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Five Ways to Stop Gentrification Before It’s Too Late

Dennis Richmond Jr
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Five Ways to Stop Gentrification Before It’s Too Late

The phrase ‘The old New York’ is a nostalgic reminder of a city transformed. Across America, gentrification is reshaping communities, displacing longtime residents, and erasing rich cultural histories. While some argue it brings economic growth, the reality is that many low-income families and Black and Brown communities are being pushed out of neighborhoods they’ve called home for generations. However, gentrification is not inevitable—there are ways to fight back. Here are five strategies to stop it before it’s too late.

1. Strengthen Tenant Protections

One of the biggest reasons people are displaced is skyrocketing rent. Cities must pass stronger rent control laws to keep housing affordable for current residents. Expanding tenant protections, such as eviction moratoriums and limits on rent increases, can help prevent landlords from forcing people out to make way for wealthier tenants.

2. Support Community Land Trusts

A community land trust (CLT) is a nonprofit organization that acquires and holds land for the benefit of local residents. By keeping land under community control, CLTs prevent developers from buying up entire neighborhoods and pricing people out. Cities should invest in these trusts to ensure affordable housing remains available for generations.

3. Encourage Black Homeownership

Homeownership is one of the most effective ways to build generational wealth and resist displacement. Local governments and banks should offer first-time homebuyer assistance, low-interest loans, and financial literacy programs specifically for Black families. This would allow long-term residents to stay in their communities and benefit from neighborhood improvements.

4. Stop Corporate Developers from Taking Over

In many cities, large real estate firms buy up blocks of homes, renovate them, and sell or rent them at prices that longtime residents cannot afford. Local governments should pass anti-speculation laws that prevent corporations from buying multiple properties just to flip them for profit. Instead, incentives should be given to small, local developers who prioritize affordable housing.

5. Invest in the Community Without Displacement

Gentrification often happens when cities suddenly invest in infrastructure, new businesses, and public spaces—after years of neglect. While these improvements are necessary, they should be done in a way that benefits current residents. Cities must ensure that economic development includes job training programs, small business grants, and affordable housing initiatives designed for the people who already live there.

Stopping gentrification requires action from policymakers, activists, and community members. By protecting tenants, promoting homeownership, and prioritizing people over profit, we can ensure that communities remain strong, diverse, and affordable for generations to come.

The War on Drugs: Fifty Years Later

Precious Ferrell
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The War on Drugs: Fifty Years Later

The War on Drugs was introduced to us by President Richard Nixon in 1971 and was carried out even further by President Ronald Reagan. 50 years later, communities of color are still suffering from the impact of the proposals set in place by these two former presidents. I recently watched a docu-series titled “How to Fix a Drug Scandal” on Netflix and it spoke about the crimes two forensic drug lab scientists, Sonja Farak and Annie Dookhan, completed while they worked at two labs in Massachusetts. The gist of the story includes the fact that their crimes, which were Farak swapping out drugs for her own usage and improperly inputting the results of drug tests for people facing jail time, and Dookhan putting in false reports for people who were facing jail time for drug-related crimes as well. As a result of their crimes, many people were wrongfully convicted and placed in jail for years because of the false reports made by both of these women.

Over 20,000 cases had to be thrown out due to the falsified paperwork made by Sonja Farak. Watching this docuseries and hearing the news about what took place from her crime, it made me think about the hundreds of thousands of other people who are in jail right now due to drug-related charges and if their paperwork was filled out correctly or incorrectly, but they do not have the proper representation to help
them get out of jail or get their sentences reduced.

There are currently over 360,000 people incarcerated right now due to drug-related charges. The war on drugs not only incarcerated people who sold drugs, but it put them away from using drugs as well. When
President Raegan got into office, he made sure to make the war on drugs his biggest execution while in office, and we are still seeing the remnants of that today. What people do not seem to understand is
that when you institutionalize someone for their drug usage instead of getting them the help that they deserve for their problem, it does not help but only makes it worse. While coming down from consistent drug usage, your body will naturally go through a form of withdrawal.

