially one that is considered the greatest work of a person’s career or to a work of outstanding creativity, skill, profundity, or workmanship. It is also something that stands the test of time.

While the fight has shifted a bit in 50 years, we are still fighting for civil rights. Like Marvin sang on the third and final single. Inner City Blues the climactic song of his 1971 landmark album, What’s Going On, “It makes me wanna holler and throw up both my hands.” The song depicted the ghettos and bleak economic situations of inner-city America, and the emotional effects these have on inhabitants, and his lyrics still ring true, 50 years later. I leave you with Marvin’s lyrics from Save The Children, cause we all have to step up to end the senseless gun violence, to save our most precious commodity, the children!

I just want to ask a question: Who really cares, t o save a world in despair? Who really cares?

There’ll come a time (There’ll come a time) When the world won’t be singing (When the world won’t be singing) Flowers won’t grow (flowers won’t grow, no) Bells won’t be ringing (the bells won’t be ringing) Who really cares? (Who really cares?)

Who’s willing to try? (Who is willing to try?)

To save the world, (to save the world) That’s destined to die (that is destined to die) When I look at the world (when I look at the world) It fills me with sorrow (it fills me with sorrow) Little children today (children today) Are really going to suffer tomorrow (really suffer tomorrow) (Oh!) What a shame (what a shame) Such a bad way to live (such a bad way to live) Oh, who is to blame? (Who is to blame?)... ...Live life for the children (live life for...the children. Oh, for the Children) You see, let’s...let’s save the children Let’s...let’s save all the children, (Save the babies, save the babies!)

(And if you want to love, you got to....save the babies) Oh you’ve got the feeling... (You will save the babies, all of the Children)

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Bringing the Clerk’s office to the people, through community outreach to ensure everyone in Westchester can get the resources they need, regardless of immigration status.

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A first-generation American, Shanae was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She immigrated to the United States with her family when she was nine years old and grew up in a one-bedroom apartment in Yonkers. Shanae is a graduate of Yonkers Public Schools, Hastings High School, and SUNY Albany. She holds a Masters degree in Business Administration from Walden University.

14 BLACK WESTCHESTER

JUNE 15, 2021

CELEBRATING FATHERHOOD

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

READERS SHARE THEIR STORIES

BY AJ WOODSON

In the month of May, you can not go anywhere without seeing or hearing commercials about Mother’s Day. With a reservation, you may be waiting for over an hour for a table but one month later in June you can just about walkin any restaurant without a reservation and be seated right away.

We originally ran this June 2017 to celebrate Fatherhood on BlackWestchester.com, 2 months before we released the first issue of the newspaper. We send out emails to the readers to share their fondest memory or explain to the world why their dad was a great dad.

So this year we present our first Father’s Day tribute where the readers salute their dads. We wanted to change the narravtive and celebrate Fatherhood especially Black Fatherhood. And I will set it off first. Happy Father’s Day!

Myk Green

born and raised in New Rochelle, NY now residing in Marietta, Ga.

AJ Woodson (r) and my dad Jerry Woodson at his 70th birthday party, March 2013 [Black Westchester]

Myk Green (r) with his dad Eddie [Black Westchester]

As children, we do not always appreciate all our fathers do for us. I remember Wishing My Dad A Big Happy Father’s Day… being upset when I was younger when my dad didn’t teach me how to play I’m So thankful for the tough love and Work Ethics he instilled in me.. basketball, football and soccer like my friends and cousins dads, not knowing his father never did that with him. In fact, I have to be honest I didn’t truly appreciate all my dad had done for me, all the sacrifices he made until I became a father. My White Plains, NY dad and mom wanting us to have more than they did growing up, purchased a house in Central Islip, Long Island when I was seven. When my parents divorced and I drove my mom crazy, I came back to Mount Vernon to live with him and attended MVHS. Although I gave him plenty of reasons to, he never gave up on me. Even though he had tried to install that nine to five life in my he never really stomped out my entrepreneurial spirit and often supported it when he could. I could fill this with lessons learned, proud moments etc, but it’s not about me, but I could not do this without starting it off by saying Dad I Love You, my dude, my best friend. When it’s all said and done I can only hope I have become half the man you are.

