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DA candidate Cacace must answer for conservative ties [Letter to the Editor]

AJ Woodson
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DA candidate Cacace must answer for conservative ties [Letter to the Editor]

Dear Editor,

This June, voters will turn out to the polls to decide which District Attorney candidate best reflects the values of the Westchester community.

With two Democratic frontrunners—Susan Cacace and William Wagstaff—and Democrats maintaining a strong registration advantage in the county, it would be easy to assume that either candidate would share the principles of Westchester voters. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

Susan Cacace is the protege of Trump crusader and FOX News personality Jeanine Pirro, whom she worked under as an Assistant District Attorney. Following Pirro’s path to power, Cacace chose to run for judge on the Republican and Conservative ballot lines—despite the Conservative Party’s extremist positions on gun safety, women’s reproductive freedoms, and the Equal Rights Amendment.

Not once has Judge Cacace given an explanation for running on the Republican and Conservative Party lines.

Concerns about Judge Cacace’s conservative ties are compounded by the fact that she not only accepted campaign funds from Republicans—including PACs—but donated to them as well. Cacace has contributed to local Republican clubs and candidates, including former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who is responsible for gutting funding for community health centers, defunding Planned Parenthood’s successful teen pregnancy prevention program, and opposing gun safety regulations.

Just the other week, a major GOP donor, who defended gun owners as “New York’s Top Firearms Attorney,” held a private fundraiser for Judge Cacace’s DA campaign.

It’s critically important that the next Westchester County District Attorney maintains the highest standard of justice and uses their office to stop the flow of illegal guns into communities like ours. In aligning herself with far-right extremists, Cacace has shown that she doesn’t share the same values as Westchester families, many of whom have spoken out against—or even taken to the street—in opposition of the MAGA agenda.

Already, Judge Cacace chose to skip the first official debate hosted by the County’s preeminent Black-focused news organization, Black Westchester. Many of the city’s most influential civil rights organizations, including the Urban League of Westchester, raised concerns about Cacace’s decision to snub the debate and urged her to reconsider.

Sorraya Sampson, President and CEO of the Urban League of Westchester, said “while we’re pleased to see multiple candidates participating in the debate, it’s regrettable that Judge Cacace has chosen to abstain. This debate is a vital platform for voters to assess all options and make informed decisions.”

If Cacace wanted to set the record straight about her conservative ties, the debate stage would be the place to do it. Refusing to explain her record by skipping the first debate calls into question whether she will be open and accessible as District Attorney.

Most recently, the Cacace campaign took a page out of the GOP playbook by trying to kick William Wagstaff off the ballot. These are the same kinds of voter suppression tactics used by MAGA Republicans on a federal level to undermine our democracy.

The next Westchester District Attorney will have the extraordinary power to make the judicial system more fair and equitable, increase transparency and access to services, and make the office run more effectively and efficiently. Susan Cacace wants us to believe she will bring a new vision to the office. But it’s clear she will only take us backwards.

Sincerely,
Damon Maher
New Rochelle

Mary J Blige & A Tribe Called Quest Among 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees?

AJ Woodson
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Mary J Blige & A Tribe Called Quest Among 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees?

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced the class of 2024, Yonkers native Mary J. Blige, Queens Hip-Hop group A Tribe Called Quest are among the inductees. The induction ceremony will be held live on Oct. 19 at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland. It will stream live on Disney+ with an airing on ABC at a later date and available on Hulu the next day.

To be eligible for induction, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination.

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul’s first releases came in 1992, when she released her debut album, the classic What’s The 411? The album included a number of hits, including “Real Love,” “You Remind Me,” “My Love,” her cover of Chaka Khan’s “Real Love” and “Reminisce.” Chaka Khan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year, receiving the Musical Excellence Award.

“I am so excited to congratulate Yonkers’ own Mary J. Blige on the announcement of her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for 2024,” said Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16). “Growing up in the projects in Yonkers and raised by a single mother, Blige’s story is the story of many New Yorkers, myself included. Her music is informed by her lived experiences with addiction and harassment, and it gives a voice to the experiences of our community and the oppression and struggle we face on a daily basis. Blige’s art has shaped our culture and allowed so many folks in our community to see themselves reflected in her work that is rooted in the political and social experiences we share every single day. Here in Yonkers we know the power and movement of music, and the microphone that it gives us to share our stories. Mary J. Blige is the realization of that power, and I am so excited to celebrate her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.” 

