The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) and Majlis Ash Shura: Islamic Leadership Council of New York today condemned Westchester County Executive George Latimer’s refusal to say that all Muslims are not part of Hamas in a Facebook post relating to his New York Times exposé.
The Westchester Black Political Conference (WBPC) recently urged Westchester County Executive George Latimer to respond to a New York Times exposé on Israeli demolitions of Palestinian buildings in a Facebook post. In the post, Latimer writes to WBPC, “I support the release of kidnapped hostages and Hamas renouncing violence to murder Jews. What do you support?” The WBPC responds, “the organization denounces all terrorism but asked him to also denounce Israel’s “acts of genocide” cited in International Court of Justice,” following with “Do you believe that all Muslims are members of HAMAS?” Latimer failed to respond to this question.
In a statement CAIR-NY’s Executive Director Afaf Nasher said “We condemn Latimer’s failure to respond to the question asked by the WBPC, as well as his refusal to acknowledge the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Elected officials have a responsibility to protect all their constituents, regardless of national origin, faith, and political viewpoints. By choosing to remain silent when asked about all Muslim being Hamas, Latimer has tacitly endorsed racist and dangerous rhetoric, and potentially inflamed hate crimes and discrimination towards all Muslims.”
“CAIR-NY also condemns Mr. Latimer for his refusal to acknowledge the ongoing genocide in Palestine. It is not difficult for any person of conscience, regardless of ethnicity, race or religion, to condemn the Israeli government’s documented mass murder of civilians, and the destruction of Palestinian homes, hospitals, schools, places of worship, and infrastructure. We call on Latimer and all elected servants to stand on the right side of history by calling upon the Israeli government to cease its illegal and inhumane actions and to respect the human rights of the Palestinian people.”
In a statement Masjlis Ash Shura said “In light of George Latimer’s silence when confronted with the critical question of equating Muslims with Hamas, the Islamic Leadership Council of New York (Majlis Ash-Shura), in solidarity with CAIR-NY, strongly condemns this insinuation through lack of response. Silence in such contexts is not just a lack of words; it is a loud message that fosters misunderstanding and Islamophobia. We demand not just clarifications but a commitment to dialogue that respects and understands the multifaceted contributions of Muslims in America. Our unity and resilience in addressing such veiled bigotry will only amplify our efforts to ensure all Muslim voices are empowered and recognized for their positive contributions to our diverse society.”
CAIR-NY’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
New York State Senators Jamaal T. Bailey, Nathalia Fernandez, and Assemblymember Dana Levenberg Endorse William Wagstaff For Westchester District Attorney
White Plains, NY—Westchester County District Attorney candidate William O. Wagstaff III announced endorsements from State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, and Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, boosting campaign support on the day of the Westchester County Democratic Party’s Nomination Convention. This comes on the heels of recent endorsements from Assemblymember Chris Burdick, the Mayor of the City of Peekskill, Vivian C. McKenzie, and the Westchester County Board of Legislators Majority Leader Tyrae Woodson-Samuels, along with a 100% pro-choice rating by Choice Matters.
Renowned civil rights and defense attorney William Wagstaff bolstered his frontrunner status as the Westchester County Democratic Committee is set to nominate one of three candidates in the heated DA race this evening.
“I have long advocated for significant criminal justice reforms and alternatives to incarceration while improving community relations and public safety. I must have government partners committed to this work and that is why I pledge my full support to William O. Wagstaff III for Westchester County District Attorney,” said Sen. Bailey (D-Westchester & The Bronx). “We need forward-thinking and innovative leadership that can understand that true public safety can only be achieved by coming together.”
“Sen. Bailey is THE voice in the State Senate leading the conversation on improving public safety while treating our communities with respect,” Wagstaff said. “I’m deeply appreciative of the Senator’s support as we deliver the real change that our justice system needs.”
Sen. Bailey, a leading criminal justice reform lawmaker, represents Mount Vernon, where Wagstaff serves as the city’s Special Prosecutor for Police Disciplinary Hearings, holding bad actors accountable while also supporting law enforcement.
The Mount Vernon native also serves as Special Counsel to Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, who also endorsed Wagstaff for DA.
“I am pleased and honored to announce the first official endorsement of my candidacy for District Attorney, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard,” said William Wagstaff. “It is a privilege to work with Mayor Patterson-Howard as her Special Counsel and Chair of her Judicial Appointments Committee, as well as to serve as the city’s Special Prosecutor for Police Discipline. Providing Mayor Patterson-Howard with advice and counsel on issues of public safety, decisions on who has the qualifications and judicial temperament to serve on the bench, and holding police accountable have provided invaluable insight that will aid me in setting policy for the DA’s office. It is an incredible honor to have the unwavering support of the Mayor of my hometown and humbling that she continues to place her trust in me.”
State Senator Nathalia Fernandez (D-Westchester & The Bronx) said in her endorsement, “William is a dynamic leader with a clear commitment to empowering a fair and robust justice system. His unique experience and record of work give me confidence in his ability to deliver justice and equity while working closely with our communities to enhance measures of public safety. I am supporting him for Westchester District Attorney.”
“I’m extremely grateful for Senator Fernandez’s support—she has successfully implemented significant criminal justice reforms and is a steadfast advocate for equity,” said Wagstaff.
New York State Assemblymember Dana Levenberg (D – Westchester) said, “I am proud to endorse William Wagstaff for Westchester County District Attorney. William truly understands the root causes of the criminal justice system’s challenges. His unique perspective and experience are exactly what is needed to improve our system in a proactive, rather than reactive, fashion.”