Kenneth Chamberlain Jr.,

Brenda L. Crump Mount Vernon, NY Gone from the land of the living but not from my heart.

Tyrone Power Marshall Army Vietnam Veteran Sunrise: April 12, 1938 Sunset: September 2, 2011.

Fondest Memory: Saturday, March 24, 1990, the day my father, (my 1st love), walked me down the aisle to my husband (my current love) is, was and will always be my fondest memory.

Brenda & her dad, Saturday, March 24, 1990

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY DADDY

Kenneth Chamberlain Jr, with his dad Kenneth Chamberlain Sr and sister Karen MsChambee Smith Ninth Father’s Day without you here and it is no easier than the first. Always thinking about you wishing you were here. I’ve grown so much since you have been gone and I think you would be proud of your SUN.

Missing you but thankful for the time we had so Happy Father’s Day, Dad missing you always loving you forever #Justice4KennethChamberlainSr…… #FamiliesUnited4Justice

JUNE 15, 2021

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Patty Coombs Mount Vernon, NY

Patty’s Dad – Oswald George Coombs What my Daddy means to me. My Daddy was a PHENOMENAL Daddy. Even when he didn’t live with us anymore he still was ALWAYS there. One of my best memories of my Daddy is when he used to take my sister and I walking ALL OVER! He always had his camera, not camera phone back then lol. He always documented our journeys and continued the same tradition with his only granddaughter. Another GREAT memory is when he always went with my daughter camping. Niecy would call him and say “grandpa may I have some johnny cakes” aka fried dumplings lol. He’d wake up early make the johnny cakes, pack her and his sleeping bags and be at the church with her stuff. She was so spoiled, he made sure she had EVERYTHING, Niecy wanted for nothing on those trips. Even as far as going to the store and getting her chips and juice for the bus. Then he would get on the bus with her, put her pillow on his lap, and she would lay her head in his lap and go to sleep. My Daddy ALWAYS made sure Niecy and I were provided for and safe even when he didn’t have much. I’m crying just thinking about these memories of my Daddy. I miss and love you tremendously Daddy. Continue Resting in Paradise Daddy, love Niecy and Patty. Miss and love you Grandpa.

Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase Greenburgh, NY

Tahira DuPree Chase (r) with her dad, Mr. Bobby DuPree My dad, Mr. Bobby DuPree, was the first man to show me, unconditional love.

He exemplifies all the loving traits a father should display to his daughter. My dad is a man who worked hard for family and provided an excellent childhood for my brothers and me. Even as an adult, my dad never lets me forget that I am still his little girl… Happy Father’s Day to my amazing Dad. I love you!

David Moffet Atlanta, GA God blessed my sister and I with an earthly father who was and still is my hero!

Dad your legacy continues to live through us and your grands with every breath we take. Thank you for the REAL love you gave us (unconditional & tough), I will always carry you with me until I see you again! I miss you dearly, and love you with all my heart!

Peter Robinson Jr. New York, NY

David (r) and his father George

Continue to rest in peace & HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!

Michelle Harris – Mt Vernon, NY on her Grandfather Walter Royster Grandpa was always being there for me, as well as all sides of our family and uniting us! At Cookouts, reunions, Etc., bowling, Yankee games, dude ranches, Etc and the music that we Heard in the backdrops. It’s like a symphony to my recollection!

He was an example in so many ways to me and for me! And he never tired! Oh, I’m grateful! But there was some other family Men that.,..I see that are similar. And feel similar and proud to call my Blood! And you were there thruout‼️ Thank you and Happy Fathers Day Mr. Woodson! & Rest in Peace Grandpa you There were lessons shared, taught & hammered I chose them like they were candy, yet The lessons stay with me, I may have fought them As I reflect on them now, there were gems And better yet, notes of love Thank you Dad – I’ve learned to treasure them Your love pluses in my veins now – Miss yoo

16 BLACK WESTCHESTER

POLITICALLY SPEAKING

JUNE 15, 2021

DANIELLE BROWNE DECLARED WINNER,

TOO CLOSE TO CALL REMAINING COUNCIL SEATS

BY AJ WOODSON Absentee ballot counting will begin next Wednesday, June 30th, final count could come as early the first week in July!

