Volume 4/ Issue 10 - Black Westchester May 15, 2021

VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 10

COMPLIMENTARY

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

MAY 15, 2021

DA ROCAH, SEN. SCHUMER AND REP. BOWMAN

CALL FOR FEDERAL INVESTIGATION OF THE MVPD

PAGES 14-15

MV STEAM ACADEMY SR RECEIVES

FULL ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP TO HARVARD UNIV. - PAGE 16

ANOTHER LOCAL LEGEND GONE

BLACK ROB’S HOMEGOING CELEBATION - PAGE 17

RANK CHOICE VOTING: THIS MONTH FERNANDEZ & GIBSON WARM WEATHER DO BRONX VOTERS IN BLACK EACH ATTEMPT TO MAKE HISTORY IS THE TIME TO SEEK TRUST THE NEW SYSTEM HISTORY IN RACE FOR BRONX BOROUGH PRES SPIRITUAL WELLNESS

BY AJ WOODSON PAGES 9

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

BY DAMON K JONES - PAGE 23

2BLACK WESTCHESTER

MAY 15, 2021

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

Celebrating of Fix Ups, Touch Ups, Freshen Ups and More We go beyond paint too. In store or virtual color and design consultations are available. Ask our professional window design experts about window coverings including blinds, shades, shutters and draperies.

Call 914.368.0970.

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE Benjamin Moore Paint Sample

Sku: BJMBOGOBW

Sign up for a chance to

WIN A $100 GIFT CARD

Sign Up To Win

Text “WALLAUER100” to 914.416.5353

Every month, every Wallauer location will give away a $100 gift card to a lucky winner!

shop.wallauer.com Shop Online Pick Up In Store Locations in Westchester, Putnam & Rockland Counties

www.wallauer.com

Offer valid for one (1) free Benjamin Moore® Color Sample when you purchase one (1) Benjamin Moore® Color Sample from participating retailer. Excludes Aura® and Century®. Must present this coupon to redeem – no copies will be allowed. Products may vary from store to store. Subject to availability. Offer cannot be combined with other offers, discounts or promotions, or applied toward prior purchase. Retailer reserves the right to terminate, cancel or modify the offer at any time without notice. Offer expires 12/31/2021. Benjamin Moore & Co., Aura, Benjamin Moore Century and the Triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licenses to Benjamin Moore & Co. 11/20

MAY 15, 2021

NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW

BLACK WESTCHESTER3

4 BLACK WESTCHESTER

MAY 15, 2021

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

O END

RSED BY

The Mount Vernon Democratic Party

KEEP

DEMOCRAT FOR city council

Vote Tuesday, June 22, 2021 YOUR INDEPENDENT AND DEMOCRATIC VOICE.

About Janice Deep roots in Mount Vernon ★ Born and raised, lives and works ★ 3 family generations going strong Community Service ★ Junior League mobile food pantry ★ Advocate for Youth Development

Education & Career First in her family to graduate college ★ Barnard College, Columbia University ★ Raised class funds & developed scholarships for students in need ★ University of Michigan, Executive Ed.

Legislative Record Juneteenth Legislation ★ June 19th is now an official City holiday

S.E.E. the Future SAFETY: A Crime Strategies Unit &

improved wraparound services for better quality of life for everyone.

Environmental Initiatives ★ Tree Ordinance = Green Accountability ★ Mount Vernon is a Tree City again

EMPLOYMENT:

Rebuilding City Council’s Capabilities ★ New Electronic Bidding Platform ★ New research and legislative support ★ In Process: Open gov’t tech to create transparency and public access

EDUCATION: Partner with MVCSD &

Advocacy For Our Veterans ★ Cold War Veterans’ Tax Benefits

An Action-based City Council:

20+ years of professional experience ★ Small Business Growth & Operations ★ VP, Municipal Finance Assurance ★ Credit Rating Agency Experience

★ BOTTOM LINE ★ Janice has the skills, experience, and track record to work across teams and get the job done.

Job-focused programs & investments that benefit everyone and accelerate community growth.

WCC to close the skills gap so everyone can grow together.

Balances a budget that promotes community growth & investment.

Develops a Master Plan that prepares Mt. Vernon for today & our digital future.

Promotes an open dialogue between the People & their City Government.

Mount Vernon History Maker Janice is the first elected Portuguese-American Councilwoman in NYS.

SHAPING MOUNT VERNON’S FUTURE WITH HUMILITY, INTEGRITY AND EQUITY

YOUR INDEPENDENT AND DEMOCRATIC VOICE. LEARN MORE AT JDUARTE4COUNCIL.COM

@JDuarte4Council

Contact us at: JDuarte4Council@gmail.com

MAY 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 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 May 15, 2021 Issue.

This month we focus on the ongoing investigation into the Mount Vernon Police

Department and the Westchester District Attorney Mimi Rocah calling on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the MVPD for pervasive and persistent alleged civil rights violations, including unlawful strip searches, excessive use of force, and other misconduct (pages 14-15), we share the homegoing of hip-hop artist Black Rob who passed away just eight days after DMX (page 17) and highlight Efua Forson, the valedictorian at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, has accepted a full scholarship to the prestigious Ivy League academic powerhouse, Harvard University, and will be attending the fall (page 16).

Ms Forson was also awarded full scholarships to Amherst College, Bowdoin College, Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, University of Notre Dame, and Swarthmore College. Other universities and colleges, including Fordham University, Northeastern University, and Binghamton University, awarded Forson partial scholarships.

Damon continues our health and wellness section on page 23 and I share the first two articles written for my journalism fellowship - Rank Choice Voting - Do Bronx Voters Understand The New Voting System? (page 9) and a spotlight on Nathalia Fernandez and Venessa Gibson are each vying to make history in the race for borough presidency in the Bronx (page 22).

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

Get Black Westchester Delivered for $25 a year www.BlackWestchster.com/subscribe

6 BLACK WESTCHESTER

NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW

MAY 15, 2021

SUGGARPLUMS RESTAURANT SNUG’S HENRY TERRY LEADS RALLY CELEBRATES 7 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AGAINST SENSELESS GUN VIOLENCE

Community Leaders including Councilman Derrick Thompson and Jesse Van Lew joing SNUG’s Henry Terry to call for an end of senseless gun violence, Friday, May 7, 2021 [Black Westchester]

Editor-In-Chief AJ Woodson, Executive Director of New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Catherine White, LaChonne Williams owner of SuggarPlums and Executive Director of New Rochelle Housing Authority Angela Davis-Farris [Black Westchester]

New Rochelle – LaChonne Williams celebrated the seven-year anniversary of her soul food restaurant SuggarPlums, Sunday, May 9th. Dozens of friends, family members, and the community came out to celebrate with her.

“Thank God for allowing me to be able to celebrate another year,” LaChonne shared with Black Westchester. “I was able to share this day with all of the people that have been there for me mentally, physically, and some financially.”

Despite not always being supported by her community, she continued to serve the community, preparing and delivering diner to the Seniors in the area during COVID. BW salutes LaChonne Williams and wish her continued success!

Mount Vernon – After the broad daylight killing of a 17-year-old Black male on South Eighth Avenue, community leader, and SNUG supervisor Henry Terry made a passionate call to action to the community. Dozens answered the call, Friday evening including members of SNUG from Yonkers and the Bronx, Jesse Van Lew of Save Mount Vernon, Councilman Derrick Thompson. They met Henry outside the house, where the young man was shot to death, 10:20 the morning before, calling for an end of the senseless gun violence.

Other speakers included the founder of Tha B.U.M.P. “Brown Urban Mother Partnership” Cynthia Turnquest-Jones, County Legislator Tyrae WoodsonSamuels, Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, Rev. Darren Morton. Rev, Morton told those in attendance that “we are failing the youth, including me.” He acknowledged there is a building on the corner of the block (Macedonia Community Center) that sits vacant and offered Henry Terry and SNUG use of the building if they come to him with some programs that can be run in the building.

Despite the outrage of the daytime shooting, the attendance was not as big as it should have been. While many complain, they are reluctant to get involved.

Henry Terry told those watching the live stream, “Don’t wait until it hits your doorstep before you stand up against gun violence; we need all of you to get involved.”

