Norfolk, VA – A federal jury convicted former Chair of the Mount Vernon Charter Revision Commission, Derickson K. Lawrence, on Friday on charges of wire and mail fraud, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia announced.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Derickson Lawrence, 67, was the Chief Executive Officer and sole owner of MarketView Resources, Inc., a company that provided third-party payroll services. MarketView had only one significant client, a Virginia Beach company that owned restaurant franchises in the mid-Atlantic region. The Virginia Beach company regularly transferred payroll money to a bank account controlled by Lawrence to pay the salaries of its employees who elected to receive their wages via debit card.
From March 2017 through October 2019, Lawrence wired approximately $230,000 from the bank account with the employees’ wages to his brokerage account, most of which he lost through risky, speculative options trading. Lawrence also used the restaurant workers’ wages to pay debit cards he gave to himself, his own employees, and family members.
As early as December 2018, on numerous occasions, there was not enough money left to cover the transactions of employees who used their debit cards to withdraw their wages. The financial services company that processed those transactions for MarketView covered nearly $90,000 until they terminated their relationship with Lawrence in September 2019. On Sept. 25, 2019, when the paycards were shut off, MarketView’s own records showed an available balance to cardholders of more than $465,000, while the bank account only contained $2,400.
In addition to defrauding his client, Lawrence defrauded the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a COVID-19 relief program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The PPP program was intended to provide loans backed by the Small Business Administration to certain businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other entities to help them retain their employees or stay afloat during the pandemic. In April 2020, Lawrence submitted a PPP loan application that falsely stated he had two employees and paid over $10,000 in monthly wages. Lawrence falsely portrayed MarketView’s 2020 payroll by using an altered bank statement that actually reflected activity from February 2016. Lawrence received a PPP loan of $26,250, which he used for options trading.
CD-16 Congressional Candidate Derickson Lawrence announcing his candidacy, on Saturday, March 5, 2015 in front of the historic St. Paul’s Church in Mount Vernon [Black Westchester]
Lawrence-who unsuccessfully challenged Rep. Eliot Engel for Congress in CD-16 in 2016 and 2018 who also unsuccessfully ran for Mount Vernon Comptroller in 2021-faces 20 years in prison on each of the 11 counts when sentenced on July 19. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr, accepted the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Mozzi and E. Rebecca Gantt are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-89.
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (March 19, 2024) —Students from the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, Mount Vernon High School and Rebecca Turner Academy (RTA) are coming together to learn car mechanics. Earle Mitchell, technical placement specialist at Ford, visited the auto shop on Monday, March 18, 2024, to share more information about trends in the automotive industry and career opportunities.
The Ford Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) program, which is designed to introduce students to automotive career opportunities and prepare them to enter the industry, was recently expanded to include Mount Vernon STEAM Academy. Twelve students from the STEAM Academy began participating in the program on February 22 and two are on a waitlist.
Earlier in the 2023-24 school year, the program was also expanded to RTA. The Mount Vernon City School District now has three high schools participating. With the expansion of the program, opportunities at local dealerships such as Scarsdale and Tasca Ford are also growing.
Students work through educational modules that are utilized by technicians currently working in the field. Students that complete the modules can obtain certification that will help them start their careers. The class meets every Monday from 3 to 6 p.m.
MVHS and STEAM Academy students [Black Westchester]
“This gives students the opportunity to engage in the automotive industry prior to getting into the automotive industry,” said Mr. Mitchell. “It’s an opportunity where you get a chance to work with different dealerships, a chance to work in the shop, a chance to put your hand on a wrench and really engage in what the opportunity is.”
Students in the Ford ACE program meet in the auto shop at Mount Vernon High School every Monday from 3 to 6 p.m.
STEAM Academy students have brought their passion for engineering to the Ford ACE program, which Ford describes as “STEM on wheels.”
“The CTE (Career and Technical Education) Department is proud to invite STEAM students into the fold of our successful Ford ACE Auto Expansion program at MVHS,” said Director of CTE Brian Simmons. “Their passion for engineering and problem-solving is exactly what the US auto industry needs to survive and thrive in the 21st century. We couldn’t be more thrilled to provide our students with golden opportunities for coveted internships and high-paying jobs in a rapidly expanding market.”
Michael Malocsay, automotive teacher at MVHS; and Earle Mitchell [Black Westchester]
About Mount Vernon City School District: With approximately 7,000 students in 16 schools, the Mount Vernon City School District is committed to providing quality education to all children while developing programs that meet the diverse academic and social needs of its students.