Whether it is the person becoming physically sick or psychologically sick, the body undergoes a lot and without the proper harm reduction or drug treatment process taking place, it can cause more damage to
the person’s body. When people are in the habit of using drugs or selling drugs, there is a reason behind both stories. People are chasing a feeling that they cannot find in real life when using drugs.

Whether it be peace, a rush, quietness, or feeling like they are in the clouds, those feelings are what they feel can only be achieved by hard drug usage. While sellers don’t often use their own products, they are selling it to try and provide for their families or for their own personal gain. But how do you imprison people that you gave the blueprint to commit the crimes that you are sending them away for? Reagan’s campaign infiltrated the war on drugs and we as a community have not recovered since. When the war on drugs first started, Ronald Reagan along with his wife, First Lady Nancy Reagan, launched the “Just Say No” campaign, but what later came out to the public, he helped bring drugs into the United States, in particular cocaine, to be sold or used in the streets. Cocaine was labeled a “rich man’s drug” being used by wealthy white people until wealthy Black people got ahold of the drug and that is where the problem came in at. Once it got into the Black community, the value of cocaine went down, which led to the introduction of crack. When you have a product that isn’t accessible for everyone, that is when knockoffs come in.

In a document approved by the CIA, they admitted to being involved in the drug trade that happened from South America into the United States that started with the use of heroin which then transitioned into the over usage of cocaine and crack, which hit “urban ghettos and corporate highrises” according to the document titled “Covert Action:

The CIA and Drugs” which was produced by the CIA in 2010. So here we are 50 years later, still seeing the remnants of the war on drugs. Where we live in a world where the nuclear family is still not back to where it was, where Black men have been taken away from their families and stripped of their rights compared to men of other ethnicities and races who are awarded opportunities even after having the same convictions, where does that leave us? As a community, we have to learn to break the stigma and the chains that hold us back. It is hard to do that when this system was not designed for us to succeed, but it starts with us. It is hard for us to trust the government because of instances like this. 50 years later and we are still trying to recover families, children of products of the crack epidemic, seeing people still using crack and losing everything they’ve ever had. Systemically we have not recovered. Financially we have not recovered. What will the next 50 years look like for us as a community if we do not tackle the war on drugs within our communities, whether it be crack, cocaine, opioids, and now the newest drug: fentanyl, we will continue to see high numbers of incarceration for Black men and the constant break down of our families. And Ronald Raegan, one day you will pay for your crimes.

The Urgency of Teaching Black Children Emotional Intelligence and Stress Management

DAMON K JONES
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The Urgency of Teaching Black Children Emotional Intelligence and Stress Management

In a world where Black children must navigate unique societal challenges from an early age, equipping them with the tools to handle stress and develop emotional intelligence isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. From systemic inequalities to racial microaggressions, Black youth face stressors that many of their peers simply do not. Yet, traditional education often neglects the emotional well-being of Black children, leaving them vulnerable to the long-term effects of unaddressed trauma. It’s time we change that.

Emotional intelligence, or the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions, is a crucial skill that improves mental health, academic success, and resilience. For Black children, emotional intelligence is more than a soft skill; it is a necessary tool for survival in a society that often invalidates their emotions or penalizes them for expressing them. Black boys, for instance, are disproportionately punished in schools for frustration or defiance, while Black girls frequently experience the pressures of the “strong Black woman” stereotype, which discourages emotional vulnerability. Too often, Black children are taught that they must always be tough, that they do not have the luxury of expressing fear, sadness, or anxiety. However, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotions; it is about learning to process, express, and navigate them in ways that empower rather than harm.

Ignoring stress in Black youth has serious consequences. The stressors they face are not just minor inconveniences; they have long-term impacts on mental and physical health. Black children experience higher rates of childhood trauma, including exposure to racism, community violence, and economic hardship. If they are not given the tools to manage these experiences, the effects can be devastating, leading to higher risks of anxiety, depression, and even chronic health conditions like hypertension in adulthood. The psychological toll of racism—known as racial stress—can cause self-doubt, hypervigilance, and emotional suppression. When Black children are not taught how to process these feelings, they may internalize negative messages about themselves, diminishing their self-worth and confidence.