Wagstaff replied, “I’m honored to be backed by Assemblymember Levenberg, a true champion for promoting restorative justice and advancing game-changing laws to make our county and state safer and fairer.”
Assemblymember Levenberg’s praise of Wagstaff’s unique experience highlights the respected attorney handling many of Westchester’s highest-profile civil rights cases.
Wagstaff, who also holds an MBA from Fordham, plans to use a forward-thinking, data-driven approach “to make Westchester County safer with integrity, to proactively address gun violence, hate crimes, domestic violence, and property crime.”
As the Westchester County Democratic Committee makes its nomination for the District Attorney candidate this evening ahead of the June Primary, Wagstaff said that “the status quo is failing us, and I have a track record unlike any other candidate in history to deliver real change instead of rhetoric to bring fair and equitable justice to every corner of the county.”
Other candidates “are going to speak to a career of being a former prosecutor, people who are doing things the way they’ve always been done,” Wagstaff concluded. “My track record, immense financial support, and over 30 diverse endorsements reflect that I am poised to meet the moment and make the District Attorney’s office a vehicle for positive change.”
Wagstaff III’s campaign for Westchester District Attorney has gained diverse endorsements from prominent area Democrats, building a broad coalition of support, in addition to the aforementioned elected officials from the White Plains, Mount Vernon, Bedford, New Castle, and Lewisboro Democratic Committees, the entire Mount Vernon City Council, Mount Vernon Comptroller Darren Morton, County Legislators Jewel Williams-Johnson and Majority Leader Tyrae Woodson-Samuels, Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie, Town Supervisors Ellen Calves (Bedford) and Tony Gonçalves (Lewisboro), Town Board Members Mary Shah (Lewisboro), Gina Jackson and Joy Haber (Greenburgh), Stephanie McCaine and Andrés Castillo (Bedford) as well as former Mount Vernon Mayor Ernie Davis, former County Legislator Alfreda Williams and former NYS Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson.
Wagstaff was also endorsed by the New York Working Families Party! As progressive champions for social, racial, and economic justice in our state, they recognize the ongoing challenges in our criminal justice system and the need for reform.
“I am grateful to the Working Families Party for endorsing our campaign for Westchester County District Attorney. The WFP has a long history of advocating for policies that advance and protect the civil rights of working New Yorkers and Americans, not just the wealthy, and I’m proud to support that shared mission by delivering a fairer, stronger, and more equitable justice system as Westchester DA. I thank WFP for supporting our vision as we strive to build an equitable landscape upon which generational change can be built,” he added.
On Saturday, February 10th, I had the pleasure of being a vendor at the 12th Annual Black History Celebration at New Rochelle High School, commemorating Brown v. Board of Education and the 70th anniversary of school desegregation. Several elected officials came through to show their support. County Executive George Latimer, who is challenging Congressman Jamaal Bowman, was among them.
Latimer’s appearance to shake hands and kiss babies was met with some support and then some opposition. It started amicably with Latimer taking the opportunity to spread his message but quickly turned combative and the CE became irritated by questions from voters and decided to get into a verbal confrontation with me because of it.
Latimer was questioned by one woman about how the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) donated over $600,000 to George Latimer in the latest filings, over 40% of his fundraising total. A fact that has been heavily covered by City & State NY,The Intercept, and several other publications.
One New Rochelle voter stated, “But you are taking money from the devil.” Mr. Latimer responded, “Bowman is taking money from the devil too, he taking money from Hamas.”
When asked for proof to back up his statement, Latimer pulled out his phone to show her an article he couldn’t find, took her email, and promised to email the female voter the proof. When she asked that he didn’t forget to send the email, he replied to her, “You probably won’t read it or believe it anyway,” as he walked away.
During his interactions with some voters in attendance, Latimer decided it was a good idea to drag me into the conversation and pointed to me seated at the next table, telling me to ‘listen [to him] if I wanted to do more fair and balanced reporting.’ As I said, I was a vendor at the event selling my book and hadn’t said anything to the county executive at that point and would have just shook his hand and kept it moving, this was not the time or place for a political debate. While I was being civil, he decided to question the credibility of myself and Black Westchester. His irritation at being questioned by voters turned to an attack on the major Black media voice in the county at a Black History Month event.
Latimer was then asked about Black Westchester’s coverage of the urging of Republicans and Jewish GOP voters to change their party affiliation in an effort to tip the scales against Congressman Bowman and disenfranchise the Democratic voter in its primary. The GOP calls to vote for George Latimer, who received the endorsement of AIPAC, according to The Jewish Insider. This was not a smear campaign from Black Westchester, as he suggested; this has been covered in the NY Post, The Intercept, News 12, Lohud, CBS News, The Washington Examiner, and others.
Latimer claimed he rebuffed the claim he attended a MAGA fundraiser, claiming Black Westchester Damon K Jones was spreading misinformation and that I was continuing to further repeat the lie in support of Congressman Bowman.
I have been very clear that this is much bigger than Congressman Bowman’s re-election bid and even the CD-16 Congressional race. Republicans are encouraging their members to change their party affiliation to interfere with the Democratic Primary, the way they did in 2013 in their attempted takeover of the Westchester Independent Party. That ended up in a lawsuit where the judge ruled that 3700 Republicans be purged from the Independent Party rolls. A few thousand Republicans can tip the scale in a major way, taking power from the wishes of Democratic voters. Dems need to wake up because if the GOP is successful, do not think it will end there.
