VOLUME 2 / ISSUE 9
COMPLIMENTARY
Unapologetically Delivering News To Communities Of Color in Westchester & Surrounding Areas
BLACK WESTCHESTER
MAY 15, 2019
REMEMBERING JOHN SINGLETON
THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN NOMINATED FOR THE BEST DIRECTOR ACADEMY AWARD FOR HIS GROUNDBREAKING 1991 FILM ‘BOYZ N THE HOOD’ PAGES 14 - 15
FEATURES
BW POLITICAL SPOTLIGHT
SHANAE WILLIAMS PAGE 11
PAGE 6
FROM DEFENDANT TO DEFENDER THEO SHAW OF THE JENA SIX IS NOW A LAWYER - PAGE 9 PAGE 14
PAGE 13
BRENDA L. CRUMP & AJ WOODSON AMONG HONOREES AT THE MVPL SPRING OPEN HOUSE
PAGE 17
TO THE COMMISSIONER: 5 REASONS WHY WOMEN RAMADAN REPORT SAYS CITY ‘NOT READY’ MUBARAK A TALE OF WHITE PRIVILEGE SHOULD BE SELFISH… IN WHITE PLAINS POLICE DEPT FINANCIALLY FOR BLACK EMPLOYEE PAGE 9 GEORGIA MAYOR PAGE 8
BY ZACHERY GATES II PAGE 22
BY RASHAD BILAL
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PAGE 24
2BLACK WESTCHESTER
NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW
MAY 15, 2019
Keep Yonkers moving forward. “All Yonkers residents should have the same shot at success. That means, no matter where you live, you deserve a quality public education, crime-free streets, good paying jobs and affordable housing!”
COUNCIL MEMBER SHANAE WILLIAMS
Democrat Shanae Williams has been dedicated to public service her entire career, helping her community in any way she can.
At the State Assembly, she learned the inner workings of government. Working for the mayor, she brought that home to Yonkers. And as your Yonkers City Councilwoman for District 1, she has taken it to a new level.
Since taking office, Shanae has worked tirelessly to improve our quality of life by improving our public education, making our streets safe, and bringing jobs to our local economy. Her leadership means results.
VOTE | JUNE 25 | DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY The Alzheimer’s Association presents a free symposium
Racial and Ethnic Disparities of Alzheimer’s Disease: Exploring a Genetic Link 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 1 Gateway Center Davis Auditorium, Westchester Community College 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla A panel of experts will discuss Alzheimer’s disease and the higher risk of developing the disease faced by African Americans and Hispanics as well as the latest genetic research, treatment options and community resources. Call 800.272.3900 to RSVP for this free symposium.
Hudson Valley Chapter
24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 • www.alz.org/hudsonvalley This advertisement is supported in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.
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MAY 15, 2019
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MAY 15, 2019
Celebrated Places. Legendary Experiences.
Celebrate Pinkster MAY 18
The oldest African-American holiday
10am -5pm
Step into the rhythms and get swept up in this springtime event featuring continuous performances of African drumming, dancing, and storytelling.
at Philipsburg Manor Sleepy Hollow, NY
hudsonvalley.org or call 914.366.6900
BUY TICKETS ONLINE & SAVE!
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MAY 15, 2019
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 Instagram: @BlackWestchester Facebook: /BlackWestchesterMagazine
Publisher DAMON K. JONES @DamonKJones
Editor-In-Chief AJ WOODSON
@BWEditorInChief
Mistress Of Information Brenda L. Crump News Reporters/ Writers AJ Woodson Damon K. Jones Rashad Bilal Osiris Hotep Lorraine Lopez Zachery Gates II Marvin Church Dennis Richmond Jr. Jacqulin King Cynthia Turnquest-Jones Judge Adrian Armstrong
As Publisher of Black Westchester Magazine (BW), I would like to thank everyone for their support of our efforts to bring information to the people of Westchester County. As we embark on a new chapter for BW, we hope to continue to empower the reader on issues in their communities. Independent media like BW has become more than a mere institution; instead, the independent media acts as a direct participant in the traditional three-branch system of governance. What many fail to realize is that independent media serves a fundamental role in making democracies run efficiently, even though there are frequent clashes. Independent media system thus often “reflects the political philosophy in which Democracy indeed functions”. This being said, BW will not be disregarded as a trivial player in the responsibilities of being a check and balance system in the political process of the Black Communities of Westchester. BW’s purpose is not only to address the political process that affects the everyday lives of communities of colour in Westchester County. BW’s mission has also been to shine a light on the brilliant culture, morals, values and elegant lifestyle of Black people. It’s time to change the narrative on how Black people are perceived in media. As Publisher of BW, our doors are open to the public. From the publication, the website, our radio show and now the newspaper; our doors are open to the people. We do not do this for any grander position or status; we do it for the people.
A FEW WORDS FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Welcome to the May 15, 2019 Issue of Black Westchester. First let me start off by sayng to our Muslim brothers and sisters, Ramadan Mubarak, which means “May Ramadan be generous to you.” Ramadan is the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the new moon, Sunday, May 5th - Tuesday, June 4th. Also as you see from the cover, we celebrate the life of Black Filmmaker John Singleton (pages 14-15) who changed the game and inspired a host of Black Filmmakers that followed. Every Sunday until the Democratic Primary, we will be interviewing several candidates from various municipalities that are running in the Primary on People Before Politics Radio Show, so you the voter can make informed decisions at the ballot box. This month we spotlight Yonkers Councilwoman Shanae Williams (page 11) and Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action (page 20), we hope you enjoy the issue. Thank you to all our supporters, advertisers, distributors, writers, photographers, editors and everyone who had a hand in us bringing you another edition on Black Westchester. Send us your feedback and let us know what you think of this issue and let us know subjects / topics you would like to see us cover in the future by sending an email to BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com. Peace and Blessings
Photographers AJ Woodson D Image Graphic Designers AJ Woodson Paula S. Woodson/ PS Visually Speakin’ For Advertising Rates AdvertiseWithBW@gmail.com Letters To The Editor BWEditorInChief@gmail.com
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6 BLACK WESTCHESTER
MAY 15, 2019
BW NEWS
GREENBURGH DEMS APPROVE GINA JACKSON TO FILL OPENING FOR TOWN COUNCIL ON JUNE 25 DEM PRIMARY BALLOT Greenburgh – The Greenburgh Democratic Committee on Vacancies filed their official affidavit with the Westchester Board of Elections on Friday, April 12th approving Gina Jackson to fill the opening on the June 25, 2019 Democratic Primary Ballot. The opening was created due to the unfortunate death of the Honorable Kevin Morgan who served admirably on the Greenburgh Town Council for over 11 years. Gina’s mission is to give back to the community that has attributed so much to her development.
Gina’s mission is to give back to the community that has attributed so much to her development. She is a proud product of the Greenburgh Central School District, a lifelong patron of the Greenburgh Public Library and a continual supporter of programs offered by the Theodore D. Young Community Center (TDYCC). As a Director of the Greenburgh Library Guild, she has worked diligently to raise funds for our future leaders in providing a fun and safe environment to grow their minds. As a Board Member of the TDYCC Foundation, she has been consistent in her efforts to keep TDYCC as a viable and necessary resource for Fairview and beyond. Gina also takes her role as a district leader very seriously to ensure Greenburgh residents have a dedicated representative and fully participate in the democratic process.
Gina is also a Board Member of Hope’s Door which is a program focusing on and supporting those who have been affected by domestic violence. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Concordia College and her professional experience has afforded her a depth of knowledge with procurement processes, human resources and the intricate workings of a water utility. Most importantly, experiences have shaped and added to Gina’s firm understanding of the necessity to build and maintain great relationships and she has successfully done so with governmental officials and stakeholders on the local, county and state levels. Gina indicated in her letter of interest and reaffirmed when she met with the Committee on Vacancies last Thursday evening, “We are all witnesses to our changing world and its reflection of the changes needed in our community. As representatives, we owe it to our neighbors, to the residents of Greenburgh to provide a diverse council. The town council should function with the best interests of ALL residents continuously at the forefront of decisions. I am confident I bring that crucial voice from constituents who are demanding to be heard.” Gina describes herself as energetic, clever, creative, open-minded and both a forward and strategic thinker. She added she is a very good listener with great interpersonal skills and she has her eyes on a future filled with positive results. Gina is a member of the NAACP, the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, Inc. and the Westchester Alumnae Chapter (WAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She hopes to follow in the legacy of former town council members, the late Hon. Lois Taplin Bronz and Hon. Eddie Mae Barnes, both legends in their own rights. Gina has been fortunate to have both Hon. Eddie Mae Barnes and Hon. Alfreda Williams, Vice Chair, Westchester County Board of Legislators, as her advisors. Gina will be on the Democratic Primary Ballot on June 25, 2019 and she will share the Democratic line with incumbent Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, incumbent Town Councilperson S. Ken Jones, Maria Portilla for Town Clerk and incumbent Town Judge Dolores Braithwaite.
MOUNT VERNON AUTHOR CELEBRATES CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, CLAUDETTE 25TH ANNIVERSAY OF BOOK FOR YOUNG COLVIN HONORED IN WHITE PLAINS BLACK BOYS WITH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION BY AJ WOODSON
BY AJ WOODSON
White Plains - Congregation Kol Ami presented Claudette Colvin with the “Be The Light” award for social justice, Sunday, April 28th. The civil rights activist from Montgomery, Alabama was honored for her bravery. At the age of 15, Colvin was arrested for refusing to give up her seat in the front of a bus in 1955, nine months before Rosa Parks. “She was one of the first young women to refuse to give up her seat on the bus in Montgomery. With Rosa Parks, it was a planned civil disobedience of the civil rights movement. The training of non-violence. In Claudette’s case... it was a moment of indignation and being immersed in a month of study of African-American history and just saying this is not right,” says Rabbi Shira Milgrom, of Congregation Kol Ami. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Sen. Shelley Mayer prosented Ms. Colvin with a New York State Senate Proclamation. The biography of her life, Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice - Winner of the National Book Award, Winner Newbery Honor Book, Robert F. Sibert Award Honor, YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Finalist, Jane Addams Children’s Book Award, Honor and ALA Best Book for Young Adults - is a must read. Based on extensive interviews with Claudette Colvin and many others, in Twice Toward Justice, Phillip Hoose presents the first in-depth account of an important yet largely unknown civil rights figure, skillfully weaving her dramatic story into the fabric of the historic Montgomery bus boycott and court case that would change the course of American history. She says she hopes her experiences will encourage young people to stand up for what they believe. To the youth Ms. Colvin says; “I do not want you to regress but to progress from the achievements that we made. Keep going and make improvements. Take advantage of all the resources you have. You have the potential to grow and expand.” Before Rosa Parks there was Claudette Colvin. Black Westchester salutes you.
Mount Vernon. – Jerald LeVon Hoover is the published author of a Young Adult (YA) title, one of a few books targeted toward young Black and Brown boys ages 12 and up, My Friend, My Hero. This novella has become a staple, as recommended reading in elementary through high schools across the country and around the world. That is a distinct honor the Mount Vernon native shares with a short list of African-American male YA authors including: Walter Dean Myers, Kevin Powell, Kwame Alexander, and Ralph Burgess. “Confidence is the key to the breakthrough, you give a man confidence you give him life,” Hoover shared with Black Westchester. My Friend, My Hero is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a commemorative edition that includes an addendum of book discussion questions and now available; a full curriculum with a companion Student Success Guidebook, Teacher’s Guide, and Unit Assessments containing lesson plans. The goal is to promote Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in the classroom by providing strategies for students to make better choices and gaining much needed confidence to support unleashing their inner greatness. Hoover states, “Exposing Black and Brown children to a barrage of negative imagery and expecting their positive self-image to remain intact is ridiculous, insensitive, unjust, and unfair.” Hoover then adds, “Young Black and Brown men are focused, gifted, driven, intelligent, and masterful at a host of other talents besides rap music and competitive sports; of which carries no shame, but we have other skill sets of significant influence. We are men of honor and integrity, regardless of whether we are born into poverty or wealth. But how can young Black and Brown men, or men of any race for that matter, define themselves and live up to their full potential if they only receive distorted representations?” Celebrating 25 years in print, My Friend, My Hero, available on his website, https://www.theherobookseries.com is the first in the acclaimed The Hero book series by Hoover. Other titles are He Was My Hero, Too, A Hopeful Hero, and Hoop Hero. The novella took nine years to get published after forty rejections and sixty drafts.
