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Locked Out and Left Behind: How the Black Exodus is Draining Blue States of Power

DAMON K JONES
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Locked Out and Left Behind: How the Black Exodus is Draining Blue States of Power

Black people aren’t just moving—we’re being pushed. Priced out. Locked out. And now, left behind. Across high-cost blue states like New York, California, and Illinois, working-class Black families are packing up and heading South. They’re not just chasing sunshine—they’re chasing something far more urgent: ownership, dignity, and a future. What they’re leaving behind isn’t just an overpriced rental or a city that no longer sees them. They’re also leaving behind the political power these states depend on to stay relevant in Washington. This isn’t just a migration story. It’s a warning.

New York is shrinking. Between April 2020 and July 2022, the state lost over 468,000 residents—a 5.3% drop in population. In the 12 months ending July 1, 2023 alone, another 101,984 residents left, giving New York the largest population loss of any state during that time. While some immigration has helped stabilize parts of New York City, it hasn’t been enough to reverse the exodus. And projections from Cornell University warn that by 2050, the state could lose over 2 million people, a 13% decline. The question we must ask is: who’s leaving, and why?

In cities and counties across New York, the dream of homeownership is slipping further out of reach for Black families. I recently wrote that in Westchester County, Black families earn an average income of $77,471. Yet, as of February 2025, the average home value in Westchester stands at $798,586—a 5.1% increase from the previous year, according to Zillow. Even more alarming, single-family home prices have now surpassed $1 million for the first time. This is not sustainable. It’s not fair. And it’s not accidental. You cannot build generational wealth in a system designed to keep you renting. For Black families, the gap between income and housing cost isn’t just wide—it’s structural, and it’s driving us out of the places we once called home.

I once had a conversation with a white liberal woman who asked me, “Why would you move to Atlanta or Houston? They’re racist down there.” I looked at her and said, “Black people in those so-called racist red states are living better than Black people in New York and Westchester.” Down South, Black people are homeowners. They’re business owners. They have backyards, equity, and breathing room. Meanwhile, in New York, we’re being squeezed out by rising rents, unaffordable housing, and a system that talks inclusion but practices exclusion.

We are living through a modern-day reverse Great Migration. States like Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, and Florida are attracting hundreds of thousands of Black families in search of what should be basic American rights: affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, quality schools, and a real opportunity to build a future. The South isn’t perfect—but it offers possibilities. Black people are becoming homeowners, business owners, and landowners in places where legacy can take root and generational wealth can be built.

Meanwhile, so-called liberal cities—the ones that wear progressivism like a badge of honor—offer us little more than survival. And they have the unmitigated gall to blame our struggles on racism and Republicans, when they’re the ones in charge. They’re the ones building low-income housing instead of truly affordable housing. They’re the ones charging Black families rent prices that match, or even exceed, what it would cost to pay a mortgage in the South. They’re the ones making the laws, overtaxing working families, and systematically locking us out of real estate ownership.

That’s why more and more Black families are heading South—where land is cheaper, opportunity is growing, and the American Dream feels more attainable in a red state than it does while barely surviving in a blue one.

Every 10 years, the U.S. Census determines how the 435 seats in the House of Representatives are divided among the states. That means states losing population can—and do—lose power in Congress. In 2020, New York lost a seat, missing the cutoff by just 89 people. California, Illinois, and Michigan also lost seats. And guess who’s gaining them? Southern states with growing Black populations. This is the cost of pricing out your base. When working-class Black people leave, they take more than culture and community with them. They take congressional seats, electoral votes, and political leverage. Blue states are bleeding power because they’ve failed to make space for the very people who made them matter in the first place.

What’s even more insulting is where the money is going. In New York alone, billions have been spent on housing and services for new migrants—while Black residents continue to face homelessness, rent hikes, and mass displacement. The message is clear: your labor built this city, but your legacy isn’t a priority. How can liberal states claim to champion equity while systematically erasing Black homeownership and generational wealth? How can they call themselves inclusive while locking us out of the American Dream?

If blue states want to hold on to their influence—both locally and in Congress—they must make Black homeownership a priority. That means investing in public land trusts, cooperative housing, and expanding access to truly affordable homes. It also means offering property tax relief for long-standing residents and moving beyond symbolic representation to deliver real change that helps Black families build stability and wealth.

It’s simple: blue states locking Black people out of homeownership will eventually lock themselves out of the political process—by losing representation in Washington and losing the Black vote to the South.

References

  1. Office of the New York State Comptroller – Population Trends in New York State
    https://www.osc.ny.gov/files/reports/osdc/pdf/report-15-2024.pdf
  2. Empire Center – New York’s Population Loss Remains Nation’s Worst
    https://www.empirecenter.org/publications/nys-post-pandemic-population-loss-slowed-a-bit-last-year-but-still-worst-in-u-s
  3. Cornell University – Stark Population Decline Projected in NYS by 2050
    https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2024/11/stark-population-decline-projected-nys
  4. Zillow – Westchester County Home Values
    https://www.zillow.com/westchester-county-ny/home-values

Political Firestorm and Cultural Divides: How Ideology Shadowed Disney’s Snow White Remake

DAMON K JONES
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Political Firestorm and Cultural Divides: How Ideology Shadowed Disney’s Snow White Remake

When Disney announced its live-action remake of Snow White, expectations were high for another box office triumph in the studio’s long line of animated-to-live-action adaptations. But by the time the film hit theaters in March 2025, it found itself at the center of a storm that had little to do with dwarves, poisoned apples, or fairy tale nostalgia.