Black Westchester presents the People Before Politics Radio Show Episode 391 with Damon K. Jones and AJ Woodson giving you that real talk for the community since 2014!
Join hosts Damon and AJ on a riveting journey through the latest headlines, societal issues, and political landscapes, all through the lens of the Black experience. In ‘People Before Politics,’ brought to you by Black Westchester Magazine, no topic is off-limits and no viewpoint is left unexplored. Damon and AJ, the dynamic duo behind the show, bring a unique blend of insight, passion, and unapologetic truth-telling to the forefront. With their finger on the pulse of the community, they fearlessly tackle the issues that matter most to Black America, from social justice and civil rights to economic empowerment and beyond.
Each episode is a thought-provoking exploration of the news, infused with personal anecdotes, expert analysis, and lively debate. Through interviews with community leaders, activists, and everyday citizens, Damon and Aj provide a platform for voices often overlooked by mainstream media, amplifying stories that deserve to be heard. Whether dissecting the latest political developments, examining the impact of current events on marginalized communities, or celebrating the achievements of Black excellence,
‘People Before Politics’ offers an unfiltered perspective that challenges the status quo and inspires action. Tune in as Damon and AJ redefine the news narrative, empowering viewers with knowledge, awareness, and a renewed sense of agency in shaping the world around them. Get ready for a dynamic, engaging, and empowering journey through the headlines, where the Black perspective takes center stage.
In this month of Ramadan, it is crucial for people of faith to fast in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters, particularly those in Palestine who are facing tremendous hardships. Innocent lives are being lost, and Israeli forces are destroying homes in the ongoing conflict.
Many Black Pastors and Black Christians may be surprised to learn that Gaza is home to one of the world’s oldest Christian communities. Before the Israeli blockade began in 2007, around 3,000 Christians lived in the region. However, due to the harsh conditions and recent violence, the Christian population has dwindled to just 800, with casualties increasing daily. The Palestinian Christian community fears for its future and possible disappearance.
Evidence from the Bible suggests that Jesus was a Palestinian Jew. In Matthew 21:10–11, upon Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the crowds identified him as “Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee,” affirming Nazareth as a significant Palestinian Arab city within Israel. Nazareth holds immense religious importance in Christianity, being described as Jesus’ childhood home and hosting numerous Christian pilgrimage sites.
If we claim to follow Jesus, we should harbor compassion for the women and children killed in Palestine today, or risk being hypocrites to your own religion. Jesus tells believers in Matthew 22:37–39, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
This passage, often referred to as the Great Commandment, encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ teachings on love and compassion. It instructs believers to love both God and their fellow human beings, emphasizing the interconnectedness of love for God and love for one’s neighbor. Therefore, we should show love to our Muslim and Palestinian brothers and sisters, not being afraid to speak truth to power and call for an end to war. The command to love one’s neighbor as oneself underscores the importance of empathy, kindness, and care for others, regardless of differences in background, beliefs, or circumstances.
During this holy month of Ramadan and in times of global turmoil, it is essential for people of faith to find common ground and unity. Despite the differences between Christianity and Islam, there are significant similarities between Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–15) and the practice of fasting during Ramadan.
In both traditions, fasting is seen as a means of spiritual growth, self-discipline, resisting temptation, and obedience to God’s will. Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness, where Satan tempted him, testing his spiritual strength and preparing him for his ministry. Similarly, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset during Ramadan as an act of worship, obedience, and spiritual purification.
The fasting practices of Jesus and Muslims emphasize nurturing one’s spiritual life, strengthening the connection with God, and demonstrating devotion and commitment to faith.
In a world filled with chaos and division, and with world leaders increasingly recognizing the plight of the Palestinian people, it is more important than ever for people of faith to come together and focus on our shared values and beliefs. Rather than listening to toxic, misinformed spiritual leaders who constantly emphasize what divides us, we must remember that we all have to coexist on this planet. By acknowledging the similarities between our religious practices, such as fasting, we can cultivate understanding, respect, and unity among believers of different faiths.
Fasting serves as a time for spiritual growth and self-discipline, but it also provides Christians with an opportunity to resist the devil and the temptations that surround us. In today’s world, we must remain alert and actively resist the false narratives spread by the media and the misinformation that aims to divide us. We must also be cautious not to succumb to the temptations offered by those in power, such as jobs, positions, and money, as these can ultimately lead to a form of enslavement and leave us feeling unsatisfied.