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MAY 15, 2019
BW NEWS
BLACK WESTCHESTER
7
NEW YORK STATE PASSES CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM BY JUDGE ADRIAN ARMSTRONG - MOUNT VERNON CITY COURT
After many years of debate, last month Governor Cuomo signed legislation submitted to him by the New York State Legislature reforming parts of the criminal justice system. Some of the reforms were effective immediately while others will be effective beginning January 1, 2020. Major changes were made to the bail law, as well as measures to ensure speedy trials for the state’s incarcerated population and to improve the handing over of evidence to defendants. With respect to bail, while cash bail has not been eliminated entirely, only top-level felonies and a handful of other offenses will be eligible for cash bail or remand. In all other cases, it’s mandatory release on one’s own recognizance. Among the felony charges that will still be eligible for cash bail, if not immediate remand, are sex offenses, money laundering in support of terrorism, using a child in a sexual performance and a handful of other charges. Any of those offenses will also be eligible for pre-trial incarceration. Judges can, instead of setting bail for a defendant, release them under non-monetary conditions, such as electronic monitoring or the supervision of a pre-trial services agency. However, the legislation includes standards under which a defendant can be electronically monitored. Only those charged with a felony, misdemeanor domestic violence, a handful of other offenses or convicted of a violent felony offense within a five year period will be eligible for electronic monitoring. Electronic monitoring of the defendant will be allowed for two months but could be renewed. Also, beginning on January 1, 2020, police officers will be limited to issuing appearance tickets, rather than making an arrest, for most low-level crimes. Officers will have the option of making an arrest if certain conditions are met, such as if the person has an outstanding warrant or if the alleged crime is between members of the same family or household. State law will now mandate prosecutors and defense to exchange the
first phase of material to be used at trial within fifteen days of a person’s arraignment. If prosecutors cannot make that deadline, either because it’s too much to exchange within that time or they don’t have the actual material in their possession, they will have an additional 30 days after the initial deadline to provide that material to the defense. Discoverable information that defendants will be allowed to access will include all written and recorded statements, grand jury transcripts, the names and contact information of witnesses and others who offered evidence, the names and work affiliation of all law enforcement personnel with evidence of information against the defendant, expert opinions, tapes and electronic recordings, any visual reproductions, such as photos, and several other types of material. Another significant reform will be the end to license suspension for nondriving drug convictions. Effectively immediately, the court is no longer required to suspend the defendant’s driver’s license after a conviction for a misdemeanor controlled substance offense or offenses involving marihuana. Also effective immediately, the maximum jail sentence for a Class A Misdemeanor or an Unclassified Misdemeanor is three hundred sixty-four (364) days, not one year. The one-day sentence reduction for Class A misdemeanors will allow undocumented immigrants to avoid triggering deportation proceedings, which can begin when a defendant is handed a sentence of one year or longer. A few examples of charges at that level include petit larceny and endangering the welfare of a child, but there are countless other offenses with that status. These changes to the criminal justice system appear to be a beginning, as the Governor, State Legislators, the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York and the Legal Aid Society continue to have dialogue regarding other changes. Stay tuned!
CE GEORGE LATIMER DECLARES MAY AS SEN. JAMAAL T. BAILEY HOSTS HIS 3RD “MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH” ANNUAL MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION
White Plains - Recognizing May as “Mental Health Awareness Month,” Westchester County Executive George Latimer discussed the importance of good mental health, and hosted a screening of the film “Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope.” Joined by the Westchester County Department of Community Mental (DCMH), other collaborating departments and members of the mental health service community from across Westchester, Latimer announced that a banner declaring the annual national recognition would fly in the Michaelian Office Building, as well as appear in digital form outside the Westchester County Center for the month of May. “This is one of the few opportunities I get as County Executive to officially declare that May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Westchester,” CE Latimer shared with Black Westchester. “The importance of this event is obviously good mental health. There is a stigma that is attached to mental health needs, and we need to take this opportunity to promote wellness and resilience. I am very proud of all of the wonderful work that is being done by our County departments and the not-for-profits who are with us today, each of which make up an important part of a mosaic.” Mental Health Awareness Month is a nationwide effort to address and overcome the stigma associated with mental health needs. The County Executive’s staff watched the film “Resilience,” which was followed by a question and answer session conducted by Dr. Andy Bell of DCMH. The film addresses how childhood trauma affects lifelong physical and mental well-being. “Mental Health is a growing issue that is not going away,” Board of Legislators Chairman Ben Boykin tells BW. “And as we see more and more issues relating to mental health and the stigmatization to it, we have to be able to remove that from the equation.” Commissioner of DCMH Michael Orth added: “Westchester County is rich in services and treatment for people who need to access our mental health system. We have wonderful partners, and by bringing to light ways we can help serves to defeat stigma and promote recovery.” Sharon McCarthy, Executive Director of NAMI-Westchester, the organization supplying the banners, said: “NAMI-Westchester is so excited to have our County Executive stand with us in support of May as ‘Mental Health Awareness Month.’ Among our other services and programs, NAMI strives to build public awareness of mental health, and we greatly appreciate the fact that this county so strongly supports our cause.”
WESTCHESTER PUTNAM BUILDING TRADES PAC ENDORSES NR COUNCIL CANDIDATE DAVID PETERS New Rochelle - David Peters - candidate New Rochelle District 3 City Council seat - is gaining steam as he meets with residents and gains the endorsement of the Westchester Building Trades. David Peters is running to succeed New Rochelle Jared Rice who is not running for re-election. “I am a fighter for justice! As the City Council Member for District 3, I will create a transformative pathway to improve the lives of residents in an intergenerational way,” Peters tells Black Westchester. David’s campaign announced on Tuesday, May 7th, the endorsement of the Westchester Putnam Building Trades. “I am pleased to announce that the Executive Board of the Westchester Putnam Building Trades Political Action Committee has officially chosen to endorse you in your upcoming election,” wrote Edward Doyle, President/Treasurer of the Trades, which represents hundreds of New Rochelle residents. David is a long-time resident activist, a graduate of New Rochelle High School, and has been fortunate enough for his children and now his grandchildren to attend New Rochelle public schools. He also serves as a Deacon at Bethesda Baptist Church. David has a significant history of participation in a variety of community groups and government agencies coordinating projects and initiatives to make the City of New Rochelle a better place to obtain an education, to work and grow older. He is on the Board of Directors of WestCop/CAP and the United Community Center of Westchester. David Peters will face Yadira Ramos-Herbert in the Democratic Party primary, Tuesday, June 25th. For more information on David Peters follow him on facebook at Facebook.com/friendsofdavidpeters. People Before Politics Radio will be interviewing Mr. Peters live on the show, Sunday, June 2nd at 6:00PM.
NE Bronx - Senator Jamaal T. Bailey hosted his third annual Mother’s Day celebration in the Einstein Community Center in Co-op City on Saturday, May 4th. “It is my pleasure to host an annual event where we pamper the loving and hardworking mothers of the 36th district,” Senator Jamaal T. Bailey tells Black Westchester. “I want to give a special shoutout to one of our long time community mothers, Maxine Sullivan. Although she is no longer with us, we saved her a seat at the table. As a staff member, Maxine always made sure I had a seat at any event we were together at. Wanted to make sure she knew we still held her seat for her.” The event featured free hair, nails, sip and paint, massage services, as well as a Salsa lesson. This year’s Keynote Speaker was the Executive Director of North Central Bronx Hospital, Cristina Contreras.
IVY REEVES & KAREN BELRAN ATTEMPT TO MAKE HISTORY AS FIRST FEMALE OF COLOR MAYOR OF YONKERS
Yonkers - Two women, Ivy Reeves and Karen Beltran each attempt to make history as Yonkers first Female of Color to serve as Mayor. If either are elected Reeves would be first Black Woman and Beltran would be the first Hispanic Woman to serve as Mayor of the City of Yonkers.
The two mayoral candidates will face the incumbant, Mayor Mike Spano who is running for a third-term, in the June 25th Democratic Primary. Both women are running to be the first Woman of Color to be elected Mayor of Yonkers, the first Woman Mayor of Yonkers was Mrs. Edith P. Welty in Sept. 1949, who was elected to serve out the unexpired term of Curtiss E. Frank, who resigned Sept. 1st of that year. Reeves is a political activist and community leader, former Legislative Aide to Yonkers City Council and the Ninth Judicial District of the Unified Court System, and Beltran is an attorney and former PTA leader, endorsed by the Hispanic Democrats of Westchester and the national organization Run For Something.
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8 BLACK WESTCHESTER
NEWS ACROSS THE NATION
MAY 15, 2019
FROM HOMELESS TO YOUNGEST BLACK OWNER OF A SUBWAY FRANCHISE IN ATLANTA
After searching and searching, he finally landed a job as a finance manager at a car dealership right outside of Miami, Florida. There he gained the confidence and experience that he needed to start thinking about owning his business. He also learned how to raise capital, and later, was able to raise six figures from his personal savings and investors so that he could buy a franchise. WHY FRANCHISING? After doing a lot of research, Chris came to the conclusion that pursuing a franchise with Subway was his best course of action. He says that he likes Subway because it is a universally-recognized brand with stability, and they have the most franchised locations in the world. After attending Subway’s first phase orientation class, Chris was able to connect with a franchise owner in Georgia who was looking to sell. Chris then used his skills as a finance manager to negotiate a reasonable price, and the rest is history! He says he recorded the whole negotiation over the phone, and will use that to teach others how they too can negotiate business deals.
W
hen we are young we are told things like ‘you do anything you put your mind to it,’ ‘anything you want you got to work hard for it,’ or do not let your curent situation dictate your future,’ well one 26-year-old man is proof of all of the above. Chris Williams II is a young entrepreneur originally from Chicago that has just officially acquired his own Subway franchise, making him currently the youngest Black person to do so in the city of Atlanta! He will have his grand opening in the Atlanta metro area in July 2019. Footage of him signing the contract and finalizing the deal has already gone viral on social media.
SO WHAT’S HIS STORY, HOW DID HE GET STARTED?
HELPING OTHERS ENTREPRENEURS AND TEACHING THEM HOW TO RAISE CAPITAL Chris is very ademate about helping other entrepreneurs from underserved and disadvantaged communities become franchise owners as well. In fact, he is planning to launch a national tour that will teach a course on how to raise capital and pursue franchise and investment opportunities. Chris comments, “I have created a course to help my fellow entrepreneurs. Raising capital is one of the most challenging parts of entrepreneurship. My course will teach you how I raised $250,000 for my various startups, how I bought my first franchise, and how to become a successful entrepreneur.”
For more information about Chris and his upcoming course, visit his webChris, who was once homeless, started off as a car salesman at a local site, www.ChrisWilliamsII.com and look forward to the grand opening of dealership in Arizona. After 2 years of saving up his money, he was able his Subway restaurant in July! to pay for the tuition needed to attend the Automotive Dealership Institute in Phoenix. After completing 4 weeks of training, he then started pursuing Also, follow Chris on Instagram @chriswilliams.ii career opportunities to become a finance manager. and on Facebook @ IamChrisII
IBTIHAJ MUHAMMAD WHITE GEORGIA MAYOR SAYS CITY IS NAMED STANFORD BACCALAUREATE SPEAKER ‘NOT READY’ FOR BLACK EMPLOYEE Ibtihaj Muhammad – an activist and entrepreneur whose participation in the Olympics helped make her a prominent voice for religious tolerance – has been named speaker for Stanford’s 2019 Baccalaureate. The multifaith, end-of-the-year celebration for graduating students, their families and friends, and others in the university community will be held on June 15, the day before Stanford’s 128th Commencement ceremony. Muhammad’s participation in fencing grew from her family’s desire for a sport she could play while fully covered, in keeping with their Muslim faith. At the Rio de Janeiro games in 2016, she became the first Muslim to wear a hijab while competing for the United States and won a bronze
medal with the women’s sabre team. She was named to Time’s 100 Most Influential People list that year. “Although she has competed in a sport that focuses on the individual, Ibtihaj Muhammad has turned the spotlight on diverse American communities, inviting us to reconsider what it means to be part of this pluralist and, at times, fractured nation,” said the Rev. Dr. Tiffany Steinwert, dean for religious life at Stanford. “Standing at the intersections of gender, religion and ethnicity, she inspires us all not only to break barriers, but also to build bridges. We are delighted to welcome her to campus and look forward to learning from her experience and wisdom.” The ceremony, led by students and organized by the Office for Religious Life, includes lively music from culturally diverse backgrounds and readings from various communities and perspectives that represent the wide range of religious traditions at Stanford. “We are thrilled to have Ibtihaj Muhammad as the 2019 Baccalaureate speaker,” said Stanford Senior Class Presidents Tashrima Hossain, Nick Peña, Tony Moller and Aron Tesfai. “Having broken immense barriers to become the first Muslim American Olympian to win a medal in fencing, Muhammad teaches us the power of grit and resilience. She has utilized her platform to empower female athletes, encourage religious tolerance and inspire countless young people. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to hear from such an incredible change-maker during this year’s ceremony.” Muhammad, who began fencing at age 13, grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey, and attended Duke University. She graduated with a dual major in international relations and African studies, earned All-America honors three times and was a Junior Olympic National Champion. She launched a clothing company in 2014 and serves as a sports ambassador with the U.S. State Department’s Empowering Women and Girls Through Sport Initiative. She described her experiences in Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream, her memoir published in 2018.