MAY 15, 2021

WWW.BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM WWW.

BLACK WESTCHESTER

7

LEGISLATOR DAMON MAHER CALLS OUT LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR CONDEMNING KILLING OF GEORGE FLOYD BUT REMAINING SILENT ABOUT THOSE KILLED BY POLICE IN WESTCHESTER

BY AJ WOODSON

Westchester County Legislator Damon Maher questioned why his fellow lawmakers will be quick to condemn the killing of persons of colors 1200 miles away in Minneapolis but you do not hear a peep from them when it happens in the own districts.

“Silence is not an option - not for us as lawmakers, not for is as Americans, not for us as human beings,” the May 29, 2020 letter written to the Mayor and City Council on Minneapolis and signed by all 17 County Legislators inclding Maher.

Legislator Maher however noticed there was no joint statement after Kamal Flowers - a young Black man in his district - was shot and killed by the New Rochelle Police Department. So when a second joint statement was ready to go on April 21, 2021 when former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of the murder of George Floyd, Maher wanted no part of it. Instead he sent an email to his colleagues on the Board of Legislators (BOL) stating he regretted sending the first letter while not doing the same for cases in Westchester.

“I will NOT be sending your message below inasmuch as, in retrospect and upon further reflection, I find our Board’s May 2020 letter to the Mayor and City Council of Minneapolis to be condescending and presumptuous, particularly in view of our own “Glass House” of a County from which we tossed our gratuitous comments into that community. We have three dead Black men in this County whose deaths at the hands of law enforcement have not in any way nearly reached the point of closure,” Maher wrote in an email to Chairman Ben Boykins and cc’d to the rest of the board.

Legislator Damon Maher, who represents Eastchester, Tuckahoe, and the City of New Rochelle, went on to speak on the three cases In my very own City of New Rochelle, the week after the George Floyd killing and just days after a huge and orderly BLM rally on the steps of our City Hall, a young Black man named Kamal Flowers, who was a passenger in a car stopped for an alleged (and minor) traffic infraction, was chased and liquidated by a white Officer for, in essence, the “crime” of running away from the Police. The NRPD’s internal investigation concluded that this problematic policeman followed all of the Department’s policies and procedures in this instance and that no review or revision of such policies and procedures, such as when to begin and end a pursuit on foot, is required. And yet, this was a situation so inherently fraught with danger for both the running citizen and the police officer that either a policy was violated or there was no relevant policy.

In your City of White Plains, elderly Black Marine veteran Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. was shot dead in his own apartment in 2011 by a white officer who busted down his door after being told to go away after a mistaken Medic-alert call. Ten years later, still, no one has been prosecuted or even reprimanded, and the City continues to resist taking any responsibility for this horrendous incident.

In 2008, directly across the street from our very own chamber, one of our own white Westchester County Police Officers shot and killed off-duty Mt Vernon Officer Christopher Ridley (posthumously Detective Ridley), who was in the process of aiding a citizen in a life-threatening situation.

While the full circumstances of the matter remain in dispute and there are those who would chalk this up solely as a tragic case of mistaken identity, there is no disputing that Christopher Ridley was a hero whose family did, and still does, deserve a measure of respect and remorse from the County Police. I attended the unveiling of the Christopher Ridley memorial on a hot Saturday morning in August of 2019 and spoke with members of the still-grieving family. I was stunned that the only officer of the law that I saw present to honor Christopher Ridley and his family was publisher and still-active Corrections Officer Damon K. Jones.

Despite the strongly worded May 2020 letter, Legislator Maher points out “Silence is in fact an option” when it comes to the local lawmakers and elected officials speaking up and condemning police criminality and and summary executions of African-American in Westchester.

“We tend to keep it, kind of almost abstract, in that we’re talking about things happening in different cities across the country and we have stuff here that we need to talk about,” Maher told the USA TODAY Network New York in a recent interview.

While his collegues in the BOL might not appreciate Legislator Maher’s strongly word email, Kamal Flower’s brother Henderson Clarke does.

“County Legislator Maher Has been standing firmly by the sides of every family member of those affected by police injustice in westchester county.. Ever since my brother Kamal Flowers was MURDERED BY NRPD OFFICER ALEC McKENNA who was Exonerated of any wrongdoing Legislator Maher has been consistent in the fight not just for my family but the families of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., Johnathan Maldanado. DJ Henry, and MANY OTHERS,” Clarke shared with Black Westchester. “As The World is so concentrated on particular cases taking their own stand on them, There are many people across Westchester County that have been Vicims of POLICE INJUSTICE that we as a whole need to make sure that others elected officials are taking a stand. I Henderson Clarke brother of murder victim kamal Flowers and my family as well as my community fully support and stand beside County Legislatyor Damon Maher. There needs to be more like him.

BW Publisher Damon K. Jones has often pointed our on People Before Politics Radio Show, how all elected officials were quick to take pictures wearing a hoodie in support of the February 2011 killing of Trayvon Martin 1,084 miles /

/ 1 745 km in Sanford, Florida but still have yet to speak up and condemn the killing of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr months later in November 2011 in the City of White Plains, NY. Jones has often pointed out our elected officials are quick to speak up on killings of Black People when they is a national outcry but silent when it happens locally.

“We need our local politicians especially the Black politicians to speak truth to power and have the testicular fortitude and say whats right. Not when it’s national news. We need them to stand up and condemn these acts of police criminality when the incident happened locally!” Jones shared. “The truth is not negotiable! Equity and justice should be a right to life no different than the air we breathe. In this American society, it is not. In a just society, we are all accountable for our actions. We make amends and atone for our wrongdoings. But we are not just society; we are in a symbiotic one that Justice masquerades as symbolism without substance and political rhetoric, even by those that we would think would understand because they look like the victims we are fighting for. Westchester County has a long history of racism, segregation, and oppression that our leaders have yet to confront publicly or legislate against. Families of victims in Westchester need to be recognized and supported. If you talk about George Floyd, then you can speak of families right here in the county that you represent. If Westchester leaders can gather and denounce antisemitism when a swastika was drawn on a dumpster but was AWOL to condemn police calling a senior Black man a Nigger then killing him. Where is the decency? Where is the accountability?”

Westchester Coalition for Police Reform (WCPR) co-founder Kenneth Chamberlain Jr and BW Publisher Damon K. Jones - Pres of Blacks In Law Enforcement of America (BLEA) [Black Westchester]

When asked about the silence of many elected officials regarding the summary execution of his father, Kenneth Chamberlain Jr., he quotes MLK. “Martin Luther King Junior said that “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” There have been so many obstacles that I have overcome while trying to achieve my goal, while much of our leadership felt and still feel I should let the killing of my father go, so before you judge my actions, take a walk in my shoes.....

If you dare.”

Many of our local elected officials and community leaders have rallied across the county for justice for Black lives lost at the hands of law enforcement in other states. shouting slogans like Black Lives Matter. But they remain silent when it hits close to home. Black Lives cannot truly matter to our leaders until Black Lives locally matter. That is the point Damon Maher made with his email. We reached out to the Board of Legislators and Chairman Ben Boykin for a quote, and they never returned any of our calls.

8 BLACK WESTCHESTER

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

MAY 15, 2021

MAY 15, 2021

BLACK WESTCHESTER 9

POLITICALLY SPEAKING

RANK CHOICE VOTING – DO BRONX VOTERS KNOW ABOUT, UNDERSTAND AND TRUST THE NEW VOTING SYSTEM?

BY AJ WOODSON

New York City will be using Rank Choice Voting (RCV), a new voting system in the 2020 primary election. With just under two months to go before Tuesday, June 22, 2021 Democratic Primary, there are still many questions and concerns. Ranking Choice Voting might also benefit some Westchester County cities like Mount Vernon, where I reside. Mount Vernon has had as many as six or more candidates in the last two mayoral races, where winner came short of 50% of the vote. In 2015 Richard Thomas won the Democratic Primary with 38% of the vote and Shawyn Patterson-Howard – the city’s first AfricanAmerican Female Mayor – won with 33% of the vote in 2019. Some residents have been calling for a run-off, like Mount Vernon Republican Chairman Tom Keller and others when candidates do not win by at reach 50% of the vote in the primary. This new Rank Choice Voting could be the answer, but I digress.

