Knicks advance to second round for second year, Elmsford’s Donavan Mitchell and Ossining High School’s Obi Toppin represents the 914 in Eastern Conference Semi Finals
While I celebrate my New York Knicks making it to the Eastern Conference Semi Finals for second year in a row, 914 will also be represented in the second round of the playoff. Ossining High School grad and former Knick Obi Toppin will face the Knicks with his new team The Indiana Pacers and Elmsford native Donavan ‘Spida’ Mitchell and his Cleveland Cavaliers will face off with the Boston Celtics.
The 5-time All-Star and 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Champion led the Cavs over the Orlando Magics in the 2024 playoffs’ only Game 7, Sunday afternoon. Mitchell who finished the game with 39 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in the Cavs 106-94 victory, avoiding their second first round exit.
“I’m tired of losing in the first round,” Mitchell said. “You work too hard. We work too hard. That was my mindset … for me, just be in attack mode. I’m battling through what I’m battling through, but I could battle through it and figure it out, or rehab it for the next three or four months. That’s where I’m at mentally.”
Mitchell has been laboring through a knee injury, the same one that’s lingered all season. Throughout the game, he hobbled around, grimaced and fought against his body. But, in his eyes, he had no choice.
Mitchell put together another superstar performance after the Cavs fell behind the Magics by 18 points in the second quarter. In the first half, Mitchell shot 3-for-13 for 15 points. But he went hard at Magics shooting gaurd Jalen Suggs-who had the task of guarding him-to score 17 points in the third quarter and fuel a ferocious comeback.
The 6′ 3″ 215 pound guard, who is the successor to LeBron James in Cleveland in so many ways, led the franchise to its first playoff series victory without The King since 1993. LBJ may be Cleveland’s favorite son after bringing home the city’s first title, but the city belongs to Spida right now.
The Elmsford native totaled 89 points (50 points in game 6 and 39 points in game 7), one of the best performances second only to The Answer, Allen Iverson. AI scored 90 points combined in games six and seven of the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks.
It is The Cavs first time making it to the second round without LeBron James in 30 years. Caris LeVert finished with 15 points, Max Strus got 13 and Garland had 12. Evan Mobley got 11 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks and held Orlando to 6-of-22 shooting as the primary contester.
No time to celebrate the Cavs advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals to face the league number one teams, the Boston Celics who beat the Miami Heat in five games, winning 118-84 on Wednesday night.
Eastern Conference Semifinals schedule
Game 1: Tuesday, 7 p.m. in Boston
Game 2: Thursday, 7 p.m. in Boston
Game 3: Saturday, 8:30 p.m. in Cleveland
Game 4: Monday, May 13 7 p.m. in Cleveland
Game 5: TBD in Boston (if needed)
Game 6: TBD in Cleveland (if needed)
Game 7: TBD in Boston (if needed)
Ossining’s Obi Toppin returns to MSG
Obi Toppin is coming back to NY and The Indiana Pacers face the New York Knicks in the second round of the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs starting Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
The No. 6 seed Pacers beat the depleted No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks in six games, while the No. 2 Knicks eliminated the No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers in six games.
Game 1 is set for Monday, May 6 at Madison Square Garden at 7:30 PM ET and will air nationally on TNT. The Knicks will also host Game 2 on Wednesday, May 8 at 8:00 PM ET (also on TNT).
Here’s the full schedule for this second round series in the Eastern Conference.
No. 2 Knicks vs. No. 6 Pacers schedule Game 1: Pacers @ Knicks, Monday, May 6, 7:30 p.m., TNT Game 2: Pacers @ Knicks, Wednesday, May 8, 8 p.m. ET, TNT Game 3: Knicks @ Pacers, Friday, May 10, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN Game 4: Knicks @ Pacers, Sunday, May 12, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC *Game 5: Pacers @ Knicks, Date TBD, Time TBD, TV TBD *Game 6: Knicks @ Pacers, Date TBD, Time TBD, TV TBD *Game 7: Pacers @ Knicks, Date TBD, Time TBD, TV TBD
During the regular season, the Pacers and Knicks met three times, with Indiana winning two of those games. They last met on Feb. 10, when the Pacers topped the Knicks 125-111 in a road game.