Hoschton, GA. - The mayor of a mostly white north Georgia city is being criticized for comments attributed to her that the community isn’t ready to have a Black city administrator, a newspaper reported Monday, May 6th. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that interviews and documents it obtained show that Hoschton Mayor Theresa Kenerly expressed concerns regarding a black finalist for the job, Keith Henry. Hoschton, a small community in Jackson County northeast of Atlanta, has 1,662 residents, of whom 84.6 percent white and only 3.5 percent black, according to 2017 census data. When the small town recently narrowed its search for a city administrator down to four potential employees, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that one candidate was specifically excluded by the mayor’s office “because he is black, and the city isn’t ready for this.” Meanwhile, her fellow city councilman excused her actions, explaining that interracial relationships are against his religion. “I don’t know how they would take it if we selected a black administrator,” said Councilman Jim Cleveland, whose official photo shows him dressed in his formal Harley-Davidson baseball cap and flannel shirt., adding: “She might have been right.” Cleveland confirmed many parts of the report, explaining: “I understand Theresa saying that, simply because we’re not Atlanta. Things are different here than they are 50 miles down the road.” Councilman Cleveland revealed that he also ranked the black candidate last. But he says he only did so because Henry did not come in for an in-person interview, not because of Henry’s race. Then Cleveland explained how not racist he was by testifying about his Christian teachings: “I’m a Christian and my Christian beliefs are you
don’t do interracial marriage. That’s the way I was brought up and that’s the way I believe...I have black friends, I hired black people. But when it comes to all this stuff you see on TV, when you see blacks and whites together, it makes my blood boil because that’s just not the way a Christian is supposed to live.” Henry eventually withdrew his name from consideration after the meeting and phone interview because the city wanted him to come down from Houston, Texas, on his own dime with the promise that they would pay him later. The three other candidates were all within the state of Georgia and did not have to travel to the interview. Henry did say that he didn’t detect any racism during the interview, but added that he was not shocked to hear that a small Georgia town was kinda racist. When asked for comment, Jesus said that he had removed the names of Theresa Kennedy and Jim Cleveland for his list of candidates for everlasting life. “They can go to hell, for all I care,” Henry said. “Oh wait... They already live in Hoschton.”
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MAY 15, 2019
RAMADAN MUBARAK
BLACK WESTCHESTER 9
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WHY MUSLIMS CELEBRATE RAMADAN
BY AJ WOODSON
What is Ramadan?
Many Muslims in the Westchester area — along with millions of other Muslims around the world — will began observing Ramadan on Sunday, May 5th. Ramadan is considered the holiest month of the year for Muslims and the fasting during this period is one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset. For Muslims, this holy month marks the year the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and they try to get closer to God through fasting and extra prayers. Many Muslims also take the time this month to distribute their obligatory annual zakat – alms-giving – for the poor and needy. Customarily, Muslims give away 2.5% of their possessions/savings.
Is it required for everyone to fast?
Fasting is required for all Muslims who have hit puberty. Exceptions are made for pregnant, menstruating or nursing women, people who are sick or have a chronic illness, those who are traveling, and seniors too weak to fast. For people who are traveling or temporarily ill, they must make up their fast after Ramadan is over. Those who cannot fast must feed the needy for each day they miss. Children are not required to fast but sometimes fast a portion of the day to prepare for when they can fast and are encouraged to fast full days if it doesn’t affect their health. Muslims who are observing Ramadan aren’t eating or DRINKING anything from sunrise to sunset (They are also abstaining from smoking, sex, etc. during those hours).
Are there greetings I can say to a Muslim for Ramadan?
Yes! You can say “Ramadan Kareem” or “Ramadan Mubarak” to a Muslim, which means “May Ramadan be generous to you” or “Happy Ramadan.” During Eid, you can greet a Muslims with “Eid Mubarak” or “Eid Sayeed,” meaning “Blessed Eid” or “Happy Eid.”
Acknowledging and discussing our differences can be uncomfortable, often requiring us to be vulnerable. Some even think discussing our differences divides us. The reality is, our differences are what make us who we are. They influence how we experience the world and how the world perceives us. One of the things that divide us in this country is a lack of understanding and respecting each others culture. Many are often judged and prejudices comes from prejudging others. Regardless of how passionate someone is about his or her political or religious beliefs, it’s not those beliefs that define them as an individual, and it certainly has no bearing on their character. But until we learn to understand and respect each others beliefs can we truly exist together. You may or may not have heard of Ramadan, but how many of you truly understand the meaning of Ramadan. In our continued effort to educate our readers, we attempt to break it down. Ramadan, the most important month of the year in the Muslim calendar, began Sunday, May 5th. For the next 30 days, Muslims around the world will abstain from eating or drinking during daylight hours.
What do you do during the days in Ramadan?
During Ramadan, Muslims continue their days as normal without eating; this includes going to school and work. They also are encouraged to engage in religious acts, like reading or listening to recitations of the Quran; praying on time throughout the day; performing what’s known as dhikr, short phrases recited repeatedly in remembrance of God; volunteering or donating to the needy and other acts that bring a person closer to God. After breaking fast in the evening, many Muslims go to the mosque to pray Taraweeh, a special prayer that is only performed during Ramadan and involves reciting the entire Quran over a period of 30 days.
Why is Ramadan held during a different time every year?
The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, so Ramadan is 10 or 11 days earlier than the previous year.
Do people lose weight during Ramadan?
Some might lose a little weight, but most Muslims will tell you no. Muslims traditionally break their fasts with a date — per tradition of the prophet. The meal breaking the fast is called the iftar. Often, Muslims get together to break their fasts at iftar gatherings. The predawn meal Muslims eat is called suhoor.
What happens at the end of Ramadan?
The end of Ramadan culminates with the holiday known as Eid-ul-Fitr. It is a three-day celebration that begins in the morning with an Eid prayer and followed up with sharing festive meals with families and friends the rest of the day. This holiday is spent visiting family and friends or paying respects to the dead. Children traditionally receive money or gifts, these are called Eidiyahs or Eidi. Muslims also continue to donate to charity on Eid.
FROM DEFENDANT TO DEFENDER: THEO SHAW OF THE JENA SIX IS NOW A LAWYER
BY AJ WOODSON
Theo Shaw, standing outside the Louisiana Supreme Court [Associated Press]
Theo Shaw, a Louisiana man whose life was almost thrown away by the criminal justice system when he was overcharged in a case that came to be known as the “Jena 6” is now officially a lawyer. Shaw was sworn into the bar of the District of Columbia on Friday, April 26th. Bernette Johnson, chief justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, administered the oath inside the courthouse as
as friends and supporters looked on. Shaw was all smiles inside of Washington, D.C. courtroom as he was sworn into the bar association Smiling inside a court of law is a far cry from Shaw’s high school days when he and five other black teenage boys were at the center of a national media sensation. They were charged with attempted murder after an attack of a white student. In 2007, as a member of the “Jena Six,” Theo Shaw, then 17, spent seven months in jail, unable to pay for bail after being accused of gang-beating a white student. The attempted murder charge carried a 50-year prison sentence, which many in Jena, Louisiana and the media associated with unfair judicial treatment due to race. The Jena Six became a symbol for harsh punishments of young black males. Shaw and the other members of the Jena Six attracted national attention and support, culminating in a march attended by thousands of people in the small Louisiana town of Jena. Shaw who always maintained his innocence, “insists that he played no role in the attack” on the white student, according to The Times-Picayune. With the help of his lawyer, Rob McDuff, he negotiated a no-contest plea and later got the case expunged. After receiving a full ride to the University of Washington to study law he eventually clerked for Justice Johnson of the Supreme Court and later became a lawyer. Shaw said his experience as a member of the Jena 6 undoubtedly played a role in his decision to become a lawyer. “I think when you’ve been as close to the system as I’ve been, as far as being in jail, and being in jail all day talking with people, being there when people are crying — grown men, kids ... I think it’s hard not to care when you’ve been as close as I’ve been,” he said. After he faced 50 years in prison for a fight that was a result of racially charged incidents at their school, his experiences over a decade ago seem to have changed Shaw’s life for the better. While his story is inspirational, it leads me to imagine the intelligence and potential of many who remain incarcerated.
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BLACK WESTCHESTER POLITICAL SPOTLIGHT
WHO IS SHANAE V. WILLIAMS
BY AJ WOODSON
YONKERS – In most interviews I’ve read on elected officials, you get the same information about their political career, their latest accomplishment, etc., but I rarely learn much about the person. Since I host a radio show called People Before Politics, I figured it would be a good idea to showcase the person before the politics. Try to show a side of the elected official you rarely read about. This month we selected Yonkers District 1 City Councilwoman Shanae v. Williams. We have all heard the story about Mayor Mike Spano appointing one of his former executive assistants to fill the City Council’s First District seat, that was left vacant when Councilman Chris Johnson resigned December 31. 2017 to join the Westchester County Board of Legislators. Ms. Williams was sworn in January 1, 2018 and served as an appointee for about a year and with no opposition in November 2018 was elected to fill the final year of Johnson’s term through 2019. Now she is running for reelection in the June 25th Democratic primary, despite the party decision to not select the incumbent, when it came time to choose their nominee. I already knew Councilwoman Williams was a fighter - Mayor Spano referred to her as a ‘tenacious fighter,’ in an Dec. 19, 2017, Lohud article - who made it a priority to fight for students in the Yonkers Public Schools, but I wanted to know more about Shanae the woman. So she was chosen for our BW Politically Speaking Spotlight this month. Councilwoman Williams took a brief break from campaigning to do answer a few questions for Black Westchester. We threw a few untradional questions in there just for the fun of it. BW: Who is Shanae Williams? SW: I was born in Kingston, Jamaica. I came to Yonkers, NY when I was 9-years-old with my mother and sister. I grew up in a single-family home, a Christian home, a loving home. Education was highly valued in my family and so I always worked hard to get to college, so I could have a real opportunity to be successful. I went to public schools my entire life – Dodson elementary, Mark Twain Middle school and Hastings High School. My mother worked in child care when I was younger and had an opportunity to work at a daycare center in Hastings on Hudson, New York, so we relocated there and my sister and I went to school in the public school there – Hastings High School. I look back and I am grateful for the opportunity because I got to see the vast difference between Yonkers Public Schools and Hastings High School. Now I am in a position try and make sure that all students in the Yonkers public schools get the same good quality education that I got in Hastings, and that other students get in neighboring public schools districts. BW: What made you want to go into politics? SW: I went to SUNY Albany with the intentions of studying sociology and political science and then go to law school. I decided to do an internship at the NYS Division of Human Rights working with a case manager then decided to do an internship at the NYS Assembly and I choose to work for my Assemblyman at the time, Mike Spano, hoping to land a job after I graduated. Once I left the State Assembly, I went back home to Yonkers and worked on Mike Spano’s campaign for Mayor. He won the election and I was able to land a position on his transition team working as an office aide. In 2012 I got hired as an Aide to the Deputy Mayor in the Mayor’s office. I worked my way up to being the Mayor’s Executive Assistant. I learned a lot about Yonkers and the ins and outs of government. I worked with various different departments and community organizations and I fell in love with constituent work. I knew early on that I wanted to eventually run for office and make a difference in the community I grew up in. In 2017 when Councilman Johnson won his election to represent the 16th District as a County Legislator, I jumped on the opportunity to get appointed to the City Council. I lobbied elected officials and various community members to get the support I needed so that they could advocate on my behalf to Mayor Spano. I was appointed to represent the 1st council district and had to run in the special election in 2018 which I did and was successful. Now I am running for the full term of four years and I am so excited about it BW: Last book you’ve read? SW: The last book I read was The Five Love Languages for Singles by Gary Chapman. This book looks at human behavior and tells us about how we love and show love. It tells us about ourselves and the relationships (not limited to intimate relationships, but friendships between friends, family members, co-workers etc.) we have and why some work and others don’t. I think everyone should learn about the 5 love languages because that way we will be more aware and understanding of other people and their feelings and how they express themselves which will help us to communicate better with one another. I am a lover of all people and I genuinely care about people and the environment we live in. I believe that everyone should be healthy and well-rounded – mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. BW: What are your Hobbies and why? SW: I love nature and exploring different cultures. I love to learn new things and do fun activities with my friends. My hobbies include hiking, supporting stand-up comedy and art shows, writing poems/spoken word, trying new foods and dancing.