Before I go further allow me to briefly explain what Rank Choice Voting is. What is Rank Choice Voting? Basically when you cast your vote instead of just voting for your favorite candidate, you also select you second and third choice, in NYC this year it will be your top 5 candidates.

Ok so you pick your favorite candidate and up to four others in order of choice.

If no candidate wins outright – over 50% of the vote – the last place candidate is eliminated and whoever his or her voters picked as their second choice will get the vote. If still no candidate reaches 50% the process continues until one does, with the candidates with the lowest vote count being eliminated.

After reading an article in The City titled How Does Rank Choice Voting Work In New York City, we decided to take a closer look to how this will effect the election in a few districts just outside of Westchester County, in the Bronx, that are made of mostly Hispanic/Latino (54.6%) and Black/African-American (33.3%), according to the United States Census Bureau. We reached out to a few community leaders and voters in Districts 12 -18 in Bronx to get a better understanding of how Bronx voters feel about Rank Choice Voting. Do they trust it? Do they know what it is and understand it? Do they have other concerns about it? We also surveyed a sample of Bronx voters.

Some community leaders are concerned not enough time was spent explaining RCV especially to Seniors.

“They should have held off,” shared former Director of Community Affairs in the Bronx for NYS Senate, Damaris Moné. a lifelong Bronx resident who has since moved to Mount Vernon, seven blocks from the Bronx border. She is now the founder of the LatinX Summit. “Yes it was voted in Nov. 2019 but no one expected a pandemic. No way to get to seniors, the largest voting block with the most challenge in learning something new. Plus English as a second language voters didn’t have outreach or education.”

Our survey reflects just that, with 81.25% of the people who took the survey feeling like not enough was done to educate the voters to make sure they were well informed about the change. Especially in time for the Special Elections in City Council Districts 11 and 15 in the Bronx, that are among the first to apply the system of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in New York City, Tuesday, March 23rd. The seat The seat for District 11 became vacant when Andrew Cohen left the city council for a spot on the Bronx Supreme Court. There were six candidates on the ballot for the district that includes Kingsbridge, Riverdale, Norwood, Wakefield and Woodlawn. Ritchie Torres left his position in District 15 when he was elected to Congress. Ten candidates were hoping to fill his position for the district serving Fordham, Mount Hope, Belmont, East Tremont, Allerton and Olinville.

Oswald Feliz eventually prevailed. In the special election, it took 10 rounds of counting for Oswald Feliz to break the 50 percent mark in the central Bronx’s 15th district under the city’s Ranked Choice Voting system—he only had 37 percent of the vote in the ninth round—and he ended up with just shy of 1,800 votes in a district housing 60,000 Democrats. With that some voters we spoke with still question of whether anything will be different on June 22 from what occurred on March 23.

“There was not real education before the special election and I’m not seeing much more effort being made to educate people going into the primary,” Roberto, a 67-year-old Latino male shared with Black Westchester in front of VIP Community Services on E. 176th Street which is in District 17. “Most of the people I speak to, most of the people I know, do not understand the new voting system. and there isn’t enough effort being made to explain it.”

Yadhira González-Taylor, Esq., who is running for Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York, Bronx County in the 2nd Municipal Court District, agrees there hasn’t been enough outreach from the NYC Board Of Elections, especially the differences between municipal races and judicial races

“RCV is allowing for more voter choice regarding municipal races.

Choice is good in a democratic society, but I don’t see that there is enough outreach by the New York City Board of Elections in terms of differentiating between municipal races and judicial races which are not subject to RCV,” shares Yadhira González-Taylor, Esq. “I am concerned that this will create chaos at the polls and the voters will be disenfranchised by voter fatigue and confusion.

The judge position already appears all the way at the bottom which results in lower voter turnout overall.”

While we have heard from some that they feel it will allow more voter choice, our survey shows that 56.25% of the people do not trust that the new RCV system will lead to fairer elections.

“Democracy is strongest when voices are heard RCV gives voters the opportunity to elect candidates giving voters a consensus at the same time,” Community Activist Sammy Ravelo shares with Black Westchester.

In closing we have determined from our research that the NYC Board Of Elections can do more to educate the public, especially in communities in the Bronx, where English is a second language for some. We reached out to the NYC BOE by email but for input on their outreach but had not heard back from them by time of publication. Our finding produced mixed reviews. There may be no true test to how effective RCV is and the voter’s experience with it until we do an exit poll after the election.

BLACK WESTCHESTER CONGRATULATES

SOULFOOD RESTAURANT 534 NORTH AVENUE, NEW ROCHELLE

(914) 235-3330

ON THEIR

7 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

MAY 9, 2021

10 BLACK WESTCHESTER

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

MAY 15, 2021

Get Black Westchester Delivered To Your Home

MAY 15, 2021

NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW

BLACK WESTCHESTER 11

12 BLACK WESTCHESTER

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

MAY 15, 2021

MAY 15, 2021

NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW

BLACK WESTCHESTER13

“It’s time for progressive leadership and a Clerk’s office that is accessible, transparent, and a force for good in our communities.”

Shanae’s Plan for Westchester Transparency

Connecting the Clerk’s office to the people it serves with proactive, transparent leadership and 21st century tools to ensure our government is truly accountable to the people.

Equity

Ensuring that government services are accessible to every community and every family in Westchester, no matter their race, income or ZIP code.

Accessibility

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.

Progressive Leadership

Moving Westchester County forward through progressive leadership, using the County Clerk’s office as a force for lasting social change.

Shanae4Clerk PAID FOR BY SHANAE FOR THE PEOPLE

Meet Shanae Williams A qualified leader and dedicated to public service, Shanae is a progressive Yonkers City Councilmember and Democratic District Leader.

On the Yonkers City Council, Shanae has advocated for the health and safety of our community by chairing the Community & Mental Health Services Committee and the Women & Children Committee.

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

BW COVER STORY

MAY 15, 2021

DA ROCAH, SEN. SCHUMER AND REP. BOWMAN CALL FOR FEDERAL INVESTIGATION OF MVPD

BY AJ WOODSON

Mount Vernon – Westchester District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah publicly called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD) for pervasive and persistent alleged civil rights violations, including unlawful strip searches, excessive use of force, and other misconduct, Friday, April 30th.

“The Westchester DA’s Office is engaged in ongoing criminal investigations of certain individual MVPD police officers,” DA Rocah shares with Black Westchester. “In the course of those investigations, based largely on publicly available information, we have found disturbing allegations of patterns of inappropriate and potentially unlawful conduct by several former and current members of the MVPD. We have provided information that we gathered in this respect to DOJ.”

“While our criminal investigations of individual officers continue, we are requesting that DOJ scrutinize the MVPD’s operations, training and policies to determine whether the MVPD is systematically violating peoples’ civil rights and, if so, to take action to address these matters,” DA Rocah added.

The alleged misconduct being investigated includes unlawful strip searches and excessive use of force. A DOJ investigation would focus on broader issues of civil law; the DA’s office will continue to investigate criminal matters and would collaborate with the MVPD.In March, the DA expressed concerns about several complaints regarding strip and body cavity searches between 2012 and 2020.

“Since taking office in January 2020, my mandate has been transformation and accountability across city agencies, including the police department. We are working hard to dismantle systemic issues and reform policing to ensure that our community is a safe place for all,” said Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. “Our administration referred multiple cases to the District Attorney for review and welcome DA Rocah’s request that DOJ adds its resources to identify and address these issues for the benefit of our community.”

SEN. SCHUMER CALLS FOR FEDERAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE MVPD Just hours after DA Rocah released her statement, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) released a brief statement of his own regarding the City of Mount Vernon and the Westchester County District Attorney’s calls for a federal investigation into the Mount Vernon Police Department:

“Senator Schumer strongly supports the City of Mount Vernon and the Westchester County District Attorney’s calls for a federal investigation and hopes that the Department of Justice (DOJ) does a thorough, top-to-bottom report to enact productive and meaningful change within the Mount Vernon Police Department.”

In part, DA Rocah’s DOJ referral was based on police misconduct allegations revealed in a year-long Gothamist/WNYC investigation into those allegations and many others related to police corruption, Rocah said. The series, which drew on hours of secret recordings captured by a police whistleblower, resulted in the MVPD Commissioner Glen Scott’s announcement that he had disbanded a narcotics unit at the center of the accusations.