Instead, political controversy and ideological division dominated headlines, leaving the film entangled in a broader cultural war that may have dampened its commercial success.

A Tale of Two Perspectives: Zegler vs. Gadot

At the heart of the controversy were the film’s leading stars—Rachel Zegler, who played Snow White, and Gal Gadot, cast as the Evil Queen. Their off-screen political stances—particularly in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict—sparked widespread debate and created tension that overshadowed the film’s artistic and narrative ambitions.

Zegler, known for her outspoken activism, voiced pro-Palestinian sentiments on social media during the height of the Israel-Gaza war. Her posts included calls for a ceasefire, critiques of military violence, and solidarity with civilians affected by the conflict. These statements garnered both praise and condemnation, depending on the audience’s political orientation.

Gadot, an Israeli actress and former soldier in the Israel Defense Forces, has long been vocal in her support of Israel. Her past statements, particularly those defending Israeli military actions, resurfaced in the public discourse as the film’s release approached.

The stark contrast between the actresses’ public views turned the film into a lightning rod for geopolitical tensions. What was meant to be a magical reimagining of a childhood classic became, for many, a referendum on identity politics and international conflict.

Fallout and Audience Division

The differing ideologies of Zegler and Gadot didn’t stay confined to Twitter or press conferences—they spilled over into public perception of the film. Audiences on both sides of the political divide expressed discomfort. Some pro-Israel viewers called for a boycott over Zegler’s remarks, while pro-Palestinian supporters criticized Gadot’s inclusion in the project.

These dynamics polarized the film’s potential audience base. Instead of uniting fans under Disney’s familiar banner of nostalgia and fantasy, Snow White became a symbol of deeper fractures within the global and domestic political landscape.

Internal Criticism Goes Public

Adding to the controversy was public criticism from Jonah Platt, son of Snow White producer Marc Platt, who directly blamed lead actress Rachel Zegler for contributing to the film’s underwhelming box office performance. In a widely circulated post, Jonah accused Zegler of “hijacking the conversation” away from the film’s message, pointing to her politically charged remarks and repeated critiques of the original 1937 Disney classic. Zegler had previously called the original film “weird,” criticized the prince as a “stalker,” and dismissed the love story as outdated, stating, “She’s not going to be saved by the prince and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love.” Jonah argued that these kinds of comments alienated core Disney audiences, making the film more about ideological messaging than timeless storytelling..

His statements echoed a sentiment shared by some within Hollywood: that stars’ political activism, while personally valid, can complicate marketing and alienate mainstream audiences.

Box Office Reflections

Despite opening as the number one film globally, Snow White underperformed relative to Disney’s expectations. The film grossed approximately $87.3 million worldwide during its debut weekend—a respectable figure but significantly below the benchmarks set by other recent Disney live-action releases.

Analysts point to the swirling political and cultural controversies as contributing factors. The marketing campaign was consistently derailed by media attention focused on ideological battles rather than the film itself. Instead of building anticipation for the cinematic experience, promotional efforts were forced to respond to criticism, backlash, and ideological polarization.

Lessons for the Industry

The Snow White remake offers a cautionary tale for studios navigating the modern media landscape. In an era where stars’ personal beliefs are inseparable from their public personas, and where every major release risks becoming politicized, studios must tread carefully between supporting free expression and managing brand integrity.

For Disney, a company long associated with family-friendly storytelling and mass appeal, the controversy reveals the challenges of operating in a hyper-politicized environment. As the cultural landscape continues to shift, entertainment companies must grapple with how to tell inclusive, modern stories without becoming casualties of the cultural crossfire.

The 2025 Snow White remake was meant to be a celebration of Disney’s timeless legacy, reimagined for a new generation. Instead, it became a symbol of the broader societal tensions playing out in real time. While the film may still find success through international markets or streaming, its theatrical run will be remembered as a case study in how political identity, social media, and public perception can profoundly shape a film’s journey long before the opening credits roll.

Black New Jersey High School Senior Achieves Perfect SAT Score

AJ Woodson
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Black New Jersey High School Senior Achieves Perfect SAT Score

Sahli Negassi, a 17-year-old African American student from West Orange, New Jersey, earned a perfect 1600 on the SAT, achieved a perfect 1600 on the SAT, a feat accomplished by less than 1% of test-takers nationwide. Negassi managed this achievement all while balancing two sports, serving as president of two clubs, and taking multiple advanced placement classes.

“Sahli represents the best of West Orange High School,” West Orange High School Principal Oscar Guerrero shared in a news release. “His achievement on the SAT is incredible, but what’s just as impressive is how he manages to excel across so many different activities.”

West Orange Public Schools shared that Negassi hopes to attend Harvard and pursue a career in law.

“Harvard is the best school on my list to support me in that process,” Negassi said. “Give me 10 years, and I’ll be out in the world doing something more important than a standardized test!”

Born in Manhattan, New York, and raised in West Orange, Sahli’s academic journey started at Mount Pleasant and St. Cloud elementary schools. He never attended preschool but credits his older siblings’ textbooks for building his early knowledge.