BW: Who were (are) your inspirations growing up? SW: My family is my biggest inspiration. They are a big part of who I am as a person. My mother is one of 13 children and so I was partially raised by my aunts, uncles and grandmother along with so many cousins I cannot begin to count. We always encouraged one another to be our very best and to have faith in our abilities and in God. We grew up poor but people would never know because we carried ourselves well and took care of one another, we continue to live this way here in Yonkers. I was always inspired by the strength of my grandmother and mother. My mother didn’t go pass middle school because she had to help raise her siblings. She worked various jobs to help put food on the table – from working in a factory to day care centers and home health care. My grandmother was a school teacher, a seamstress, a saleswoman all at the same time working to provide for her children and grandchildren. They never let their daily struggles negatively impact their outlook on the beautiful things life has to offer. Everything I do in my life is so that I can help give back and take care of them. My motivation to go to college and get a good job, my motivation to serve those in need, my motivation to go above and beyond all stems from the love and inspiration I got from my family.
BW: Bucket list - name a few things you would love to do or accomplish in your life)? SW: A few things I have on my bucket list include visiting as many countries in the continent of Africa. Ghana is at the top of the list because my ancestors were brought from Ghana to Jamaica and I would love to learn more about the history and culture. Other items on my bucket list is to buy a home for my mother, help underprivileged children travel to other countries and I would love to write a book.
BW: What has been your biggest failure or struggle and what you learned from it?
SW: My biggest failure is waiting to make major moves in my life. For example, I waited a couple years before going to graduate school and made it really hard on myself when I did decide to go back because I had to learn how to balance working full time (while I was in the Mayor’s office) and going to school full time at Walden University. As soon as I got my MBA doors opened up for me in the private sector, doors that could have opened up two years prior had I not wait to get that degree. I have learned that if I have a dream or a goal, I shouldn’t wait to pursue it. That is why I ran for office last year and why I am currently running for re-election to the City Council this year. My goal is to work towards bringing real change for the youth in the City of Yonkers amongst other things. I am running to secure my position so that I can work on my goals and help make a difference in someone’s life. BW: What is your biggest accomplishment or success and why? SW: My two biggest accomplishments in life is graduating from college at the top of my class and running for office and getting elected. Getting to this point in my life made my family proud of me and it makes me happy to know that I was able to accomplish so much because they believed in me. More so, as a young black woman, reaching these goals, having these successes, is proof to other young black women that they can do it too.
BW: If you were a superhero, who would you be?
SW: If I were a superhero I would be Dr. Strange. He had so much knowledge about what was to come that he did things, made decisions that confused those around him. His decisions didn’t make sense to others because they didn’t know what he knew. I love the idea of knowing more than what meets the eye. It’s important to look deeper and to have a wide understanding of all things. Knowledge is power, and I love learning, so I would definitely want to be Dr. Strange if I were a superhero.
BW: If your house was on fire & you can only grab 3 things, what would they be? SW: If my house was on fire and I could only grab three things, I would grab my Bible, my dog, Zoey, and my passport.
BW: Something about you, most people don’t know & would be surprised to find out?
SW: Most people do not know that I love pushing myself and overcoming my fears. I was afraid of dogs growing up, so I got a dog and now I want more. I was afraid of heights, so I went skydiving and I cannot wait to do it again. I think everyone should work to over come their fears because it really is all mental.
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12 BLACK WESTCHESTER ESTER HI TCH MENT ASSOCISATPANIC W EESNFORCE ION IN LAW
C.
ESTABLISHED
1996
NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW
Westchester Hispanic Law Enforcement Association P.O. Box 1292 White Plains, NY 10602 (914) 207-6595 president@whlea.com
ESTER HI TCH MENT ASSOCISATPANIC W EESNFORCE ION IN LAW
C.
ESTABLISHED
(MORE INFO TO FOLLOW LATER ON OUR WEBSITE) President Det. Eddie Martinez
Executive Board
Board of Directors
Sgt. Hector Lopez 1st Vice President
Sgt. Angela Osorio Sgt. Frank Corona Ret. Ofc. Pete Huff P.O. Paul Cavallo P.O. Awilda Alvarado P.O. Ricardo Martinez
Det. Gilbert Lopez Treasurer Sgt. Nelson Cruz Recording Secretary
Yonkers is my home. Yonkers residents have a lot at stake this election, and no one knows more than I do how we can move Yonkers forward. It has been my mission to be a leader for my community and I will work day and night to give you the government you deserve.”
Tasha Diaz
JUNE 25 TASHA DIAZ Trustees P.O. Herick Vasquez Robert Foti Lillian Martinez
FOR COUNCIL
Advisors Ret. Ofc. Keith Guerra
Jessica Ferreira-Cavallo Corresponding Secretary Sgt. At Arms Hector Cartagena
I’m here for you, Yonkers.
1996
Let’s Stand Together to help Inspire, instruct and Help create the Future Leaders of Law Enforcement. Become a member of the most respected Law Enforcement Association in Westchester County. www.whlea.com SAVE THIS DATE, OCTOBER 18th, 2019 WHLEA DINNER DANCE!
Det. Frank Oliveri 2nd Vice President
MAY 15, 2019
Chief Counsel Larry Delgado Wanda Negron www.whlea.com
Paid for by Friends of Tasha Diaz
Tell Them Black Westchester Sent You For A Discount
VOTE | JUNE 25
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14 BLACK WESTCHESTER
REMEMBERING JOHN SINGLETON
MAY 15, 2019
COVER STORIES BW COVER STORY
REMEMBERING THE BOY FROM THE HOOD WHO’S MOVIES CHANGED THE WORLD
I can still remember when I first saw Boys N the Hood, yo there had not been anything like that on the big screen. Even though I grew up on the East Coast, I like many couldn’t help feel it and relate to it even though it was not my story. I can’t think of many other flicks that can rival the realness of it or the mix of cultural influence, commercial success and artistic merit that “Boyz n the Hood” combined, a story that Singleton said he had “lived” before making it, when I had the privilege to interview him at a press junket, shortly before the film’s release. From the film’s opening with sounds of a drive-by shooting, the title comes across the screen when you hear screams and then the words in white, ‘one out of every twentyone Black American males will be killed in their lifetime,” appear on a black screen followed by the sounds of a police call “12 Adam 63, officer needs assistance. possible 187...” and then the words, “most will die at the hands of another black male,” and then the voice of a young child yelling in pain “They shot my brother, they shot my brother...” followed by the sounds of a ghetto bird flying overhead and the camera zooms in on a stop sign. While you didn’t know what to expect you knew it was about to get real, that you were about to embark on a journey into the grittiness and gang-infested streets of South Central, Los Angeles. I interviewed the John two years later at a press junket for Poetic Justice and then backstage of the 1995 Source Awards - where Suge Knight dissed Puff for dancing in all his artists’ videos, and kicked off the imfamous East Coast-West Coast Beef - for my weekly video show, Street Vibes. Each time he greeted me like we were homies. He proved to Hollywood that we had many more stories to tell and he knew how to paint a picture. Even in the ground breaking hood flick he debuted, he gave great dimension to the characters, from Dough Boy (Ice Cube) and his football playing brother Ricky Baker (Morris Chestnut), to Tre (Cuba Gooding Jr) and his respected father Furious Styles (Laurence Fishburne) who teach Tre about everything he needs to learn to navigate his neighborhood, from racial profiling to gentrification. A Black Father in the hood who is totally against the violence that is lowering the property value and life expectancy of his South Central L.A. ‘hood, but he also understands the true purpose for violence — selfdefense. After he licks off a few shots that burn through the front door, instead of his home’s invader, he still teaches his son that there is no glory in murder. One of the great storybook beginnings of a Hollywood screenwriter/ director belongs to this real life protagonist. Singleton was an inspiration for African-American filmmakers, building on successes by Gordon Parks and Spike Lee. His 1990 film “Boyz N the Hood” was a personal reflection on growing up black in L.A. The film was the acting debut for Ice Cube and Morris Chestnut. Both praised the director at the time of his death. “His passion for telling our stories from our point of view was more than an obsession, it was your mission in life. Your love for the black experience was contagious,” Cube said in a statement after Singleton’s passing. The film was a major hit and was highly acclaimed. He became the first African-American to be nominated for a Best Director Oscar, and the youngest person ever nominated in that category. He was also nominated for his screenplay. Singleton was only 24 years old and had recently graduated from USC film school. He built on the momentum with “Poetic Justice”, “Higher Learning”, “Rosewood” and other acclaimed films. He also produced the hit movie “Hustle & Flow” and in recent years had turned his attention to producing and directing television series, co-creating the current FX television series “Snowfall.” Singleton’s death at a relatively young age was caused by a lifelong battle with hypertension and high blood pressure.
JOHN SINGLETON BY AJ WOODSON
John Singleton, Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube & Morris Chesnut on the set of "Boyz N the Hood"
Hollywood rarely ventured into L.A.’s African-American neighborhoods until John Singleton, brought the harsh life realities of young black men in Los Angeles’ Crenshaw neighborhood to light in his powerful examination of growing up black in the age of Rodney King. “John was a brave artist and a true inspiration. His vision changed everything,” tweeted director Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us), who has hailed Singleton as a major influence and “Boyz in the Hood” as a masterpiece. The Library of Congress inducted the movie into the National Film Registry in 2002. Nia Long, who portrayed Brandi in “Boyz n the Hood,” wrote, “We were fearless kids making a movie and telling your story. You saw my special first. You made us believe...then they believed. You changed Hollywood, created stars and knocked down doors. Without your contributions, your vision, your voice, your laugh, your fist pumps and bumps....where would we be? Where would I be? Thank you for loving everything black and pushing the culture forward. I will miss you dearly and love you forever.” Like Spike Lee painted pictures of his hometown of Brooklyn, New York giving a view rarely seen in motion pictures, Singleton did the same for South Central. Spike Lee, who won his first Oscar this year for writing “BlacKkKlansman,” recalled the first time he met Singleton. Lee wrote, “We Met While He Was A Film Student At USC. Over Many Years People Have Told Me ‘I’m Going To Be A Filmmaker,’ When John Said That To Me The 1st Time We Met, I Believed Him Right Away. It Was No Surprise. With His Passion, His Heart, The Way He Talked About His Love For Cinema And Black Folks I Could See John Would Make It Happen, And He Did. From Day One, We Have Remained Close Over The Decades, Cheering Each Other On In This Industry That Is Not Set Up For Us To Win. John Singleton’s Films Will Live On Forever. I second Spike’s sentiment, John Singleton’s work will live on forever, inspiring other black filmmakers and boyz n the hood that they can make a difference, they can tell their stories. As a writer I always love a great storyteller and his work inspires me to continue to tell our stories on the pages of Black Westchester, the website and our radio shows. In closing I leave with the words tweeted by the NAACP; “John Singleton was a great director and storyteller who was never afraid to show African Americans in complex, multi-dimensional roles.” Thank You John, BW Salutes you!
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BLACK WESTCHESTER 15
BW COVER STORY
THE PRINCE OF FILMMAKING
BY DR. OSIRIS IMHOTEP
It was January 1990 I was just beginning to enter Mercy College as a Psychol-
ogy Major. I first learned of John Singleton a friend in my head. From a gentleman who I was introduced to as being a former writer for the hit T.V. show Miami Vice. He impressed everyone with his knowledge and world travel. But what was so interesting about this Young man was he seemed to have the pulse of this young new Filmmaker by the name of John Singleton. He would illustrate like it was magical, stories about this new filmmaker and his phenomenal film, (Boyz N The Hood), coming down the pipeline. He would say this guy would be a much better filmmaker than Spike Lee. I said yeah right, but he would not under any imagination waver in his statement. He also made it clear that John would be L.A.’s answer to Spike Lee. I immediately question his legitimacy and asked him for proof of being a writer. And how did he know this young brother? He ignored me as he now had a larger crowd who at this time demanded his attention. I felt shunned and confronted him. It was now or never, no longer being polite. I said Yo! You been all around the world writing for T.V. shows I could write a screenplay. He laughed and said you don’t know anything about writing. He said I’ll tell you what? If you can write a completed screenplay, I’ll pay you $100.00s. It was on, bet! Boyz N The Hood stayed in the media, instantaneously Hollywood had made John Singleton bigger than life. For us John Singleton was presenting reality filmmaking later to be known as the real reality T.V. Man, he was Malcolm, King, our hero, he was on a whole different level. John was what we needed. He presented himself more than a filmmaker. Someone who we could visualize not in dreams but reality, that we could touch, and feel in our souls, family. One thing is clear John Singleton characters were created to be the black community, unapologetic. There came a time, when Sony didn’t want to let John direct his film. Because he had never directed before. True to his nature he didn’t give in. But for allies like Sherry Lancing, the first woman C.E.O. of a Major Hollywood Studio. She would demand that John direct. In John Singleton fashion he made history. The brother is the reason you got a F. Gary Gray, Denzel Washington (as a director), Antoine Fuqua, Hype Williams, Tyler Perry, Ava DuVernay, Robert Rodriquez, Quentin Tarantino, the Hughes Brothers, Ice Cube, Jordan Peele, Lee Daniels. John was a revolutionary, a pioneered the spirit breakthrough. He’s Valedictorian and Dean of Post-Modern Filmmakers; the 21st century baby. John was from South Central, L.A., he was a product of N.W.A. John introduced the world to the hood. Singleton at 24 became the youngest person ever, and first African-American to be nominated by the Motion Picture Academy of America for an Oscar for “Best Director”. His art remains deep and prophetic, a masters master in film. He lived his films. He insisted in living and mingling with community. If you were one of his actors you hung with him, yes in the Hood with gang members, breathing their air.