The teams have a storied history in the NBA Playoffs, meeting six times in the postseason between 1993 and 2000 during the Reggie Miller era. They played in the conference finals three times during that span.
914 will be well represented in the 2024 Eastern Conference Semi Finals
The House recently passed the bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act by a vote of 320-91, with the support of Democratic moderates who are strong supporters of Israel. The bill, introduced by Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), aims to combat antisemitism amidst pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses. However, it has raised serious concerns among some Christians who believe it could infringe upon their First Amendment rights.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), who sponsored the bill and, according to opensecrets.org, has received 59,801 from AIPAC
The Antisemitism Awareness Act would require the Department of Education to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s broad definition of antisemitism when enforcing anti-discrimination laws. The IHRA defines antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.” It provides examples such as “accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group” and “using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus) to characterize Israel or Israelis.”
The IHRA definition it adopts is controversial because it is overly broad. It has had a chilling effect on legitimate political speech related to Israel-Palestine when adopted in other contexts. Understandably, Christian leaders must be concerned about its application here.
Under this definition, pastors could potentially face legal consequences for preaching sermons that adhere to biblical passages stating that Jewish authorities played a role in Jesus’ crucifixion. The New Testament contains several accounts of Jewish leaders plotting against Jesus:
Matthew 26:3-5:
“Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”
Mark 14:1-2
It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him,2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.
Luke 22:1-2
Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.
Matthew 26:14-16
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
These passages are central to the Christian understanding of Jesus’ life and death. There is concern that if the IHRA definition is enshrined into law, it could have a chilling effect on the expression and transmission of Christian beliefs, silencing the passing down of faith.
Banning specific religious texts violates the First Amendment’s protections for freedom of religion and speech. We are now at a point in American politics to silence dissent and protest our garment will even censor bible scripture. .
For many devout Christians, especially in communities of color where faith plays a central role, this bill is a betrayal by the very politicians they have loyally supported and welcomed into their churches. The question is, will prominent pastors who have forged alliances with officials backing this legislation now have the courage to speak out, even if it puts them at odds with their political allies? Like Jesus challenging the authorities of his day, will they defend the right to preach the Gospel freely, or will they calculate that staying silent is the more prudent path? The faith community deserves clarity from their leaders on where they stand in this critical moment.”
According to OpenSecrets.org, AIPAC and other similar organizations have spent millions of dollars on campaign contributions and lobbying efforts to shape U.S. policy in ways favorable to Israel’s government. It’s reasonable to question whether this financial clout played a role in garnering bipartisan support for a bill that some Christian leaders feel could restrict their freedom to teach and express their beliefs about biblical accounts of Jewish authorities’ role in Jesus’ crucifixion.
The fact that this legislation, which adopts a definition of antisemitism that encompasses “claims of Jews killing Jesus,” passed the House with 148 Democrats joining most Republicans in support suggests that AIPAC and its allies still wield significant power on both sides of the aisle. Politicians who rely on campaign donations and other forms of support from pro-Israel groups may feel pressure to back bills like this, even if they have misgivings about potential First Amendment implications.
Ultimately, the faith community will have to press their elected representatives for answers about whether and how this law could impact the expression of traditional Christian teachings derived from the New Testament. If pastors and parishioners feel their rights are being infringed upon or their loyalty is taken for granted, they may have to reevaluate their political allegiances and hold politicians accountable. The influence of money in politics is certainly relevant to this bill, but so are the details of the legislation itself and the ongoing effort to balance the fight against hate with the protection of core liberties.
The Renaissance at Lincoln Park delivers 179 homes and features a 22,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art Boys & Girls Club Clubhouse— the first youth development facility to be built in New Rochelle in over 40 years
The NRP Group, a vertically integrated, best-in-class developer, builder, and manager of multifamily housing, in partnership with Forward Thinkers Development today celebrated the grand opening of The Renaissance, a 179-unit affordable housing community in the City of New Rochelle in New York. The newly completed property includes the 22,000-square-foot Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s Remington Clubhouse, which will serve hundreds of local youth by providing a safe place to grow and learn through the nonprofit’s renowned after-school programming.