Seeing his perfect score was a surreal moment for him. “I walked out of [my] first period [class] and immediately called my mom,” he told WOBOE. “I showed it to a classmate, but then I got nervous and joked that it was Photoshopped. Even now, it still doesn’t feel real. But more than anything, I was relieved — I had finally proven to myself that it was possible.”

According to Sahli, he used free resources like YouTube and Khan Academy to prepare for the SAT primarily on his own. Another important factor was his demanding AP coursework, especially in Calculus, Language, and U.S. History. It was challenging to juggle track events, AP tests, and SAT preparation, but he found time whenever he could.

“Really, the hardest part of studying was finding time. I had to make it whenever I could — at meals, during slow class periods, on bus rides. Taking it one question at a time was good enough,” he said.

Sahli participates actively in track and cross-country competitions outside of school. In addition, he is the president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter and the math team, among other groups. He also plays in the Royal Strings ensemble and is a member of the varsity chess team.

Mia Love, First Black Republican Woman in Congress, Dies at 49

AJ Woodson
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Mia Love, First Black Republican Woman in Congress, Dies at 49

After a three-year struggle with brain cancer, Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, passed away on March 23 at the age of 49. According to her relatives, she died at home with her loved ones by her side.

Love was born to Haitian immigrants who had immigrated to the US a year before her birth. She was raised in Connecticut and participated actively in high school play and color guard. After receiving a scholarship to attend the Hartt School at the University of Hartford, she went on to work as a flight attendant. She married Jason Love and had three kids after relocating to Utah in 1997.

Love’s protests against a developer’s negligence in Saratoga Springs, Utah, marked the beginning of her political career. She was motivated by her activity to compete for City Council, becoming Utah County’s first elected Black woman. She rose to prominence nationally as a rising Republican leader in 2009, when she was elected mayor amid a financial crisis.

Love made history in 2014 when she defeated Democrat Doug Owens to win a congressional seat. After joining the Congressional Black Caucus, she had connections with powerful people like Elijah Cummings and John Lewis.

Love was renowned for her fervent beliefs, supporting the American Dream while opposing certain of her party’s policies. Notably, she voiced her opposition to President Trump’s disparaging remarks toward Haiti, the country where her family is from. Love continued to be involved in politics after losing her quest for reelection in 2018 by contributing to CNN and occasionally hosting The View.

Love bravely recounted her story after receiving a diagnosis of glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, in 2022. Her faith and fortitude inspired many. Following the failure of her treatment, her family confirmed her death.

Rev. Al, Al B. Sure!, Freeway Lead Panel on Health Equity at NAN Convention – Al B. Sure!’s Story

AJ Woodson
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Rev. Al, Al B. Sure!, Freeway Lead Panel on Health Equity at NAN Convention – Al B. Sure!’s Story

Amid Growing Threats to Healthcare Access, HEiTC Leadership to Host Powerful Discussion on the Pathway to Lifting More Barriers at National Action Network Annual Convention

HEiTC Executive Chairman Al B. Sure!, Co-Founder Rachel Noerdlinger, Advisors Rev. Al Sharpton, Jennifer Jones Austin, and Council Member Justin Brannan to Lead Conversation in New York City

Leaders of the Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition (HEiTC), will convene on the first day of the National Action Network Annual Convention located at 811 7th Avenue (at West 53rd Street) in New York City, on Wednesday, April 2nd, to discuss how the nation can lift historic barriers to healthcare in general, but especially on issues of transplantation.

The panel – which will focus on the state of healthcare as well as its impacts on Black America – will feature HEiTC Executive Chairman Al B. Sure!, Co-Founder Rachel Noerdlinger, Senior Advisors Rev. Al Sharpton, Jennifer Jones Austin, and NYC Council Member Justin Brannan, as well as Hip Hop artist and advocate Freeway. The conversation is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Sheraton New York Times Square, where Rev. Sharpton will gather thousands of National Action Network (NAN) members to hear from leaders in Civil Rights, business, government, academia, and other fields on the most pressing issues in Black America.

Health is, of course, one of the foundational issues for these communities. HEiTC was formed with this principle in mind, as its advocacy began with pushing to restore Medicare coverage on life-saving blood tests for regular surveillance use. Since the rare decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to restore that coverage, HEiTC has since expanded its advocacy to address other barriers to transplantation, notably non-clinical barriers such as income support or job protections for those donating the gift of life.

HEiTC continues to advocate on these issues at the federal level, while also working with its partners in state governments. Most recently, the organization worked with Texas state Rep. Josey Garcia on two pieces of legislation that would guarantee unpaid leave and income support for living donors. The legislation was announced as Rep. Garcia and the Texas Legislative Black Caucus honored Al B! with the Outstanding Texan Award in recognition of his work to lift barriers to healthcare.

Mount Vernon native Al B. Sure! has emerged as one of the nation’s leading advocates for equity within transplantation. He has dedicated his life to fighting for his transplant family because he has lived the same experiences as them. The global recording artist and wellness ambassador’s own transplant journey began in July 2022 when he collapsed during a studio session in Houston, TX. 

Doctors at the initial hospital thought hospice care was his only option due to the severity of his overall condition, as he experienced Multiple System Organ Failure (MSOF). Al B!’s good friend and mentor, Rev. Dr. Al Sharpton, along with global communications strategist Rachel Noerdlinger and family members, urged them to cancel those thoughts and keep the faith. Subsequently, Dr. Uday Khosla of Remix HQ had him transferred to Houston Methodist Hospital, under the care of Dr. Constance M. Mobley, MD PhD, who agreed that hospice was definitely not an option. 

