Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins Leads Senate Confirmation of Westchester County Youth Bureau Director as NYS OCFS Commissioner
Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousin and newly confirmed Commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) DaMia Harris-Madden [Black Westchester]
Under the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the New York State Senate confirmed the appointment Wednesday, May 15th of Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden as the new Commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
Dr. Harris-Madden previously served as Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau from 2018 until her appointment. Governor Kathy Hochul nominated her to the OCFS post, and on Wednesday, Sen. Stewart-Cousins brought a confirmation vote to the State Senate floor, with Dr. Harris-Madden and her family in attendance.
“As a Westchester resident and as somebody who has known Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden for years, I’m so pleased that the governor has selected her for this position,” Sen. Stewart-Cousins said. “As Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, Dr. Harris-Madden kept a focus on the youth of our county by developing and implementing more than 200 youth-centered programs each year to support and nurture children, including implementing the OCFS Youth Development Program and the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act program in Westchester. She is an exceptional leader, and the Office of Children and Family Services will be an even better organization under her leadership.”
“What a week! It is a privilege and honor to be confirmed as the Commissioner of the Office of Children and Family Services. I am immensely grateful and humbled by Governor Hochul’s nomination, the Senators that unanimously confirmed me, and the praying families and friends who supported me,” Dr. Harris-Madden shared with Black Westchester.
Sen. Stewart-Cousins’ comments were echoed by Bernie Dean, the Acting Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, who thanked Dr. Harris-Madden for her excellent work in Westchester and wished her the best in her new role.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the nomination of Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden to serve as Commissioner of the New York State OCFS, on Friday, March 8th.
“My administration is committed to putting families first, and the Office of Children and Family Services plays a critical role in that effort,” Hochul said in a statement. “Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden is a tested, experienced leader who will be an important part of our work to make New York an even better place to raise a family.”
“I am incredibly humbled and deeply grateful to be nominated by Governor Hochul as the next Commissioner of the Office of Children and Family Services—an immense agency that touches the lives of nearly every New Yorker.” Dr Harris-Madden shared with Black Westchester after her nomination. “It will be both an honor and a privilege to serve in this capacity, wholeheartedly embracing the opportunities to create a meaningful impact that enhances the overall well-being of all New Yorkers. Twenty-three years ago, I made the life-changing decision to leave the private sector and dedicate myself to working on behalf of the most vulnerable: children and youth. Looking back, it was undoubtedly the best decision I could have made. My upbringing and experiences in the City of Mount Vernon inspired me personally and professionally, shaping my commitment to making a difference. I found the funding and resources to create many programs based on what I would have liked as a child growing up in Mount Vernon, what the youth advised me of as their wants and needs, and the research that pointed to promising practices that would make children, youth, and families thrive.”
Dr. Harris-Madden has spent 20 years working at the intersections of government, education, business, and the non-profit sectors. She worked as Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, within the County Executive’s office. She was responsible for managing a department that deploys financial and technical resources to hundreds of programs and contractors operated by nonprofit, private, and municipal agencies that support children, youth, and families within the 46 communities of Westchester County.
Before joining the Westchester County Youth Bureau, Dr. Harris-Madden served in four mayoral cabinets in the City of Mount Vernon, where she expanded the city’s services significantly. She has served as a federal and local grant reviewer and a New York State 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program evaluator.
The OCFS is an agency of the New York State Department of Family Assistance, and provides families and youth with services and resources across a broad spectrum, helping families find childcare, working to prevent child abuse, overseeing the state’s foster system for children and parents, providing health care and disability services, and a host of other functions.
Black Westchester congratulates and celebrates Dr. DaMia Hadden-Harris, a true Black Westchester Legend!
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Liberation Day, is the oldest known celebration that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. Join us as we come together to celebrate this historic and momentous occasion and kick off a month-long series of Juneteenth activities around Westchester and Rockland Counties.
Saturday, June 1, 2024 | 12-4pm 2024 Countywide Juneteenth Kick-off Celebration | The First Supper
Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle, One Remington Place, New Rochelle, NY – FREE
THIS EVENT HAS REACHED CAPACITY! Come break bread with us as we kick-off Juneteenth celebrations across Westchester and Rockland Counties! This year’s program will include the staging of an original Juneteenth play, historical reenactments, food presentations, a communal meal prepared by award-winning Chef El-Amin, music and dance performances by regional artists, educations workshops for youth, local vendors and more!
This program is part of the Westchester Roots series, in partnership with ArtsWestchester, Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle, City of New Rochelle, Lincoln Park Conservatory and Westchester County government.
*Organized by: Ardsley Multicultural, Diversity and Inclusion Committee | ArtsWestchester | Antioch Baptist Church-Bedford Juneteenth Committee | Equity for All Lewisboro | Friends of the African American Cemetery | Haverstraw African American Connection | Irvington Juneteenth | Lincoln Park Conservancy | Mamaroneck Juneteenth | Mount Kisco Juneteenth | Mount Vernon Department of Recreation | Ossining Juneteenth Council | Peekskill Youth Bureau | Pelham Juneteenth | Port Chester Historical Society | Pound Ridge Juneteenth | Town of Greenburgh | Tuckahoe Juneteenth Committee | Westchester African American Advisory Board | White Plains Juneteenth Heritage Inc. | Yonkers African American Heritage Committee
Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony June 1 | 9:30am Market Square | Main & Spring Streets Presented by The Juneteenth Council and Village of Ossining
Ballroom Has Something to Say: An Ode to Black Gay/Queer Men June 21 | 7pm-9pm Bethany Arts Community | 40 Somerstown Road Presented by ArtsWestchester, Bethany Art Community, The Loft and The Juneteenth Council
Icon Michael Roberson’s newest production presents an intergenerational history of the Black LGBTQ+ house ballroom community.