“This is great news for the MVPD, as we have been pushing for an investigative agency to look into these 2012 – 2020 allegations,” Commissioner Scott shared with Black Westchester. “The MVPD presented these cases to the Westchester County District Attorney’s office twice. Once under former DA Anthony Scarpino and then again under current DA Miriam Rocah.”

Many accused the former District Attorney of turning a blindeye, because of his inactivity in investigation the allegation of corruption in the MVPD after recieving hours of audio tapes from MVPD Whistleblower Mike Bovell’s attorney Joseph Murray in 2019 and then again in 2020 when evidence was turned over to the ineffective DA by MVPD Commissioner Scott. Scarpino publicly wrote the tapes off as hearsay, so Murray turned the tapes over to the Gothamist who broke the story and then to Black Westchester. Scarpino’s ineffectiveness or failure to investigate is one of the primary reasons he lost the June 24, 2020, Democratic Primary. Mimi Rocah, a 16-year federal prosecutor, dominated incumbent Scarpino in the Democratic Primary victory, earning 68% of the vote.

Rocah, who campaigned on prosecuting police criminality and governmental coruption, hit the ground running on day one, including naming an executive team with a renewed focus on investigating cold cases.

In addition to investigating the MVPD allegations, Rocah charged Gregory Cannata, managing partner of Gregory J. Cannata & Associates, LLP, and chair of the Mount Vernon Board of Ethics, for allegedly threatening a sitting Council member.

“People talk about dirty politics, but this was more than that,” Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah told CBS2’s Tony Aiello. Rocah charged Cannata with attempted coercion for allegedly demanding the campaign of rival Councilwoman Janice Duarte drop a challenge to his ballot petitions.

Cannata was arraigned Tuesday, April 20th, on two misdemeanor charges of third-degree attempted coercion after he was accused of threatening

Councilwoman Duarte because of her brother’s objections to his nominating petitions to appear on the ballot for city council.

Rocah, who also ran on accountability across city agencies and reforming the police, is engaged in ‘ongoing criminal investigations of certain individual MVPD officers, and has requested the Department of Justice ‘scrutinize the MVPD’s operations, training and policies to determine whether the MVPD is systematically violating peoples’ civil rights.’

The request appears to be welcomed by many of the city’s elected official officials from Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, Council President Marcus Griffith and Council President Pro Tem Derrick Thompson, who is the Chair of Public Safety and Codes.

“I think it is ABSOLUTELY necessary to investigate all the cases our prior District Attorney failed to look into,” Councilman Thompson shared with Black Westchester. “Mount Vernon Police Department is willing to assist in any way they can. We have a lot of great officers, and we can NOT let the few bad ones ruin the bunch. ANYONE who has done wrong by our residents should be held ACCOUNTABLE across the board. I firmly stand by our police department, and I support our residents alike. CRIME should be INVESTIGATED no matter where it happens.”

Council President Griffith echos his colleague on the council on the need to get rid of the bad apples;

“If there is 1% of bad officers, we want them out to protect the 99% of the good officers,” Griffth shared with Black Westchester.

The corruption in the MVPD over the previous decade or so has been highly publicized everywhere, including Lohud, News 12, Fios News, The Gothamist/ WNYC, CBS New York, Black Westchester, and even Esquire Magazine.

Across the nation from Ferguson to Baltimore, Department of Justice probes have uncovered rampant police brutality and racial bias. Earlier this month, one day after the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, newly installed U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced federal authorities would investigate the Police Department there. Alleged corruption in the MVPD includes abuse of overtime, alarming acts of police misconduct, from framing and beating residents to illegal strip searches to collaborating with drug dealers, all as part of a culture of impunity within the department’s now-disbanded narcotics unit.

Lohud reported that Mount Vernon’s Million Dollar Man, Lt. Michael Marcucilli, a 24-year veteran of the department, was suspended without pay October 24, 2019, amid the department’s probe of alleged overtime abuse. The Mount Vernon police lieutenant who cost the city over $1 million in lawsuits and legal bills is now getting an annual state pension of $108,000, the highest for a police retiree in the city.

While there are many good officers in the Mount Vernon Police Department, there is a well-documented culture of corruption in the MVPD that is impossible to expect a new Police Commissioner to handle himself.

MAY 15, 2021

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

BLACK WESTCHESTER 15

speak up about the bad cops. You have an officer who was willing to speak up against the corruption in his department, and still not much has changed.

If you cannot get criminal justice reform in a Black-run city like Mount Vernon, what chance do many other cities across the country have? Especially after the national outcry after the death of George Floyd, if not now, then when?

You have a new district attorney, a new congressman who is calling for criminal justice reform, and even the Senate Majority Leader supporting the call for a federal investigation. 66-year-old Gabrielle Baldaino of Pelham - who says she has been a victim of police misconduct three times and says she has been diagnosed with PTSD - even wrote a letter to AG Merrick Garland that starts; Mount Vernon has waited a long time for you. I read the Westchester, NY DA office has asked you to intervene, open an investigation into Mount Vernon policing policies. I implore you to have Mount Vernon be your next investigation. When you are done swing by Greenburgh, NY...

Murashea ‘Mike’ Bovell of the Mount Vernon, Ny police department is the bravest police officer I know. P.O. Bovell is making it possible for honest hard-working police officers to speak truth to power about police corruption by reporting rogue cops like Camilo Antonini.

Unlike many elected officials, when Jamaal Bowman says he wants to end police brutality and overhaul law enforcement procedures in America, it’s not just an abstract policy position. Police reform and bringing bad officers to justice is personal to him. He has a long history with police officers mistreating him.

At a Save Mount Vernon Rally, he shared with those in attendance that when he was just 11 years old, “The police literally beat the crap out of me,” he says. So it should be no surprise that Rep. Jamaal Bowman released a statement, Sunday, May 2nd, after DA Rocah called for the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the Mount Vernon Police Department for civil rights violations:

“The City of Mount Vernon, the Westchester County District Attorney, and whistleblowers within the Mount Vernon Police Department have my full support in this important step toward accountability. I strongly urge Attorney General Merrick Garland and the U.S. Department of Justice to heed the call for an investigation into the Mount Vernon Police Department,” Congressman Bowman shared with Black Westchester.

“Mayor Patterson-Howard and District Attorney Rocah both just came into office - the mayor in January 2020 and DA Rocah at the beginning of this year - and I commend their swift action to make this issue a priority. It is my sincere hope that a DOJ investigation leads to accountability. Under Mayor Patterson-Howard’s leadership, our community can make meaningful strides toward necessary systemic and cultural change.”

Will the DOJ heed the call of the community and our elected officials?

Only time will tell. Many are skeptical because the federal agencies have failed previously to investigate police criminality and governmental corruption. The Attorney General’s office, the District Attorney’s office under Anthony Scarpino, Governor Cuomo and the various federal agencies have ignored prior calls to investigate Mount Vernon officials, the comptroller’s office, and Mount Vernon Police Department, including protecting the highly publicized whistleblower police officer.

“Sergeant Murashea Bovell is committed to rooting out the bad actors within the Mount Vernon Police Department,” attorney Joseph Murray shared with Black Westchester. “Despite the despicable retaliation that he has had to endure over the years, including being called a “rat” by a sergeant at roll call and gratuitous public attacks from Police Commissioner Glenn Scott, Sergeant Murashea Bovell remains committed to restoring the public’s trust, confidence, and pride in the Mount Vernon Police Department.”

Black Westchester has been informed very few officers are willing to come forward and cooperate with the District Attorney’s investigation, which is understandable after the treatment officer Bovell received for stepping up. If he was protected, why would any other officer want to put themselves through that?

A MVPD insider shared with BW that a call for backup by Bovell received a very slow response.

The city of Mount Vernon has everything criminal justice activists are asking for in other cities. More persons of color in leadership positions - Mount Vernon has a Black Mayor, mostly Black City Council, is the one municipality in Westchester with a Black Police Commissioner.