In the months to come, the legendary, multi-Platinum R&B music singer, songwriter, producer and social activist, endured MSOF, over 50 plasma and blood transfusions, being put on a ventilator for 38 days, a tracheotomy, septic, being placed on kidney dialysis, a 2-month-plus medically induced coma, and a successful liver transplant.

Al B! Awoke on purpose, with a purpose. He has since used his own platform to fight for equal justice and healthcare equality for all, including his new transplant family. This is not a political issue for Al B! — it is one of human rights, because organs don’t vote.

Doctors at the initial hospital thought hospice care was his only option due to the severity of his overall condition as he experienced Multiple System Organ Failure (MSOF). Al B!’s good friend and mentor, Rev. Dr. Al Sharpton, along with global communications strategist Rachel Noerdlinger and family members, urged them to cancel those thoughts and keep the faith. Subsequently, Dr. Uday Khosla of Remix HQ had him transferred to Houston Methodist Hospital, under the care of Dr. Constance M. Mobley MD, PhD, who agreed that hospice was definitely not an option. 

In the months to come, the legendary, multi-Platinum R&B music singer, songwriter, producer and social activist, endured MSOF, over 50 plasma and blood transfusions, being put on a ventilator for 38 days, a tracheotomy, septic, being placed on kidney dialysis, a 2-month-plus medically induced coma, and a successful liver transplant.

Al B! Awoke on purpose, with a purpose. He has since used his own platform to fight for equal justice and healthcare equality for all, including his new transplant family. This is not a political issue for Al B! — it is one of human rights, because organs don’t vote.

HEiTC was established in November 2023 by global recording artist Al B. Sure!, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Rachel Noerdlinger to address the critical challenges that more than 100,000 Americans face every day as they wait for an organ transplant and to ensure they then have access to innovative tools to protect their gift of life. Our mission transcends partisan politics: to remove barriers to organ transplants and post-procedure care to improve health outcomes. 

The Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition (HEiTC) is a non-partisan advocacy organization focused on addressing the organ transplant crisis to help thousands of Americans who are in need of, but cannot access, an organ transplant or quality post-procedure care. 

Dr. Tamika D. Mallory Is Coming To Westchester

AJ Woodson
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Dr. Tamika D. Mallory Is Coming To Westchester

A special Sisters Soulful Celebration of Women’s History will feature Dr. Tamika D. Mallory in conversation with Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, on Saturday, March 29 · 2 – 4 pm at First Baptist Church, located at 407 New Rochelle Road in Bronxville.

You can purchase tickets by clicking on this link. If you cannot make it in person, you can still purchase this powerful book here. #SupportBlackAuthors

I Lived to Tell the Story: Love, Legacy, and Resilience

“I Lived to Tell the Story: Love, Legacy, and Resilience by Dr. Mallory is a raw, heartfelt memoir of perseverance, redemption, and triumph from Tamika D. Mallory, a trailblazing social justice leader, activist, and co-founder of the Women’s March. It takes readers beyond the headlines and podiums, offering an unfiltered look at the moments that shaped her—not just as an activist but as a woman navigating love, loss, and self-discovery. From her early days as the daughter of civil rights organizers in Harlem to her battles with the personal pain that many never imagined—the trauma of sexual assault, the pressures of motherhood, the fallout of public scrutiny, and the fight to reclaim her peace—this is Tamika as the world has never seen her before. A follow-up to her “masterful” (Marc Lamont Hill) debut, State of Emergency, which features a foreword by Angela Davis, confronted the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd; this memoir ventures deeper into her journey. Tamika shares untold stories of resilience, courage, and internal struggles while waging war against injustice in America. At its core, I Lived to Tell the Story is not just about activism; it’s about what happens after the smoke clears. It’s about healing, survival, and the power of truth to bring us closer to ourselves and one another. This isn’t the story you think you know—it’s the one you’ve been waiting for.

Ruth Hassell-Thompson

Ruth Hassell-Thompson, appointed in 2016 as Special Advisor for Policy and Community Affairs for New York State Homes and Community Renewal, was first elected to the New York State Senate in 2000, where she brought years of public service and community involvement to her post as the Senator of the 36th Senatorial District, representing parts of the Bronx and Westchester Counties during her more than 15-year tenure. Ms. Hassell-Thompson has served on the New York State Cannabis Advisory Board and is currently the Chair of the Diversity Board for the School Construction Authority for the City of New York. During her tenure in the Senate, Ms. Hassell-Thompson served on the following standing committees: Judiciary (Ranking); Crime, Crime Victims, and Corrections (Chair and Ranking); Commerce, Economic Development & Small Business; Alcohol and Substance Abuse; Health; Finance; Rules; Chairwoman, Conference of Black Senators; Chairwoman, Taskforce on Domestic Violence; Taskforce on MWBE. Ms. Hassell-Thompson also chaired the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Caucus.