A Tribe Called Quest released their debut single, “Description of a Fool,” in 1989. That song was later included on their 1990 debut album, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, which also included “I Left My Wallet In El Segundo,” “Bonita Applebum” and “Can I Kick It?”

Also among the inductees: funk legends Kool &  The Gang. They debuted in 1969 and have been together ever since. Some of their biggest hits include “Get Down On It,” “Ladies Night,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Hollywood Swinging,” and of course, “Celebration.”

Other inductees in the performer category include Cher, the Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, and Ozzy Osbourne. Osbourne is already in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath, but this induction honors his solo career. Artists on the ballot who weren’t voted in include legendary hip-hop duo Eric B & Rakim, as well as Sade, Mariah Carey, Sinead O’Connor, and Lenny Kravitz.

Big Mama Thornton, who is considered by many to be one of the creators of rock and roll music, is being inducted in the Musical Influence Category. Dionne Warwick, meanwhile, is being honored with the Musical Excellence Award, along with Norman Whitfield, a songwriter/producer for Motown Records during the 1960s. Some of the songs that he worked on included “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” “(I Know) I’m Losing You,” and “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” Other artists who are honored with the Musical Excellence Award are Jimmy Buffett and punk rock legends the MC5.

“Rock ‘n’ roll is an ever-evolving amalgam of sounds that impacts culture and moves generations,” John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, said in a statement. “This diverse group of inductees each broke down musical barriers and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps.”

People Before Politics Radio – Episode 393

AJ Woodson
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People Before Politics Radio – Episode 393

Listen to Damon K. Jones, and AJ Woodson on Episode 393 of Black Westchester Presents The People Before Politics Radio Show that aired Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 6 PM for a thought-provoking conversation. As an independent media outlet, we bring you uncensored and unfiltered discussions on the critical issues impacting our community. We have the uncomfortable conversations others are afraid to have… In this episode, we dive deep into the current events shaping our daily lives, providing a unique Black perspective that mainstream media often overlooks. Experience the power of independent journalism as we fearlessly tackle the stories that matter most. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged. Tune in to “People Before Politics” – where the news unapologetically comes from a distinctly Black point of view.

To support the show, which provides real talk for the community for free, make a donation via PayPal at www.PayPal.me/BlackWestchesterMag. In the words of Ray Charles, “One of these days, and it [might not be] long, You’re gonna look for [us], and [we’ll] be gone.” Support independent, Black-free media!

As always, you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube

Mayor Spano Announces Restructuring Plan for Nepperhan Community Center

AJ Woodson
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Mayor Spano Announces Restructuring Plan for Nepperhan Community Center

YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO: “THE NEPPERHAN COMMUNITY CENTER WILL REMAIN AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE TO OUR CITY.”

YONKERS, NY – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced on Thursday, April 18th, the restructuring of the Nepperhan Community Center (NCC), located at 342 Warburton Avenue.

“The Nepperhan Community Center is and will remain an important resource to our City,” said Mayor Spano. “My commitment is to keep it operating for the tradition it provides and for the benefit of the people in our community.”

Spurred on by the Obama Foundation’s revocation of its accreditation and the revocation of its tax-exempt status by the IRS, Mayor Spano and the Yonkers City Council asked the Yonkers Inspector General to investigate. The report, available on the City of Yonkers website, uncovered financial mismanagement, bounced employee paychecks, unpaid utility bills over $200,000, and other missing or incomplete financial records.

“We know how important this center is for the seniors and the young people in this community,” said Mayor Spano. “We want to maintain the programs and make sure the next chapter for the Nepperhan Community Center is one we can take pride in and the next generation can be inspired by. Unfortunately, if the City does not step in, the Nepperhan Community Center is unlikely to qualify for future federal, state, or local grant funds that are the lifeblood of its ability to stay open.”