“Delivering The Renaissance at Lincoln Park and this stunning Boys & Girls Club clubhouse to New Rochelle was a true privilege and a unique opportunity to positively impact generations of children and families,” said Jonathan Gertman, Senior Vice President of Development at The NRP Group. “This project stands as a shining example of what happens when excellent public partners come together with the private sector and the community to say ‘yes’ to bold progress. We thank the City of New Rochelle, Westchester County, the Interfaith Development Corporation, and particularly New York State Homes and Community Renewal for their unwavering commitment to this endeavor.”
“As we celebrate the grand opening of The Renaissance at Lincoln Park, I am reminded that our work is more than just the sum of individual projects,” said Kenneth Plummer, CEO of Forward Thinkers Development. “The Renaissance symbolizes a collective resilience, unity, and commitment to the New Rochelle community by providing a development that stabilizes working people and facilitates growth and success for them and their children.”
The Renaissance will provide 179 apartment homes to residents of varying income levels. Of the residences, 12 units are reserved for families and individuals earning 37% of the Area Median Income (AMI), 43 units are reserved for those earning 47% AMI, 94 units are reserved for those earning 57% AMI, and 30 units are reserved for those earning 80% AMI.
GF55 Architects designed both the Renaissance Apartments and Boys & Girls Clubhouse. “The design intends to impart a visual liveliness and convey a modern, forward-looking aesthetic,” said Executive Partner David E. Gross AIA. “This is in support of the buildings’ mission of uplift and improvement.”
“The new Remington is the first youth development facility to be built in New Rochelle in 40 years,” said Mary Jo Jacobs, Board President of Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. “This clubhouse will enable us to offer relevant, impactful programs via innovative spaces designed to inspire creativity, fuel academic success, and nurture mind, body, and spirit. More importantly, it will allow us to offer opportunity and hope to underserved youth in a community with an average annual income lower than 89 percent of U.S. neighborhoods.” She continued, “For every child registered in an after-school program, three are on a waitlist. Remington will be instrumental in meeting New Rochelle’s ever-increasing need for quality youth development services and bridging the gap between school and home.”
Celebrating its 95th anniversary this year, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (BGCNR) has worked to enable all young people, especially those from underserved populations, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Of its clubhouse members, 71 percent qualify for free or reduced lunch, 96 percent are diverse, and most hail from households that earn between $30,000 and $35,000 annually. The newly built Remington, which is twice the size of BGCNR’s old clubhouse, will accommodate over 700 kids and teens, more than double the number of members served previously, and allow BGCNR to expand its work as an integral force for community empowerment.
The Remington Clubhouse is a dynamic space that features several learning centers, a fully equipped gym from Planet Fitness and basketball court, a state-of-the-art music/podcast studio, a comfortable teen room/lounge, a cutting-edge STEM room, a cafeteria, and various other gathering areas. Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle and NRP envisioned the new clubhouse as the cornerstone of the neighborhood, where career development, youth empowerment, STEM supported by Pepsi-Co, financial literacy courses provided by Apple Bank, health and wellness, and leadership programs can continue to enrich the next generation.
“The Renaissance at Lincoln Park represents what is possible when we take on ambitious projects that expand access to quality housing opportunities and services that benefit an entire community,” said New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. “Not only will this development provide 179 homes, but generations of children stand to benefit from the new Boys & Girls Club and downtown New Rochelle will be enriched for years to come by this visionary investment. We thank all our partners who contributed to the completion of this project and for helping to build a brighter and stronger future for so many.”
The Renaissance has an array of top-of-the-line amenities meant to bring residents, their guests, and their families together. With a community kitchen and spacious event area centrally located and ideal for social gatherings, residents can share meals and camaraderie. For nature enthusiasts, a verdant rooftop garden, managed by local non-profit The Lincoln Park Conservancy, provides a serene retreat where neighbors can connect amidst lush greenery. The exterior of the building also features a vibrant mural by international street artist, Victor Quinonez, commemorating the rich narrative of the neighborhood. Residents will also have access to on‐site laundry facilities, a lounge/game room, a fitness center with the latest workout equipment, and a bike storage room.