Ms. Hassell-Thompson is the recipient of three Honorary Doctorate degrees: College of New Rochelle, Doctor of Humane Letters; Mercy College, Doctor of Humane Letters; and Eastern Theological Consortium, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Christ Theological Seminary, Doctor of Humanities. She is an alumna of Bronx Community College. In May 2023, Ms. Hassell-Thompson founded Third Act Development Consultants LLC, a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, resource optimization, and policy formulation, that provides tailored solutions to meet the client’s unique needs. In December 2023, Ms. Hassell-Thompson retired as Special Advisor for Policy and Community Affairs at the Governor’s office and NYS Homes and Community Renewal. Ms. Hassell-Thompson is the proud mother of two daughters, the doting grandmother of two grandchildren, and a devoted great-grandmother of one great-grandson.

The Collaborators of Sisters Soulful Converstation, Celebration, Book-Talk- Experience, in formation: Greater Hudson Valley (NY) Chapter The Links, Incorporated and Westchester County (NY) Chapter The Links, Incorporated & Friends: Felita Granby, Honorable Nichelle A. Johnson, Dawn Hankin, Pamela Wheeler, Esq., NAACP, New Rochelle. Food for the soul will be catered by SuggarPlums Restaurant of New Rochelle.

Westchester County Youth Bureau Hosts Annual Sheros Awards

AJ Woodson
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Westchester County Youth Bureau Hosts Annual Sheros Awards

Celebrates Three Exemplary Youth Advocates in Observance of Women’s History Month

(White Plains, NY) – In observance of Women’s History Month, the Youth Bureau and the Westchester County Youth Board hosted their annual Sheros Awards ceremony, recognizing three outstanding community leaders who are positively impacting the lives of children, youth, and families in Westchester County. This year’s award recipients were Rikki Dee Childs, Big Brothers Big Sisters Vice President of Programs; Caitlin Leon, Westchester Jewish Community Services Director for Training and Digital Equity; and Eileen Torres, Lifting Up Westchester Director of Youth Services. The March 25 event was held in the Rotunda of the Michaelian Office Building and was well attended by family, friends, and colleagues of the honorees.

“The Youth Bureau’s annual Shero Awards is a powerful tribute to those making a lasting impact in their communities. This event not only recognizes the dedication and leadership of women who champion the well-being of young people but also serves as an inspiration for future generations. By highlighting their efforts, we raise awareness about the critical issues affecting youth and families while reinforcing the importance of strong, compassionate advocacy. We also foster connections among leaders, organizations, and the community, creating opportunities for collaboration and continued progress,” Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said.

Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden said: “As we gather to celebrate these remarkable women who have shaped, inspired, and empowered the lives of so many young people through their work and communities, so we are inspired ourselves. The Sheros Awards is not just about recognition—it’s about honoring those who lead with courage, passion, and purpose, reminding us that when women rise, we all rise.”

Youth Board Chair Dr. Alexandria Connally said: “Eleanor Roosevelt said, ‘A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.’ These women are a beacon of light that brighten our community. They are the strength of our community. It is gratifying to have the opportunity to recognize and commend their efforts in making the world a better place to live.”

The county lauds these remarkable women for their profound impact on the lives of countless local families and youth, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and compassion.

Denzel Washington: I’m From Mt. Vernon, So I’m A Mt. Vernon Actor, I’m Not A Hollywood Actor

AJ Woodson
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Denzel Washington: I’m From Mt. Vernon, So I’m A Mt. Vernon Actor, I’m Not A Hollywood Actor

Don’t get it twisted and call Denzel Washington a Hollywood Actor

In an exclusive, on CSB Sunday Morning, on Sunday, March 23rd Jake Gyllenhaal and Denzel Washington, starring as Iago and Othello in a new Broadway production of Shakespeare’s tragedy, talk with “60 Minutes” correspondent Bill Whitaker about performing a story in which life and death are “ever-present in every moment of the show.” They also discuss becoming familiar with Shakespeare’s language, aging into the character, and the challenge of playing a villain.

Denzel Washington is doing more than breaking box office records with his blockbuster Broadway outing with Jake Gyllenhaal — he’s setting the record straight on how he feels about being labeled a “Hollywood actor” who occasionally graces the New York stage.

“I’m a stage actor who does film, it’s not the other way around. I did stage first. I learned how to act on stage, not on film,” Washington declared to “CBS News Sunday Morning” host Bill Whitaker after the journalist pointed out the number of “Hollywood actors” who have roles on Broadway this season.

Watch a clip from the interview below:

Denzel Washington, known for his Oscar-winning roles in “Glory” and “Training Day,” rejects being labeled a “Hollywood actor.”

“What’s the definition of a Hollywood actor? Myself, I’m from Mt. Vernon, so I’m a ‘Mt. Vernon actor,’” Denzel said, stopping CBS’s Bill Whitaker midway through his question about the “star-studded season on Broadway” featuring “lots of Hollywood actors and producers.” “I don’t know what ‘Hollywood’ means. I know it’s a place?” the Oscar winner continued at 1:48 into the video.

Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. was born in Mount Vernon, New York, on December 28, 1954, and spent his childhood at the Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon, which he credits with being a positive influence and shaping his life. 

“Everything you’ve seen or heard about me began with lessons I learned to live by at the Club,” the Mount Vernon native has often said.

Denzel Washington is a national spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and his support is rooted in his personal experience. Washington even wrote a personal essay for Essence Magazine, on December 6, 2020, highlighting the importance of the Boys & Girls Club and his own experience.