Spano noted, for example, that the federal government’s revocation of the Community Center’s tax-exempt status makes it ineligible for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds the City distributes each year for community needs.

Furthermore, according to the report, the Community Center’s governing board is establishing a new corporate entity consisting largely of the same people in an apparent effort to sidestep the tax filings it did not make in recent years.

“This is a clear red flag, and will be seen as such by those who would normally provide funding for the Nepperhan Community Center,” said Mayor Spano.

Spano said the City’s Parks Department, Office of Aging, and other City agencies will step in to keep programs running at the Nepperhan Community Center while a true organization with a reputable non-profit board can be formed.

“This is a City-owned building that we are glad to continue to make available virtually free of charge for programs that serve the community,” Mayor Spano said, adding, “In return, the operators must be transparent, provide accountability for the public dollars, and private grants they receive, and above all comply with the tax laws and basic accounting rules.”

Yonkers Inspector General Liam McLaughlin’s recent report on NCC, identified that in January 2024 the U.S. Internal Revenue Service revoked NCC’s tax exempt status for failure to file their Tax Returns for the last three years, 2020, 2021, and 2022. That meant that NCC could not receive grant monies from the City, Obama Foundation or any other entity.

Sister to Sister International to Host Its 3rd Annual Day of Action Conference

AJ Woodson
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Sister to Sister International to Host Its 3rd Annual Day of Action Conference

A Thought-Provoking Day of Recognition, Education, and Action with Asha Castleberry-Hernandez and Dr. Uché Blackstock

On Saturday, April 20, 2024, Sister to Sister International (STSI) will host its third Annual Day of Action, where the importance of STEM education and careers will be showcased, and how health disparities have a profound effect on Black and Brown women and girls will be front and center on the agenda. This yearly event is carefully curated to highlight topics that inform and empower—and this year’s theme of Recognition, Education, and Action will not disappoint! Participants will have the opportunity to review evidence-based data that support health inequities while engaged in spirited discussions and breakout sessions as potential solutions are shared and explored for STSI’s 4 pillars. “Since its formation in 1994, the mission, vision, and efforts of STSI have been rooted in a solution-focused trajectory. Our successes are attributed to a dedicated Board of Directors, staff, consultants, volunteers, and the unwavering support of our community partners,” stated Cheryl Brannan, Founder of STSI and the Westchester Black Maternal Child Center for Excellence (WBMCCE).

Joining STSI to infuse the room with the empowering essence of Black and Brown women and girl magic will be Dr. Uché Blackstock and  Asha Castleberry-Hernandez.

Dr. Uché Blackstock, a physician and New York Times bestselling author will engage participants in a intriguing Fireside Chat. Dr. Blackstock is renowned for her advocacy against the structural biases and racism prevalent in healthcare and is the founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity, a frequent guest on MSNBC and NBC News, and a former associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, as well as the former faculty director for recruitment, retention, and inclusion in the Office of Diversity Affairs at NYU School of Medicine. As an added bonus, each event ticket purchase will include a signed copy of Dr. Uché Blackstock’s book, LEGACY.

Asha Castleberry-Hernandez National Security Expert will deliver a highly anticipated morning Keynote Address. Her distinguished career includes serving as a senior advisor at the U.S. State Department and holding the rank of Major in the U.S. Army Reserves. Notably, she has fulfilled roles such as a Kuwait desk officer at U.S. Army Central, focusing on security cooperation with the Office of Military Cooperation and the Kuwait Ministry of Defense. Castleberry-Hernandez has also been a senior key leadership engagement officer for the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Kuwait. During the Obama administration, she contributed to peacekeeping operations in the African continent at the U.S. Mission at the United Nations.

Pillar updates and break-out sessions, will include Health and wellness; STEM & STEAM careers; Entrepreneurship, pay equity and economic prosperity; and Juvenile and social justice.

The 2024 Day of Action Conference will also spotlight STEM students majoring in health and medicine and recognize various community partners for their support with our collective impact efforts.