“The Renaissance at Lincoln Park is a tremendous addition to our City, a valuable reinvestment in the Lincoln Avenue corridor in synergy with our visionary LINC project,” said Mayor of New Rochelle Yadira Ramos-Herbert. “Not only does this innovative development increase our City’s affordable housing stock and parking capacity but it also features a new and improved Boys & Girls Club, a space near and dear to my heart, that provides hundreds of children in our community access to critical afterschool programs and care. I am proud that New Rochelle continues to be a leader in both creating affordable housing and opportunities for youth, and I’m eager to witness the far-reaching positive impacts that The Renaissance will have on our City.”
Conveniently located, The Renaissance is adjacent to the four-acre Lincoln Park, which features a children’s playground, sports fields, community gardens, and a swimming pool. It is also adjacent to the 0007 New Rochelle bus line, where residents can easily connect to downtown New Rochelle and the Metro North Station, offering access to Grand Central Station in Midtown Manhattan in less than an hour. The Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital is 0.6 miles away, providing both employment opportunities and convenient healthcare access to community members.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of The Renaissance at Lincoln Park, a brand new, state-of-the art facility that will benefit the City of New Rochelle in a variety of ways,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “First and foremost, we are filling a critical need for our residents when we provide more affordable housing opportunities. Westchester County has proven its commitment to developing new affordable housing as well as preserving existing affordable housing, allocating a total of $240 million in funding since 2018. The Renaissance happens to be located in New Rochelle’s revitalization target area, which will greatly contribute to the continued growth of the City’s downtown. And, the development includes an expanded facility for The Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle, which will serve as a centralized location to deliver relevant, impactful programs to young people in the community.”
The Renaissance marks the fourth partnership NRP has done under the banner of its “Healthy Housing” initiative: a program designed to create partnerships with nonprofits and healthcare providers to build on affordable housing as a platform for improving a broader range of social determinants of health. Through these partnerships, NRP reconfirms its commitment to creating ever-expanding pathways of opportunity for the residents and communities it serves.
About The NRP Group: The NRP Group is a vertically integrated developer, owner, builder, and manager of best-in-class multifamily housing with a mission to create exceptional rental housing communities for individuals and families, regardless of income. Since its founding in 1994, NRP has developed more than 50,000 apartment homes and currently manages over 25,000 residential units.
Through its disciplined approach to vetting opportunities, NRP has established a track record of delivering impressive returns for investors. The company’s formidable size and depth of talent provide the experience and infrastructure necessary to execute developments of varying degrees of complexity and scope in both urban-infill and suburban locations, including market-rate, affordable, mixed-income, and senior housing.
The NRP Group is consistently ranked in the Top 10 largest developers and builders in the U.S. by the National Multifamily Housing Council and by Affordable Housing Finance. The NRP Group is a winner of the National Association of Home Builders Multifamily Pillars of the Industry award for “Builder of the Year,” and a four-time recipient of the same award for “Development Firm of the Year.” The NRP Group has become the top multifamily developer in the U.S. that creates both affordable and market-rate housing at a national scale. Based on its nearly 30 years of experience and expertise, NRP now provides construction and property management services to outside owners and developers. For additional information, visit www.nrpgroup.com.
About Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle
Founded in 1929, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (BGCNR) is an integral part of the
community, offering quality, achievement-driven programming that encompasses academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership, and civics. Today, it serves over 8,000 youth annually at 16 school sites throughout Westchester County, NY, and its Mascaro and Remington Clubhouses. BGCNR offers kids and teens safe places to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring professionals, life-enhancing programs, meaningful character development experiences, and hope and opportunity.
About HCR
HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. The agency work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers. HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.
A GENERAL ORDINANCE AMENDING PART IV: BUSINESS REGULATIONS, LICENSING AND CONSUMER PROTECTION OF THE CODE BY ADDING CHAPTER 40 TO THE CODE, ENTITLED “REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPEDITORS”
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Yonkers has adopted the abovementioned legislation that amends the City Code to create a registration requirement for persons who act as expeditors in various City departments. A registration requirement for expeditors will allow for greater transparency and efficiency throughout the permitting process in various City departments. Furthermore, this registration requirement will also allow the City of Yonkers to hold expeditors accountable and suspend or revoke the registration of expediters where there is a finding of misconduct as defined in the legislation.