He attended Pennington-Grimes Elementary School in Mount Vernon until 1968. When he was 14, his parents divorced, and his mother sent him to the private preparatory school, Oakland Military Academy in New Windsor, New York.

The Academy Award-winning actor now has a school named after him, the Denzel Washington School of the Arts on the Nellie A. Thornton Campus, located at 121 S 6th Avenue in his hometown of Mount Vernon serving students in grades 6-12, focusing on arts and preparing them for college and careers in the arts industry. Wednesday, September 7, 2022, was the first day of school at Denzel Washington School of the Arts, and students excitedly filled the halls. 

Actor, director, and producer Denzel Washington has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Tony Award, as well as nominations for a Grammy Award and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He received ten Academy Award nominations and is one of eight actors who has been nominated for an acting Academy Award in five different decades (1980s, ’90s. 2000s, ’10s and ’20s), joining Laurence Olivier, Katharine Hepburn, Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson, Michael Caine, Meryl Streep and Frances McDormand.

Over his career, he has received numerous honorary awards, including the BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Award in 2007, the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2016, and the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2019. He was supposed to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden in 2022, but didn’t receive it until Saturday, January 4, 2025, at a White House ceremony. Denzel received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden, the nation’s highest civilian honor. 

No matter how many awards and accolades Denzel Washington has received he always represents the 914 and never lets the world forget he is from Mount Vernon, New York including the time he worked for Mount Vernon DPW as a garbage man before he made it big. ‘that was hard, there is nothing we do making movies that hard compared to that,” he remembers, Denzel is a true Black Westchester Legend!

Reiki and the Mind: Unlocking Energy Healing for Mental Health & Neurodivergence Co By Larnez Kinsey & Harold Hakeem Stone-Mayfield

Larnez Kinsey
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Reiki and the Mind: Unlocking Energy Healing for Mental Health & Neurodivergence Co By Larnez Kinsey & Harold Hakeem Stone-Mayfield

A New Dawn in Mental Health Care

For generations, our understanding of mental illness has focused primarily on chemistry, neurobiology, and trauma, diagnosed through clinical measures and often treated with pharmaceuticals. While these methods have saved countless lives, an urgent question remains: Is there a way to broaden our therapeutic repertoire to address the mind, body, and spirit as an interconnected whole?

In the search for holistic approaches, an ancient Japanese healing art, Reiki, is capturing the attention of modern medical centers. Once viewed with skepticism, Reiki—developed by Mikao Usui—has begun to permeate psychiatric clinics, hospitals, and even research institutions. This shift isn’t mere happenstance; patient reports and emerging evidence suggest that Reiki can help ease conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and issues related to neurodivergence.

The deeper implication is transformative: The mind is more than a biochemical puzzle—it’s also an energetic network, and Reiki may help harmonize those subtle fields. This perspective not only expands our understanding of mental health but also challenges healthcare systems to integrate innovative, patient-centered modalities.

A Crisis in Mental Health, A Call for Innovation

According to the World Health Organization, one in four individuals will experience a mental or neurological disorder at some point in their lives. While conventional treatments have been indispensable, they don’t always resolve the full spectrum of patient needs. Side effects, limited accessibility, and partial relief are all too common.

This very struggle has prompted institutions like Hartford Hospital, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, and the Miami VA Medical Center to include Reiki in their care programs (Hartford Hospital, n.d.; Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, n.d.; Catlin & Taylor-Ford, 2011). Despite initially seeming unconventional, the alignment of clinical medicine with an energy-based practice reflects a bold, necessary response to the mental health crisis. Reiki isn’t poised to replace existing therapies; rather, it could significantly enhance them, offering safe, non-pharmaceutical benefits to diverse patient populations.

The Science of Reiki: Beyond Placebo, Into the Nervous System

Reiki practitioners channel what is described as “universal life force energy” through their hands, either touching or hovering above the patient. Although once dismissed as purely placebo, emerging research points to tangible effects on the parasympathetic nervous system, including:

  • Reduced cortisol (stress hormone)
  • Lowered heart rate and blood pressure
  • Improved vagal tone, crucial for emotional and physiological equilibrium

A study published in Pain Management Nursing found that Reiki significantly reduced anxiety and stress among adults undergoing medical procedures (Thrane & Cohen, 2014). In another study published in Holistic Nursing Practice, Reiki sessions alleviated depressive symptoms in hospitalized patients (Vitale & O’Connor, 2006). These findings aren’t just suggestive; they invite healthcare professionals to consider how an energetic modality might fortify—and sometimes extend—the capabilities of conventional treatments.

Reiki for PTSD: A Sanctuary for Trauma Survivors

For individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), existing interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication are valuable cornerstones. However, trauma frequently lodges itself within the nervous system, leading to ongoing hypervigilance, panic attacks, and emotional detachment.

A pilot study at the Miami VA Medical Center demonstrated that veterans receiving Reiki treatments experienced reduced stress, improved sleep, and a sense of inner calm (Catlin & Taylor-Ford, 2011). These results underscore the potential for a two-pronged approach: combining psychological and energetic healing strategies to address not only the mind but also the subtle imprints trauma leaves on the body.

Neurodivergence and Reiki: A Path to Self-Regulation

Neurodivergence encompasses conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While these differences in neurological wiring aren’t inherently pathologies, many individuals benefit from interventions that mitigate challenges such as sensory overload and difficulty with attention.