Mount Vernon also has something activist have been calling for nationwide, for the good cops to

DA Rocah said that a DOJ investigation would focus on broader issues of civil rather than criminal law, which does not typically fall under the purview of the DA’s Office. She emphasized that the DA’s Office continues to work with the MVPD to investigate and prosecute crimes in Mount Vernon and said this ongoing collaboration would continue without disruption during a DOJ investigation.

Since taking office in January, DA Rocah has dramatically increased the focus of the Westchester DA’s Office on all forms of public corruption, including police misconduct.

Will this time be different, or will the federal agencies let the city of Mount Vernon down once again? Only time will tell.

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

16 BLACK WESTCHESTER

BW STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

MAY 15, 2021

MV STEAM ACADEMY SENIOR EFUA FORSON RECEIVES FULL ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP TO HARVARD UNIVERSITY

BY AJ WOODSON Efua Forson was also awarded full scholarships to Amherst College, Bowdoin College, Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, University of Notre Dame, and Swarthmore College

Unfortunately, when you see the city of Mount Vernon in the headlines in the news - including in Black Westchester - it’s not good news. But as a Mount Vernonite myself, it is always a pleasure when I can share some good news and shine a bright light on my city. This is one of those times.

This is not only good news; this is incredible news. Efua Forson, the valedictorian at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, has accepted a full scholarship to the prestigious Ivy League academic powerhouse, Harvard University, and will be attending the fall. She formally accepted the university offer on Thursday, April 22, 2021, with a ceremonial signing at the STEAM Academy. At the ceremony, Forson also knows as Maame was joined by her family, mentors, and members of the School District community, including Superintendent Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton, among others.

“I am proud to have witnessed Maame’s impressive achievements and am excited to see her embark on the next chapter of her academic pursuits as a student at the prestigious Harvard University,” Dr. Hamilton shares with Black Westchester. “Maame’s journey is a testament that the District’s commitment to academic excellence is taking root.”

Maame makes history as the first woman of color to get a full ride to Harvard in the district’s history. She hopes to inspire other girls of color to succeed in a field not known for its diversity. “If I can make it, they can do it,” she tells News 12.

If that wasn’t enough to celebrate, she was also awarded full scholarships to Johns Hopkins University, Duke University and the University of Notre Dame, Bowdoin College, Amherst College, and Swarthmore College. Forson plans to major in neuroscience with a minor in African American studies or Spanish. Her goal is to become a physician eventually. She is an example of the greatness that comes from Mount Vernon that often gets overshadowed by negative headlines about the city.

Forson is the school’s valedictorian and will graduate with a 4.1 GPA. As a high school student, Forson has served in various leadership positions and has been a member of organizations including the National Honor Society, Superintendent’s Advisory Council, Student Government, Human Rights Institute for High School Leaders HerHonor Mentoring, among others. She is currently the student trustee for the Board of Education. Forson has also participated in secondary education-organized programs such as Notre Dame Summer Scholars as well as Lehman College’s Math Program, Biology Spring Internship Program, and PCOPP Summer Program.

Forson was also awarded full scholarships to Amherst College, Bowdoin College, Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, University of Notre Dame, and Swarthmore College. Other universities and colleges, including Fordham University, Northeastern University, and Binghamton University, awarded Forson partial scholarships. She is the first female student of color in the District’s documented history to be accepted with a full ride to Harvard University.

“While Harvard offers the prestige in its name, I am most looking forward to the collaborative environment that the university offers,” said Forson. “Coming from a low-income family, I appreciate that the school makes no differentiation between financial-based scholarships and others, so all students live in the same dorm, are on the same meal plan, and begin their undergraduate careers on a level playing field.”

While attending Harvard, Forson plans to major in Neuroscience and complete a minor in African American Studies or Spanish. She is looking forward to exploring the university’s courses in Twi, the native language of Ghana,

and part of the African Language Program at Harvard.

“I hope to continue my education by attending medical school and becoming a physician,” said Forson. “My little brother was born prematurely and has since been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD). A connection has been made between premature births and such disorders, and I hope that I can better explore the world of neuroscience to better understand the inner workings of the brain and its development while researching solutions to many of the behavioral issues people face today.”

Forson is excited for the many benefits that Harvard offers, including its proximity to other colleges and universities, allowing for more significant connections with fellow college students, and the amenities of a large city.

Black Westchester is proud to celebrate, salute and spotlight the academic achievements of Efua Forson as she carves her name in the African-American History books!!!

MAY 15, 2021

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

BLACK WESTCHESTER 17

BLACK ROB’S HOME GOING CELEBRATION

BY CYNTHIA TURNQUEST-JONES

A mass of Hip-Hop lovers stood as

kisses from the wind hugged Harlem, Friday, April 30, 2021. Adieu, Robert “Black Rob” Ross. The line wrapped around Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard and West 128th Street.

Veterans of Hip-Hop poured into the Metropolitan Baptist Church located at 151 West 128th Street.

A celebration of Robert Ross who’s emcee names also included Bacardi Rob, Rob Marciano, and Robbie O. The East Harlem born and bred Emcee is acknowledged for for his kindness nevertheless, his paramount street anthem “Whoa” may have been the essential reason why any person braved the New York gust to see him one more time.

Robert was for the children and known to speak at youth centers and schools country-wide. Catching the attention of at-risk youth was his joy. Interrupting generational trauma was the intention.

Despite his health issues, he soared as a rapper by collaborating with groups like the Schizophrenics and Bad Boy Entertainment. Coming on the scene in 1996 with his mic in his hand Black Rob appeared on many remix’s 112’s “Come See Me,” Total’s “What about Us,” Faith Evans’ “Love Like This,” and “24 Hours to Live” with Mase, Lox, and DMX.

DMX, born Earl Simmons, a celebration of life, was held four days ago on Monday, April 26, 2021. Black Rob took time from his hospital bed to bid peace to DMX via social media.

“Whoa!” was released in early 2000, peaking at 43 of the Billboard Hot 100. It reached the top 10 on both the R&B and Rap charts. A certified street anthem that became the #1 Hip Hop song in the country. Black Rob was the first Rap Artist from Spanish Harlem to go Platinum.

Kool DJ Red Alert, Comedian Smokie, and AB Butler sat as “Blessed Assurance” filled the air. We spoke about this being poetry month, which was inspired by Black History Month’s successful celebrations in February. I found it intriguing that Black Rob, DMX, and Shock G, all three middle-aged rappers, bid peace to their mics during this dynamic month. Poetry Month.

Black Rob is a true lyricist, yet a poet in our hearts who made millions of people all over the cosmos feel good and dance. Adieu.

18BLACK WESTCHESTER

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

MAY 15, 2021

MAY 15, 2021

THREE YEARS AND COUNTING

BLACK WESTCHESTER19

DEMOGRAPHICS GENRE Male - 42.55% female - 57.45% RACE/ETHNICITY/NATIONALITY Black/ African-American- 62.24% Hispanic or Latino - 6.12% White - 23.47% Asian - 2.04% Caribbean - 10.20% Native American - 7.14% Other - 2.04%

RATES Full page – $650.00 (10 1/3″ x 13 1/4″) – inside covers (front and back) $750 – outside Back cover $850 Half page – $375.00′ -horizontal 10 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ -vertical 5 1/8″ x 13 1/4″ Quarter page $250.00 -horizontal 10 1/2 x 3 1/4″ -vertical 5 1/8″ x 6 1/2″ 1/8 page $175.00 -horizontal 5 1/8 x 3″ -vertical 2 3/8 x 6 1/2″ Business Card $75 – Double Business Card Ad $125 ***Multiple Month Discount*** For 3,6 and 12 months

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

THREE YEARS STRONG AND COUNTING

AGE 17 OR YOUNGER- 5.15% 18-20 - 1.03% 21-29 - 4.12% 30-39 - 6.19% 40-49 - 31.96% 50-59 - 29.90% 60 OR OLDER - 21.65% EMPLOYMENT STATUS Employed, Working Full-Time- 46.24% Employed, Working Part-Time - 5.45% Self Employed - 15.05% Unemployed - 5.38% Retired - 18.28% Disabled, Unable To Work - 8.60% RELATIONSHIP STATUS Married- 33.68% Widowed - 3.16% Divorce - 14.74% Separated - 1.05% Domestic Partner or Civil Union - 2.11% Single but Cohabiting - 8.42% Single, Never Married - 36.84% HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION Graduated from High School- 9.72% GED - 2.78% Some College - 23.61% Graduated College - 37.50% Some Graduate School - 8.33% Completed Graduate School - 18.06% POLITICAL AFFILIATION Republican- 5.26% Democrat - 50.53% Independent - 25.26% Something Else - 18.95%

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.