For the record, I have been repeatedly adamant that Republicans should have no influence in the Democratic Primary and have reported about the attempted GOP takeover of the Westchester Democratic Party, which we addressed on our Sunday, January 28th episode of People Before Politics Radio Show, Latimer admits he never listened to himself. This has been the main point I have been trying to bang home in editorials, on our radio show, and to George himself, once he chose to confront me. A fact he could not debate with me, but he chose to smear our name publicly instead.
Latimer decided to call Damon out on Facebook briefly until Damon questioned Latimer if he felt all Muslims were members of Hamas, which he refused to answer. Damon also questioned Latimer about hiring the union-busting public relations firm, Global Strategy Group (GSG). But despite having Damon’s cell phone number and a relationship with him, including having Damon on an advisory board on police and criminal justice reform, Latimer chose to call me out because he doesn’t have the heart to face Damon.
In an effort of fairness, I invited Latimer to appear on our show to discuss the issue with Damon and share his perspective on the matter. Latimer has appeared on PBP Radio several times in the past decade, starting when he was running against Astorino. Latimer admittedly denied the invitation. Instead, he chose to get into a shouting match with me and those who were questioning him, as if to suggest how dare they have to audacity to question him. He is a candidate and an elected official; if he cannot tolerate having the taxpayers who pay his salary question him, he may need to choose another career path. Maybe it is time to retire, George.
I have been very vocal that if Westchester Republicans do not believe Bowman deserves to be re-elected, why aren’t they spending all this money to challenge him in the general election in November with a candidate of their own as they try to turn the seat and keep control of the House of Representatives? Instead, they decided to invade the Democratic Primary. To sway the primary in the direction they want and as long as that benefits Latimer, he does not have a problem with it, as he defyingly expressed to local democratic voters who questioned him on why he was running at New Rochelle High School during an annual Black History Month event on Saturday, February 10th. If Westchester Democrats feel Latimer can do a better job, they should be free to vote for him in the Democratic Primary without Republican interference. I stand by that.
In November 2017, Latimer said President Donald Trump’s unpopularity played a role in his success in unseating Republican incumbent Rob Astorino. “I think it’s that people want to know that they have a government that responds to them and not just talks to them—talks down to them,” he told WCBS 880’s Peter Haskell.
Just seven years later, in 2024, receiving money from the Donald Trump-controlled Republican Party and having them enroll in an attempted party takeover of the Westchester Democratic Party is fine with him because it benefits him. In 2017, Latimer portrayed his opponent, Astorino, as a divisive backer of President Donald Trump whose values were out of touch with Westchester County, the home of Hillary Clinton. But in 2024, he will gladly accept all the money and support from the Trump-led GOP! He felt he could talk down to some voters who questioned him Saturday at NRHS.
Voters need to ask: What has changed for the once-proven progressive vote-getter? Backing and supporting Trump in 2017 was bad, but accepting more than half a million in one quarter from AIPAC and receiving the support of Trump’s party in 2024 is okay. As former late-night talk show host Arsenio Hall used to say nightly, “Things That Make You Go HMMMMM!”
Other questions that need to be asked since the GOP wants to turn the seat red and maintain control of the House are: why are they supporting Latimer instead of putting up one of their own candidates? What has Latimer promised them for their support? My mother also told me all money isn’t good money. Has Latimer sold us out? Has he sold his soul to the Trump-led party he was very outspoken against in 2017 in his effort to unseat Astorino? Why won’t he come on our show to face Damon, if he feels what Damon wrote was misinformation? He also talks about transparency. But refusing to appear to face Black Westchester if what we wrote isn’t true, speaking down to voters who question you, and then sulking off like a spoiled child who doesn’t get their way, isn’t exactly what I call transparency!
Can you truly be progressive if you align yourself with the Trump-led GOP? Can you truly be a progressive if 40% of your campaign finance comes from a MAGA GOP SuperPAC? Especially after many of the progressives in Westchester who supported Latimer urged him not to divide the party by challenging Bowman whom they support. After he practically ran out of the building, many who watched what unfolded asked what his real inspiration was in challenging Congressman Bowman. It was his response to voters and taxpayers who wanted answers and his verbal attack on Black Westchester that left many in attendance scratching their heads, wondering if this was the real George Latimer?
IT’S TIME FOR SOME REAL TALK!!! Stay tuned for a special edition of the Black Westchester Power Hour this week to address this further!
We celebrate Black History Month in February, but Black History is 365/24/7. Just because February came and went doesn’t mean we have to wait another year to celebrate Black history, we must remember to never stop celebrating the accomplishments and work of the Black community in our society. February should not be the only time we acknowledge all of the ways Black individuals in this country have left their mark. We must not ever let the energy die. We must keep fighting, keep learning, keep going, keep being an activist, keep supporting and buying from our Black-owned businesses and we must do our part in continuing to learn and teach others about Black history.
We at Black Westchester challenge you to learn something new about Black history every day. Whether that means reading a book by a Black author, listening to music from an African-American artist you’ve never listened to before or just researching the achievements of African-Americans who came before us. With that in mind, we share with you some events, dates, and achievements that took place in the month of October!!!
Thurgood Marshall became the first African American Supreme Court Justice after being sworn in on October 2, 1967
Thurgood Marshall was born on July 2, 1908, in Baltimore, Maryland, and died on January 24, 1993. He was an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, where he served from October 1967 to October 1991. The 96th justice, Marshall, was the first U.S. Supreme Court justice of African descent in the United States.