Mount Vernon – The Mount Vernon City Council race is still too close to call.

André Wallace (1.690 votes) was in second place on election night and is now in fourth place, 16 votes behind Cathlin Gleason (1,706 votes) who has currently moved from fourth place to third place.

While incumbent Councilwoman Janice Duarte (1,671 votes) is currently in fifth place, she sit only 35 votes behind Gleason. While there are more then 200 votes to be counted and we have no idea how things will play out, one thing is certain Danielle Browne - who is new to politics is the number one vote getter (2,192 votes) in the council race and will certainly be one of the new Councilmembers in January.

“I want to congratulate Nicole Lucio, André Wallace, Delia Farquharson, Lauren Carter, and Janice Duarte on a hard fought race,” Ed Poteat shared on Facebook, Wednesday morning. “This race is still too close to call but it’s imperative we ALL move our city forward. Now that this race is over, my sincerest wish is for all of us to meet and work collectively to improve the future of our city. Onward and Upward!!!”

Library Trustee Cathlin Gleason is still not out of the woods yet to make it a full sweep for the MV Forward slate. Absentee ballots still need to be counted before it becomes clear who won. That counting will begin next Wednesday. Results could come in as early as next weekend!

Bringing up the rear, Incumbent Councilwoman Delia Farquharson (1.548), former Deputy Clerk Lauren Carter (1,446) and Board of Ethics Vice Chair Nicole Lucio (717 votes) all appear to too far back to catch up when the final vote counts comes in.

André Wallace and Janice Duarte at Wallace Golf Outing fundraiser at Hampshire Country Club, July 2015 [Black Westchester]

Mount Vernon Forward team at kickoff rally at City Hall with Campaign Manager Joseph Fordyce Jr,. (left)

“Leading In election returns, Mount Vernon Forward Team declares: ‘It’s Time To Bring Our City Together!’” is posted on the MV Forward slate Facebook page. Currently Edward Poteat is holding the second position with 1,777 votes, just 87 voted ahead of Wallace and 106 votes ahead of

Duarte. Wallace and Duarte can still catch Gleason and Poteat. If that happens; despite Poteat’s post, the Mayor won;t have her chosen three candidates that she endorsed.

“I believe our team did a great job. I will celebrate the outcome no matter who wins,” Gleason shared with Black Westchester. “I’m so excited Danielle will be there because she is amazing. I’m not worried about myself honestly, but this young lady is destined for greatness.”

Ms. Browne, a lawyer who co-chaired the Mount Vernon Police Reform Commission and the only confirmed winner in the pack of eight candidates, has yet to make any public statement.

If the council results hold up, Browne, Poteat and Gleason would join with another Patterson-Howard ally, Councilman Derrick Thompson, to form a supermajority bloc, Lohud reported.

In other Mount Vernon Primary news, Rev. Darren Morton will be Mount Vernon’s new comptroller in January and Legislator Tyrae WoodsonSamuel wins re-election.

Stay tuned to Black Westchester for more on this developing story, because you know anything can happen in the City of Mount Vernon.

JUNE 15, 2021

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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.

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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY EVERY MONTH

BLACK WESTCHESTER

21

THE HISTORY AND IMPORTANCE OF THE JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

BY LENA ANDERSON - LEE

JUNETEENTH IS THE OLDEST KNOWN CELEBRATION COMMEMORATING THE ENDING OF SLAVERY IN THE UNITED STATES. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

Later attempts to explain this two and a half year delay in the receipt of this important news have yielded several versions that have been handed down through the years. Often told is the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way to Texas with the news of freedom.

Another, is that the news was deliberately withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor force on the plantations. And still another, is that federal troops actually waited for the slave owners to reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. All of which, or neither of these version could be true. Certainly, for some, President Lincoln’s authority over the rebellious states was in question. For whatever the reasons, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was statutory.