The penalties for violation of this ordinance are as follows:
A violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute a Class II offense. Any person who provides expediting services without first obtaining a registration certificate from the City of Yonkers or who shall continue to provide expediting services after having had his/her registration suspended or revoked shall be deemed to have violated the provisions of this chapter. Each expediting service performed by a person without a valid registration certificate shall be deemed a separate offense.
The complete text of the ordinance is on file and may be examined at the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 40 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701.
In recent weeks, students at colleges across the country have been holding protests and demonstrations against U.S. involvement in the ongoing war. These protests have sparked debates about the extent and limits of the constitutional right to free speech on college campuses.
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. This right extends to public colleges and universities, which are considered government entities. Students at public colleges generally have the right to express their views and hold peaceful protests on campus.
Recently, some of these campus protests have become a flashpoint. Last night, a peaceful sit-in against the war at the State University of New York (SUNY) Purchase College ended in what some are calling an excessive use of force by police against students.
“The police violence last night at SUNY Purchase College against peaceful students sitting in a circle is absolutely outrageous,” said Nada Khader of the Westchester Peace Action Coalition (Westpac). “Our constitutional protections are being shredded to prop up a U.S. funded and supported apartheid regime.”
Details of exactly what transpired are still emerging. But if peaceful, law-abiding protesters were improperly disrupted or subjected to undue force by police, as alleged, it would represent a serious infringement on their First Amendment rights. Colleges must not wield an iron fist against students lawfully exercising core political speech.
These anti-war protests are part of a long tradition of student activism against U.S. military actions, most notably during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 70s. Like today’s demonstrators, many Vietnam era protesters faced harsh crackdowns and disciplinary threats from college administrators and police, leading to seminal free speech legal battles. The current generation of student activists are now grappling with similar tensions around the scope of their First Amendment rights.
Some politicians who receive funding from pro-Israel groups like AIPAC, amplified by certain media narratives, have labeled the campus protests as antisemitic due to their criticism of Israel’s military assault on Palestinians. Over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks in recent decades, with women and children comprising 70% of the casualties, according to Palestinian sources. Protesters argue it is not antisemitic to oppose Israel’s treatment of Palestinians,a war tha tis funded with the tax dollars of Americans and that attempting to construe their opposition to the war as such is a silencing tactic.
Here is the revised paragraph incorporating Congressman Bowman’s contrasting stance:
In recent weeks, many politicians, especially in Westchester County, have taken hardline pro-Israel stances and denounced the anti-war protesters. County Executive George Latimer, who is running to unseat current Congressman Jamal Bowman and is heavily funded by AIPAC, has been relatively silent on the protests.
On the other hand, Congressman Bowman, who has been a target of pro-Israel groups like AIPAC, has vocally supported the college students and their protests against the war in Gaza. He has defended their right to speak out and asserted that criticizing Israeli government actions is not inherently antisemitic.
Critics argue that when most politicians take one-sided approaches, it provides cover for crackdowns on demonstrations and dismisses the protesters’ message as antisemitism. They question whether elected officials’ uncompromising pro-Israel positions, influenced by campaign contributions from lobbying groups, create a chilling effect on free speech by legitimizing efforts to silence opposing views.
After all, these politicians’ constituents have a right to ask: Are their representatives’ stances shaped by an even-handed examination of the complex facts on the ground, or are they swayed by lobbying dollars and a desire to avoid bad-faith accusations of antisemitism? There is a difference between respectfully disagreeing with the protesters’ arguments and trying to muzzle their voices. The politicians’ relative silence speaks volumes.
Congressman Bowman’s willingness to break from the pack and stand up for the students, even in the face of political attacks, throws this contrast into stark relief. It suggests political calculations and lobbying pressure are indeed distorting many officials’ responses. His constituents may well appreciate that he is staying true to his principles rather than being cowed by moneyed interests. The protesters deserve representatives who will hear them out in good faith, not just toe the line of powerful lobbies.