Marshall was the great-grandson of a man born in the region now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo but brought to the United States as a slave, according to Stewart A. Kallen in his autobiography, “Thurgood Marshall: A Dream of Justice for All”. Marshall’s grandfather was also born into slavery in the United States. His father, William Canfield Marshall, was the first freeman of his family and became a Pullman railroad porter. His mother, Norma Arica, was a teacher.
“Before his appointment to serve on the Supreme Court, he represented and won more cases before the United States Supreme Court than any other American,” according to The New World Encyclopedia. Before moving into the judiciary, Marshall was an active civil rights trial attorney, trained in law by the civil rights lawyer Charles Hamilton Houston, who was his law professor and professional mentor.
Marshall’s law practice included appointments as in-house legal counsel to the NAACP. As a trial attorney, Marshall may be best known for his victory in the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, which successfully challenged the racialist separate but equal doctrine in American society, a doctrine that was then enforced by the laws of the land.
A Brief Thurgood Marshall Timeline
1930: Mr. Marshall graduates with honors from Lincoln University, Cumlaude 1933: Receives law degree from Howard U. (magna cum laude); begins private practice in Baltimore 1934: Begins to work for the Baltimore branch of the NAACP 1935: With Charles Houston wins first major civil rights case, Murray v. Pearson 1936: Becomes assistant special counsel for NAACP in New York 1940: Wins first of 29 Supreme Court victories (Chambers v. Florida) 1944: Successfully argues Smith v. Allwright, overthrowing the South’s “white primary.” 1948: Wins Shelley v. Kraemer, in which the Supreme Court strikes down the legality of racially restrictive covenants 1950: Wins Supreme Court victories in two graduate-school integration cases, Sweatt v. Painter and McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents 1951: Visits South Korea and Japan to investigate charges of racism in U.S. armed forces. He reported that the general practice was one of “rigid segregation.” 1954: Wins Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, landmark case that demolishes legal basis for segregation in America 1961: Defends civil rights demonstrators, winning Supreme Circuit Court victory in Garner v. Louisiana; nominated to Second Court of Appeals by President J.F. Kennedy 1961: Appointed circuit judge makes 112 rulings, all of them later upheld by the Supreme Court (1961–1965) 1965: Appointed U.S. solicitor general by President Lyndon B. Johnson; wins 14 of the 19 cases he argues for the government (1965–1967) 1967: Becomes first African American U.S. Supreme Court (1967–1991) 1991: Retires from the Supreme Court 1993: Dies at 84
The Month Of October In Black History
October 1, 1952 — Joe Black became the first African American pitcher to win a World Series game. Black pitched for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1952 World Series, helping his team defeat the New York Yankees 4-2. Black was also the 1952 Rookie of the Year. October 2, 1800 — Nat Turner, leader of a major slave rebellion, was born in Southampton County, Virginia. October 3, 1949 — Jesse B. Blayton Sr. became the first black radio station owner and operator in the United States when he bought Atlanta radio station WERD. October 3, 1974 — Frank Robinson makes history as the first Black manager in Major League Baseball when he is named manager of the Cleveland Indians. October 3, 1995 — O.J. Simpson was acquitted of the 1994 murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. The verdict was seen live on TV by more than half of the U.S. population, making it one of the most-watched events in American TV history October 4, 1943 — Black Panther, social activist H. Rap Brown, born Hubert Gerold Brown (he is now known by his Muslim name of Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana,. He is most well known for his proclamation that “violence is as American as cherry pie.” October 4, 1988 — The Martin L. King, Jr. Federal Building in Atlanta, GA, is the first federal building in the nation to be dedicated to the name of the slain civil rights leader. October 4, 2019 — Krista Mann became the first Black Female Lieutenant of the Mount Vernon Police Department October 6, 1838 — Jack Trice, the first African-American athlete at Iowa State, is assaulted by players from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota in an apparently racially motivated attack on the second play of the game, Trice’s collarbone was broken. Trice insisted he was all right and returned to the game. In the third quarter, while attempting to tackle a University of Minnesota ball carrier by throwing a roll block, Trice was trampled by three Minnesota players. Although he claimed to be fine, Trice was removed from the game and sent to a Minneapolis hospital. The doctors declared him fit to travel and he returned by train to Ames with his teammates. On October 8, 1923, Trice died from hemorrhaged lungs and internal bleeding as a result of the injuries sustained during the game. October 10, 1899 — African American inventor Isaac R. Johnson patents his bicycle frame. October 10, 1927 — The First Black New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins was born. October 10, 1966 — The Black Panther Party was founded in Oakland, California, by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale. October 11, 1887 — African American inventor Alexander Miles patents the electric elevator. He did not invent the elevator however he improved the method of the opening and closing of elevator doors, and he improved the closing of the opening to the elevator shaft when an elevator was not on that floor. October 14, 1920 — Black Nationalist and Freedom Fighter Marcus Mosiah Garvey was shot and wounded in an assassination attempt by racist George Tyler. October 14, 1964 — Martin Luther King Jr becomes the youngest man ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize. October 15, 1949 — William Hastie is nominated for the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and becomes the first African American judge to sit on the court. October 15, 1968 — Wyomia Tyus becomes the first woman to win a gold medal in the 100 meter race in two consecutive Olympic games (1964 Tokyo & 1968 Mexico City). October 19, 1960 — Harriet Ida Pikens and Frances Wills are sworn in as the first African American females in the Navy. October 20, 1898 — The first African American insurance company, The North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance founded by John Merrick, Dr. Aaron McDuffie Moore and Charles Clinton Spaulding. October 21, 1955 — 18-year-old Mary Louise Smith is arrested for refusing to give up her seat in the “whites only” section of a Montgomery, Alabama city bus. October 21, 1989 — Bertram M. Lee and Peter C.B. Bynoe purchased a 37.5% share of the Denver Nuggets, becoming the first African Americans to buy a controlling interest in a National Basketball Association (NBA) team.