Reiki for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Overstimulation, social anxiety, and emotional dysregulation are common hurdles for autistic individuals. Although rigorous data are still emerging, anecdotal reports indicate that Reiki may:

  • Calm overactive nervous systems
  • Foster emotional self-regulation
  • Improve sleep quality

Autism-focused wellness centers have begun weaving Reiki into their services, suggesting that a gentle, low-sensory modality could complement traditional therapies that some find overstimulating.

Reiki for ADHD: From Hyperactivity to Focus

While stimulant medications often prove effective for ADHD, they don’t always meet everyone’s needs. Early case studies hint that Reiki may:

  • Reduce restlessness and hyperactivity
  • Promote sustained concentration
  • Help regulate sleep cycles

These observations pose a compelling question for healthcare providers: Could the non-pharmaceutical benefits of Reiki, when integrated thoughtfully, improve patient outcomes and quality of life?

Hospitals and Medical Institutions Embracing Reiki

Despite long-standing skepticism, Reiki is making steady inroads into integrative healthcare:

  • Hartford Hospital (Connecticut): Integrates Reiki into care plans for anxiety, chronic pain, and cancer therapy side effects (Hartford Hospital, n.d.).
  • Jamaica Hospital Medical Center (New York): Includes Reiki in its Holistic Care Program, highlighting its usefulness in stress reduction (Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, n.d.).
  • Northern Westchester Hospital: Offers Reiki alongside acupuncture and aromatherapy, reflecting a modern mind-body approach (NWH.northwell.edu).

These forward-thinking institutions are exemplars, demonstrating a willingness to adopt evidence-informed holistic care. As patient satisfaction and positive outcomes grow, it becomes clear that this isn’t a fringe experiment but rather a viable enhancement to conventional healthcare models.

The Road Ahead: A Call to Medical Professionals and Administrators

With ongoing research unveiling Reiki’s physiological and psychological benefits, the time is ripe for hospitals, clinics, and mental health facilities to seriously evaluate its integration. Here’s why:

  1. Patient-Centered Care: Many patients are actively seeking non-pharmaceutical or complementary therapies to reduce stress, manage side effects, and improve overall well-being. Reiki’s gentle, non-invasive nature aligns with patient-centric models that respect individual preferences.
  2. Minimal Risk, Significant Potential: Reiki has few, if any, known adverse side effects. Even if part of the benefit is attributed to relaxation or the placebo effect, the potential for enhanced patient comfort and emotional support cannot be dismissed.
  3. Holistic Continuum of Care: Incorporating Reiki can position healthcare institutions at the forefront of integrative approaches, bridging the gap between medical science and holistic wellness.
  4. Evolving Research Base: As more peer-reviewed studies support Reiki’s efficacy, hospitals offering these services can leverage emerging data to refine practices, measure outcomes, and lead collaborative research efforts.

Reiki shouldn’t replace your facility’s standard treatments. Rather, it can expand your treatment toolkit, potentially elevating patient satisfaction and complementing the therapeutic options currently available to those dealing with mental health challenges and neurodivergence.

A Personal Invitation:

As co-authors—Larnez Kinsey and Harold Hakeem Stone-Mayfield—we urge healthcare leaders, clinicians, and policymakers to explore Reiki’s potential within their institutions. We challenge you to observe firsthand how this centuries-old modality might synergize with established protocols and enhance patient outcomes. The gap between evidence-based medicine and holistic healing is narrowing, and your institution could be at the forefront of this transformative shift.

For more information on how to bring Reiki to your facility or organization, reach out to Hearth and Harmony at heartandharmonyny@gmail.com

References

  1. Bowden, D., Goddard, L., & Gruzelier, J. (2010). A randomized controlled single-blind trial of the efficacy of Reiki in benefiting mood and well-being. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 7(2), 189-195. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nem123
  2. Catlin, A., & Taylor-Ford, R. (2011). Reiki as a clinical intervention in health care: A systematic literature review. Holistic Nursing Practice, 25(5), 238-248. https://doi.org/10.1097/HNP.0b013e31822eaac3
  3. Hartford Hospital. (n.d.). Integrative Medicine – Reiki Therapy. Retrieved from https://hartfordhospital.org/services/integrative-medicine/departments-services/reiki-therapy
  4. Thrane, S., & Cohen, S. M. (2014). Effect of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in adults: An in-depth literature review of randomized trials with effect size calculations. Pain Management Nursing, 15(4), 897-908. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2013.07.008
  5. Vitale, A. T., & O’Connor, P. C. (2006). The effect of Reiki on pain and anxiety in women with abdominal hysterectomies: A quasi-experimental pilot study. Holistic Nursing Practice, 20(6), 263-272. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004650-200611000-00008

Reiki’s journey from obscurity to clinical practice signals a profound evolution in the mental health sphere. Once considered merely an alternative, it’s now emerging as a strategic necessity in comprehensive care. The true question isn’t whether Reiki has a place in modern healthcare, but how rapidly our institutions can adapt, innovate, and harness its healing potential for those who need it most.

The Black Family, 60 Years Later: What Moynihan Saw, and What We Refused to Fix

DAMON K JONES
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The Black Family, 60 Years Later: What Moynihan Saw, and What We Refused to Fix

In 1965, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a Democrat and top official in Lyndon B. Johnson’s Department of Labor, authored a report that ignited a national debate. The Negro Family: The Case for National Action warned that the disintegration of the Black nuclear family—particularly the absence of fathers—posed a significant threat to the progress of Black America.