As the anti-war protests continue, both demonstrators and administrators must work to uphold free speech on campus. Colleges should allow ample opportunity for peaceful protests and use police force only as a last resort. Protesters should strive to express their views against the war and Israel’s actions passionately but lawfully, without fear of being called antisemetics. Politicians should resist treating the debate as a zero-sum game, instead acknowledging the protesters’ right to dissent even if they disagree. Through good-faith efforts on all sides, the constitutional right to speak out against government policy can be exercised vigorously while respecting others. These are complex and sensitive issues, but open and factual dialogue is essential.
In recent decades, the United States has seen a significant shift in family structures and gender norms, particularly within the Black community. Today, nearly 70% of Black children are born to unmarried mothers, and Black adults have the lowest marriage rate of any ethnic group at just 30%. Concurrently, alcohol use disorders among women have risen sharply, with an 80% increase between 2002-2013.
Moreover, contemporary Black culture has been influenced by a range of opposing forces, including the proliferation of harmful media narratives and stereotypes. Social media platforms and popular entertainment often glorify the “hot girl summer” lifestyle, presenting a distorted image of success and happiness centered around partying, drinking, and casual relationships. This pervasive messaging can normalize risky behaviors and undermine the value of committed partnerships and stable family structures.
Against this backdrop, emerging research points to a troubling link between the unique challenges faced by single Black mothers and the rising rates of problematic alcohol use within this population. Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that single mothers are more likely to experience elevated levels of stress, depression, and economic hardship compared to their married counterparts. Faced with the overwhelming demands of solo parenting and limited support systems, many women turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism to manage these intense pressures.
The confluence of changing cultural attitudes about marriage and the lack of social support for single Black mothers creates a perfect storm of stress that can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive drinking. The toll of single parenting without adequate resources can be severe, not only for mothers but for their children, who may experience the effects of maternal stress and alcohol misuse. Without intervention, these adverse childhood experiences can contribute to a cycle of generational trauma.
As a society, we must confront this issue with empathy, cultural competence, and urgency. Stigmatizing single mothers or Black families is unproductive and fails to address the underlying structural inequities. Instead, we need proactive community dialogue and action to provide Black single-mother families with the targeted resources and support they need to thrive.
This should include expanding access to culturally responsive mental health services, substance abuse treatment, affordable childcare, and financial assistance programs in underserved Black neighborhoods. Schools, health providers, and community organizations must be equipped to identify and support at-risk mothers and children. Mentoring and peer support groups for single Black mothers can provide vital emotional support and empowering role models.
The Black church has a crucial role to play in promoting the wellness and mental health of Black women, particularly in the context of romantic relationships and marriage. According to findings from an Iowa State University study, Black women who were married demonstrated a reduced propensity for alcohol consumption in comparison to Black women who were single or living with a partner without being married. This highlights the potential protective effect of healthy marriages on Black women’s well-being.
However, the church must go beyond simply encouraging marriage and address the deeper spiritual and emotional needs of Black women. Church leaders must recognize the importance of fostering spiritual discernment when choosing a life partner. Biblical principles should guide the selection of a mate who will support and uplift a woman’s faith, mental health, and overall wellness.
The church can play a proactive role by offering premarital counseling, couples’ ministries, and mentoring programs emphasizing healthy, God-centered relationships. These initiatives should focus on communication, conflict resolution, and the cultivation of emotional and spiritual intimacy between partners.
Furthermore, the Black church must create safe spaces for Black women to openly discuss their struggles, including issues related to relationships, single parenthood, and substance abuse. By providing support groups, prayer circles, and access to professional counseling services, churches can help Black women navigate their challenges and find healing and empowerment through faith.
Ultimately, the Black church promotes a holistic understanding of wellness that encompasses both spiritual and mental health. By actively addressing the unique needs of Black women and supporting them in their journey towards healthy, fulfilling relationships, the church can play a vital role in breaking the cycle of stress, trauma, and unhealthy coping mechanisms that can arise from relationship challenges. The Black church can empower Black women to build strong, resilient families and communities through a proactive, faith-based approach.
Suppose the issue of single motherhood, stress, and alcohol abuse in the Black community is not addressed. In that case, it can perpetuate a cycle of generational trauma that has far-reaching consequences for Black children. Growing up in households where mothers are struggling with mental health challenges and substance abuse can create an environment of chronic stress and instability that adversely affects children’s development and well-being.