John Singleton was tenacious and perceptible, and never in his works did he side with being pique. He was our Prince, royalty not seen since the days of Oscar Micheaux. John Singleton showed the world that black films are lucrative, big business and Hollywood be wise to bet black all the time. Not until Boyz N The Hood did Hollywood get it right in depicting a coming of age film about people of color. John touched many young people. His story still resonates loud and booming in a poetic freestyle way. John Singleton took our stories to the world and gave us voice in our tong and ubiquitous. John’s life was one of bailiwick dreams from which he changed the rules of the film game. Synonymous with South Central, L.A. yes something good can come out of Nazareth. John’s work will speak for his life and his contribution not only to film but to humanity as a whole. Through his myriad of human triumphs and tragedies? Maybe you will remember him by celebrating his films, Baby Boy, Poetic Justice, Shaft, Higher learning, Rose Wood, T.V. Rebel, etc. For John filmmaking was his rite of passage. There was never a Hood John didn’t appreciate. Singleton rose from the ashes to become Pop Culture. Remember the time he and Michael Jackson casted Magic Johnson in the video with Eddie Murphy, and Iman? Nobody wanted Magic Johnson but John did, H.I.V. and all. This is who John Singleton was, a very special human being that Hollywood made bigger than life. John was humble and could be seen walking around the Hood. When he wrote he made Taraji tremble, ask her? John discovered things inside her that convinced her he was more than a director. He was a life saver a parable of God and when possible, poured all he could of himself into others. The transition of John Singleton is personal for me. He is the reason I became a filmmaker. And one of many he has entrusted to tell our stories unapologetic. And yes, I did win the bet thanks to John Singleton inspiring me to just believe. John Singleton lives on and will always be the Prince of African -American Filmmaking. Rest my brother I’m sure you already got Pac and Nipsey ready to do your greatest work ever?
Osiris Imhotep is a Filmmaker and Playwright, has written over 21 screenplays, films like I’ll Always Love My Ma Ma, Stage Plays, Angel In The Mirror, and When A Woman Prays. He is the Co-Founder of the Peoples Film Festival, Founder of the Mount Vernon Film Festival, Tarrytown Film Festival, and the Mount Vernon Westchester Film & Arts Institute.
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16 BLACK WESTCHESTER
POLITICALLY SPEAKING
MAY 15, 2019
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BLACK WESTCHESTER 17
MOUNT VERNON PUBLIC LIBRARY SPRING OPEN HOUSE
PICTURES BY D. IMAGE Mount Vernon - More than 300 hundred people came to support the Mount Vernon Public Library Spring Open House, Thursday, April 25, 2019. The trustees selected seven individuals to honor including Black Westchester Editor-InChief AJ Woodson and student advocate and the Mistress of Information and PBP Radio Co-host Brenda L. Crump. Other honorees included County Legislators Lyndon Williams and David Tubiolo, Ms. Maryanne Colantuono, Tykvan Hardee and Ms. Julie Mills- Worthey, Esq. Mount Vernon City Clerk George Brown was the Master of Ceremony of the event, greeting were given by Mayor Richard W. Thomas, MVPL Board President Oscar Davis Jr., and MVPL Director Ms. Evania Thompson gave a brief presentation and former Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson was the Keynote Speaker.
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18BLACK WESTCHESTER
NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW
MAY 15, 2019
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BW EDITORIALS
BLACK WESTCHESTER19
CON EDISON TO LIFT GAS MORATORIUM IN SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER BY MARVIN CHURCH Back in March 2019, Con Edison’s Southern Westchester gas moratorium went into
effect. That meant Con Edison would no longer accept new gas customers in Southern Westchester. Existing building consumers who wished to transfer from heating oil to gas, and new constructing real estate developers could no longer get their gas needs met by Con Edison. Even though, Con Edison had been warning about its insufficient capacity to meet the gas needs of Southern Westchester, governmental officials and consumers were left unprepared when Con Edison finally made the gas moratorium official. WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT CON EDISON IS LIFTING THE GAS MORATORIUM?
As a result of political and business community pressure, Con Edison recently announced plans to lift the gas moratorium in the year 2023 up to the year 2043. However, the lifting of the gas moratorium for twenty years leaves more questions than it answers. 1. The gas moratorium is still in place and will be so for another four years. 2. The New York State Public Commission, the agency that oversees utilities, pledged to reduce greenhouse gases 40% by the year 2030 and 80% by the year 2050. Coincidentally, Con Edison’s gas moratorium will be reinstituted 7-years (2050 – 2043= 7 years) before New York State is slated to achieve an 80% fossil fuel reduction. THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS Closer examination of Con Edison’s plan and New York State Public Commission’s overlapping fossil fuel guidelines reveal the following: • There will be no Con Edison gas available to new Southern Westchester customers until 2023. • There might not be any gas option available after 2043. So, for a period of 20 years, Southern Westchester will receive heating gas from Con Edison and then…no one knows what will happen then. • After 2050, New York State Public Commission reduced fossil fuel guide lines may disallow new gas supply agreements. WHAT ARE THE OBSTACLES FACING CONSUMERS NOW? From a consumer perspective, it would seem that with such severe gaps in Southern Westchester’s gas plan, waiting might be the best option. While for some this would not be an unwise position, for other consumers waiting is not option. There are two basic issues consumers might consider before adopting an energy plan:
Marvin Church can be reached at renewableenergy@comrie.biz. He is a Mount Vernon resident and has worked as an energy consultant for over 20 years identifying effective energy solutions and financial options for low, middle and market-rate customers. Marvin is a principle partner in Comrie Enterprises, LLC that is a NYSERDA Multifamily Existing Building Partner and a Energize NY Partner. He is currently a member of the Heat Smart Campaign Team where he campaigns for sufficient financial incentives for property owners who might find the cost of renewable energy solution prohibitive. And, Marvin is also a member of the Westchester County Sustainability Committee where he speaks to the concerns of the low to middle income communities.
MRS. CONWAY…PANTS ON FIRE? BY JACQULIN KING “Not the Campaign I ran, to a successful conclusion. I would never have talked to a Russian; knowingly.” [Kellyanne Conway on CNN’s “State of the Union” w/Jake Tapper]
Folks, I’m just a fearfully and wonderfully made, African American Senior Citizen, who is a political news junkie. I can also read (with understanding); and upon reading The Mueller Report, I came across a few pages which led me to know (without a doubt) that Kellyanne Conway is a diabolically shrewd, liar. Let us begin with some truth by listing “THE GRANDMASTERS”, in this worldwide political sport, called “Game of Chess [GOC]”: George Nader (see Trump\Nader photo) - Nader has a dark history as a child molester. He pled guilty and was sentenced in the 1990s for transporting child pornography publications and imprisoned in 2003 for sexually abusing 10 boys (about 13 or 14 years old) in the Czech Republic. He’s also a consultant to Blackwater founder, Erik Prince. Erik Prince – Prince is an American businessman and former U.S. Navy SEAL officer best known for founding the government services and security company, Blackwater USA. He’s also the younger brother of U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. Betsy DeVos – Not only has Betsy sullied her character by having married into the family who founded the “Scam AMWAY Business”; she is also weighed down by the relentless question from the American People. The question is: does Betsy have the academic skills necessary to handle a highly sought-after post, like the U.S. Secretary of Education? The ONLY reason Betsy has made this list is because of her “Family Ties”. In addition to her connection to the multi-level AMWAY scam, Betsy is also tied to Mary Kay Letourneau. Mary Kay is a former schoolteacher, who was sentenced to prison for having sex with her 13-year old student. The General Counsel, for Blackwater (founded by Erik Prince, Betsy’s younger brother), was Mary Kay’s brother, Joseph Schmitz. Joseph Schmitz – (just a bit of irrelevant trivia) an American lawyer and former Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Defense, once investigated involvement of the U.S. Military in the sex-trade in South Korea, Bosnia, and Kosovo. Kirill Dmitriev (RUSSIAN NATIONAL) – Dmitriev is the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund [RDIF] a $10 billion sovereign wealth fund created by the Russian government to co-invest in the Russian economy alongside the sovereign wealth funds of other countries. Konstantin Kilimnik – a dual citizen of Russia and Ukraine who was a longtime business associate of Paul Manafort. Paul Manafort (known for his work as top consultant to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych) – Manafort is an American lobbyist, political consultant, former lawyer, and convicted felon. Manafort joined Donald Trump’s campaign team in March 2016 and was campaign chairman from June to August 2016. Shortly thereafter, Manafort was replaced by Kellyanne Conway (mother of a 13-year-old boy). Kellyanne Conway – when not squatting on the couch in the Oval Office of the White House, Mrs. Conway’s other duties and responsibilities include (but are not
limited to) popping off “alternative facts”. Here is what Kelly-girl had to say concerning Mr. Robert Mueller’s Report: “The idea that any of us, and me as a campaign manager, would cheat, steal, lie, cut corners, talk to Russians, was an insult from the beginning.” Well now, let us dig into this blatant lie that Conway spewed, to Jake Tapper on “State of the Union”. CONWAY: “I would never have talked to a Russian; knowingly.” It appears that Conway is not only a liar, but she is also quite delusional; for it appears that she expects “the American People” to believe, the only way that she could get a message to a Russian would be to actually, “talk to a Russian”. Notwithstanding, let’s give homegirl the benefit of the possibility that maybe she didn’t have access to a dictionary growing up. Or, perhaps she has never learned how to navigate to and then to use Google. PERHAPS PERHAPS PERHAPS. That said, here’s a bit of help for her… “Talking and communicating are synonymous. Communication is a term with the broadest meaning and refers to any way of getting a message between a sender, and a receiver. Young children develop a variety of ways to communicate their needs before they even begin to speak. They use eye-contact, gestures, facial expressions and body postures to convey their different messages.” For example, … Donald Trump poses in a photo with George Nader (man who sexually molested 10 boys, ages 13-14). The photo was taken at a January 2017 event, in Seychelles. Also, in attendance at that 2017 event were: bin Zayed (Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi), Kirill Dmitriev (Russian National), and Erik Prince (Betsy DeVos’ younger brother). Why would the POTUS (who, is also the father of a 13-year old boy) communicate, by smiling WIDELY, in a photo with a convicted child sexual abuser? Earlier… On December 8th (1 month AFTER the Election, and 1 month BEFORE the meeting in Seychelles), Konstantin Kilimnik sent the following email to Paul Manafort, in regards to the Yanukovych Peace Plan (I’ll refer you back to the top of this story to peruse the listing of the “Grand Masters”): Kilimnik wrote, “all that is required to start the process is a minor ‘wink’ (or slight push) from DT (aka, Donald Trump)”, and a decision to authorize you to be a ‘special representative’ and manage this process, will be made. Within 10 days, you could visit Russia and be guaranteed reception at the very top level. DT, could have peace in Ukraine basically within a few months after inauguration.” Within 10 days and NO TALKING NECESSARY. WOW!!! So, how do I know Conway is a liar? Easter Sunday Morning – ABC This Week – w/Martha Raddatz CONWAY: “The campaign that I managed in those last few months did not welcome help from Russians. In fact, I don’t recall getting/being offered help from Russians.” Hmmmmm, let’s have a final look-see at The Mueller Report (page 152): “George Nader (pedophile) told Kirill Dmitriev (Russian) that the people (incoming administration) he’d met had asked for Dmitriev’s bio, and Dmitriev replied that he would update and send it. Nader later received from Dmitriev two files; one file was a two-page biography, and the other was a list of Dmitriev’s... (continues on page 23)
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20 BLACK WESTCHESTER
MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA
MAY 15, 2019
FOUNDER OF MOMS DEMAND RESPONDS TO DEATH THREATS FROM NRA: ‘I’LL NEVER STOP EXPOSING YOUR DEADLY AGENDA’ BY AJ WOODSON E ach Sunday night the People Before Politics Radio Show opens with a clip of Malcolm X’s April 3, 1964 speech, ‘The Ballot or the Bullet’ with the words ‘...
Founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense founder, Shannon Watts. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
and they’re not afraid to say it.” Black Westchester salutes others who Speak Truth To Power and ‘are not afraid to say it.’ This month we spotlight Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, who recented tweeted the death threats she has recieved which were encouraged by the National Rifle Association will ‘never stop exposong [their] deadly agenda. Supporters locally and nationally are coming to the defense of Shannon Watts, after the NRA seemingly encouraged followers to message her on social media. As a result of the posts shared by the NRA, Watts has been bombarded with death threats against herself and her family, and then mocked by the organization for deleting the threatening comments. The conflict began when Watts shared a tweet featuring a Friday, May 3rd NRA-ILA (Institute for Legislative Action) article - where the organization praised itself for opposing bans on armor-piercing ammunition - which the NRA Twitter account claimed Watts was “deceptively cherry picking” the article. In response a day later, the NRA encouraged its supporters to flood Watts’ social media accounts with negative comments. This led to a series of death threats, which Watts documented. “I hope your 5 kids all get shot dead,” wrote one NRA supporter. “Have fun protecting yourself with a bat or a knife I’ll be sure to not be at your funeral,” wrote another. And one person detailed a violent rape, torture, and murder fantasy about Watts and her family.
Watts posted the threats and tagged the NRA so the group could see what its actions had prompted. She then, understandably, began removing the hateful comments on her Instagram posts. Instead of being chastened, however, the NRA poured gasoline on the fire. “Shannon Watts doesn’t only hate the Second Amendment, but she despises the First, too,” the NRA taunted. “That is why she’s been deleting all of your thoughtful comments because she can’t handle the truth.” The NRA’s post concluded: “#SorryNotSorry.” This was followed up by yet another taunting post that refused to acknowledge or condemn the death threats the NRA had helped incite. Watts “disabled comments on Instagram because she couldn’t handle the facts,” the NRA claimed. “I disabled the comments after receiving several dozen death threats against me and my children,” Watts wrote in response to the avalanche of bile. “The NRA is weaker than it’s ever been and it’s no wonder that its leaders are trying to create distractions from their own scandals,” Watts told Shareblue Media on Thursday. “Their decision to make their number one enemy a middle-aged mom is an interesting choice, but then again, so is refusing to heed the desire of a majority of Americans — and even their own members — for commonsense gun laws,” Watts added. The NRA has been in the headlines lately for a series of scandals and political failures. Its leadership is enmeshed in a series of lawsuits and allegations of misappropriation of donor funds, such as CEO Wayne LaPierre’s $250,000 spending spree on fancy suits. Meanwhile the newly elected NRA president, Carolyn Meadows, was widely criticized for a recent racist remark about Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA). Meadows claimed the congresswoman won her election because she was a “minority female.” Those embarrassments follow a year in which many of the NRA’s chosen candidates lost their races in the midterm election while investigations were opened into the organization for accepting foreign donations. The NRA even had a Russian spy in its midst. Sending its most ravenous and unhinged supporters after a mother trying to make the country safer isn’t the best look, but it is the path the NRA has unmistakably chosen.
“Maybe because you’re a f***ing imbecile lobbying to take unalienable basic human rights of your fellow citizens. Maybe you SHOULD receive death threats,” wrote an Instagram user defending the threats on Watts’ life. While Watts has received a plethora of threats and negative feedback from unhinged users, she vows to the NRA, “I’ll never stop exposing your deadly agenda.” Many have come to her defense, including Chelsea Clinton and Cynthia Turnquest-Jones
SHANNON WATTS IS INTERRUPTING THE HABIT OF WRONG
BY CYNTHIA TURNQUEST-JONES
MEMBER OF THE WESTCHESTER CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION
There are millions of cheep seats in the world today with individuals sitting and jabbing from the nose bleeding rows. If you google NRA you will get this beauty of a quote written, “The National Rifle Association is America’s longest-standing civil rights organization.” This organization was founded in 1871 which is around one hundred and forty eight years. This one hundred and forty years of Power was interrupted in 2012. Moms Demand Action was erected six years ago after the Sandy Hook tragedy. Apparently, there is a feeling of resentment towards Moms Demand. Resentment is a reason to behave in an illogical manner. Nelson Mandela said, “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” The threats that were sent out to Shannon apparently see Moms Demand Action as a threat. On December 15, 2012 Moms Demand Action for Better Gun Sense in America was established. Stay-at-home mom Shannon Watts organized by starting a Facebook page. The organization number of members grew at a fiery speed. Women and men as well knew that together we can make a change at the local, state and national levels for gun violence prevention as the focus. Over the past six years Moms Demand Action gained unstoppable momentum to become the strongest opposition that the gun lobby has ever seen. We believe in the rights to bare arms. We have an issue with gun laws that are in place. We also have an issue with the statistics that are ignored when it comes to gun violence. The Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting was the fourth deadliest mass shooting by a single person. Conversations as to why he had access to semi-automatic firearms and magazines sparked across the United States. Lanza was documented as having the developmental disorder Asperger’s syndrome, and as a teenager suffered from depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder with access to fire-arms used in combat. We then realized that the laws across the United States varied as to how you qualify to obtain a gun. Moms Demand Action also sparked the conversations about play dates with children. The safety conversations we do not have. Parents often have children visit their home and their child may also visit their friend. “Do you have a fire-arm?” is a question many parents never thought of asking. Since its founding in 2012, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America continues to push back in opposition of the gun lobby and educating the masses to rally for common-sense laws and policies to make our country sound. Thanks to Westchester County Executive George Latimer who supports common-sense gun laws. He signed an executive order Tuesday, January 2, 2018 that bans gun shows on all Westchester county-owned properties. The act was one of Latimer’s first move as executive. He believed that the Westchester County Center was the wrong venue for a gun show.
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MAY 15, 2019
MORE BW NEWS
BLACK WESTCHESTER
21
9-YEAR-OLD DIES AFTER BEING HIT BY MINIVAN IN MT VERNON FAMILY STARTS GOFUNDME CAMPAIGN TO PAY FOR FUNERAL BY AJ WOODSON
Drew Faustin would have been ten years old a week after accident [GoFundMe]
MOUNT VERNON - 9-year-old boy, Drew Faustin was hit by a car Wednesday , May 8th in Mount Vernon, he was taken to Jacobi hospital in the Bronx where he passed away.. He was struck by the vehicle while he tried to cross South Columbus Avenue around 6:30 p.m. Close family friends say he was just a week shy of his 10th birthday. Police have identified the driver as Janay Ruiz, 27, of Connecticut. Witnesses say they heard the impact and rushed out as emergency responders tried to revive Faustin.
His sister has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for funeral expenses. She is trying to raise $10,000. As of late Friday night, close to $7,000 had been contributed. “My family and I are completely devastated by this sudden and tragic loss. Drew was the sweetest boy you could ever meet,” said Bryanna Sinclair. “He enjoyed playing Fortnite, DJ-ing, spending time with his friends, family and church family. There is no way to be prepared for such a tragedy.” “Our hearts are broken with the tragic traffic accident involving one of our elementary school children who just wanted to travel and play,” Mayor Richard W. Thomas said in a statement. “The boy was on the verge of ‘double digits’ with his birthday next week and was looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day with his mom.” A mother of a boy who was with the victim tells News 12 that her son was able to cross the street safely and encouraged his friends to do the same. She says that the victim didn’t cross immediately, and when he tried, the friends warned him that a car was coming. However, that warning came too late and the child was struck. His pastor says the grief is too much to bear for himself and the family as Mother’s Day is soon. “I offer the family my deepest condolences,” Council President André Wallace shared with BlacK Westchester. “I will let the police finish their investigation before commenting further on any details of the case but I will say this: the protection of our children must be our top priority.” Drew was a student at Graham Elementary School in the city, the Mount Vernon school district said. Natasha Hunter-McGregor, principal of the Graham School, said Drew was a “bright, fun-loving individual with an infectious personality and great sense of humor. “Drew was well liked by his classmates and teachers. He always had a smile on his face and compassion for his friends,” Hunter-McGregor said in a statement. “He will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We ask that you keep them in your prayers as we mourn the tragic loss of one of our Graham School Stars.” The driver stayed on the scene and was not charged. Police say they believe this was a tragic accident. For those interested in donating for Drew’s arrangements you can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/funeral-expenses-for-drew-faustin. The family appreciates your kindness.
POLICE MEMORIAL SERVICE & HONOR AWARDS CEREMONY
55 OFFICERS FROM 13 LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES HONORED BY AJ WOODSON
(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County law enforcement community gathered this week at the County Center in White Plains to pay tribute to fallen officers and honor current officers for outstanding police work performed in the past year. The annual Police Memorial Service and Honor Awards ceremony on Thursday was presided over by County Executive George Latimer and Public Safety Commissioner Thomas A. Gleason. The names of 87 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in Westchester were read aloud and taps were played to honor their memory. Awards for bravery, investigative skill and lifesaving were presented to 55 law enforcement officers by Latimer, Gleason, Deputy County Executive Kenneth Jenkins and Westchester District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. “We honor you this day because you honor us every day with the service that you provide to us and that you provide so selflessly,” Latimer shared with Black Westchester. “You have our continuing and eternal respect.” Gleason paid tribute to two fallen officers from the New Rochelle Police Department – Police Officer Kathleen O’Connor-Funigiello and Detective Mark Gado -- who died in the past year from illnesses associated with their service at Ground Zero. “Like so many brave men and women in blue, their selflessness and courage after the 9/11 terror attacks cost them their health and then took their lives,” Gleason said. He noted that in accordance with protocols their names were added this year to the national and New York State law enforcement memorials and will be added to Westchester’s memorial statue in the coming year. In the awards portion of the ceremony, officers were honored for incidents and investigations that occurred between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019. For the six-month period ending March 31, 2019, awards were presented to: Lt. Drew Conetta, Detective Matthew Chalmers, and Police Officers Salvatore Baldo, Christopher Bivona, Jason Fox, Efrain Roman, Michael Sprague and William Washington of the Port Chester Police Department for their daring rescue of hostages and the safe and successful apprehension of the armed, barricaded subject who was holding them; Sgt. Christopher Balezentis, Sgt. Dawn Gomerez, and Police Officers James Baker, Christopher Barca, Christian Carrasco, David MacDonald and Joseph Vellozzi of the Yonkers Police Department for their skillful and decisive handling of an incident involving a suicidal man who barricaded himself in an apartment and set the room on fire; Police Officer Dominick Carelli Jr. and Anthony Fraioli Jr. of the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department for entering frigid waters off Harbor Island Park to save a drowning man; Sgt. Edward Devlin and Detectives Thomas Barker, Anthony Cucinell, Jonathan Gould, Kenneth Hasko and Nicholas Piqueras of the Westchester County Police Hazardous Devices unit for their skillful handling of explosive devices that were sent to two prominent Westchester County residents; Detective Lt. Brian Fagan and Detectives Timothy Adrian, Christpher Guglielmo,
Investigator Edward Murphy, Westchester District Attorney’s Office Special Agent Daniel McKenna, FBI; Supervisory Special Agent Andrew Butorac and Special Agents Sean Argyros, David Brown and Moises Walters of the Drug Enforcement Administration for their long-term and successful narcotics investigation that lead to the seizure of multiple kilos of cocaine and methamphetamine being trafficked through a New Rochelle business establishment; Police Officer Ryan Wiley of the White Plains Police Department for rescuing a firefighter who had been overcome by carbon monoxide following a fire at an industrial business; Police Officer Patsy Leone and Jonathan Smith of the Pleasantville Police Department for preventing a distraught person from jumping off the Manville Road Bridge. For the six-month period ending Sept. 30, 2018 awards were presented to: Detective Sgt. Victor Preni and Detectives Paul Api, Joseph Nowak, Robert Villanueva and Ryan Wynne of the Yonkers Police Department for the complex homicide investigation they conducted after the remains of an unidentified man were found in Yonkers; Police Officer Arcangelo Liberatore of the Irvington Police Department for intervening without regard for his own personal safety while off-duty when a 5-year-old girl was attacked by a rabid coyote; Lt. Matthew Kiernan and Detective Michael Martins, Eastchester Police Department; Senior Investigator Michael Occhione of the Westchester District Attorney’s Office; and Detective John Tyndal of the Yonkers Police Department for apprehending persons responsible for numerous burglaries, including the theft of more than $500,000 in cash from an Eastchester residence. Detective Sgt. Brian Matthews and Detectives Richard Cunningham, Mark D’Elia, Edgar Demelo, John Distefano, Davey Jakasal and Daniel O’Malley for their successful investigation into a pattern of burglaries that occurred in Greenburgh and other communities in Westchester. Police Officer Christopher Guziczek of the Westchester County Police for crawling into and rescuing an injured driver from an overturned vehicle that was leaking gasoline and in danger of exploding.