You can Register here

WCDA Candidate Susan Cacace Addresses Wagstaff’s “Baseless Accusations”

AJ Woodson
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WCDA Candidate Susan Cacace Addresses Wagstaff’s “Baseless Accusations”

On Sunday, April 14th, Westchester County District Attorney candidate William O. Wagstaff III held a “Rally for Justice” press conference at the Westchester County Courthouse to denounce what he alleged is voter intimidation, harassment, and disenfranchisement of Black communities by Susan Cacace’s campaign for Westchester District Attorney.

Westchester County District Attorney Candidate Susan Cacace addresses what she calls “misleading rhetoric” and gives an update from her campaign.

In a statement she shared on her campaign IG page, on Wednesday, April 17th, former Judge Cacace denies claims of voter intimidation, and harassment by her campaign stating that, “The individuals hired by our campaign were professional and respectful, and recorded their interactions.”

Addressing Wagstaff’s claims that “during the routine and legitimate petition review process, the Wagstaff campaign was notified by multiple voters of threats received by an “investigator” – including three Black women who spoke at the press conference – who signed petitions in support of Wagstaff’s candidacy.” 

Cacace’s campaign previously told Lohud she denied any intimidation or harassment in the “routine” process of reviewing petitions and said all candidates have to be held to the same standards.

“It is unfortunate that Mr. Wagstaff’s actions have put his campaign in jeopardy and he is now making these baseless accusations,” her campaign stated. “But when the evidence indicated that Mr. Wagstaff had likely committed fraud, it was appropriate to confirm those allegations by speaking respectfully to voters and potential witnesses.”

You can read more about Wagstaff claiming that Cacace has engaged in an effort to disenfranchise Black voters, here.

You can read Cacace’s full statement in response below.

Black Westchester has been informed that the trial dealing with the lawsuit filed in court objecting to Wagstaff’s petition citing fraud begins, on Monday, April 22nd.

The three candidates, civil rights attorney William O. Wagstaff III, former County Judge Susan Cacace, and former Westchester prosecutor from New Rochelle, Adeel Mirza are scheduled to appear at a candidate forum in Mount Vernon on Thursday, April 25th hosted by Westchester County branches of the NAACP including Mount Vernon, Peekskill, Yonkers, New Rochelle, White Plains/Greenburgh, Ossining and the Rye Port Chester branches at Macedonia Baptist Church located at 141 South 9th Avenue.

Stay tuned to Black Westchester for more on this highly contested Democratic Primary.

Westchester-Putnam Chapter of the New York Working Families Party Denounces Voter Suppression Tactics by Cacace Campaign

AJ Woodson
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Westchester-Putnam Chapter of the New York Working Families Party Denounces Voter Suppression Tactics by Cacace Campaign

WESTCHESTER, NY—The Westchester-Putnam Chapter of the New York Working Families Party joins Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard of Mt. Vernon, former Westchester County Legislator Damon Maher, Damon K. Jones, Publisher of Black Westchester, and others in condemning the voter suppression tactics of Susan Cacace’s campaign to become Westchester County District Attorney.

In a statement released on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the Westchester-Putnam Chapter of the New York Working Families Party wrote;

By attempting to remove William O. Wagstaff from the Democratic primary ballot and the WFP ballot line, Susan Cacace is attempting to deny Westchester voters their right to choose which of the candidates they want to serve as District Attorney. 

More than 6,000 Westchester voters signed petitions to put Mr. Wagstaff on the ballot. Multiple voters who signed petitions to put Mr. Wagstaff on the ballot attested to having been harassed by a purported investigator working on behalf of the Cacace campaign. Filing a baseless lawsuit over technical issues and intimidating voters are the same kinds of voter suppression tactics used by MAGA Republicans on a federal level to undermine our democracy.

“This isn’t the first time we have seen political operatives from Yonkers use this type of manipulation of the petitioning process to interfere with voters’ rights by trying to remove popular candidates from the ballot,” said Westchester-Putnam Chapter Co-Chair Peter Bernstein in the statement. “Voters should decide elections, not political bosses.”

The Working Families Party invited Ms. Cacace to participate in its endorsement process and she declined to do so. Both of the other candidates submitted lengthy questionnaires and were interviewed by a committee of Westchester voters. Those members voted overwhelmingly to award Mr. Wagstaff with the party’s endorsement. 