Teaching Black children emotional intelligence and stress management is a revolutionary act, one that must be integrated into both home and school environments. It begins with encouraging emotional expression and creating safe spaces where Black children can voice their feelings without fear of punishment or ridicule. Too often, their emotions are dismissed with phrases like “stop crying” or “be strong,” reinforcing the idea that vulnerability is a weakness. Instead, parents, educators, and caregivers must validate their emotions and teach them how to navigate complex feelings.

Coping strategies should be introduced early, including mindfulness techniques, journaling, and breathing exercises that help children regulate stress. Self-care practices and conflict resolution skills should be a part of their upbringing, just as much as reading and math. Additionally, challenging the “strong Black” stereotype is essential. Strength does not mean suffering in silence or enduring pain alone; true strength lies in knowing when to seek help. Encouraging Black children to ask for support from trusted adults, mentors, or therapists normalizes emotional care and teaches them that they do not have to carry burdens alone.

Representation also plays a vital role. Black children need to see examples of emotionally intelligent role models in books, media, and leadership. Seeing Black men and women openly discuss mental health and emotional well-being can help shift harmful narratives that equate emotional suppression with resilience. When Black children witness emotional intelligence in action, they learn that expressing and managing emotions is not only normal but necessary for a healthy, fulfilling life.

Investing in the emotional intelligence of Black children is not a luxury—it is a necessity. When Black youth are equipped with the tools to manage stress and navigate their emotions, they become empowered individuals capable of advocating for themselves, forming healthy relationships, and breaking cycles of trauma. If we truly care about the future of Black children, we must prioritize their emotional well-being with the same urgency that we apply to their academic success. Teaching stress management and emotional intelligence is not just about survival; it is about creating a future where Black children are allowed to thrive. And Black children deserve to thrive.

President Trump’s Tax Cuts: What Do They Mean for Black America?

DAMON K JONES
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President Trump’s Tax Cuts: What Do They Mean for Black America?

Former President Donald Trump has unveiled a new tax proposal aimed at benefiting middle-class Americans by eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits and extending the 2017 tax cuts. While the plan has sparked nationwide debate, a key question remains: How will these tax changes impact Black Americans? Given the racial wealth gap, disparities in wages, and historical economic barriers, understanding the specific effects of these tax cuts on Black households, entrepreneurs, and workers is crucial.

Key Tax Cuts and Their Impact on Black Americans

1. Elimination of Taxes on Tips

Many Black Americans work in service industry jobs where tips make up a significant portion of their earnings. Under Trump’s plan, tipped workers—such as restaurant servers, hotel staff, and rideshare drivers—would keep 100% of their earned gratuities without being taxed. This could provide an immediate financial boost for Black workers in industries where wages are traditionally lower.

2. Tax-Free Overtime Pay – A Major Win for Black Civil Service Workers

One of the most impactful components of this tax plan for Black America is the elimination of federal taxes on overtime pay, which could have enormous benefits for Black civil service employees.

Black Americans have a strong presence in public sector jobs, including police officers, firefighters, corrections officers, transportation workers, and healthcare professionals—fields where overtime is not just common but often mandatory. Many of these workers put in grueling 12- to 16-hour shifts, working around the clock to serve their communities.

Currently, overtime wages are taxed at a significantly higher rate, making it difficult for workers to fully benefit from their extra hours. Removing federal taxes on overtime pay would allow these essential workers to take home more of their hard-earned money, creating immediate financial relief and helping to close the racial wage gap.

For instance, a Black firefighter or police officer working extra shifts to support their family could see thousands of dollars in additional take-home pay each year, providing them with more financial stability, opportunities to invest, and a stronger pathway to homeownership and wealth building.

3. No More Taxes on Social Security Benefits

For Black retirees, many of whom depend heavily on Social Security due to historic inequities in wealth accumulation, this proposal could mean thousands of extra dollars per year in retirement income. Eliminating taxes on Social Security would provide much-needed relief to elderly Black Americans, particularly those who do not have significant pensions or retirement savings.

4. Doubling the SALT Deduction Cap for Married Couples

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap would increase from $10,000 to $20,000 for married couples, benefiting homeowners in high-tax states. While Black homeownership rates are lower than the national average due to systemic barriers, those who do own homes in states like New York, California, and Maryland could see some tax relief. However, this change may have a limited impact on the broader Black community, since homeownership remains a challenge for many due to redlining and discriminatory lending practices.