The celebration remains important to current generations because it highlights and parallels the conditions of today that keep African-Americans in a state of second-class citizenship. Local laws that encouraged incarceration and limitations on the movements of African Americans began in 1865, and in spite of voting rights and other freedoms guaranteed by the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, institutionalized racist behaviors continue to limit economic progress towards the “inalienable rights and freedoms” were have been promised. The current generations must be constantly reminded that we cannot rest our laurels on gains made in the past as we continue to be lynched by the justice system today. We must emulate the tenacity of those entrepreneurs who built a “wall street” in Oklahoma and in the Town of Greenburgh where we live. We must never forget the crosses burned on the yards of these

who succeeded or challenged injustice because we are only a burning cross away from revisiting those days again. We cannot laugh at the disrespectful jokes about lynching or the treatment of our first African American President who has demonstrated dignity and competence in spite of the abuse. Most of all, our young people have to abandon the thought that “nigger” can be a term of endearment. It is offensive today as it was yesterday; it means ‘ignorant one’ and should not be embraced.

Even though the odds remain against us, we are known to beat the odds. We must show up for parent meetings, school board elections, and this next election in order to insure our future and the future of our youth. The people in Texas were kept ignorant, and therefore, remained enslaved. Maya Angelou tells us, “Do the best you can until you know better, and when you know better, do better”. Certainly we can do better.

Lena Anderson is the former President of the White Plains/Greenburgh Branch of the NAACP. Anderson also was the past Director of Christian Education for Bethel Baptist Church in White Plains. She serves on the Passage to Excellence Executive Board as an education liaison to all of the educational programs done by this 501(c) (3) organization to support the church ministries.

JUNETEENTH IS NOW THE NATION’S

11TH FEDERAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Finally it only took 156 years, but Juneteenth has now become the nation’s 11th federal public holiday, following congressional passage of a measure that formally recognises a day that commemorates the end of slavery and emancipation of African Americans in the US.

Democratic US Rep Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas has led recent efforts to make Juneteenth a national holiday, adding to the list of federal holidays for the first time since the addition of Martin Luther King Jr Day in 1983. The measure was cosponsored by Texas Senator John Cornyn, a Republican. Republican Senator Ron Johnson, who blocked its passage in 2020, lifted his opposition in 2021.

On 13 June, the US Senate unanimously approved the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing June 19th as a legal public holiday. The House of Representatives has passed a milestone measure to create a federal holiday for Juneteenth, now heads to President Joe Biden for his signature.

Getting to this point took longstanding pushes by activists, several legislative attempts and the momentum generated by the Black Lives Matter movement last year. Though the day has often been omitted in history books and overlooked by nonBlack Americans, activists and leaders had been pushing for decades to gain greater national recognition for it.

After taking a backseat during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, Juneteenth made a resurgence in the ‘80s and ‘90s in communities across the country, with Texas becoming the first state to establish it as a holiday in 1980.

In 1994, leaders from around the nation gathered at Christian Unity Baptist Church in New Orleans to advocate for even greater acknowledgment of June 19’s significance. That meeting would spawn a number of organizations and causes dedicated to commemorating and honoring Juneteenth, including the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation.

In 2000, the group’s founder and chairman Rev. Ronald Myers began a campaign to make it a national day of observance and for all 50 states and US territories to recognize it as a state holiday or observance.

Others, like Opal Lee, fought for Juneteenth’s recognition in less traditional ways. In 2016, then 89-year-old Lee set out on foot from her home in Fort Worth, Texas, with the goal of reaching the nation’s capital. Determined to see Juneteenth become a national holiday, she hoped that “surely somebody would notice a little old lady in tennis shoes.”

The “grandmother of Juneteenth” continued to push for the effort with an annual 2.5-mile walk in her hometown, symbolizing the two-and-a-half years it took for word of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation to reach enslaved people in Texas.

Five years later, her efforts paid off.

Congress has, in various years, passed resolutions honoring Juneteenth, but it wasn’t until last year that lawmakers considered making it a national holiday.

At the height of the antiracism protests of last year, Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and Massachusetts Sen. Edward Markey, both Democrats, introduced bills in their respective chambers to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Despite broad bipartisan support, however, their effort was unsuccessful, with Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin blocking the measure on the grounds that giving workers another day of paid leave would cost too much.

On Thursday, June 17th, President Biden signed the legislation making it official.