October 27, 1924 — Longtime New Rochelle resident Ruby Dee born Ruby Ann Wallace in Cleveland, Ohio. On July 11, 2014, nine years and four months after the death of her husband Ozzie Davis, iconic actress, activist, and poet Ruby Dee passed away at 91 years old. October 27, 1964 — B. O. Davis, Jr., becomes the first African American general in the United States Air Force. October 29, 1969 — The U.S. Supreme Court said school systems must end segregation “at once” and “operate now and hereafter only unitary schools.” October 31, 1950 — Earl Francis Lloyd played for the Washington Capitols against the Rochester Royals becoming the first African American to play in the National Basketball League. October 31, 1993 (Halloween) — Tupac Shakur was arrested for allegedly shooting two off-duty Atlanta policemen.
Also in October
October 2015 — Dr. Belinda Miles becomes the first African American and first female President of Westchester Community College
We celebrate Black History Month in February, but Black History is 365/24/7. Just because February came and went doesn’t mean we have to wait another year to celebrate Black history, we must remember to never stop celebrating the accomplishments and work of the Black community in our society. February should not be the only time we acknowledge all of the ways Black individuals in this country have left their mark. We must never let the energy die. We must keep fighting, keep learning, keep going, keep being activists, keep supporting and buying from our Black-owned businesses and we must do our part in continuing to learn and teach others about Black history.
We at Black Westchester challenge you to learn something new about Black history every day. Whether that means reading a book by a Black author, listening to music from an African-American artist you’ve never listened to before, or just researching the achievements of African-Americans who came before us. With that in mind, we share with you some events, dates, and achievements that took place in the month of December!!!
Top 5 Moments of Black History in December
December is not only a month of holiday festivities; it’s also a time to reflect on the impactful moments that have shaped Black history. From historic achievements to cultural milestones, here are five key moments in Black December that have left a lasting imprint on communities around the world.
December 1, 1955 — Rosa Parks Refuses to Give Up Her Seat Rosa Parks, a seamstress and civil rights activist, courageously declined to surrender her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. This act of defiance ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott, an event that spurred the Civil Rights Movement. Parks’ indomitable spirit and the subsequent boycott played a pivotal role in challenging discriminatory practices, becoming an enduring symbol of courage for generations to come.
December 3, 1970 — Jennifer Josephine Hosten Becomes First Black Miss World Jennifer Hosten made history on Dec. 3, 1970, at the Miss World contest, securing the title as the first Black woman ever to be crowned since the pageant’s inception in 1951. Despite her remarkable achievement representing a smaller nation (Grenada), Hosten faced the turbulent backdrop of global political unrest, with the Vietnam War, South African apartheid, and the British feminist movement shaping the narrative of her historic win. Her triumph became a testament to the resilience and grace of Black women, setting the stage for more diverse representations in the years to come
December 10, 1964 — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. receives Nobel Peace Prize Dec. 10, 1964, stands as a moment of global recognition for King, who became only the second African American, following Ralph Bunche, to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Acknowledging King’s tireless efforts in advancing civil rights through nonviolent means, the Nobel Committee elevated his role as a pivotal leader in the pursuit of justice and equality.
December 20, 1956 — Montgomery Bus Boycott Ends On Dec. 20, 1956, the African-American community in Montgomery, Alabama, voted unanimously to conclude the 385-day bus boycott. Triggered by Rosa Parks’ arrest on Dec. 1, 1955, this boycott was a 13-month mass protest culminating in the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that segregation on public buses is unconstitutional. Led by the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA), with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. serving as its spokesperson, the boycott showcased the power of collective action in the fight against systemic injustice.
December 26, 1966 — Kwanzaa Inaugurated Dr. Maulana Karenga introduced Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration honoring African heritage in African-American culture. Observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, Kwanzaa revolves around seven core principles (the Nguzo Saba): unity (Umoja), self-determination (Kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (Ujima), cooperative economics (Ujamaa), purpose (Nia), creativity (Kuumba), and faith (Imani). This celebration has become a cherished tradition, weaving cultural pride into the fabric of Black communities.