On Sunday, April 14th, voters, community activists, civil rights advocates, and organizations, including the Westchester Alliance for Police Reform, former County Legislator Damon Maher, and Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, stood with Westchester County District Attorney candidate William O. Wagstaff III for a “Rally for Justice” press conference at the Westchester County Courthouse to denounce what they alleged is voter intimidation, harassment, and disenfranchisement of Black communities by Susan Cacace’s campaign for Westchester District Attorney.

Cacace’s campaign told Lohud she denied any intimidation or harassment in the “routine” process of reviewing petitions and said all candidates have to be held to the same standards.

“It is unfortunate that Mr. Wagstaff’s actions have put his campaign in jeopardy and he is now making these baseless accusations,” her campaign stated. “But when the evidence indicated that Mr. Wagstaff had likely committed fraud, it was appropriate to confirm those allegations by speaking respectfully to voters and potential witnesses.”

Peekskill Councilman Arrested For Filing Fraudulent Petitions

AJ Woodson
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Peekskill Councilman Arrested For Filing Fraudulent Petitions

County Legislator candidate who was seeking to get on the ballot in the June 2023 Democratic primary, allegedly signed his petitions as a witness, verifying forged signatures

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced Wednesday that 44-year-old Robert Scott, of Peekskill, was arrested and charged with filing designating petitions containing forged signatures for a seat on the Westchester County Board of Legislators in the June 2023 Democratic primary election. 

“Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy. Undermining the petition process in an attempt to get on the ballot in an election violates the public’s trust,” DA Rocah shared with Black Westchester.

Scott, the owner of PK Blendz Juice Bar on Main Street in Peekskill, is currently a Common Council member in the City of Peekskill. He was arrested on April 16th by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and charged with Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a felony.  The charge requires proof that Scott knew that what he filed was untrue. A conviction on the Class E felony has a maximum penalty of four years in prison.

Scott was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket for an April 30 arraignment in White Plains City Court.

It is alleged that on April 10, 2023, Scott filed, with the Westchester County Board of Elections, designating petitions containing the forged signatures of eight individuals, who told DA’s Office investigators that they never signed a petition for the defendant.  

The alleged forged signatures appeared on three of the 37 sheets that Scott signed as a witness. 

The investigation of Wcott’s petition was launched after two Peekskill Democrats, Debbie and Jim Mickelson learned their names were signed to Scott’s petition. The Micklesons said they hadn’t signed the petition and they filed a complaint with DA Rocah’s office.

Scott was seeking to get on the June 27, 2023, ballot as a candidate challenging Legislator Colin Smith n the Democratic primary election for Westchester County Board of Legislators District 1, which encompasses Peekskill and parts of Cortlandt and Yorktown. 

Smith challenged the petition, which were thrown out by the Westchester Board of Elections for having insufficient signatures.

The Criminal Investigators Squad of the DA’s Office launched an investigation in July 2023 after receiving complaints from individuals who attested their signatures were forged. 

The case is being prosecuted by the Public Integrity and Law Enforcement Integrity Bureau. 

The charges against Councilman Scott are merely accusations, he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  

Hochul Announces Groundbreaking Of 56-Unit Senior Housing Development In Whites Plains

AJ Woodson
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Hochul Announces Groundbreaking Of 56-Unit Senior Housing Development In Whites Plains

Mt. Hope Plaza to Offer Healthy and Safe Affordable Homes for Older New Yorkers

Development Result of Faith-Based Partnership to Develop Housing on Church-Owned Property 

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that construction has begun on a $40 Million affordable housing development for seniors in White Plains. Mt. Hope Plaza will include 56 affordable apartments, including 20 for those in need of supportive services. The development is the result of a partnership with the Mt. Hope African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and Community Housing Innovations to construct affordable housing on an underutilized parcel formerly owned by the church. 

Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, Senior Pastor of Mt. Hope A.M.E Zion Church says, “Our seniors are the crown jewels of the community with the greatest need for affordable adequate living accommodations. Unfortunately, they are most forgotten. Our mission is without question, to minimize and/or eliminate this atrocious situation.  The Mt. Hope Plaza design will provide a comfortable living space during their maturing golden years.” 