As a federal holiday, federal employees will receive a paid day off on June 19th, or on the nearest Friday or Monday, but there would be no requirement for private businesses to give an off-day to their employees, HuffPost reports. Juneteenth will join a list of legal public holidays that includes MLK Jr Day, New Year’s Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

In his “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” address in 1852, abolitionist Frederick Douglass noted the nation’s hypocrisy of celebrating Independence Day while imposing a brutal regime of slavery.

Juneteenth was not formally recognised in Texas until 1979. It was the first state to do so. It is now recognised on a state level in some form in most states.

Maine is one of the latest states to honor Juneteenth by making it an official state holiday. Maine Governor Janet Mills signed the legislation into law last week, but it will not take effect until 2022, the Portland Press Herald reports.

At a time when Black Americans are facing systemic challenges such as the racial wealth gap, disproportionate incarceration and persistent health disparities, making Juneteenth a national holiday may seem like a small gesture.

Amara Enyia, policy research coordinator for the Movement for Black Lives, cautions that making Juneteenth a federal holiday shouldn’t be seen as a substitute for substantive action.

“What people are really looking for is beyond symbolic acknowledgment is tangible policies from the federal government that actually speak to whether or not they acknowledge this country’s history and its present,” she said.

Still, some activists say that even that small gesture is an important first step.

Nsé Ufot, community activist and CEO of the New Georgia Project, sees a federal acknowledgment of Juneteenth as “part of a larger effort for truth and reconciliation.”

“I see it as a part of a larger strategic push and a larger cultural push to not allow our memories to atrophy, to make sure that we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past, and that there’s actually a plan to repair the harm that has been visited by a significant portion of the American citizenry,” she told CNN.

Despite the bipartisan victory, advocates said they are still far from repairing the wounds from American slavery.

Some point to HR 40, which specifically calls for the creation of a commission to study “and consider a national apology and proposal for reparations for the institution of slavery, its subsequent de jure and de facto racial and economic discrimination against African Americans, and the impact of these forces on living African Americans, to make recommendations to the Congress on appropriate remedies, and for other purposes.”

A version has been introduced in every legislative session since 1989, but passed out of a House committee for the first time this year.

“We’re giving America the opportunity for redemption, for repair, for restoration, for also understanding the new America, which is so multicultural,” said lead sponsor, Jackson Lee, in April after it passed.

That legislation is still awaiting a full House vote and is expected to face an uphill battle in the Senate. But Juneteenth National Independence Day, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day) is now a federal holiday, finally! But let’s not not forget there is still much more work to do!

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BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

JUNE 15, 2021

ELEVEN NEW YORK LANDMARKS LIT RED, BLACK AND GREEN FOR JUNETEENTH

BY AJ WOODSON

New York City – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announed that landmarks across the state would be lit red, black and green on June 19 in celebration of Juneteenth. Additionally, Governor Cuomo issued a proclamation naming June 19 Juneteenth in the State of New York.

New York State landmarks will be lit red, black and green in celebration of Juneteenth, “New York is proud to join the entire country in our first national commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans,” Cuomo said in a statement.

The state lit the following landmarks: • • • • • • • • • • •

One World Trade Center Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Kosciuszko Bridge The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building State Education Building Alfred E. Smith State Office Building State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct Niagara Falls Albany International Airport Gateway MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station

Juneteenth celebrates the day when the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, nearly two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

Finally it only took 156 years, but Juneteenth has now become the nation’s 11th federal public holiday, following congressional passage of a measure that formally recognises a day that commemorates the end of slavery and emancipation of African Americans in the US.

Democratic US Rep Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas has led recent efforts to make Juneteenth a national holiday, adding to the list of federal holidays for the first time since the addition of Martin Luther King Jr Day in 1983. The measure was co-sponsored by Texas Senator John Cornyn, a Republican. Republican Senator Ron Johnson, who blocked its passage in 2020, lifted his opposition in 2021.

On 13 June, the US Senate unanimously approved the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing June 19th as a legal public holiday.

The House of Representatives has passed a milestone measure to create a federal holiday for Juneteenth, and headed to President Joe Biden for his signature.

Biden officially signed a bill establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, Thursday, June 17th. Since June 19th fell on a Saturday, the government observed the holiday Friday, June 18th. At least nine states have designated it in law as an official paid state holiday, all but one doing so after the summary execution of George Floyd last year in Minneapolis.