Jesus sets a powerful example for us, not only in terms of fasting but also in how we should live our lives. His experience in the wilderness, where he resisted Satan’s temptations, serves as a model for us to emulate. By following Jesus’ unwavering commitment to God’s will and his steadfast dedication to truth and righteousness, we can navigate the challenges and deceptions that we face in this world.
Moreover, by joining hands with our Muslim brothers and sisters and recognizing the importance of supporting our Palestinian family, we can further strengthen our resolve to live according to Jesus’ teachings. In doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to unity, compassion, and justice, which are essential values in both Christianity and Islam.
This Ramadan presents a unique opportunity for us to reflect on our common spiritual goals and work together towards a more peaceful and harmonious world. We can build bridges of understanding between our communities by highlighting the parallels in our traditions, such as the emphasis on spiritual growth, self-discipline, resisting temptation, and obedience to God.
Our shared commitment to fasting can serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of faith in promoting love, peace, freedom, and justice. Let us come together during this holy month of Ramadan and beyond, using our common ground to foster a more compassionate, united, and harmonious world. Through our collective devotion and dedication to our faiths, we can be a shining example of the transformative power of unity and love for all of humanity.
Let us seize this moment to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and all those facing oppression, demonstrating the true essence of our shared values and working towards a brighter future for all. By coming together in a spirit of understanding and respect, we can harness the power of our faiths to bring about positive change and create a world where peace, justice, and compassion reign supreme.
Mount Vernon, NY – Mount Vernon PBA President Nicholas Mastrogiorgio recently voiced his frustration and disappointment over the city’s decision to grant elected officials a substantial 40% pay raise. This decision comes at a time when the Mount Vernon Police Department remains the lowest-paid law enforcement agency in Westchester County, despite having recently negotiated a contract that the city claimed they couldn’t afford for the overworked police force.
The Comptroller’s office justified the raises, as stated by the PBA President, by comparing salaries with those in other Westchester cities. This will make the Mayor, Comptroller, Council President, and City Council members among the highest-paid in the county. However, Mastrogiorgio notes that this comparative analysis has yet to be extended to the police department despite numerous requests over the years.
“We’ve been asking them to do the same with us in the police department for years,” Mastrogiorgio stated. “A lot of these politicians used the fact that the unions in Mount Vernon received a contract as justification for them to get 40% raises. I just wish they would have used the same analysis and equations that were used for them when they gave us that contract.”
Mastrogiorgio also addressed a councilperson’s comment regarding the lack of retroactive pay for elected officials, calling it an “apples to oranges comparison” as they are not part of unions or bound by contracts like the police department.
Mastrogiorgio also addressed the dire situation at the Mount Vernon Police Department, stating, ‘The department, grappling with understaffing and the lowest pay in the county, leaves its officers with no choice but to endure extensive overtime just to get by. This relentless demand significantly impacts their health, stress, and overall well-being. It’s crucial the Mayor, the City Council, and the Comptroller prioritize and address these challenges, ensuring our officers have the support and resources they need to thrive, both in service and in life.'”
The Mount Vernon Police Department is currently facing a staffing crisis, with an average patrolman having only two years of experience, 121 transfers in the past four years, and a shortage of 30 officers. Mastrogiorgio emphasized that the city should prioritize addressing these issues before focusing on pay raises for elected officials.
“Right now, the average patrolman has about 2 years experience, we’ve had 121 transfers in the past 4 years, we’re 30 officers short and frequently go out short-staffed on a daily basis,” Mastrogiorgio said. “Don’t you think the city should start doing some things to fix those problems before worrying about giving themselves a pay raise?”
Alongside his statement on Facebook, Mastrogiorgio also shared a list comparing the salaries of mayors in Westchester County. He questioned why the City of Mount Vernon failed to ensure pay equity for its police department compared to other police departments in the county, an issue that has been a point of contention in the most recent contract negotiations. The Mount Vernon Police Department PBA took into account the Comptroller’s claims that the city didn’t have sufficient funds during these negotiations. Despite the recent contract, the Mount Vernon Police Department remains the lowest paid in the county, while the Mayor’s salary has risen to become one of the highest among Westchester mayors.
The PBA President’s statement highlights the growing tension between the police department and city officials, as well as the need for a more equitable approach to compensation and resource allocation in Mount Vernon.
US Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer has called for Israel to hold elections to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as cracks appear in a once stable and friendly alliance.
On Thursday, Sen. Chuck Schumer, the first Jewish majority leader in the Senate and the highest-ranking Jewish official in the US government, criticized the Netanyahu government and called for new elections in a speech on the Senate floor on the Israel-Hamas war.
“Mr. Netanyahu had lost his way,” Shumer said.
Leaders in Washington have avoided directly criticizing Netanyahu’s approach to the conflict in Gaza. It is a sharp escalation in US criticism of Netanyahu’s government. Sen. Schumer, who has backed Israel throughout his 25 years in the Senate, warned those casualties in Gaza risked turning Israel into a “pariah”.
“Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah,” Schumer said.
Speaking in the Senate on Thursday, Sen. Schumer, a long-time supporter of Israel, harshly criticized the Israeli leader, who he said had come to allow “his political survival to take precedence over the best interests of Israel.” Israel, Sen. Schumer said, must make “course corrections” and take steps to better protect civilians in Gaza.
The high-level warning comes as an increasing number of Democrats have pushed back against Israel and as President Joe Biden has stepped up public pressure on Netanyahu’s government, arguing that he needs to pay more attention to the civilian death toll in Gaza amid the Israeli bombardment. This month, the U.S. began airdrops of badly needed humanitarian aid and announced it would establish a temporary pier to get more assistance into Gaza via sea.
More than 1,200 people died in Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7th, and an estimated 30,000 people in Gaza have died, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health.
“Five months into this conflict, it is clear that Israelis need to take stock of the situation and ask, must we change course?” he said. “At this critical juncture, I believe a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel.”
Schumer, who was wearing a yellow ribbon pin on the Senate floor to honor hostages being held in Gaza, is a longtime staunch defender of Israel and its right to exist. He spoke about the plight of his Jewish ancestors in Europe and the “grave threats” Israel faces as it’s “surrounded by vicious enemies.”
Schumer expressed support for a temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, as President Joe Biden has been pushing for, saying it “would allow for the return of hostages and humanitarian relief for suffering Palestinians.” He said he’s against a permanent cease-fire because it would only allow Hamas to “regroup and launch further attacks on Israeli civilians.”
“There can never be a two-state solution if Hamas has any significant power,” he said.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., denounced Schumer for his remarks, saying on the Senate floor afterward that it is “grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of a democratically elected leader of Israel.”
Opinion polls show most Israelis support the war, but one survey released in January suggested just 15% of voters wanted Netanyahu to remain in office once the conflict ends.
Meanwhile, the US revealed sanctions against three more settlers and for the first time against two Israeli settlement outposts it accused of undermining stability in the occupied West Bank.
There were nearly 500 Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians between October 7th and January 31st, according to UN figures.
The vast majority of the international community considers the settlements and outposts illegal under international law, though Israel and the US dispute this interpretation.
Thursday, March 14, 2024 (WESTCHESTER, NY) — County Executive George Latimer delivered his 2024 State of the County Address Thursday evening, following dozens rallying outside for social justice and Palestine. In response to CE Latimer’s STOC address, Juanita O. Lewis, Executive Director of Community Voices Heard, issued the following statement on the growing housing crisis in Westchester County:
“The health and prosperity of our Westchester communities depend on having safe, affordable housing. Over the past several years, rents and housing costs in Westchester have continued to skyrocket, without any relief for families. As we highlighted in our report, Building Westchester’s Future: The Need for Affordable and Equitable Housing, Westchester is in a severe housing crisis, marked by extreme racial disparities. Unfortunately, County Executive Latimer and his administration have failed again and again to address the crisis, despite repeated warnings from housing advocates.
The County’s own 2019 housing report found that Westchester has a severe shortage of deeply affordable housing and senior housing, and the problem has only grown worse since then. An increasing number of families are spending half or more of their income on rent or mortgage payments, and the County hasn’t implemented any kind of plan to stabilize costs and grow the stock of truly affordable housing.
Westchester also has a one-time opportunity to spend $100 million of ARPA funds to support deeply affordable housing – for people with household incomes at 30% AMI or less ($44,050 or less for a four-person family). Yet, the County plans to spend thatmoney to develop housing for households making up to 65% of the Area Median Income – or $95,438 for a family of four.
Real housing affordability should be a top priority of County Executive Latimer. But instead, families in Westchester have been left behind once again.