5. Extending the 2017 Tax Cuts for Individuals

Trump’s new plan seeks to extend the lower income tax rates introduced in 2017. While this would continue providing relief to many middle-class Black families, critics argue that the wealthiest individuals would benefit the most. Given that Black Americans, on average, have lower household incomes, the effects of these cuts might not be as significant compared to wealthier taxpayers.

6. Child Tax Credit Expansion

Expanding the child tax credit could provide direct financial relief to Black families, who are more likely to have children under 18. If the credit becomes fully refundable, lower-income Black households would benefit the most, providing additional funds to cover childcare, education, and daily expenses.

7. Reducing the Capital Gains Tax Rate

Lowering capital gains taxes primarily benefits investors and those who buy and sell assets like stocks and real estate. Given the racial wealth gap, where Black Americans hold fewer assets than their white counterparts, this particular cut may disproportionately favor wealthier individuals. However, Black entrepreneurs and small business owners could benefit if they sell their businesses or investments at a lower tax rate.

8. Making Student Loan Interest Deductible Again

With Black college graduates carrying the highest levels of student loan debt compared to other racial groups, restoring the ability to deduct student loan interest could provide significant relief. This would make it easier for Black borrowers to manage their monthly loan payments and work toward financial independence.

Offsetting the Cost: Closing Loopholes for Billionaires

To fund these tax cuts, Trump is proposing the removal of tax breaks that primarily benefit billionaires, hedge fund managers, and sports team owners. Some of the key changes include:

  • Ending the Carried Interest Loophole: This loophole allows private equity and hedge fund managers to pay a lower tax rate on investment earnings. Closing it would not directly impact Black Americans but could contribute to a more equitable tax system.
  • Eliminating Tax Perks for Sports Team Owners: Black professional athletes may see changes in their contract structures, but the larger impact would likely be on wealthy team owners, not everyday Black Americans.
  • Cutting Certain Real Estate Tax Loopholes: While this may reduce tax advantages for high-net-worth real estate investors, it does little to address the lack of generational wealth that has prevented many Black families from owning property.

Although Trump’s tax plan includes policies that could benefit working-class Black Americans, critics argue that the plan disproportionately helps wealthier individuals while adding to the federal deficit. Economists estimate that extending the 2017 tax cuts alone could increase the national debt by $4 trillion over the next decade—Additionally, some advocates believe that tax cuts alone won’t address the deeper economic disparities that exist due to systemic racism, such as discrimination in hiring, lending practices, and access to capital for Black-owned businesses.

Final Thoughts: Will Black America Benefit?

Trump’s proposed tax cuts could provide short-term financial relief for Black workers, retirees, and families by reducing the tax burden on wages, Social Security benefits, and student loans.

However, one of the biggest winners in Black America would be civil service workers, who often work excessive overtime and are heavily taxed on it. Police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, and transportation workers could see a major increase in take-home pay as they would no longer lose a large portion of their overtime earnings to federal taxes.

Still, the long-term impact remains unclear, as the racial wealth gap, employment discrimination, and lack of business capital persist. While these tax cuts may put more money in the pockets of Black Americans today, their effectiveness in closing economic disparities will depend on whether they are paired with broader policies aimed at racial wealth equity, Black business development, and job creation.

CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted Films on Location at Wartburg’s Historic Campus

AJ Woodson
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CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted Films on Location at Wartburg’s Historic Campus

Wartburg, a premier senior care and housing provider, recently served as the backdrop for filming CBS’s hit drama FBI: Most Wanted. Various locations across Wartburg’s picturesque 34-acre campus were featured in the production, with the episodes set to air in the upcoming season.

Over multiple days this past fall—and again more recently—Wartburg welcomed the cast and crew of FBI: Most Wanted, including stars Dylan McDermott, Keisha Castle-Hughes, and Roxy Sternberg, along with more than 100 crew members and extras. Wartburg’s campus was transformed into a multi-location set, providing a dynamic and visually compelling environment for the show’s high-stakes storytelling.

FBI: Most Wanted follows Special Agent Remy Scott (played by McDermott) and his elite fugitive task force as they relentlessly track down the country’s most dangerous criminals.