“New York is proud to join the entire country in our first national commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans,” Gov. Cuomo said. “While Juneteenth may be our newest federal holiday, the ethos we observe today – that independence, equality, and liberty for all are only guaranteed when we march as one towards those ideals; that the arc of the moral universe only bends towards justice when we work together to bend it – has always been the foundation of our national identity. I was proud to make this a state holiday last year because New York has always, and will always, stand with and support all those working to help our country live up to its founding ideals. Our thoughts are with all those who worked so hard and for so long to bring today’s national celebration to fruition.”

SELF DESTRUCTION 2021 - A CALL TO ACTION (continued from page 8)

As adults, we realize that the real future lies in the hands of our children and grandchildren. But since most will tell you they realize this simple truth, why aren’t more adults doing more to secure the future of the youth? Why aren’t more adult investing in programs for our youth, either their time or their money or both. Our first priority should be the nurturing and education of America’s youth. Education is not limited to what they learn in school. Like many inner city children, some of my greatest life lessons were learned outside of the classrooms, when school was not in session.

We are all products of our environment, but we do not have to allow our environment be who we are.

In 1998 Hip-Hop was being blamed for everything, especially what the media coined Black on Black Crime. Funny I never heard or read them refer to White on White Crime, they call that Organized Crime, but I digress. In 2021 we who grew up on lyrics of Knowledge Of Self and Conscious Rap the evened out the so called Gangsta Rap have become M.I.A. and allowed to industry to force feed our youth with non stop negativity with no push back to the radio stations where they tell us Hip-Hop Lives. Instead of fighting to elevate the music or demand better we turned into a generation who wants to be cool in our kids eyes and rock their music with them instead of teaching and exposing them to better. WAKE UP PEOPLE! Its time to wake up, stand up, and fight for our kids and show them better.

in 1995 Mobb Deep warned us that, There’s a war going on outside nobody’s safe from, but were weren’t listening or somehow forgot. There is a war going on for the souls of our young people. A war of miseducation. A war to incarcerate them in them in the School-to-Prison Pipeline that feeds on a disproportionate tendency of minors and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds to become incarcerated because of increasingly harsh school and municipal policies, as well as because of educational inequality in the United States. If you do not have time for the youth now they already have plans in place to have plenty of time for the youth later. Many of us are Missing In Action. We have fell asleep at the wheel and now want to get upset when the kids crash the car.

I repeat this summer has the potential to be one of the deadliest and most dangerous. We are looking at a perfect storm. They released inmates because of COVID and Bail Reform (which we asked for) without creating any training or programs in place for those who were released. They didn’t come home to the stimulus checks and extended unemployment checks many of us received due to COVID. If they can not find work or training programs to teach them a trade, what do you think some of them will do for money. How about whatever landed them in the the so called “Correctional” facility in the first place. I put correctional in quotes because for most there is not correction going on. We are setting them up to fail.

The streets were somewhat safe and peaceful for awhile due to COVID restrictions that have just been lifted. That kept them in the house but not they are all coming back outside seeing people they haven’t come in contact with for awhile.

Unsettled beefs and all that pick up where they left off and the pistols’ go pop once again. And we all know the saying, when the weather gets hot, the streets get hotter! It’s not even summer yet and we got teenagers being shot in broad daylight on residential streets and 6-years-olds getting caught in crossfire.

Its too late to talk about what hasn’t been done, or who didn’t do what. Time for passing the buck and pointing fingers is over. This is a CALL TO ACTION! We all need to get involved. We all need to work together to save our youth and reclaim our streets. We need to Get Up, Get Out and Do Something! Or mark my words and remember I said it on Monday, May 24th, we are heading for self destruction, we’re headed for self destruction!

The most important thing I can leave you with is remember when you were young. Remember your rebellious period and what or who helped you get through it or taught you a better way. You didn’t have all the answers but you thought you did.

You may not have always listened to the adults at the time, but you remember what they told you and it help mold you into the adult you are today. Who were the adults that were present in your life when you were a youngster, that were instrumental in your growth or your success? Who is the person you can identify with that saved you from going in the wrong direction many of your peers did? Answering those questions, should make you want to pay it forward and be that for the next generation. So I end this Call To Action with this question, What Are You Doing To Reach The Youth??? If you are not part of the solution you are definitely part of the problem whether you want to admit it our not!!! REAL TALK!!!