The Month Of December in Black History
December 1, 1940 — Comedian/Actor Richard Pryor born in Peoria, Illinois December 2, 1983 — MTV aired Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video for the first time. December 3, 1847 — Frederick Douglass, a former slave, and Dr. Martin Delaney, a black physician, published the first issue of the anti-slavery newspaper The North Star—named for the celestial icon followed by fugitive slaves escaping to freedom. December 3, 1935 — Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune receives Spingarn Medal for her work in building and founding Bethune Cookman College December 4, 1807 — Prince Hall, abolitionist and creator of the Prince Hall Freemasonry, dies December 4, 1990 — New Rochelle-based Hip-Hop group, Brand Nubian released their classic Five Mic debut album, “One For All,” on Elektra Records. Boasting production from Dante Ross, Skeff Anslem, the SD 50s (Stimulated Dummies), and Jam as well as their own hands on the boards, Brand Nubian arguably released one of the most influential debut albums in Hip-Hop history. December 5, 1935 — Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune founds National Council of Negro Women December 5, 2022 — Leilani Yizar-Reid makes history when she is sworn in as the first African American Woman elected to the Village of Mamaroneck Board of Trustees December 6, 1849 — Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery in Maryland December 6, 2019 — Mount Vernon’s Sochie Nnaemeka becomes New York Working Families Party State Director December 7, 1941 — Novelist Richard Wright is awarded The Spingarn Medal, which is awarded annually by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for an outstanding achievement by an African American. December 7, 1941 — Lester Granger is appointed as executive director of the National Urban League December 8, 1850 — Lucy Ann Stanton makes history as the first woman to graduate from college December 8, 1936 — NAACP files first suit to equalize salaries of Black and white teachers December 8, 1936 — The Michigan Chronicle, a weekly African-American newspaper based in Detroit, Michigan is founded by by John H. Sengstacke, editor of the Chicago Defender. December 8, 2003 — Cynthia Hood shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first African-American Female Detective in the White Plains Police Department. December 12, 1899 – Dr. George F. Grant, a dentist, inventor, and avid golfer receives the patent for a wooden golf tee December 13, 2011 — Jennifer Carpenter became the first Black Female Supervisor in the Mount Vernon Police Department when she was promoted to Sergeant December 16, 2003 — President George W. Bush signs H.R. 3491 into law. The bill establishes the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the Smithsonian Institution. December 16, 2018 — noted Civil Rights and Union Icon, Doris Turner Keys passed away at the age of 88. Keys served in many capacities that championed the causes of worker and civil rights as well as freedom, justice, and equality. December 16, 2021 — “Richard Pryor: Live in Concert” Has Been Added To The National Film Registry December 17, 2002 — Robert Johnson, the billionaire founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) became owner of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Charlotte expansion franchise.Making Johnson the league’s first African American majority owner and the first African American owner in major professional sports.
December 18, 1970 — Rapper, and actor DMX was born Earl Simmons December 19, 1996 —The school board of Oakland, Calif., voted to recognize Black English, also known as “ebonics.” December 20, 1956 — On this day, the African American community of Montgomery, Alabama, voted unanimously to end its 385-day bus boycott. December 21, 1886 — Lucy Parsons’ “I Am An Anarchist” speech appears in the Kansas City Journal December 22, 1998 — DMX releases his sophomore album, ‘Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood’ his second album in 1998 to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and his second of five consecutive number 1 albums December 23, 1919 — Inventor Alice H. Parker receives a patent for the gas heating furnace. December 24, 1992 — Alphonso Michael “Mike” Espy became the first African American appointed as Secretary of Agriculture. December 25, 1863 — Robert Blake became the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on board the U.S. Steam Gunboat Marblehead off Legareville, Stono River, in an engagement with the enemy on John’s Island. A bomb tore through the Mims, Florida, home of Florida’s NAACP president Harry T. Moore, and his wife, Harriet. It was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Moore died on the way to the hospital in Mims, Florida. His wife died nine days later from her injuries. December 26, 1908 — Jack Johnson made history as the first Black World Heavyweight Champion, when he defeated Canadian world champion Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia. Americans were so outraged by his victory and subsequent dominance of the sport that they desperately sought for the “Great White Hope. December 26, 1924 — Harmonica player DeFord Bailey Sr. makes history as the first Black person to perform on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville December 26, 1999 — Singer and songwriter Curtis Mayfield died at age 57. December 27, 1956 — Segregation on buses is outlawed in Tallahassee, Fla December 28, 1954 — Actor Denzel Washington was born in the city of Mount Vernon, NY. He is the middle of three children of a beautician mother, Lennis, from Georgia, and a Pentecostal minister father, Denzel Washington, Sr., from Virginia. December 28, 1977 — Karen Farmer becomes the first African American member of the Daughters of the American Revolution when she traces her ancestry back to William Hood, a soldier in the Revolutionary War. December 30, 1984 — NBA basketball star LeBron James was born in Akron, Ohio. In his first season, he received the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, and in the following three seasons, he received All-NBA and All-Star honors. He currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to reports, Latimer’s campaign is receiving support from the Global Strategy Group (GSG), a polling and public relations firm with ties to the corporate wing of the Democratic Party. GSG has a history of anti-union activities, including working for Amazon against unionization efforts. Despite this, GSG has been involved with various Democratic clients, including some progressives.
The controversy surrounding GSG erupted in 2022 when it was revealed that the firm had been hired by Amazon explicitly for its efforts to prevent unionization at the Staten Island JFK8 fulfillment center. Reports detailed GSG’s dissemination of anti-union materials, including flyers and videos for captive-audience meetings, actions that are illegal under labor laws. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, strongly criticized GSG’s involvement, especially considering the firm’s past work against the AFT on charter school initiatives funded by the Walton and DeVos families.
Real progressives in CD16 are saying George Latimer is a MAGA Democrat because of Republican-funded groups aiming to spend nearly $100 million in the 2024 races to unseat Black and Brown electives around the county. Specifically, Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York’s 16th Congressional District is a prime target. He faces a well-financed primary challenge from George Latimer, supported by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)..
The article highlights the irony of corporate consultants like GSG supporting efforts to unseat progressive incumbents, contrasting it with past criticisms of progressives for similar actions. It also raises concerns about the influence of pro-Israel groups like Republican funded AIPAC in Democratic primaries and the Democratic Party’s response to such challenges.