Community Voices Heard (CVH) is a member-led, multi-racial organization principally comprised of women of color and low-income families in New York State. CVH tackles tough issues and builds power to secure racial, social, and economic justice for all New Yorkers. Through grassroots organizing, leadership development, policy changes, and creating new models of direct democracy, CVH is creating a truly equitable New York State.
Sleepy Hollow, NY – Dr. Alexandria Connally, Assistant Director of Special Services at Southern Westchester BOCES took part in a panel discussion on working together to create safe and supportive learning environments. This event was held at Sleepy Hollow High School in Sleepy Hollow, New York.
The discussion came as part of the Westchester-East Putnam Region PTA’s Advocacy Action Day on Saturday, March 9th, at Sleepy Hollow High School.
Dr. Connally emphasized that creating a welcoming and affirming learning environment begins with thoughtful communication with faculty members, parents, and students. Additionally, she discussed the difference between culturally responsive curriculum and culturally responsive pedagogy. She transitioned into sharing the importance of the NYSED CR-S Framework and its connection to the work done in schools. She also spoke about the importance of community involvement and advocacy. She acknowledged the important work that Southern Westchester BOCES is doing through its Special Education PTA.
Also present on the panel were: Assistant District Attorney Laura Forbes, Cyber Crimes Bureau Chief and Internet Safety Coordinator with the Office of the Westchester County District Attorney; Megan McGuire of the Be Smart for Kids gun safety campaign of Moms Demand Action of Rockland County; and Pocantico Hills Central School Superintendent Richard Calkins.
The panel discussed several important issues for families and students in creating positive and safe learning environments for all.
In the audience representing SWBOCES SEPTA were Principal Phyllis Rizzi and parents from various New York school districts.
The Westchester East Putnam PTA Region Director is Mary McNamara.
Westchester East Putnam Region PTS is a geographical division of the New York State PTA, representing over 32,000 members. It is known as WEPR PTA.
Members include parents, teachers, students, school board members, administrators, and others interested in working for the well-being of children and youth, through parent education and child advocacy.
Westchester East Putnam Region PTA services over 181 units and 13 councils and is committed to uniting the home, school, and community in promoting the education, health, and welfare of children, youth and families.
WEPR PTA:
* Organizes and provides assistance to councils and units. Plans and conducts conferences, workshops, and schools of instruction for units and councils. * Lobbies on PTA issues. * Interprets PTA policies and programs.
PTA Mission & Purpose
Overview of PTA “Parent-Teacher Association” and “PTA” are registered service marks of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (National PTA). The term “PTA” is only permissible for organizations that have received a charter from the New York State PTA. Any other use constitutes trademark infringement.
A local PTA is a constituted organization organized under the authority of the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc. (the New York State PTA), a branch of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc. (the New York State PTA), a branch of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (the National PTA)
Ryan Gainer, a 15-year-old Black California boy who appeared to be dealing with a mental health crisis, was killed. Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call from his parents on Saturday, March 9th, the twenty-seventh anniversary of The Notorious B.I.G.
The parents of Ryan Gainer, a Black teen with autism, called the Apple Valley division of the sheriff’s department and asked authorities to “take him in” after an altercation in the home, according to the Los Angeles Times. Instead, the teen was shot after charging a deputy “armed with an approximate five-foot-long garden tool, with a sharp bladed end,” according to a news release from the sheriff’s department.
On Saturday afternoon, the 15-year-old became upset that his parents had demanded he complete his household chores before he would be allowed to play video games or listen to music on his computer, according to DeWitt Lacy, a civil rights attorney representing Ryan’s family.
“He got upset. Any teen would be upset by that,” Lacy said. Some people with autism experience more heightened emotions and on that day Ryan responded by breaking glass on the front door, Lacy said.
According to the L.A. Times, Ryan’s death has heightened concerns from activists about law enforcement’s use of force against people suffering from mental health issues and the lack of supportive services available for families when they call police for help.
The death was not the first. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department was sued last year after deputies shot and killed Tony Garza while he was in the middle of a mental health crisis. In 2019, an off-duty LAPD officer fatally shot 32-year-old Kenneth French, who had a cognitive disability, during an altercation inside a Costco in Corona.
Zoe Gross who works as the advocacy director at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a nonprofit organization run by and for individuals on the autism spectrum, said law enforcement must release a fuller picture of what happened during their encounter with Ryan to better understand what could have been done differently.