“Wartburg’s ability to offer a blend of modern and historic architecture, coupled with our expansive green spaces, has long made it an attractive location for film and photography,” said Wartburg President & CEO David J. Gentner EdD. “The cast and crew of FBI: Most Wanted were fantastic to work with, engaging respectfully with our staff and residents. It was incredible to witness the behind-the-scenes process of a television production—especially with Wartburg’s campus playing a key role in bringing their story to life.”

Wartburg has increasingly become a sought-after destination for film and television productions. In the past year alone, the campus has hosted crews from NBC’s Manifest, CBS’s Evil, and Starz’s Power Book III: Raising Kanan. Its distinctive setting, versatile interiors, and welcoming environment have solidified its reputation as a go-to location for the local film community. Wartburg has been used by several productions for filming including “Madam Secretary “ (CBS), “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS) and “Manifest” (Netflix).

When Manifest shot there in 2017, the production transformed the nursing home into a detention center for holding refugees. “Madam Secretary” utilized the entire campus, using it to stand in for a college hosting a convention. Both productions took advantage of the wide-open spaces on the property to accommodate production needs including craft services for the cast and crew and parking for large trucks.

“We do everything we can to work with productions to make things go as smoothly as possible,” notes Cappa-Rotunno.“We work both as a film location and as a base camp, making it very convenient and economical for productions.”

Filming offers benefits for the Wartburg, too. “Our senior residents get very excited to be a part of the action, which becomes an enrichment opportunity for them,” says Cappa-Rotunno. “We’re thrilled to welcome the industry as it raises our visibility in the community.”

Our Kitchen is Our Medicine Cabinet: The Case for Culinary Medicine in Black Culture

DAMON K JONES
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Our Kitchen is Our Medicine Cabinet: The Case for Culinary Medicine in Black Culture

In Black culture, the kitchen has always been more than just a place to prepare food. It is a sacred space—where stories are passed down, traditions are honored, and families gather to nourish both body and soul. But beyond its cultural significance, our kitchens hold something even more powerful: the key to our health. Every ingredient we choose and every meal we prepare has the ability to either sustain our well-being or contribute to the chronic illnesses that disproportionately impact our community.

Culinary Medicine: A Return to Food as Medicine

Culinary medicine—the practice of using food intentionally for healing and disease prevention—is not a passing trend but a return to wisdom that has long been woven into African and African American traditions. Before pharmaceuticals and modern medicine, our ancestors relied on the land, using herbs, roots, and nutrient-dense foods to treat ailments, strengthen immunity, and maintain balance in the body. Food was not only sustenance; it was medicine, crafted with intention and respect for its healing properties.

Yet today, the rise of chronic illnesses like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease has led many to reconsider the connection between food and health. As Black Americans continue to experience higher rates of diet-related diseases than any other racial group, more people are turning to culinary medicine as a powerful form of preventative care. Unlike prescription drugs, which often manage symptoms without addressing root causes, food has the power to prevent, manage, and even reverse many of these conditions when used strategically.

Breaking the Myth of Genetics: Food as the True Determinant of Health

For too long, we have been told that our high rates of chronic illness are due to genetics. However, we must break away from this false science—our health disparities are primarily influenced by our food environment, access to fresh produce, and dietary habits, not our DNA.

Systemic issues such as food deserts—areas with little to no access to healthy, affordable food—have left many Black communities reliant on fast food and processed meals, which are high in sodium, trans fats, and artificial additives. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, obesity, and early death.

While policy changes are necessary to address these disparities, we also have the power to take control of what we can: our relationship with food. What we put on our plates every day is a choice, and that choice determines whether we feed disease or fuel longevity.

Why More People Are Turning to Culinary Medicine

The modern healthcare system is designed to manage chronic illnesses rather than prevent them, often intervening only after conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease have already taken hold. Yet, mounting research makes it clear that diet and lifestyle are the actual root causes of many of these illnesses—and the most effective solutions lie not in prescriptions but in preventative nutrition.