At the time, many dismissed the report as racist, classist, and paternalistic. However, Moynihan, a liberal Democrat working at the highest levels of government, highlighted a critical issue: the internal collapse of the Black family and its potential generational consequences if left unaddressed.

Here’s the part too many skip over: the Democratic Party saw the warning and chose not to fix it. They had the data, the insight, and the platform. They could have developed a plan to stabilize the Black household, support fatherhood, and build pathways to self-sufficiency. Instead, they conceded. They chose to make the welfare state the answer—accepting the absence of fathers as permanent and substituting the state in their place.

But the failure doesn’t stop at policy. Many prominent Black leaders of the time—those with access, influence, and platforms—also ignored the core message. Some were too focused on respectability politics or civil rights optics to confront the uncomfortable truth about family breakdown. Others, fearing accusations of “blaming the victim,” avoided the conversation altogether. In doing so, they helped bury a report that could’ve saved generations. What should have sparked national action was met with political silence and cultural denial.

Sixty years later, the results are staggering. In 1965, Moynihan noted that nearly 25 percent of Black families were headed by women. Today, that number has more than doubled, with over 70 percent of Black children born to single mothers. This shift has transitioned family breakdown from an exception to a normalized cultural pattern.

We can’t keep pretending this is all about racism. Racism is real—it has corrupted housing, education, and the criminal justice system. But racism isn’t what stops a man from being a father to his children. That comes down to character, morals, and the choices we make. Yes, generational trauma is real—but trauma that goes unhealed becomes a cycle we choose to repeat. We were warned. The Moynihan Report laid it out in plain sight. But instead of confronting the truth, we kept our eyes wide shut and used racism as a shield to excuse our own failures.

Over the decades, numerous studies have echoed Moynihan’s findings. A 2015 report from the Harvard Kennedy School highlighted that, 50 years after the Moynihan Report, more than one-quarter of young Black males were neither employed nor enrolled in school or vocational training. This disengagement underscores the enduring challenges within the Black community.

Furthermore, research has consistently shown a relationship between family structure and socioeconomic outcomes. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Social Service Research found that children from single-parent households often face higher risks of poverty, lower educational attainment, and increased behavioral issues compared to those from two-parent families.

Even Black scholars who disagreed with Moynihan’s politics echoed his core warning. Economist and author Thomas Sowell argued that welfare programs—especially Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)—created financial incentives for women to raise children without a man in the home. These benefits were often reduced or denied if an able-bodied man was present, effectively penalizing marriage or cohabitation with the child’s father. In that void, the state stepped in as a kind of surrogate husband, providing material support that once came from a male provider. Over time, this eroded the economic and social role of men in the Black household and helped normalize a structure where the father became optional—undermining both stability and accountability.

We’ve had six decades to prove Moynihan wrong. Instead, the numbers have only proven him more right than we ever wanted to admit.

And now here we are. In 2025, Black men make up about 12% of vocational and trade labor across the country, showing strong representation in construction, trucking, plumbing, and electrical work. Black entrepreneurship has also grown, with over 161,000 Black-owned employer businesses and millions more non-employer ventures nationwide. Yet despite those strides, we’re still losing the war at home. Black men make up just 6% of the U.S. population, but nearly 33% of the prison population. Those aren’t just numbers—they’re proof. Proof that while opportunity is available, far too many are choosing the streets over structure. It’s easy to blame racist police or an unjust justice system—and yes, those issues are real—but the bigger truth is this: we had the warning. It was clear. And we ignored it.

We failed by turning fatherlessness into a lifestyle, like it’s just part of the culture now. We didn’t heal the trauma—we made it a badge of honor. We failed Black women by abandoning them, then stood by while the culture pushed a toxic lie: “I don’t need a man.” What they needed were men who would stay, lead, and build. Instead, in 2025, we celebrate baby showers like milestones while weddings have become rare events. We failed our boys by letting music, media, and the streets define manhood—no structure, no discipline, no standard. Just chaos dressed as freedom.

Yes, the system is rigged—but we are still making choices. And choices have consequences. Choosing not to raise your children isn’t trauma—it’s abandonment. Choosing to keep repeating broken patterns isn’t oppression—it’s neglect. And choosing silence over accountability is not love—it’s cowardice.

We need more than inspiration—we need integrity. We need men who don’t disappear after childbirth, and communities that don’t excuse them. We need Black leadership that tells the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. The next generation doesn’t need another march or panel—they need models of manhood, structure, and family.

Moynihan called for a national effort to rebuild the Black family. He understood, even then, that the family is not just a private matter—it’s a political one. Today, the problem is not that no one sees it. The problem is that too many have gotten comfortable living in its collapse.

The state of the Black family in 2025 is not a surprise. It’s a mirror. And if we’re still quoting the Moynihan Report in 2065, then we have truly failed—not because we were oppressed, but because we refused to turn the page.

The legacy of our people cannot be fatherlessness, generational dysfunction, and cultural confusion. It must be responsibility, leadership, and love expressed through structure. That’s how we break the cycle. That’s how we reclaim our future.

No more reports. No more denial. It’s time to rebuild.

Moynihan's the Negro Family report by damonkjones

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