Moreover, the trauma experienced by these children can manifest in various forms of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Without proper intervention and support, these challenges can persist into adulthood, affecting their ability to form healthy relationships, maintain stable employment, and break free from the cycle of poverty and disadvantage.
Ultimately, our priority should be empowering Black women to make healthy choices for themselves and their families, in whatever form they take. This requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the spiritual and mental health needs of Black women. While the Black church can provide guidance and support, it is crucial to recognize that not all women have access to or feel comfortable within traditional houses of worship or spiritual communities.
In such cases, it is essential to promote therapy and counseling as viable options for Black women seeking support and healing. Mental health professionals who are culturally competent and understand the unique challenges Black women face can provide a safe space to process their experiences, develop coping strategies, and work toward personal growth and empowerment.
By bringing this issue to the forefront of public health discussions and investing in targeted support, we can break the cycle of stress and substance abuse that threatens the well-being of so many Black mothers, children, and communities. It’s time for a holistic approach that honors Black families’ unique strengths and challenges and provides a range of accessible, culturally relevant resources to support their mental, emotional, and spiritual health. We can only truly empower Black women to thrive and build resilient families and communities by addressing the full spectrum of Black women’s needs.
The upcoming Democratic Primary election on June 25 is of vital importance to all who live within the Town of Greenburgh. Not only are we voting on our choice for U.S. Congress and Westchester County District Atorney, we are also voting on who will represent us in the New York State Assembly as the Assemblyman for the 92nd district: Tom Abinanti vs. Mary Jane Shimsky. This district encompasses most of Greenburgh and the Town of Mt. Pleasant.
For the past 8 years, some of the residents of the portion of the Town referred to as Edgemont have been attemptung to have a referendum on incorporating as the seventh village in the Town.
Two previous attempts have been unsuccessful due to defects in the petition filed by the incorporation committee.
This same group of individuals is now attempting to file a third petition to have a referendum. During this time, our elected representative, Tom Abinanti, attempted to update the antiquated state law on Village Incorporation but was thwarted in his efforts by the leader of the State Senate.
Over a year ago, a group of local residents, the Saving Greenburgh Coalition, began lobbying our elected representatives, Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Mary Jane Shimsky, to update the law so that all residents of Greenburgh would be able to vote in the event that a referendum were held.
Instead of providing legislation that affected only voting in Greenburgh, Stewart-Cousins rewrote the incorporation process for the entire state, but exempted the Edgemont effort from the updated process. Shimsky then cosponsored the bill in the Assembly, thus turning her back on the pleas of her constituents to enact legislation that would allow all of Greenburgh to vote on the matter. Sadly, she is now saying that she voted against the bill that exempts Edgemont for the next 16 years, a half-truth. Shimsky sponsored the original bill that exempted them, then voted against a chapter amendment to her original bill.
Former Assemblyman Abinanti has stepped into the arena to fight for the Town. He has a stellar record of representing us on the Greenburgh Town Council, the Westchester County Board of Legislators and in the State Assembly. He believes that incorporation of Edgemont would be disastrous for Greenburgh and the surrounding communities with whom we have a symbiotic relationship. Greenburgh is the largest Town in Westchester, thus what is bad for Greenburgh is similarly bad for the County. Abinanti has pledged to fight to enact state legislation so that all of Greenburgh is treated the same as all other jurisdictions in the state. He has pledged to introduce legislation so that all residents of Unincorporated Greenburgh would be able to vote should a referendum be held.
We need equal voting rights for all. We need to vote for Tom Abinanti in the Democratic primary, so we will have a representative who is working for our community.
The Westchester Correction Association (WCA), an organization representing African American Correction Officers, has expressed grave concerns over recent comments made by Correction Officer Branden Hcnyl on Facebook. In his post, Officer Hcnyl questioned the legitimacy of injuries sustained by officers of color, sparking outrage and accusations of discrimination within the department.
WCA argues that Officer Hcnyl’s statement not only undermines department unity but also creates a hostile work environment by pitting officers against one another for exercising their contractual rights. The organization emphasizes that Officer Hcnyl, who lacks medical expertise, made public statements about fellow officers’ injuries on social media without personally evaluating them.