History in school teaches us that Harriet Tubman freed the slaves and Martin Luther King Jr., had a dream every February but skipped over so many other African-American achievers. Confining our history to 28 days not only diminishes the significance of our contributions but also allows the greater truth to be erased. There is nothing as motivating as knowing that people who look like you have achieved great things.
On July 5, 1852 Frederick Douglass gave a speech that is now known as the “What To The Slave Is The 4th Of July” speech. Douglass was asked to give a speech on July 4th during a commemoration of the Declaration of Independence. However he choose to give one on July 5th instead. When Douglass gave his speech he acknowledged the signers of the Declaration of Independence but he made it clear that there was too much work to be done before the 4th of July would be a day of celebration for Blacks.
…But such is not the state of the case. I say it with a sad sense of the disparity between us. I am not included within the pale of glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common.ÑThe rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. The sunlight that brought light and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn. To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty, and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony. Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak to-day? If so, there is a parallel to your conduct. And let me warn you that it is dangerous to copy the example of a nation whose crimes, towering up to heaven, were thrown down by the breath of the Almighty, burying that nation in irrevocable ruin! I can to-day take up the plaintive lament of a peeled and woe-smitten people!…
We celebrate Black History Month in February, but Black History is 365/24/7. But we must remember never to stop celebrating the accomplishments and work of the Black community in our society. February should not be the only time we acknowledge all the ways Black individuals in this country have left their mark. We must never let the energy die. We must keep fighting, keep learning, keep going, keep being an activist, keep supporting and buying from our Black-owned businesses and we must do our part in continuing to learn and teach others about Black history.
We at Black Westchester challenge you to learn something new about Black history every day. Whether that means reading a book by a Black author, listening to music from an African-American artist you’ve never listened to before, or just researching the achievements of African-Americans who came before us. With that in mind, we share with you some events, dates, and achievements that took place in the month of July!!!
In July 1905, a group of Black activists and intellectuals met on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls to discuss the issue of civil liberties for African Americans. That meeting was the start of The Niagara Movement. The group had planned to meet on the New York side of the Falls but were forced to change locations after being denied accommodations. The organization, formed by W.E.B Du Bois and William Monroe Trotter, was made up of critics of Booker T. Washington, President of Tuskegee Institute. During this period, Washington was viewed by most as the authority figure on issues that concerned Black Americans. Washington’s view that Black Americans should help themselves while being patient and accommodating was denounced by members of the Niagara Movement, who demanded that blacks be granted the same rights and liberties as whites.
July 1, 1889 – Frederick Douglass named Minister to Haiti July 1, 1960 – Ghana becomes a republic July 1, 1982 – Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five release the rap song “The Message.” “The Message” was an early prominent Hip-Hop song to provide social commentary. The song’s lyrics describe the stress of inner-city poverty. In the final verses, a child born in the ghetto without prospects in life is lured away into a life of crime, for which he is jailed until he commits suicide in his cell July 2, 1777 – Vermont became the first American colony to abolish slavery. Vermont’s legislature agreed to abolish slavery entirely, and it also moved to provide full voting rights for African American males. July 2, 1872– Inventor E. McCoy received Patent No. 129,843 for the lubricator for steam engines. July 2, 1908 – U.S. Supreme Court, Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993) was born. Marshall made history by becoming the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. July 2, 1943 – Charles Hall becomes the first African American fighter pilot to down enemy aircraft July 2, 1964 – President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law, preventing employment discrimination due to race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. Title VII of the Act establishes the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to help prevent workplace discrimination. July 3, 1950 – The Hazel Scott Show premiered on the DuMont Television Network, making Trinidadian-born Hazel Scott the first African American woman to have her own television show. July 4, 1827 – New York State abolishes slavery July 4, 1881 – Tuskegee Institute was founded in a one-room shanty near Butler Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Thirty adults represented the first class, with Dr. Booker T. Washington as the first teacher. July 4, 1910 – Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion, successfully defended his title by knocking out Jim “The Great White Hope” Jeffries, who had come out of retirement “to win back the title for the White race.” July 4, 1963 – Marian Anderson, opera star, and Ralph Bunche, diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, are awarded the first Medals of Freedom from President John F. Kennedy, the creator of the award. July 4, 1989 – “Fight the Power” was released by Public Enemy on the Motown Records label. It was created for the movie ‘Do the Right Thing’ by Spike Lee. July 5, 1975 – Arthur Ashe defeats Jimmy Connors to win the men’s Wimbledon singles championship and becomes the first African American male to win the title. July 6, 1957 – The first Black woman tennis champion wins Wimbledon. Althea Gibson won the women’s singles championship at Wimbledon. July 9, 1955 – E. Frederic Morrow became the first African-American to serve in an executive position on a United States president’s cabinet in the White House joining President Eisenhower’s staff as Administrative Officer for Special Projects from 1955 to 1961. July 10, 1893 – Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performs the world’s first open-heart surgery on a young man named James Cornish. James was rushed to Provident Hospital in Chicago with a stab wound. July 10, 1927 – David Norman Dinkins born in Trenton, N.J. Dinkins became the first black mayor of New York City, serving from 1989 to 1993. July 16, 1947 – Activist Assata Shakur is born July 17, 2014 – Eric Garner dies after being put in a chokehold by New York City police, following suspicion he was selling untaxed cigarettes in Staten Island. The video is captured with Garner saying “I can’t breathe,” which becomes a rallying cry for criminal justice and police brutality reform. A grand jury chooses not to indict Officer Daniel Pantaelo, but Garner’s family later settles a lawsuit against the city for $5.9 million. July 18, 1918 – Freedom fighter, former President of South Africa, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nelson Mandela born in Mvezo, Umtata South Africa. He first attempted to change South Africa’s policy of Aparthied by non-violent means. After realizing that this method would not bring about the change he sought, he pursued guerrilla activities, which led to his imprisonment for 27 years. After his 1990 release from prison, he became his country’s first black President in 1994. July 20, 1967 – The first Black Power Conference was held in Newark, New Jersey with over a thousand in attendance. July 20, 1967 – First coast-to-coast black-owned and operated radio network: The National Black Network (NBN) begins operations. July 21, 1864 – The New Orleans Tribune, the first Black newspaper to be published daily is launched July 21, 1896 – Mary Church Terrell is elected president of the newly founded the National Association of Colored Women in Washington D.C. July 26, 1948 – President Harry Truman issues Executive Order 9981 to end segregation in the Armed Services. July 28, 1866 – Section 3 of the Act of Congress authorized the formation of the two regiments of cavalry composed of “colored” men. These regiments would be later nicknamed as “Buffalo Soldiers.” July 30, 2002 – WNBA player Lisa Leslie of the Los Angeles Sparks became the first woman to dunk in a professional game. May 22, 1967, Langston Hughes died in NYC from complications after abdominal surgery, related to prostate cancer, at the age of 65 July 31, 1874 – Father Patrick Francis Healey, was named President of Georgetown University and became the first African American to be named President of a Major US University. He was also the first African American to receive a Ph.D.