“The autistic community has seen far too many cases of law enforcement profiling, targeting, and using excessive, sometimes deadly force on Black autistic people,” Gross, told the L.A. Times. “Because of the prevalence of police violence and the amount of unmet need in our communities, we must fund and implement alternatives to policing.”
The death of Ryan Gainer has also renewed discussions about finding better alternatives for law enforcement officers who respond to mental health crises, according to the L.A. Times.
“Our social safety net for those experiencing mental illness needs to be strengthened. Our deputies handle seemingly insurmountable calls daily. Most of these calls do not end in violence,” Sheriff Shannon Dicus said in a statement to multiple news outlets.
“However, this one ended in tragedy for Ryan, his family, and for the deputies who responded. Rapidly evolving, violent encounters are some of the most difficult, requiring split-second decisions. While these decisions are lawful, they are awful in terms of our humanity. I feel for both Ryan’s family and my deputies, who will struggle with this for their entire lives,” Dicus said.
[Four] years have passed since the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. But while the widespread protests against police violence in the United States have quieted, the pain Black people experience when a police officer injures or kills a Black person persists. Black people in America are killed by the police at three times the rate of their white counterparts. And the number of deaths has remained consistent from year to year.
Victims and their families, as well as bystanders, are often psychologically scarred by these events. But there is evidence that the millions of Black people indirectly exposed to police violence are affected, too. In a 2021 study, researchers examined emergency room data from hospitals across five states, finding a correlation between police killings of unarmed Black people and a rise in depression-related E.R. visits among Black people.
We don’t have to look almost 3,000 miles away to see the need for better alternatives for law enforcement officers who respond to mental health crises, Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., was shot and killed by White Plains Police who were supposed to be making a wellness check. Chamberlain accidentally triggered his Life Alert pendant in his sleep one night in 2011 and he was killed 90 minutes later by the very officers there to check on him.
After the nationwide outrage over the killings of George Floyd (May 25, 2020) and Breonna Taylor (who was killed four years ago today, March 13, 2020), Westchester County created a crisis response team, called Project Alliance, as a better alternative for law enforcement officers who respond to mental health crises as part of the cry for criminal justice reform. But even with the Project Alliance in place and the city of New Rochelle opting in, there are still incidents locally, like in the case of the murder of Jarrell Garris, last July. Family and friends of Garris, an unarmed Black male with mental health issues who was shot and killed by New Rochelle Police Detective Steven Conn on July 3rd, are still looking for answers eight months later. Community leaders are still trying to find out how, even with a Project Alliance, there is still a breakdown and much work to be done in this area.
Raymond ‘C2’ Fowler appeared on Black Westchester’s People Before Politics Radio Show, joining Damon K. Jones and myself on Sunday, February 4, 2024, to talk about his fight for justice and accountability for the death of his son, Jarrell Garris, at the hands of Det. Steven Conn, whose presence escalated the encounter and the absence of the Project Alliance on that day.
The killing of Gainer is the latest in a long line of police killings of African Americans with mental health issues in the United States.
Neither the Gainer’s family attorney nor the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department have yet to respond to Black Westchester’s requests for comment. Stay tuned to BW for more on this developing story.
Last year we released the book, “Black Westchester Celebrates Black Women of Westchester,” celebrating the achievements of African American Women in Westchester County. Since the release of the book the history-making, ceiling-shattering achievement kept coming. So, for Women’s History Month, we wanted to celebrate two women who have made history since the book came out as we continue to give these women of distinction their flowers and document their achievements for the second edition of our book.
Yadira Ramos-Herbert
Democrat Yadira Ramos-Herbert made history as the first Afro-Latina woman and first female to serve as mayor in the city of New Rochelle. After nearly two decades, the city welcomed a new leader in January. Yadira Ramos-Herbert succeeded Democrat Noam Bramson, who has served as mayor since 2006, opted not to seek reelection after 17 years in office.
“I’m thrilled for Yadira, but more importantly, I’m thrilled for New Rochelle,” Mayor Bramson shares with News 12’s Tara Rosenblum. “She is exactly the right person for where we are in this story of our growth and our evolution. A person of intelligence, integrity, and sterling character, a history maker, as you pointed out, I could not be more proud that Yadira Ramos-Herbert will be my mayor.”