BLACK LIVES MUST MATTER TO BLACK PEOPLE FIRST BEFORE WE CAN EXPECT THEM TO MATTER TO EVERYONE ELSE!

JUNE 15, 2021

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

BLACK WESTCHESTER 23

DEVELOPING A MINDFUL MINDSET OF A FIT AND HEALTHY PERSON BY DAMON K JONES

Why do some people find it so easy to exercise and eat a healthy diet while so many others struggle? One of the reasons is a difference is having a mindful mindset.

If you view yourself as someone who can’t follow a diet, you’ll find it very challenging to eat well. Do you see yourself as a person who doesn’t go to the gym? If so, you probably won’t be able to find your way to the gym with any regularity.

Someone who eats well doesn’t view food, or himself, an unhealthy, overweight person views those things in the same way.

Many do not have the mindset to be mindful of our health and wellness, and it shows. Among African-American adults, nearly 48 percent are clinically obese (including 37.1 percent of men and 56.6 percent of women, compared to 32.6 percent of whites (including 32.4 percent of men and 32.8 percent of women). Statistics like these should be alarming in the black community, considering obesity leads to so many other health risks and chronic illnesses.

What is mindful eating? In a nutshell, mindful eating is eating only when you’re hungry and stopping when you’re full. It is also putting your full attention on the eating experience.

Most people don’t eat mindfully. They’re watching TV, talking, playing on their phone, or thinking about something else while they eat. These are habits that lead to overeating and weight gain.

With the appropriate mindset, you can do anything!

Having a mindful mindset of these habits will help turn you into someone who’s naturally fit and healthy: Make healthy choices and recognize them as such. The best way to think of yourself as someone that makes healthy choices is to make them regularly.

Whenever you make a healthy choice, notice it and announce to yourself, “I’m the kind of person that chooses healthy food over unhealthy food.” Or, “I’m one of those people that goes to the gym even if it’s raining.

When you view health and fitness as part of your identity, the behaviors that support that belief occur naturally.

Consider how each decision impacts your health and fitness. Most people never consider the impact a decision has on their health. They choose food

ABOUT JONES

DAMON

K.

Damon K. Jones is an Activist, Author, and Publisher of Black Westchester Magazine, a Black-owned and operated newspaper based in Westchester County, New York, that has been delivering the News With The Black Point Of View since 2014. Mr. Jones is a Holistic Health Practitioner,

Consider how each decision impacts your health and fitness. Most people never consider the impact a decision has on their health. They choose food based on what they happen to feel like eating at that moment. Or, they search for a parking spot as close to the store’s door as possible out of convenience.

When faced with options, ask yourself, “Which option best supports my health and fitness?”. When you begin asking this question, you’ll start the process of changing your mindset.

Do your grocery shopping the way a healthy person would. Before you head to the grocery store, make a list of everything you want to buy. Review that list and ensure that you’re making healthy choices.

Remove any items that aren’t healthy and replace them with healthier options.

Stick to your list. The only reason to stray from your list is if you remember something that you need. Avoid the temptation to pick up anything that fails to support your health.

Make time for exercise. Avoid the mindset of, “I’ll exercise today if I have time.” Make time in your regular schedule for exercise. Plan out your week and decide when and where you’re going to work out. You can certainly arrange for 30 minutes of exercise a few times each week.

Use affirmations. Write five affirmations that affirm your commitment to health and spend a few minutes each day reciting them. Here are a few examples:

I consider the impact every decision I make has on my health.

I make my health a priority.

I find it easy to stick to a healthy diet.

I love to exercise and keep my body fit and healthy.

My mind and body want to be healthy.

Possessing a mindful mindset that supports your goals is a critical part of becoming a healthier person. We consistently live up to our expectations and beliefs about ourselves. If you believe you’re one of those, who eat poorly and can’t stick to an exercise routine, any effort to change this reality will be a tremendous struggle.