Don’t Strain Your Drain is a public service campaign in Mount Vernon to collect residents’ used cooking oil at Mount Vernon Fire Stations for recycling. Mount Vernon Youth Community Outreach Program (YCOP) students who participated in the Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) Student Summer Energy and Environmental Program for Teens are initiating this oil collection campaign as their entry in the Bedford 2030 Greenlight Prize.
From January 27, 2024, to March 23, 2023, residents may collect their cooking oil, and we hope to get approval for deposits at Mount Vernon fire stations. When poured down the drain, cooking oil solidifies and clog drains. Water pools in basements and yards during rainstorms when sewer drains are clogged. Water inside homes compromises the structure’s integrity and can lead to the growth of toxic mold and mildew, which is harmful to humans and pets. The cost to homeowners and municipalities for oil removal and its consequential damage can be millions.
For three years, ELOC has offered its Student Summer Energy & Environmental Program for Teens to high school students from socially and environmentally vulnerable communities about climate change, its impact, mitigation, solutions, and workforce requirements. This past summer, students from community-based organizations in Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Portchester, Ossining, and Peekskill learned about water and all its possibilities. At the end of the summer, a team of students from Mount Vernon YCOP won first prize for their final project, The Dangers of Pouring Cooking Oil Down the Drain.
The students discovered that for the more than 394,000 households in Westchester County, there is only one site, Westchester County Recycling Household Material Recovery Facility, where residents may discard harmful household waste; furthermore, the site is inaccessible to residents without cars and appointments must be made before each visit. The Mount Vernon YCOP team presented their findings to the Westchester County Board of Legislature – Housing Committee and were subsequently invited to participate in the Bedford 2030 Greenlight Award Prize.
According to Dr. Diana Williams, Acting Executive Director of ELOC and the student’s Faculty Advisor, “These brilliant students have identified a costly problem and devised a simple solution. The Don’t Strain Your Drain campaign will educate Mount Vernon residents about proper cooking oil disposal and secure accessible disposal sites at fire stations. In 2024, ELOC students will expand this program throughout Westchester County. ELOC is committed to providing our young people with the skills and tools to work together to solve environmental issues in their communities.”
Raymond ‘C2’ Fowler appeared on Black Westchester’s People Before Politics Radio Show, joining Damon K. Jones and AJ Woodson 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 New Rochelle Detective Steven Conn.
On Monday, July 3, 2023, the day before this country celebrates its independence, 37-year-old Jarrell Garris was shot and killed by New Rochelle Police Detective Stephen Conn, after allegedly stealing some fruit.
On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass explained what the Fourth of July means to an African American, “a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciations of tyrants, brass-fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade, and solemnity, are, to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy—a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody, than are the people of these United States, at this very hour. . . .”
Garris died a week later, on Monday, July 10, 2023, and eight months later, his family is still demanding justice. Still waiting for a response from New York Attorney General Tish James, while the officers responsible for his death sit at home on administrative leave with pay.
172 years after Frederick Douglass uttered the words above, Garris’s family is still reminded of “the gross injustice and cruelty to which [Black People are still] the constant victims. Reminded of “boasted liberty,” “an unholy license,” and how the “shouts of liberty and equality” of the Fourth of July are a “hollow mockery.”
Eight months later, Raymond Fowler and his family still have not seen the boasted liberty that is celebrated every July 4th, and the celebration of the holiday will always be a sham, as Douglass described. Mr. Fowler exclusively shares his loss last summer and his unrelenting quest for justice and accountability of his son.
Black Westchester presents The People Before Politics Radio Show – Episode 387 with Damon K. Jones and AJ Woodson. The first hour will be Mount Vernon Youth Community Outreach Program (YCOP) students who participated in the Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC). In the second hour, we will have Raymond Fowler, the father of Jarrell Garris, the unarmed Black man who was killed last year by New Rochelle Police.