20 BLACK WESTCHESTER

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

INCOME TAX PREPARATION ONE STOP EFFICIENCY

TY ASSOCIATES CALL 800-219-4885

WWW.TYASSOCIATES.COM ALL NEW CLIENTS WILL RECEIVE A STARBUCKS GIFT CARD

MAY 15, 2021

MAY 15, 2021

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY EVERY MONTH

BLACK WESTCHESTER

21

THIS MONTH IN BLACK HISTORY

BY AJ WOODSON

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 May as we celebrate This Month In Black History!!!

History in school teaches us that Harriet Tubman freed the slaves and Martin Luther King Jr., had a dream every Febraury but skips over so many other African-American achievers. Confining our history to a 28-day period not only diminishes the significance of our contributions but also allows the greater truth to be erased. There is nothing so motivating as knowing that people who look like you achieved great things.

May 1, 1867 - Howard University, the historically Black university founded in 1867 in Washington, D.C., and named for General Oliver Otis Howard, head of the post-Civil War Freedmen’s Bureau, who influenced Congress to appropriate funds for the school.

May 1, 1950 - Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black awarded a Pulitzer Prize (poetry 1950) born in Topeka, Kansas.

May 2, 1920 - the first game of the Negro National Baseball League was played in Indianapolis, Indiana. In the late 1800s, baseball was divided by a color line.

A rule known as the “Gentleman’s Agreement” banned black players from white leagues. The Negro National League (NNL) was one of the several Negro leagues which were established during the period.

May 3, 1948 - The Supreme Court ruled in Shelley v. Kraemer that federal and state courts could not enforce restrictive convenants which barred persons from owning or occupying property because of their race.

May 3, 1967 - NY Knicks draft seven-time All-Star phenom Walt “Clyde” Frazier May 4, 1897 - African-American scientist and inventor, JW Smith recieves patent for Lawn sprinkler and later patented an improvement of the original design.

May 4,1961 - Thirteen civil rights activists, dubbed “Freedom Riders,” —seven African Americans and six whites— began their bus trip through Southern United States. The first Freedom Ride left Washington, D.C., on May 4, 1961, and was scheduled to arrive in New Orleans on May 17. The Freedom Riders rode interstate buses into the segregated southern United States in 1961 and subsequent years to challenge the non-enforcement of two U.S. Supreme Court decision, Irene Morgan v. Commonwealth of Virginia (1946) and Boynton v. Virginia (1960), which ruled that segregated public buses were unconstitutional.

May 5, 1905 - The influential Black newspaper, the Chicago Defender, was founded by Robert S. Abbott. The paper was the first African-American publication to have a circulation over 100,000. The Defender, which became the most widely circulated Black newspaper in the country, came to be known as “America’s Black Newspaper” and made Abbott one of the first self-made millionaires of African American descent.

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

May 6, 1812 - Martin R. Delany, a pioneering Black nationalist, is born in Charles Town, Va. Abraham Lincoln once described him as one of the most brilliant men he had ever met. Delany would fight in the Civil War to end slavery and become one of the nation’s first Black military officers. After the war he became a doctor.

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

May 7, 2010 - 2010 - A report on felony disenfranchisement laws begins to receive widespread publicity. The report was actually released on April 21 by the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. It showed that 5.3 million Americans were being denied the right to vote because of past felony convictions.

Disproportionately, those denied voting rights were African American. In fact, the report revealed that 13 percent of Black males could not vote because of felony convictions. Historically, most voting disenfranchisement laws were enacted after the Civil War as a means to keep newly freed Blacks from voting.

May 8, 1858 - The first play by an African-American writer is published. The play was titled “The Escape” and the author was William Wells Brown.

May 8, 1925 - The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was founded. It would become the leading Black-led trade union organization in America. In addition to introducing unionism to African-Americans, the ability to travel to cities throughout the country enabled the porters to become a major vehicle of communications for American Blacks. They distributed everything from letters to Black-oriented newspapers as they traveled the nation. The chief organizer was the legendary A. Phillip Randolph.

May 10, 1950 - Baseball great Jackie Robinson becomes the first African American to be featured on the cover of Life magazine.

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

May 11, 1933 - Nation of Islam leader and political activist Louis Farrakhan is born Eugene Walcott in the Bronx, N.Y. He achieved celebrity status in the Boston area as a Calypso singer, dancer and violinist known as “The Charmer.”

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

May 12, 1969 - Moneta J. Sleet, Jr. became the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize for photography of Coretta Scott-King and her daughter at her Martin Luther King, Jr.’s funeral.

May 13, 1985 - Philadelphia police drop a bomb device on the home and headquarters of the MOVE group, a loose knit organization who members all adopted the surname Africa and preached against technology. Eleven people, including five children, were killed and 250 people were left homeless May 14, 1963 - Arthur Ashe becomes the first African American qualify for the U.S. Davis Cup tennis team at the age of 22.

May 14, 1991 - Winnie Mandela the wife of Nelson Mandela was given a six year prison sentence for her role in the kidnapping of four youths.

May 15, 1911 - Kappa Alpha Psi was founded on the campus of Indiana Univ.

May 16, 1826 - John Russwurm became the first African American college graduate in recorded history receiving his degree from Bowdoin College in Maine.

Freedom’s Journal was the first black-owned and operated newspaper in the United States, and was established the same year that slavery was abolished in New York State. Begun by a group of free black men in New York City, the paper served to counter racist commentary published in the mainstream press.

May 17, 1875 - The first meeting of the Kentucky Derby is won by Oliver Lewis, an African American jockey riding the horse Aristides.

May 17, 1954 - U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Brown v. Board of Education the landmark decision which declared that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The unanimous decision was read by Chief Justice Earl B. Warren.

May 17, 1988 - Dr. Patricia Bath, an ophthalmologist from New York, but living in Los Angeles when she received her patent, became the first African American woman doctor to receive a patent for a medical invention. Patricia Bath’s patent (no. 4,744,360), a method for removing cataract lenses, transformed eye surgery, using a laser device making the procedure more accurate.

May 19, 1925 - Malcolm X (El Hajj Malik El Shabazz) was born May 19, 1965 - Patricia R. Harris appointed as ambassador to Luxembourg becoming the first female African American ambassador.

May 21, 1862 - Mary Patterson becomes the first Afrian American woman to earn an Masters degree upon graduation from Oberlin College.

May 21, 1969 - Police and National Guardsmen fired on demonstrators at North Carolina A&T College kiling one student.

May 21, 1972 - Christopher Wallace - the Notorious B.I.G. born in Brooklyn, May 22, 1991 - Mengistu Haile Mariam flees Ethiopia after a violent uprising against his government.

May 22, 1959 - Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. becomes the first African American general in the U.S. Air Force.

May 22, 1966 - Bill Cosby becomes the first African American to receive an Emmy for best actor in a dramatic series, for his role in the television series “I Spy. May 22, 1967, Langston Hughes died in NYC from complications after abdominal surgery, related to prostate cancer, at the age of 65 May 23, 1900 - Sgt. William H. Carney awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery in the Battle of Fort Wagner/Morris Island becoming the first Black soldier to receive the coveted award.

May 24, 1854 - Anthony Burns a celebrated fugitive slave is arrested by United States Deputy marshals in Boston. Thousands of people in Boston lined the streets to witness Burns walk in shackles as he was returned to the south.

A black church raised the funds to purchase his freedom and he returned to Boston a free man a year later.

May 24, 1967 - Rapper/Actor Dwight Errington Myers known as Heavy D born in Jamaica. In the early 1970s, his family moved to Mount Vernon.

Along with the group Heavy D & The Boys, he put Mount vernon on the Hip-Hop Map and was one of the only artist to do a duet with both Michael and Janet Jackson.

May 25, 1963 - The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) or Organisation de l’Unité Africaine (OUA) was established on 25 May 1963.