A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that poor diet has now surpassed smoking as the leading cause of premature death in the U.S. Similarly, The New England Journal of Medicine reports that 70-80% of chronic diseases could be prevented through lifestyle changes, particularly diet. Additional research in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlights that cooking at home and prioritizing whole foods significantly reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Beyond the health risks, the financial burden of chronic illness is staggering. Americans now spend over $400 billion per year on prescription medications, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Treatments for diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease alone cost individuals thousands of dollars annually, with some medications priced at hundreds of dollars per month. Many of these drugs also come with harmful side effects, leading to a cycle where one medication is prescribed to counteract the effects of another.

Instead of accepting a lifetime of costly prescriptions, more people are recognizing that the most powerful and side-effect-free medicine starts on our plates. By investing in whole, nutrient-dense foods, we not only improve our health but also reduce our reliance on medications—saving money, preventing disease, and reclaiming control over our well-being.

Reclaiming Our Kitchen as a Medicine Cabinet

Now is the time to shift our mindset and reclaim our kitchen as our first line of defense against illness. Culinary medicine isn’t about restriction—it’s about modification and elevation. It’s about using food not just to satisfy hunger but to nourish and heal our bodies actively. The more we align our meals with our health goals, the more we take control of our well-being, breaking generational cycles of diet-related disease.

By blending ancestral food wisdom with modern nutritional science, we have the power to transform our health from the inside out. The future of Black health is on our plates—it’s time to cook with intention, eat with purpose, and heal with every bite.

Comptroller Releases Mount Vernon Delinquent Property Tax Information List

AJ Woodson
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Comptroller Releases Mount Vernon Delinquent Property Tax Information List

On Thursday, January 30th Mount Vernon Comptroller Dr. Darren M. Morton released a list of those delinquent on their Property Taxes in the City of Mount Vernon. Over the past months, we have heard rumors and accusations of the City of Mount Vernon owing the Mount Vernon City School District over 20 Million in collected taxes when the truth is what is owed is uncollected taxes the district was unsuccessful in collecting. (see list below). You can find the full report of delinquent taxes as of December 18, 2024, on the city’s website.

List of Deliquent Taxes.v2 (as of 12.16.24) by BLACK WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE on Scribd

The Comptroller’s office share a brief statement with the release of the list;

We would like to address an error in the effective date printed on the Notice of List of Delinquent Taxes, which incorrectly stated December 31, 2024. The correct effective date is December 18, 2024, as reflected in the three specific listing documents.

We sincerely apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this may have caused. Unfortunately, under the Real Property Tax Law, we are unable to remove any property that was delinquent as of December 18, 2024. However, if you paid your arrears after this date, your property will not be subject to foreclosure proceedings, though it must remain on these listings.

Thank you for your understanding.

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

Alberto Velazquez Secures Democratic Party Nomination For Yonkers City Council District 2

AJ Woodson
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Alberto Velazquez Secures Democratic Party Nomination For Yonkers City Council District 2

President of CSEA Unit 9169, Alberto Velazquez, has officially and unanimously secured the nomination from the Yonkers Democratic Executive Committee on the evening of Wednesday, February 5th. As the party’s endorsed candidate Velazquez will be challenging current Councilwoman Corazón-Pineda-Isaac who announced she would be running for reelection to the City Council’s 2nd District in the June 24th Democratic Primary.

“I am so grateful and proud to be the endorsed Democratic nominee for this position. I would like to thank my fellow Democrats for putting their faith in me to be their candidate for City Council District 2, and I promise to be the hardest working candidate I can be for the people of the community,” Velazquez said upon receiving the nomination.

Velazquez states he is running on the issues that matter most to residents, such as affordable housing, quality of life, support for public safety, investment in public works, and strong advocacy for those in need of services. He shared he believes that “the district has long lacked a constituent-center approach to city government” and says he is committed to changing that.

“For me, this isn’t just a career; it’s a calling. I sincerely thank you for your consideration and look forward to your support,” Velazquez continued.

With 26 years of service as an employee of Yonkers Public Schools, Mr. Velazquez has demonstrated a deep and enduring commitment to the city and its residents. Since 2021, he has proudly served as President of the Civil Service Employees Association Unit 9169, where he has tirelessly advocated for the hardworking employees of the Yonkers School District. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Velazquez is actively involved in numerous local nonprofit organizations, including the Dominican Cultural Association of Yonkers (ACDY), Give Back and Rebuild, and other community-focused initiatives that uplift and empower Yonkers residents.