If you can develop the mindset of a healthy and fit person, you’ll become healthier and fitter. You couldn’t stop yourself from making progress even if you tried. Change your mindset, and your life will change, too.

24 BLACK WESTCHESTER

Get Smart About Lawn Watering

NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW

JUNE 15, 2021

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Rates in your area are now based on three tiers that increase as water is used in each tier in single family households. By becoming an efficient household that only uses the amount of water it needs, you will not only help save water, but you will save money on your water bill.

Register for an account on MySUEZWater.com and create your green profile to learn how you can conserve water in your home!

JUNE 15, 2021

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

BLACK WESTCHESTER

Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon

350 South Sixth Avenue, Mount Vernon NY 10550 ■ 914-668-9580 ■ www.bgcmvny.org

Summer Program General Information Who: All Children ages 5-13 years When: June 28 – August 13, 2021 Mondays – Fridays: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Activities

Breakfast, Lunch, & Snacks, Arts & Crafts, Dance, Field Trips, Fitness & Recreation, Game Room, Gym, Outdoor Recreation, Summer Brain Gain, Swimming, Technology, Theme Days, Performing Arts, STEM

Cost of Program

Registration Fee: $100 (non-refundable)

Early Registration for Current Members & Non-Members •Pay in full by 06/11 → $750 •Pay in full by 06/25 → $800, •Pay in full by 07/02 → $850 Fees After 07/02 for Current Club Members •$110 for one child, $100 for each additional sibling (per week) Fees After 07/02 for Non-Club Members •$120 for one child, $100 for each additional sibling (per week)

Covid-19 Precautions in Effect -- Mask Required Limited Number of Spaces – Register Early!

25

26BLACK WESTCHESTER

ADVERTISE WITH BW

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JUNE 15, 2021

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

BLACK WESTCHESTER 27

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SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER SINCE 2014

“Freedom is never given; it is won.”

- A. Philip Randolph, civil rights activis COMPLIMENTARY

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

JUNE 15, 2021

A Diverse Workforce for a Diverse County March 3, 2020. 7:50 a.m.

Deputy County Executive Kenneth Jenkins can still recall the day and time when he received word that Westchester had its first coronavirus case. He remembers precisely because it’s been non-stop ever since.

Within days, Westchester found itself at the epicenter of a global pandemic that had spread to the metropolitan area.

People who were exposed to the so-called “index patient” from New Rochelle had to be quarantined and tested. Schools began closing. Hospitals ramped up for an increase in critically ill patients.

Not known at the time: Westchester was only in the first chapter of a public health emergency that would require a massive County government response that continues to this day.

“Government employees are used to putting their heads down in an emergency and getting it done,” Jenkins said. “But no one thinks of an emergency as a year-and-a-half event.”

The County opened its Emergency Operations Center with Jenkins working with the Operations team. Every day brought new federal guidance, state mandates to meet, and local issues and concerns to address. “We were building the plane as we were flying it,” Jenkins said of the response effort.

In the following months, the County assisted in opening multiple Covid-testing and vaccination sites; trained hundreds of employees in contact tracing; supported local municipalities,

school districts and the business community in myriad ways, and continued normal County government functions uninterrupted. It also completed a $47 million conversion of the County Center from “a basketball court to a fully functioning hospital with ICU beds,” Jenkins said.

In Port Chester, where Chris Steers was village manager at the time, he was overseeing the village’s response to the pandemic. Communicating quickly and effectively with residents was a priority -- as it was for Westchester.

“The key was to get clear, concise, honest information out to the public,” he said. He joined the County government in November and has played a critical role since, including helping set up the vaccination clinics at the County Center, Westchester Community College and “pop-up” locations. More than 400,000 people have been vaccinated in Westchester.

Sadly, almost 2,300 County residents have died of Covid-19.

While the County is proud of its pandemic response, Jenkins said, it is mindful every day of those who were lost and the families that mourn.

Jenkins and Steers are optimistic that a return to normalcy is on the horizon but note there is still work to do. “The challenge for us now is to make sure we’re not spiking the ball on the fiveyard line,” Jenkins said.

To receive notifications of all upcoming civil service exams, people can sign up to receive email notifications at https://exams.westchestergov.com/webexam/emailSubscription/subscribe.htm