The six-story building is being constructed at 65 Lake Street on a parcel adjacent to Mt. Hope A.M.E Zion Church. The development will include a structured parking garage with 72 spaces, of which 47 will be shared with the church. All 56 apartments are for adults aged 62 and older earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. 

There will be 20 units for seniors experiencing homelessness supported by services and operating funding under the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health. The supportive service provider is Community Housing Innovations. 

Mt. Hope Plaza will participate in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s New Construction – Housing Program and EPA ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction v1.1 Certification as well as Enterprise Green Communities 2015 Criteria. The building is designed to be all-electric and solar-ready.

Residential amenities will include a green roof, a community room, central laundry room, and free internet to the residents with at least one wired connection in the living room.

The groundbreaking took place on Friday April12.  Leading the delegation for participates was Bishop Dennis Vernon Proctor, Presiding Bishop of the New York. Annual Conference, along with many political land civic dignitaries. Including

Hon Tom Roach, Mayor City of White Plains, Hon George Latimer Westchester County Executive, Hon Andrea Steward-Cousins, Majority Leader New York State Senate, Hon Vadat Gashi, Chair Westchester County Board of Legislatures, Hon Shelly Meyer New York State Senator, and New York State Assemblyman Chris Burdick.

Mount Hope,197 years old is the oldest African American congregation in Westchester County New York.  Its dates back to 1827, when the Quakers of Purchase, New York liberated the slaves and settled them on the rugged highlands in the Silver Lake section of White Plains, New York.  This section was then referred to as “Nigger Hill”, because it was the underground slave station and was located north of Horton’s Pond.

Mt Hope is part of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, its growth and development, is one of the extraordinary stories of American history.  In 1796, a handful of Black men, free and enslaved, along with James L. Varick, walked out of the John Street Methodist Episcopal Churchto establish a separate Black church called Zion.

Throughout history, many of Zion’s early churches had schools attached.  Zion’s commitment to Education continues today.  Slaves, who escaped north to freedom, knew they could find refuge and assistance at Zion Church; therefore, Zion became affectionately known as “Freedom’s Church.”  

Mount Hope and other Zion churches served as important stations along the Underground Railroad in New York State guided by Harriet Tubman and other illustrious members who were leaders in our historic fight for freedom.  They include Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth; Paul Robeson, Madame C.J. Walker and many others who fought so valiantly to free African Americans, socially, politically, and spiritually.

Today, Zion has grown into a worldwide denomination of over 1,250,000 people, whose members continue to adhere to the principles of justice, equality, and freedom upon which the great Church of Zion was founded and has prospered.

WESPAC Celebrates 50 Years With Awards Gala

AJ Woodson
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WESPAC Celebrates 50 Years With Awards Gala

The WESPAC Foundation invites all to join them on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 2 pm at the Wainwright House on the waterfront in Rye, located at 260 Stuyvesant Avenue, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Every year, WESPAC takes the time to honor two or three individuals and organizations that have done and continue to do outstanding work in the pursuit of social, racial, environmental, and economic justice. This year, as they celebrate WESPAC’s 50th anniversary, honoring Juanita Lewis and Community Voices Heard, Diana Sanchez and the Yonkers Sanctuary Movement, and Harry Soloway and Jewish Voice for Peace Westchester!

About WESPAC: The WESPAC Foundation has been a leading force for progressive social change in Westchester County, New York, since 1974. We have been educating, agitating, and organizing for a more just and peaceful world, an end to militarism and racism, and a more fair economy that works for all.  Our members are currently involved with criminal justice reform and police accountability, food justice work, fair housing, climate justice and safe renewable energy, immigrant protection, solidarity with Indigenous Peoples, an end to militarism and drone warfare, and the struggle for justice, equal rights and human dignity for all the inhabitants of Israel/Palestine.

WESPAC Foundation provides outreach and community to individuals, groups, and leaders in civic and religious organizations in greater Westchester who find themselves without a voice or support system for their progressive positions. WESPAC Foundation’s purpose is to give a human face to those who would otherwise be unrecognized victims of war, injustice, and environmental degradation. WESPAC Foundation connects the people of Westchester with a progressive agenda for the planet and its peoples.

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