Velazquez says he is preparing to engage voters across District 2 and share his vision for a more inclusive, responsive, and prosperous Yonkers.

For more info on Velazquez’s campaign visit his website and follow him on Facebook and Instagram

Mike Khader Announces Candidacy to Return as Yonkers City Council President

AJ Woodson
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Mike Khader Announces Candidacy to Return as Yonkers City Council President

On Thursday, Mike Khader, former Yonkers City Council President and proud Democrat, announced his candidacy once again to serve the residents of Yonkers as City Council President.

“Over the past four years, I have watched our City Council leadership become an embarrassment and a disgrace to our city—an office that should serve the people, but has instead been used for personal gain. This cannot continue, and it’s time for change,” said Khader.

“My time away from the office has only strengthened my commitment to public service, and to putting Yonkers first. This position carries with it a deep responsibility to listen to and represent the people, ensure transparency and accountability, and provide sound, common-sense leadership to drive efficiency and progress. That is the leadership I intend to restore to Yonkers.”

During his tenure as City Council President, Khader prioritized fiscal responsibility, affordable housing, and initiatives that improved the quality of life for families throughout Yonkers. He also focused on Yonkers Public Schools, especially ensuring better resources and opportunities for children with special needs. As a lifelong resident, Khader is deeply passionate about public service and the well-being of his community.

Mike is a devoted husband, father of three, and a practicing attorney here in Yonkers. “I want Yonkers to be a place where our children can thrive with quality public education and safety, and where families aren’t forced to leave because of skyrocketing living costs. I am committed to working with our communities to create opportunities for jobs and prosperity for all Yonkersites, not just a select few. It’s time to restore trust in our local government. The people of Yonkers deserve nothing less, and I pledge to make their needs my top priority.”

Khader’s campaign will focus on creating a better Yonkers by fostering more equitable opportunities, improving city services, and simplifying access to them, all while ensuring City Council leadership that residents can be proud of—leadership that always puts the best interests of Yonkers first. Before entering public service, Khader served as a counterterrorism official for the Central Intelligence Agency, where he was entrusted with a Top Secret security clearance. His experience in national security and intelligence further reinforces his commitment to protecting and serving his community.

Mike will face off with current Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy, who is running for re-election, and Majority City Council Leader Tasha Diaz in the June 24th Democratic Primary.

Dr. Veronica K. Smith Addressed NYS Assembly Joint Legislature On Elementary & Secondary Education

AJ Woodson
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Dr. Veronica K. Smith Addressed NYS Assembly Joint Legislature On Elementary & Secondary Education

On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Dr. Veronica K. Smith, Acting Superintendent of the Mount Vernon City School District, addressed the NYS Assembly Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the Executive Budget Proposal concerning elementary and secondary education in Hearing Room B, 2nd Floor, at 181 State Street in Albany, NY. The joint Senate-Assembly hearings on Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2025-2026 New York State budget included a review of the governor’s proposals for Elementary and Secondary Education.

Acting Superintendent Smith was part of the Conference of Big 5 School Districts, including Executive Director Jennifer Pyle, Rochester City School District Interim Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland, Syracuse City School District Superintendent Anthony Q. Davis Sr., Tonja Williams Knight, Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Albany City School District Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter, Yonkers Public School District Superintendent Anibal Soler and Utica City School District Christopher Spence. (see full hearing in video below).

This year’s budget hearings kicked off a monthlong schedule of joint Senate-Assembly hearings on the governor’s proposed budget, commencing on January 27 and concluding on February 27. See the full schedule HERE. 

Senate Finance Committee Chair Liz Krueger and Assembly Ways and Means Committee Chair J. Gary Pretlow announced the joint legislative hearing schedule on the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025-26 Executive Budget Proposal. These hearings, each of which focuses on a programmatic area of the Executive Budget Proposal, are intended to provide the appropriate legislative committees with public input. The hearings will be available for viewing on the Senate and Assembly websites. The Legislative Channel (on cable systems throughout the state) also will carry the proceedings.

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