Yadira Ramos-Herbert, a former dean at Columbia University who has served on the City Council since 2020, assumed office in New York’s seventh-largest city when she was sworn in on January 1st. Though initially in a close race with her Republican opponent, Louis Tran-Gucci, she ultimately secured a decisive victory in the final tallies. She became the first Latina elected mayor of the 10 city in New York state.
Ramos-Herbert’s win is significant as she becomes both the first person of color and the first woman to lead the city of 80,000 people. She emphasized the importance of open communication amidst a construction boom that has shaped the city over the past decade.
Yadira, who just finished her first term as a member of the New Rochelle City Council, proudly representing District 3, touted the fresh perspective she would bring to city leadership as a bilingual, Afro-Latina in a city in which more than half of the residents are Black or Latino.
“It’s a win for New Rochelle, positivity, diversity every way you can think about it, coming together, working together to move the city to its next chapter,” Yadira, wearing a t-shirt that read, ‘The First But Not The Last,’ shared with those in attendance for her victory party at the Little Mexican Cafe on Main Street on election night, Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
Namasha Schelling Makes History As Pound Ridge’s First Black Town Board Member
On Wednesday, October 25th, Black Westchester broke the story of Namasha H. Schelling being targeted with hate rhetoric and signs that are popping up all across Pound Ridge in her attempt to make history as the first African-American to serve on the Pound Ridge Town Board. She may possibly be the first Black elected official in the town of Pound Ridge, period (Black Westchester is still confirming that part).
Despite the racial attacks, the Co-Chair of the Human Rights Advisory Committee of Pound Ridge vowed not to allow hate and the short-mindedness of a few to derail her campaign. On Tuesday, November 7th, not even the hateful rhetoric and ugly anonymous attacks could prevent the destiny of history from being made. Namasha won her historic victory with 24% of the vote—876 votes overall—to secure one of the two seats available, making history as the first Black Pound Ridge Town Board Member.
Namasha, who is a member of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus—Greater Bedford Chapter, joined us for a special edition of the People Before Politics Radio Show to discuss her candidacy and the coordinated hate-filled attacks she is receiving from those who do not know. We discuss race and politics, systemic racism in Westchester County, why she is running to serve on the Town Board, the fear of the browning of America, and much more. You can watch the powerful discussion in the video below.
Namasha Schelling is a five-year resident of Pound Ridge, where she lives with her husband, Tristan, an entrepreneur, and her four-year-old daughter. She is the co-chair of the Human Rights Advisory Committee of Pound Ridge, which was officially launched in 2022. She is a member of the Pound Ridge Housing Board and has participated in the process of updating the town’s Comprehensive Plan since 2021. She was also a member of the Criminal Justice Reform Committee, which was mandated for each police department in the state in 2020.
Namasha has fifteen years of professional experience in nonprofit communications, operations, and fundraising. She graduated from Harvard Extension with a Master of Liberal Arts in Environmental Management.
Also since the release of the book, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard who is featured in the book for becoming the First Black Woman elected mayor of the city of Mount Vernon in 2019, made history once again in November 2023 when she became the first Mount Vernon Mayor to win re-election in two decades and the first female to do so, both also featured in the book. Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie also made history as the first female Mayor to win re-elections in Westchester. Tuckahoe Mayor Omayra Andino Wins In First Village Election Held In November.
New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, and Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie receive their flowers. [Black Westchester]
For the first time ever, women of color now serve as mayors in three of Westchester County’s five cities, Yadira Ramos-Herbert in New Rochelle, Shawyn Patterson-Howard in Mount Vernon, and Vivian McKenzie in Peekskill. The three historymakers each made the 2023 City & State Magazine Westchester Power 100 List.
We proudly celebrate Yadira Ramos-Herbert, Shawyn Patterson-Howard, Vivian McKenzie, Omayra Andino, MaryAnn Carr, and Namasha Schelling, true Black Westchester Legends. We honor all the women in Westchester for their achievements!
Black Women of Westchester [Black Westchester]
The book, Black Westchester Celebrates Black Women Of Westchester, is available on Amazon, or email BlackWestchester@gmail.com to purchase your autographed copy directly from us.
To support the Black Westchester, which provides the News With The Black Point Of view and gives you the real talk for the community for free, make a donation via PayPal. 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-owned, Free Media! At Black Westchester, we always put People Before Politics!
![Yadira, SPH & Vivian [Black Westchester]](http://blackwestchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/screenshot_20240313_165144_facebook7040300227123938639-1024x710.jpg "Black Westchester Continues To Celebrate Black Women Of Westchester 8")