May 25,1975 - FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN COACH TO WIN A PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN ANY TEAM SPORT First African-American coach winnerAl Attles coached his team the Golden State Warriors to a victory in the NBA finals against the Washingston Bullets.

May 26, 1949 - Actress Pamala “Pam” Suzette Grier born in Winston-Salem, N.C., USA. “Foxy Brown” films of the 1970’s.

May 27, 1975 - Jayson T. Phillips - Jadakiss of The LOX is born in Yonkers. In 2014 Jadakiss and Styles P opened Juices For Life on Nepperhan Avenue in Yonkers, teaching the value of fruits and vegetables, and preach balance, peace, and love in their hometown.

May 28, 1940 - Activist and widow of Malcolm X Betty Shabazz born in Detroit.

After the assassination of Malcolm X, Actor and activist Ruby Dee and Juanita Poitier (who was married to Sidney Poitier) established the Committee of Concerned Mothers, to raise funds to buy a house, and pay educational expenses for the Shabazz family. The Committee held a series of benefit concerts at which they raised $17,000. They bought a large two-family home in Mount Vernon, New York, from Congressmember Bella Abzug.

May 29, 1973 - Thomas Bradley elected mayor of Los Angeles, California and becomes the first African American mayor of that city.

BLACK WESTCHESTER CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY 365/24/7

22 BLACK WESTCHESTER

SURROUNDING AREA NEWS

MAY 15, 2021

NATHALIA FERNANDEZ AND VANESSA GIBSON EACH ATTEMPT TO MAKE HISTORY IN RACE FOR BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT

BY AJ WOODSON

T he Year of the Woman was a popular label attached to 1992 after the election of a number

of female Senators in the United States. It also has been thrown around a lot over the pass few years, with many women breaking the glass ceiling in local, county, state and national politics. In 2021, in the race for Bronx Borough President, two women, would like to be the one to continue that tradition. Nathalia Fernandez and Venessa Gibson are each vying to make history in the race for borough presidency in the Bronx. Fernandez is attempting to be the first Latina Bronx Borough President and Gibson is vying to make history as the first AfricanAmerican to hold the position. But to get these women will have to face each other and two other opponents in the June 22nd Democratic Primary.

The race to become the 14th Bronx Borough President started out with five candidates who were hoping to restore gains made in the borough in the last decade under Ruben Diaz Jr., who first elected in April 2009 and re-elected in 2013 and 2017.

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson with State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (left) at the SANZ Banquet Hall, 815 Allerton Avenue, following the third annual Women’s March on Jan. 19, 2019 [Black Westchester]

According to Economic Research while unemployment rate stood at 4% in December 2019, it has skyrocketed as high as 24% during the pandemic, leaving scores of Bronx residents jobless. Bronx Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr., who was the perceived front-runner in the race, announced he was withdrawing his name, in mid January, and then there were four.

Council Member Fernando Cabrera, 56, – now leads with the most campaign donations at $155,000, with Salamanca Jr. no longer in the race, Assembly Member Nathalia Fernandez, 32, – the youngest candidate in the race, City Council Member Vanessa Gibson, 41, a term-limited Council Member for the 16th District, and community activist and retired NYPD lieutenant, Samuel “Sammy” Ravelo, 52 are the contenders who hope to lead the Bronx and make their borough a top priority for the city.

Until 1965 the position of Bronx Borough President was held by 7 white men. Louis F. Haffen was the first Bronx Borough President in 1854.

He won a four-year term, followed by two (2) two-year terms, and another four-year term. John F. Murray, Cyrus C. Miller, Douglas Mathewson, Henry Bruckner, James J. Lyons, Joseph F. Periconi followed. Herman Badillo became the first Hispanic elected to run the Bronx. Badillo served one term and did not run for re-election. He ran for mayor instead and lost in the Democratic Primary. Robert Abrams (January 1, 1970–December 31, 1978), Stanley Simon (January 5, 1979–March 11, 1987), Fernando Ferrer (April 15, 1987 – December 31, 2001), Adolfo Carrión, Jr. (January 1, 2002– February 19, 2009), and Ruben Diaz, Jr. (May 21, 2009– current) followed.

Up to this point, the position has never been held by a woman or an AfricanAmerican, something Fernandez or Gibson hope to change if victorious in the June 22nd Democratic Primary.

MEET THE WOMEN WHO ARE VYING TO BE THE NEXT BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT AND MAKE HISTORY DOING IT NATHALIA FERNANDEZ Assembly Member Nathalia Fernandez, who currently represents the 80th Assembly District that spans Morris Park, Allerton, and Norwood neighborhoods of the Bronx, since 2018. It’s a district whose voters lean Democrat but tend to be more socially conservative. At the age of 32, Fernandez is the youngest candidate in the race, who is Fernandez presented herself as the “bridge” between the old and new ways of politicking in her campaign for New York State Assembly. Since 2012, Fernandez has risen from campaign volunteer, office manager, and chief of staff for her thenboss, former Assembly Member turned Council Member Mark Gjonaj, whose district she now represents.

As a candidate, Fernandez supports revisions to the Area Median Income formula that helps guide rent prices in affordable housing residences, changing it to only include current incomes of Bronx residents and exclude those in wealthier Westchester and Rockland counties. Fernandez also supports a green jobs program that would employ Bronx residents to build environmentally-friendly infrastructure projects. Fernandez is also a proponent of police reform, and has advocated for a pilot program in which

communities are given a chance to resolve their differences before the police are called.

Fernandez’s endorsements include the Latino Victory Fund; “Nathalia is running to serve her community because she has seen the impact that a dedicated Borough President can have on the Bronx.

If elected, she will be the first Latina ever elected as Bronx Borough President and the first Latina ever elected to a borough-wide office!”

Other endorsements include Assembly Member Chantel Jackson (AD 79), Assembly Member Kenny Burgos (AD 85), Assembly Member Michael Blake (79AD), District Leader John Doyle – 82nd Assembly District Part B, and State Senator Julia Salazar.

VANESSA GIBSON City Council Member Vanessa Gibson, 41, is vying to make history as the first African-American and 1st Woman Bronx Borough President.

Gibson has proudly represents the Bronx’s 16th Council District includes Claremont Village, Concourse, Concourse Village, Crotona Park, Highbridge, Longwood, Melrose, Morris Heights, Morrisania, Mount Eden and University Heights in The Bronx, since 2014. Her platform is largely focused on implementing a jobs program for Bronx residents reeling from the economic downturn brought on by the pandemic.

Gibson has also touted her critical vote in approving the Jerome Avenue rezoning effort, which came after securing a a legally binding community benefits agreement.

On her campaign website, Gibson is pushing to invest in the aging transit system, pushing for the creation of community schools that provide holistic services to students, and expanding the city’s Health Bucks initiative, which provides low-income New Yorkers with gift certificates for purchasing produce. Before declaring a run, Gibson touted her experience working on the state level as an Assembly Member to help steer greater resources to the Bronx. Gibson also believes in greater investments for youths, such as the Summer Youth Employment Program and re-entry programs intended to keep kids from getting caught up in a cycle of crime.

Gibson was endorsed by a number of faith leaders during a press conference on Wednesday, April 28, at Bronx Borough Hall. The group included Rev. Torrence Robinson of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Zoleka Adams, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Elder Shelia Moses, Cathedral United Baptist Church, Rev. Edwrin Sutton, Caldwell AME Zion Church, Rev. Frederick Crawford, Union Grove Baptist Church, Rev. Jay Gooding, Miracle Revival Temple, Fellowship Tabernacle & president of the 49th Precinct Council, Min. Larae Shabaka, Bethesda Baptist Church, Rev. Torrence Robinson, Gethsemane Baptist, Bishop Shelvis Green, Greater Holy Tabernacle, Rev. James Duckett, Fort Mott Baptist Church, Rev. Lerone Crawford, Day Spring Baptist Church and Rev. Helen Wingate, Greater Faith Baptist Church. The 1199 SEIU union of healthcare workers also announced their endorsement of Gibson, Thursday, April 22nd.