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22 BLACK WESTCHESTER
NEWS WITH THE BLACK POINT OF VIEW
MAY 15, 2019
REPORT TO THE COMMISSIONER - A TALE OF WHITE PRIVILEGE IN THE WHITE PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT T
BY ZACHERY GATES
wo City of White Plains Police officers, Lieutenant James Parlow - the former PBA Treasurer, and Robert Riley the former PBA President, allegedly misappropriated White Plains Police Benevolent Association (WPPBA) funds in excess of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars!
WPPD Deputy Commissioner James M. Bradley
There are reasons for the mistrust and disconnect, between the police and the African-American community. Unfortunately, this mistrust seems doomed to forever remain broken. The manner in which the WPPBA, specifically the commissioner’s office, handled and is attempting to conceal officer misconduct is a prime example. Black Westchester was the first news outlet to report this story. A month later, there have not been any updates on the alleged investigation? Deputy Commissioner James Bradley’s was quoted “the PBA is cooperating, and wants to do the right thing.” (Liebson Journal News 4/8/19) The Office of Professional Standards (Internal Affairs) along with the Westchester County DA’s Office is conducting their own investigations, which could lead to possible departmental and criminal charges.”
Integrity, Professionalism, and Respect, is the department’s motto, a pledge to the public that they serve. Apparently that pledge is just a façade. Truth be told, Bradley had knowledge of the alleged misconduct months prior to any media attention. The two disgraced officers made arrangements with the union as to how and when the alleged misappropriated funds would be paid back, in detail! Which sounds a lot like a confession now doesn’t it? Bradley’s quote is a poor attempt to blame shift. The Office of Professional Standards (supervised by Bradley) also knew months prior. What is unknown is if an investigation began when The Office of The Commissioner was first made aware of the alleged misconduct, or if they waited until the story broke and forced their hand? Is that Integrity and professionalism, most would say no. There seems to be a “culture” of policing, a way of thinking that most people just couldn’t understand, especially in regards to turning a blind eye to officer misconduct? It is apparent by this example, that the police have a “no snitching” component to their culture as well. In a meeting held in March, members of The PBA voted not to file criminal charges against their brothers, eighty five to five although there are twice that many union members. When I spoke with an active PBA member about the media coverage, he stated “we just wanted our money back; they were forfeiting their PBA send off money (approximately eighty-five hundred each) and paying us back. The forfeiture was the penalty and oh, they had to retire. We were concerned about the families (kids) of Parlow and Riley, in regards to their prosecution and termination and the effects of media attention.” Ironically when I asked about four officers who were injured in the line of duty that the PBA allowed The City and Commissioner’s office to terminate, starting in 2017, and concern for their families, I received no comment! Not surprising, the two Caucasian officers terminated have received pensions while the two minority officers have not! It is shocking how the PBA members would vote to conceal criminal “Judas” like actions of two, and disregard other union brothers who did nothing wrong. If police can turn a blind eye to misconduct within, it only makes sense when many commit police perjury under, brutalize, falsify records and conduct unwarranted searches. A fact many African-Americans know all too well. The right thing to do would have been for The Commissioner, PBA, or the DA’s office to have pressed the complaint for the alleged larceny/ embezzlement months ago. Regardless on how the union members voted! The arrogance of entitlement, “white privilege,” and the power of Professional Courtesy” given to these men cannot be ignored. In White Plains, many officers including those in leadership must have a confidence that the residents don’t care, where is the respect in that? The department is notorious for the amount of shoplifters they arrest (10-39’s), from the City’s various shopping malls. The majority of the subjects are Black, Latino, and poor Whites. Those arrested for stealing a pair of Air Jordan’s, or a Louis Vuitton bags, if convicted, will do more jail time then these two men who allegedly stole an excess of a quarter of a million dollars!
In theory, everyone arrested in White Plains for larceny or embezzlement, past, present, and future should say “we want the deal those two cops got!” That is the precedence the department and County DA’s Office is setting. Trust and believe that deal those officers received by the PBA, and The Departmental leadership, wouldn’t happen to anyone who was not Caucasian and wearing a police uniform. The Black Community should be consciously aware and outraged. Surprisingly Parlow and Riley were not the first to allegedly betray their union brothers. Lori Bailey Village of Fishkill Police (former PBA treasurer) embezzled almost thirty seven thousand from the union. She was charged for third degree grand larceny in 2018. John Campbell, Cape May NJ PD (former PBA president) was sentenced to 364 days in jail, fifteen thousand dollars in fines, and restitution of the in 2018. Unfortunately there are even more cases. Apparently in “reputable” departments, when the cops commit crimes in regards to theft, and embezzlement, they are convicted, sent to jail, and pay restitution. Time will tell what happens in White Plains; however it would appear that those in control are stalling for time and are praying the public forgets! Parlow was able to retire, and the department is carrying Riley to the finish line. Again, not only will they keep their pensions but will also retire in good standing, with clean criminal records! Impacting their future employment, which could take away employment opportunities from law abiding citizens! Black Westchester has learned through investigation that while these alleged incidents occurred, Officer Robert Riley was one of the department’s property clerks! He was assigned to where the department stores evidence, confiscated drugs, guns, jewelry, and money! Any investigation which includes Officer Riley should have started months prior to March of 2019, just because of the assignment he held! The Commissioner’s office, The WPPBA, and The Office of Professional Standards may have failed Big time! Especially if an investigation, which should have included at least an audit of the property room and its contents, was not conducted before media publication! On face value, an investigation at this juncture seems to have been conducted very late, or at minimum “selective” which is totally unacceptable. Instead of tap dancing around the truth, James Bradley needs to “do the right thing” and admit this cover-up and correct the mistake. The City Council and Mayor Thomas Roach should be appalled and disgusted by the conduct within The Police Department, especially those in leadership positions. One again District Attorney Scarpino who ran of prosecuting corruption, once again is allowing police corruption with impunity. The lasting question remains what other officer misconduct The Commissioner’s office and IAD has turned a blind eye to? As a community we must hold them accountable. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., once said “An injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere.” I guess that doesnt apply for White law enforcement officers of the White Plains Police Department.
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2019
Yurrr! Dear Graduating Class Of 2019, Congratulations! We did it! Whether you’re from Yonkers or Atlanta, Chicago or Charleston, I want to say, congratulations to you! Congratulations to the children who are graduating from day care, elementary school, and middle school. To all the high school youngins who know what institution of higher learning they will be attending this Fall, congratulations! To those who will be going into the Marine Corps, the Army, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Airforce, congratulations. Congratulations to all the college students who are graduating. No matter what degree you are graduating with, it is important that you are graduating. Period. Especially if you’re a Black woman or a Black man.
BY DENNIS RICHMOND JR.
Life is not going to be easy now that some of us graduated and now that some of us are about to graduate. Many of us have lost loved ones during this process. Many of us became parents during this process. Many of us were parents during this process and struggled with juggling motherhood and fatherhood with our academics, but we did it! I say we because on May 23rd, 2019, I will be graduating with my Master of Science in Education from Sarah Lawrence College. If I could offer any bit of advice to us all, I would say to hold on to your faith and don’t EVER quit. Whatever you do, keep what or who you believe in first, and go hard. Keep going! Don’t stop! Keep pushing! Keep shining and keep grinding. No go out there and handle your BI (business) you heard!
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MAY 15, 2019
REAL TALK FOR THE COMMUNITY
BLACK WESTCHESTER 23
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR IN MEMORY OF A GOOD MAN GRAHAM SAYS BUTTIGIEG SHOULD COUNCILMAN KEVIN MORGAN REPENT BUT SUPPORTS TRUMP
Greenburgh Councilman Kevin Morgan was a good family man – So Franklin Graham is on Pete Buttigieg’s case for being gay. Graham said being devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren. gay is “something to be repentant of, not something to be flaunted, praised or Kevin was a good neighbor—helping neighbors and fellow residents with problems. He always put others first. If someone needed help shoveling their driveway after a snow storm Kevin was the first to respond. If someone needed a ride to an important function Kevin would be there for them. If a neighbor needed help with anything Kevin would always say yes. After 9-11 he volunteered his time helping out at ground zero. Some think the cancer that killed him could be ground zero related. Kevin was a good Police Officer. Appointed to the Greenburgh Police Department of February 1, 1977. In 1980, Kevin sustained a line of duty injury, suffering a broken back, after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Where most officers would have considered retiring, Kevin’s work ethic brought him back to the job where he was a natural. Kevin excelled as a patrol officer and was quickly assigned to the undercover Street Crime Unit. Kevin continued to excel in this assignment and was promoted to the position of Detective where he worked as a Juvenile Detective, Accident Investigator and one of the leading Detectives on Major Cases. Kevin received numerous commendations and awards during his police career before retiring in 1998. Kevin was an Executive Board member of the Greenburgh Police Association, as well as an active member of the Westchester County Detectives Association and the Westchester County Police Emerald Society. As a member of the Town Board Kevin took pride overseeing the swearing in ceremonies of new Police Officers. He always fought for the police. Kevin was an exceptionally good Councilman – devoting hours to the job, days, evenings, weekends. He was extremely liked by town employees and helped resolve employee related problems. As a Councilman he always did what he thought was best for the town -helping us address infrastructure issues, maintain our triple A bond rating and provide the community with excellent services. He loved the Greenburgh Nature Center, our parks programs and was a big advocate for the Theodore Young Community Center. . Kevin also fought hard to provide young people with sports and recreation activities. He was proud to be a part of the community that makes sure that the Elmsford Little League one of the best League’s around, with a great field to play at (Rumbrook). But, most important of all Kevin encouraged all the Town Board members to get along and to work together as a team. Thanks to his leadership –we haven’t experienced the kind of political feuding seen in other governments. Kevin served as the Town Board liaison to the village officials committee – finding ways for the unincorporated Greenburgh and villages to work together. Kevin worked with federal, state and county officials –helping the town get the help we needed from other levels of government. Kevin was extremely well liked by those who knew him. He was a good friend, an outstanding Councilman. He was loyal to his friends, always helpful. During his tenure as a member of the Greenburgh Town Board Kevin worked hard to bring everyone together. Thanks to his leadership – the Town Board has worked cooperatively with each other. All the members of the Town Board and I are devastated by Kevin’s passing. Greenburgh will not be the same without Kevin. Some people can’t be replaced. -Paul Feiner, Greenburgh Town Supervisor
O T R O T I D E S TO T H E M
R O E C T . T L I E A L M R G U SEND YO N C H I E F@
I R O T I D E BW
politicized,” and criticized Buttigieg for being in a same-sex marriage. Funny that Graham is all about criticizing Bittogoeg’s lifestyle as sinful and needing repentance, despite homosexuality not even cracking the top 10. You know what did? “You shall not commit adultery” (#7) “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (#8) We’ll just stop with those. Largely, because Trump has broken #7 Lord knows how many times and #8 so many times, that there may not be any accurate way to count them. With that said, despite the 3 marriages, innumerable instances of infidelity, and several KNOWN AND VERIFIABLE instances of Trump, literally paying off women to hide their affairs, Graham has not called for Trump to repent. In fact, what Graham DID say regarding Trump’s infidelity, was: “We just have to give the man the benefit of the doubt” (We DO? You couldn’t even give President Obama the benefit of the doubt about his CITIZENSHIP, which WASN’T a sin. But we’re going to ignore Trump’s repeated instances of infidelity, though.) “These alleged affairs, they’re alleged with Trump, didn’t happen while he was in office,” (funny, I didn’t know that sin was to be seen differently, if you weren’t President at the time) When asked about the difference between Bill Clinton’s extramarital affair and Trump: “This happened 11, 12, 13, 14 years ago,” he said. “And so, I think there is a big difference and not that we give anybody a pass, but we have to look at the timeline and that was before he was in office.” (So we’re not giving anyone a pass, but we’re giving Trump a pass. Not sure how that works, but….) ““Our country’s got a sin problem, and I believe if these politicians in Washington would recognize the moral failure of so many of their policies that maybe we could fix it.” (But let’s not address the sin problem that exists in the Oval Office though. THAT guy is OK. And let’s not address the issue of you in your religious capacity both endorsing a candidate that has literally NOTHING in common with the Christianity that you claim to represent, and your protecting him and excusing him for the purpose of milking him for an anti-gay, anti-abortion agenda. From where I’m sitting, that “sin” problem exists in Graham’s pulpit as well. “We certainly don’t hold him up as the pastor of this nation and he is not,” (Neither is Pete Buttigieg. So why are you concerned with HIS sin and not Trump’s?”) So basically, what we have here is Franklin Graham representing EVERYTHING that is bad about the “Evangelical” Christian movement. Which from where I sit, has NOTHING to do with “Evangelism” or Chistianity. The entire movement is simply a subset of the republican party. They wave the banner of Christ, without actually adhering to any of His precepts. They condemn others for not being like Christ, while feeling free to be nothing like Him, themselves. They claim Christ-like principles, when their only principles are being anti gay marriage, anti-abortion, and anti-immigrant. And they’ve made it apparent that as long as they have a candidate who will give them those things, they will stand behind them and claim that their candidate was sent by God Himself. They compare trump to Moses or David, in that they were also imperfect vessels who dedicated their lives to serving God. Only problem with that, is that both Moses and David had accepted who God was and actually turned their lives around to serve God. Trump, in admitting freely, that he has never asked for forgiveness and doesn’t think he has ever done anything where he needed to ask for it, and continually speaks and behaves in ways that are directly antithetical to Christ and His teachings, has proven that he is an analogue to neither Moses, nor David. He’s just an evil man who promised the “evangelical” voting bloc of the republican party that he’d give them what they want, if they give him their full support. The only thing Trump supports, is HIMSELF. And Graham and all of those the Evangelicals bought it lock, stock and barrel. And all it cost them was all of their credibility. Franklin Graham and his ilk have chosen their god. And it isn’t Jesus Christ. Which by the way, breaks Commandment #1. You shall have no other gods before Me. Nice work Franklin. btw, I’m a Christian. Just not an EVANGELICAL. There’s a difference. -Corey Morgan, Professional Body Artist, Cosplayer, Social Activist, but most importantly, Husband and Father.