The association urges Commissioner Spano to take appropriate disciplinary action against Officer Hcnyl for making false claims about officers’ medical records and violating HIPAA laws. WCA is calling on the Commissioner to address this issue with the same urgency and severity that the department has shown in handling social media posts made by other officers, particularly those involving WCA members. The organization also clarified that Hncyl is not the officer’s real name, but everyone knows who he is.
WCA raises concerns about how Officer Hcnyl obtained sensitive medical information about fellow officers, as this data should not be freely shared or accessible to other staff members. The unauthorized disclosure of officers’ medical information breaches confidentiality and erodes trust within the department. The organization stresses that Commissioner Spano must swiftly investigate the source of the leak and implement proper measures to protect the privacy and personal information of all correction officers.
Furthermore, WCA maintains that Officer Hcnyl’s post singles out and questions the injuries of officers of color, undermining department unity and creating a hostile work environment. The organization believes that such discriminatory behavior should not be tolerated and that the department must address any instances of bias.
WCA has informed Black Westchester that if the County and Commissioner Spano fail to act, they will escalate the issue to the Federal Government. The organization’s representative also stated that the situation has raised concerns about disparities in how white and black officers are disciplined within the department.
WCA highlights a glaring inconsistency in the department’s handling of social media posts. The organization notes that WCA made posts to raise awareness about the safety concerns and harassment Black correction officers face. When the department assumed it was a White Captain within WDOC, the department sought to bring charges against our President, even though WCA did not mention any names or any department because there are three correctional facilities (Bedford, Sing Sing, and Westchester) in Westchester County. WCA has members in these facilities. However, in the case of Officer Hcnyl’s false statement, which specifically targeted and questioned the legitimacy of injuries sustained by officers of color, the department appears to be turning a blind eye and not taking any disciplinary action. This apparent double standard in addressing officer misconduct has further fueled tensions and accusations of racial bias within the department.
Moreover, WCA argues that this incident exacerbates the ongoing harassment of women of color, which the department has allegedly ignored under the Latimer administration. The organization stresses that such behavior should not be tolerated within the department or by County Executive George Latimer.
As the controversy unfolds, WCA remains committed to protecting the rights and privacy of its members and ensuring that the department maintains a safe, respectful, and professional work environment for all correction officers. The organization urges Commissioner Spano to thoroughly investigate this matter and take appropriate disciplinary action against those found to have violated department policies or compromised the confidentiality of fellow officers.
I, Lakisha Collins-Bellamy, City Council President of the City of Yonkers, do hereby call a public hearing on the proposed 2024/2025 City of Yonkers Operating Budget and Capital Budget as follows:
Thursday, May 9, 2024
City Council Chambers
City Hall– 4th Floor
40 South Broadway
Yonkers, New York
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Auditorium
Saunders High School
183 Palmer Road
Yonkers, NY 10701
7:00 p.m.
Anyone wishing to speak may sign up on the day of the hearing at the hearing site. Each speaker shall be permitted three minutes and speakers shall be called in the order in which they have signed up.
Westchester County NAACP branches united to host candidate forum for the Westchester District Attorney race. All three candidates who will appear on the Democratic Primary ballot, former Judge Susan Cacace, the Westchester County Democratic Committee endorsed candidate, Civil Rights Attorney William O. Wagstaff who survived fraud accusations in court and former assistant District Attorney Adeel Mirza appeared to share to make a case why voters should vote for them.
First the first time several Westchester NAACP branches united to host the candidate forum for the most important election in the County this year including Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle, White Plains/Greemburgh, and Peekskill. The forum was moderated by Mount Vernon NAACP Vice President AJ Woodson and Yonkers NAACP 1st Vice President Kisha Skipper.
You can watch the entire WCDA Candidate Forum on the video below.
NAACP national statement on endorsement: “We want to clarify that the NAACP is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse candidates for political office at any level. Persons affiliated with the NAACP at the national, state, and local levels are free to make candidate endorsements in a personal capacity, but they do not reflect support by the NAACP as an organization.” The NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rightsorganization and doespromote voter registration, education and equity through civic engagement and political action.