The borough president proposes legislation, zoning changes, city-wide budget recommendations, and direction for land-use in the borough. Borough presidents appoint members to the NYC Planning Commission, and members to other local boards.Fernandez and Gibson are each vying to make history, but they will have to face each other to do so. In addition to Rafael Salamanca Jr. and Sammy Ravelo who also stand in their way in the June 22nd Democratic Primary.

MAY 15, 2021

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

BLACK WESTCHESTER 23

WARM WEATHER IS A TIME TO SEEK SPIRITUAL WELLNESS TO CREATE BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE

BY DAMON K. JONES

Fun in the sun can be spiritually enlightening.

Summer is a time for more than just meaningless activities with your friends. Instead, this summer, focus on the sun and its importance to your spiritual growth, its transformational meaning of warmth, light, and power as it relates to one’s spirituality.

Are you searching for deeper spiritual meaning in your life? You’re not alone; the hectic demands of life, being isolated because of the pandemic, have made so many people feel disconnected. Perhaps what you need is a spiritual connection to bring about a sense of balance and completion in your life.

Many people confuse spirituality with religion and believe that spiritual wellness can only come from religious beliefs. Spiritual growth means more than simply sitting in church, attending a class, or meditating. Spiritual growth can come from simple pleasures like a few minutes of contemplative thought about your life, past, future, or anything that means a lot to you.

However, spiritual balance comes from more than subscribing to a religion. Some people seek religion for their spirituality, but spirituality can also be achieved without a specific religion.

How to Develop Spiritual Wellness Essentially, developing spiritual wellness means working toward identifying what you believe in and how well those beliefs can give you inner strength through even the roughest patches in life.

When you’ve developed spiritual wellness, you can: • • • •

Respond to others honestly, regardless of the situation.

Express the values that you uphold and stand behind them at all times.

Understand the meaning of life and become in tune with the purpose of your existence.

Lead a fulfilling life.

How do we achieve spiritual wellness? Each of us has to develop our spirituality in our own way. Your chosen path may take you on a different journey than another’s.

When you’re ready to begin your journey toward spiritual wellness, consider the following suggestions: 1. Question the purpose of your existence. Ask yourself a few key questions as you go on a quest to achieve balance through spiritual wellness. Selfexploration is the key to developing your spiritual balance. Ask yourself: 2. What defines me?

3. What is the purpose of my existence on the planet?

4. What things, people, and ideologies should I be committed to?

5. What do I want out of life?

6. Connect to what’s meaningful. After you’ve answered those questions, your next mission is to connect to and identify with the things in life that you want to represent you. Do you believe in helping others? Is it your interest to sacrifice the physical aspects of life to gain spiritual strength?

Put the answers to the questions to work.

7. Contribute to a charity if you’re inclined to help others.

8. Go on a fasting mission to gain endurance and clarity of mind.

9. Test your limits. When you take on challenges, you expand your understanding of a whole new myriad of possibilities for you. Testing your limits could involve many things. Here are some examples: 10. Take on a physical challenge that you wouldn’t take on ordinarily due to fear of failure, disappointment, or the challenge itself.

11. Make a decision based on your beliefs even though you know it may not be popular.

12. Have the strength to stand by those convictions even if others reject them.

Understanding the importance of food and your spirituality. Consuming poor-quality food can tarnish the body and the soul, causing brain fog, depression, weight gain, gut dysbiosis, hormonal imbalance, etc. This results in dis-ease that weakens our body’s frequency to connect with nature and the universe.

Becoming spiritually strong involves believing in something. It consists of identifying your purpose and working towards achieving that purpose.

Most importantly, it consists of becoming truly happy with your life.

Ultimately, the balance you seek will come when you satisfy your spiritual needs. By taking the steps outlined here, you can put yourself on the right path to spiritual fulfillment.

Your body, just like your mind, is capable of much more than you can imagine. When you use your body, think about what you’re doing. Live in the moment. Take the time to enjoy what you can do, and instead of taking it for granted.

Achieving spiritual wellness isn’t an overnight process. With persistence and dedication, you’ll find yourself connecting with another aspect of your existence that you never realized. More and more things will become more evident to you, and you’ll start to experience true inner peace, no matter what challenges you’ve faced!

ABOUT DAMON K. JONES 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, First Aid in Mental Health Practioner, Diet, and Nutrition Advisor, and Vegan, Vegetarian Nutrition Life Coach. Mr. Jones is a 31-year Law Enforcement Practioner, New York Representative of Blacks in Law Enforcement of America (BLEA). Mr. Jones has been a guest commentator on New York radio stations WBLS (107.5 FM), WLIB (1190 AM), WRKS (98.7 FM), WBAI (99.5 FM), and Westchester’s WVOX (1460 AM). Mr. Jones has appeared on local television broadcasts, including Westchester News 12 “News Makers” and Public Television “Winbrook Pride.

You can now hear Damon every Sunday on The People Before Politics Radio Show and The Black Westchester Power Hour every first Monday om WVOX (1460 AM)

24 BLACK WESTCHESTER

Get Smart About Lawn Watering

NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW

MAY 15, 2021

Our New Conservation Rates Are In Effect This Summer

Using less water on your lawn conserves natural resources and helps you manage your water bill.

Tier 1

Upgrading to a smart irrigation system can save nearly 8,000 gallons of water each year! WaterSense smart irrigation controllers reduce water use by automatically adapting to changing weather conditions.

Learn more at SUEZConserve.com

VERY EFFICIENT

Tier 2

EFFICIENT

Tier 3

INEFFICIENT

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!

MAY 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

MAY 15, 2021

ADVERTISE WITH BW

Questions about the Real Estate Market?

C O N TA C T M E TO B E YO U R G U I D E .

A I S S ATA F E R N A N D E Z TA R A N CO Real Estate Salesperson

M. 914.953.7771

afernandeztaranco@houlihanlawrence.com aissatafernandeztaranco.houlihanlawrence.com

P E L H A M B R O K E R AG E | 1 P E L H A M W O O D AV E N U E | P E L H A M , N Y 1 0 8 0 3

Serving Our Community In Matthew’s Memory

“Be the Change You Want To See In the World” www.matthewwallace.org

MAY 15, 2021

BLACK WESTCHESTER 27

BLACKWESTCHESTER.COM

TAKE THE TEST Applications Available – Friday, May 14, 2021 Applications Deadline – Wednesday, July 14, 2021 (4:30 PM)

Police Officer Exam Date – Saturday, September 18, 2021

$72,233

POLICE OFFICER STARTING SALARY

PER YEAR PLUS BENEFITS

PAY AFTER 5 YEARS $102,258

• New York State Pension after 20 Years of Service • Health Benefits into Retirement • Promotional Opportunities & Specialized Training

yonkersPD

Visit our website

joinYPD.com for more info and to download official exam announcement and application when available.

The Yonkers Police Department is an equal opportunity employer.

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

MAY 15, 2021

A Diverse Workforce for a Diverse County After graduating from law school, Leandra Eustache landed a job as a junior prosecutor at the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission.

She immediately began charting a path toward the career goal she had set for herself: a position in executive leadership.

“I hit the ground running and I took on roles of leadership pretty quickly,” she said. “I was able to move up the ranks and before I left I was managing the entire prosecution division.”

transporting passengers every day” she said.

In the County government, she said, she has found a supportive community of other women leaders, including working moms like herself.

“I know the struggles and challenges faced by women in the workforce. I do have an 8-year-old at home, in the third-grade, and school is completely remote. It can feel as though I’ve run a marathon by 8 a.m. each morning.”

Eustache is also proud to be a role model for others who aspire to hold leadership positions one day.

In 2019, Eustache found a new home for her talents and leadership skills, being appointed to head the Westchester County Taxi & Limousine Commission.

These days, she is known by these titles: Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer.

“I grew up in a very disadvantaged socio-economic neighborhood,” said Eustache. “Growing up in that type of environment – obtaining positions of leadership doesn’t always seem possible. Being in such an important role is an example for young people of color who don’t think it’s possible they can succeed. I think it gives children of color hope.”

“As chief executive officer, I oversee the operations of the office on a day-to-day basis. Our office licenses and regulates all of the for-hire vehicles in Westchester County. What makes me very passionate about the work that I do is that it has a very large impact on public safety. The drivers and vehicles that we license are

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.