MRS. CONWAY... (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19) positive quotes about Donald Trump. Clearly, this sounds not only like “welcoming help”, but sounds like “ASKING for help”. The very next morning Nader forwarded the message and attachments Dmitriev had sent; to Erik Prince. Nader wrote to Erik Prince that these documents were the versions “to be used with some additional details for them” [with “them” referring to members of the incoming Administration]. Erik Prince opened the attachments at Trump Tower within an hour of receiving the attachments. Prince stated that while he was at Trump Tower that day, he spoke with Kelly-girl.”
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24 BLACK WESTCHESTER
BW FINANCE
MAY 15, 2019
5 REASONS WHY WOMEN SHOULD BE SELFISH…FINANCIALLY
BY RASHAD BILAL
Women are givers by nature – especially when it comes to money. They may
delay getting dental work to buy school clothes. Or put careers on hold to raise children and care for aging parents. And they might help pay for their kids’ college tuition at the expense of their own retirement savings. Such choices may be selfless, but they also put women in a precarious financial position. BREAK THE CYCLE Women often sacrifice their own financial well-being because that’s the behavior their own mothers modeled. But, remember that your financial decisions today are setting an example for your kids and future generations. Don’t give your son money for a down payment on a home if it compromises your ability to retire on time or with the lifestyle you envisioned. And don’t bail your daughter out of credit card debt. Instead, explain that you’re not in the position to provide financial resources, but lend your verbal and emotional support. It’s not a rejection. It’s a learning opportunity. Help them research loan options, develop a savings plan, and explore debt repayment options to empower your children to meet their financial goals and develop healthy spending habits. SELF-RELIANCE IS A GIFT While many parents worry about leaving a financial legacy for their kids, advisors say the best gift you can give them is to fortify your retirement nest egg so you can cover your own living expenses and future health care costs. Otherwise, one or more of your kids (statistically more likely to be your daughter) might be forced to help finance your living expenses or quit their job to become your
caregiver.
LESS STRESS Money continues to be the leading cause of stress in America. Stress related to finances can impact both psychological and physical health. Indeed, those with high levels of stress about money often engage in unhealthy behaviors to manage that stress. And research shows the profound effects of stress on health status and longevity. MORE EMOTIONALLY AVAILABLE Making your money a priority yields another important benefit. Liberated from the weight of financial uncertainty, you may be more emotionally available to your spouse, kids, friends, and career. While no one knows how long they’ll live or whether a layoff is imminent, you can plan for the most likely outcomes, prepare for the unexpected with an emergency fund, and protect your loved ones with adequate life and disability income insurance coverage. YOU NEED MORE SAVED As a gender, women typically live longer, earn less and have less banked than their male counterparts. That makes them more vulnerable in the event of a divorce or premature death of a-spouse. And while they are generally better savers and more likely to participate in a 401(k) plan, their lower average income means they have far less socked away than most men. By declaring your own financial security as a top priority, women can relieve a significant source of stress, and potentially strengthen their relationships with loved ones.
Provided by Rashad Bilal, a financial representative with The Bilal Group LLC, courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
DISCIPLINARY TRIAL BEGINS FOR NYPD COP FIVE YEARS AFTER ERIC GARNER’S DEATH BY AJ WOODSON
NEW YORK: The disciplinary trial of the New York City police officer who put Eric Garner, an unarmed black man, in a fatal chokehold will began on Monday, May 13th nearly five years after the heavily publicized video of the death that went viral and sparked a national outcry about policing tactics. Daniel Pantaleo, who is white, could be fired after the conclusion of what is expected to be a 10-day trial at the New York Police Department’s headquarters located at 1 Police Plaza (1PP) in Manhattan. The ultimate decision will rest with New York City Police Commissioner James O’Neill. “It has been five long years,” Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr, told The Associated Press the first week in May. “Pantaleo and all those other officers who actually murdered my son that day, they are still collecting their salaries. They still go home every day and it’s business as usual with them. But with me, we relive this every day.” Social media post like the one above are being circuated as the case is closely being watched by civil rights activists who say too few police
officers face consequences for using deadly force and those, including New York City’s powerful police officers’ union, who defend officers for doing a dangerous job. Pantaleo, 33, has been assigned to a desk job since the deadly encounter on a Staten Island sidewalk, July 17, 2014, when he and other officers tried to arrest Garner on suspicion of selling loose cigarettes. Pantaleo has remained on the city payroll, stripped of his gun and badge but pulling in a salary peaking at more than $120,000 in 2017, according to city payroll records. In videos recorded on bystanders’ cellphones, Garner can be seen arguing with the officers before Pantaleo puts his arm around Garner’s neck and brings him down to the sidewalk as other officers move in to restrain Garner. Garner, who was 43, can be heard saying “I can’t breathe” 11 times before he dies. The phrase became a rallying cry in the early days of the Black Lives Matter movement, which seeks to end the disproportionate use of deadly force against nonwhite people by U.S. police departments. A Staten Island grand jury declined to bring criminal charges against Pantaleo later in 2014, prompting the U.S. Department of Justice to open a civil rights investigation into the death. Garner’s family has criticized that investigation as it has stretched into its fourth year without resolution. The city’s Civilian Complaints Review Board (CCRB), which prosecutes certain violations of police rules, determined in 2017 that Pantaleo used excessive force. Last July, the city said it would no longer wait for the Justice Department investigation to conclude before beginning the disciplinary trial. CCRB prosecutors will argue the case before a judge from the office of the police department’s deputy commissioner of trials. “We are confident that, once all the evidence has been presented, the Police Commissioner will find Officer Pantaleo guilty of misconduct and ultimately terminate him from the Department,” CCRB Chairman Fred Davie said in a statement last week. Although New York City’s chief medical examiner ruled that Garner was killed in part by a chokehold compressing his neck, Pantaleo’s lawyer and his union have said it was not a chokehold as defined by the police department, which has long banned the maneuver. The Civilian Complaint Review Board said it expects to call fewer than 20 witnesses during the trial expected to last two weeks. Stuart London, Pantaleo’s attorney, said he’ll bring up to 10 people to the stand. They include a retired NYPD training sergeant who London said taught Pantaleo an approved technique known as a “seat-belt hold” that is being confused for a chokehold. The NYPD’s chief surgeon ruled in 2014 that Pantaleo hadn’t used a chokehold on Garner, contradicting the medical examiner’s findings, London said. London said part of his defense case would focus on attacking the medical examiner’s report, which he called a “political document” and “the worst possible autopsy ever done.” Pantaleo’s union, the Police Benevolent Association, has blamed the 350-pound Garner’s poor health and resisting arrest for his death. Garner shouted at officers as they approached him, saying: “Every time you see me, you want to mess with me. I’m tired of it. It stops today. I’m minding my business. Please just leave me alone.”
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MAY 15, 2019
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
BLACK WESTCHESTER
25
REGINA KING SIGNS EXCLUSIVE FIRST-LOOK DEAL WITH NETFLIX BY AJ WOODSON
THE OSCAR AND EMMY WINNER WILL DEVELOP FILMS AND TV SERIES FOR THE STREAMING GIANT
Oscar
PHOTO CREDIT: JOE PUGLIESE FOR VARIETY
And Emmy winner Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk, Seven Seconds, American Crime) has entered into a multi-year first look deal with Netflix. The actress, director, and producer’s Royal Ties production company will produce films and series for the streamer under the new deal, with King’s sister, Reina King, serving as head of production. “Regina King is a multi-faceted talent both behind and in front of the camera,” Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said Wednesday in a statement. “She’s been a trailblazer for years, with boundless creativity and impeccable taste in projects, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that she will bring her formidable talents to Netflix.” King won an Emmy in 2018 (the third of her career) for her role on Netflix’s limited series Seven Seconds, and followed that up with an Oscar win for If Beale Street Could Talk. She currently is working on Damon Lindelof’s Watchmen adaptation for HBO.
DAVE CHAPPELLE TO RECEIVE MARK KIM KARDASHIAN TWAIN PRIZE FOR AMERICAN HUMOR HELPS FREE 17 INMATES IN 90 DAYS
BY AJ WOODSON
D ave Chappelle, the comedian and
star of “Chappelle’s Show” and recently, “A Star is Born,” will be the 22nd annual recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The comedian, actor, writer, and producer will receive the prize at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on October 27th. The gala will then be broadcast on PBS on January 6, 2020. Chappelle will join a prestigious group of comedians who have received the honor, including Carol Burnett, Eddie Murphy, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart and Richard Pryor, who was the first to receive the distinction in 1998. The Kennedy Center said Tuesday, May 7th, that it had chosen Chappelle, the co-creator and star of “Chappelle’s Show,” as the 22nd recipient of the annual honor. “Dave is the embodiment of Mark Twain’s observation that ‘against the assault of humor, nothing can stand,’” Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement. “For three decades, Dave has challenged us to see hot-button issues from his entirely original yet relatable perspective. Dave is a hometown hero here in Washington, D.C., where he grew up. We’re so looking forward to welcoming him back home.”
TYRA BANKS MAKES MODELING COMEBACK WITH 3RD ‘SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT’ COVER
More than 20 years
after she became the first African-American woman to grace the annual cover solo, Tyra Banks is back showing off her bikini bod for the 2019 issue. The 45-year-old supermodel is stunning on her third SI Swimsuit cover, sporting an tiny yellow Andi Bagus bikini in Great Exuma, Bahamas.
AS SHE STUDIES TO BECOME LAWYER BY AJ WOODSON
The reality TV star has been funding a campaign to release prisoners who have been given 'unfair' sentences.
Kim Kardashian has reportedly help free 17 inmates in 90 days as part of a campaign to release prisoners who have been given heavy-handed sentences, according to multiple media sources/ The reality TV star’s lawyer, Brittany K Barnet, launched the 90 Days of Freedom campaign to help those behind bars and Kim is reportedly footing the bill. The 90 Days of Freedom campaign was launched by Barnett, in partnership with lawyer MiAngel Cody of The Decarceration Collective. The campaign puts the First Step Act -- signed by President Trump last year -- to work for prisoners who received Draconian sentences. The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star has been documenting her links to the campaign on social media, celebrating every time another prisoner is granted relief. In early May, Kim revealed she helped a prisoner named “Jeffrey in Miami” who is believed to have served 22 years of a life sentence for a low-level drugs case. Kim tweeted: “We did it again! Had the best call w/this lovely family & my attorney... Who just won release for their loved one Jeffrey in Miami - he served 22 years of life sentence for low level drug case... He served too much time but it gives me so much joy to fund this life saving work.” The news comes after Kim revealed she’s studying to become a lawyer herself. She’s on a four-year apprenticeship with a law firm based in San Fransisco and is hoing to to take the bar exam in 2022. In addition to Jeffrey Stringer in Florida the list of inmates she has helped freed includes Cyntoia Brown in Tennessee, Alice Marie Johnson in Alabama. Also Jamelle Carraway who is back with his family after serving 11 years of a life sentence in federal prison, Jamelle, who was 31 when he was arrested for cocaine possession, is living and working in Illinois as he makes the slow transition back to society, Eric Balcom who is back home in Florida, and seeing his mother for the first time in 16 years after serving hard time in federal prison. He was convicted on a drug charge when he was 29, and was sentenced to life without parole. Then there was Terrence Byrd is finally free after spending half his life -- 25 years -- in federal prison on drug possession charges. We’re told he’s been reunited with his 96-yearold grandmother, the woman who raised him. Kim, Brittany and MiAngel aren’t done working miracles, either -- they’re on top of several more cases.
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26BLACK WESTCHESTER
MAY 15, 2019
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