5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration June 22 | 12pm Louis Engel Waterfront Park Presented by The Juneteenth Council, The Town of Ossining, and Bethany Arts Community
Join us for an afternoon of culture, history, fellowship and more!
WBBTC 3rd Annual Juneteenth Tournament & Family Fun Day June 29 | 10am-2pm 95 Broadway Presented by The Juneteenth Council, This celebration includes performances, food, and vendors.
TLPC’s Juneteenth Celebration 2024 – Resilience! is a partnership with the City of New Rochelle. This is the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration hosted by TLPC and the City of New Rochelle. Events include: jazz concert, spoken word, African dance, historic trolley tour, kids games, exhibits, lectures, film screenings, gospel concert, drum line performance, African marketplace, food vendors and more. Juneteenth is citywide event with 10 participating community organizations and institutions and begins June 1st and ends June 30th.
June 19 | 12-6pm Glen Island Park Join the celebration including an Afreican marketplace, performances, a petting zoo, food trucks and more!
White PlainsJuneteenth Parade and Festival Downtown White Plains
Presented by White Plains Juneteenth Heritage Committee
This 20th annual community event of “Preserving the Legacy & History of Juneteenth” in downtown White Plains features a parade and festival, including arts and craft vendors, food, and entertainment for the whole family. The 2024 parade’s Grand Marshal is Kenneth Chamberlain, Jr. and special honorees White Plains Hospital, African American Men of Westchester, Karen Jenkins and Sheran Lyons..
For more info visit White Plains Juneteenth Heritage committee on Facebook.
PEEKSKILLJune 13, 15
Peekskill Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony, June 13 | 6pm City Hall, 840 Main Street Presented by Peekskill Youth Bureau, Tuesday Paige McDonald
13th Annual Parade & Festival, June 15 | starting at 1pm Presented by Peekskill Youth Bureau, Tuesday Paige McDonald
This year’s celebration theme is “Empowering the Next Generation.” Grand Marshals are Dr. Glenetta C. Phillips, Kenneth A. Phillips and Todd M. Scott. Annual Juneteenth Festival includes live entertainment, vendors offering unique and cultural goods and services, food vendors and community partners.
Parade Kickoff at 1pm – Park Street A.M.E. Zion Church, 1220 Park Street Parade Route – Park Street – Brown Street to Downton Park Street to N. Division Street Festival Starts at 2pm – Downtown Park Street & N. Division Street
GREENBURGH – June 14 | 5:30-8pm 177 Hillside Avenue
5th Annual Juneteenth Event Presented by Town Councilwoman Gina Jackson and Friends This day of celebration and remembrance in Greenburgh reflects on the past, rejoices in the progress made, and recommits to the work that still lies ahead. Rain Date: Friday, June 21, 5:30-8pmMore info:http://www.greenburghny.com/
YONKERSJune 14,15,19 | Various Locations and Times Annual Citywide Juneteenth African Heritage Festival Weekend Presented by Yonkers Downtown B.I.D, The Autism Project-FLOS, Inc.
This three-day celebration that includes a pan-African flag-raising ceremony, a parade and the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Educational Conference.
Pan-African Flag Raising CeremonyJune 14 | 3-5pm City Hall Plaza, South Broadway
A performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing with the raising of the Pan-African Flag will also include a short history of “Juneteenth and Ujima,” 2024 Juneteenth African Heritage Parade Marshall Bro Rich Crews, crowning of 2024 Juneteenth Queen & King, high school scholarship recipients, comments and proclamations from local politicians, light refreshments and music.
Juneteenth Heritage ParadeJune 15 | 1-3pm JFK Marina Park, John F Kennedy Memorial Dr
Parade day will include food, merchandise, vendors, prizes, arts and crafts, and family fun.
3rd Annual Juneteenth Educational ConferenceJune 19 | 12-4pm Nepperhan Community Center, 342 Warburton Avenue
This educational conference will showcase Dr. Alexandria Connelly, Dr. William Seraile, Dr. Bob Baskerville and Sierre Leone Ambassador AmaraTuray Jalloh. Performances will include Terrell Armstead and TRCY, African Libation Drum & Dance with the Afrikan Healing Circle, as well as live DJ Superior and refreshments.
Haverstraw African American Connection 2024 Juneteenth Events Presented by Haverstraw African American Connection
The Haverstraw African American Connection’s 2024 Juneteenth events will take place over four days. Activities include a live band, presentations, re-enactments, vendors, food, music, and the KIDZone. Location: Haverstraw African American Memorial Park, 41 Clinton Street
June 15 | Time to be announced – Haverstraw African American Memorial Park, 41 Clinton Street Join the community for the unveiling of Beacon of Hope, a permanent Harriet Tubman statue and the Freedom Wall Mural . More Info:http://www.thehaac.com/
ARDSLEYJune 16 | 1pm-4pm Pascone Park, 638 Ashford Ave
The Ardsley Multicultural Diversity and Inclusion Juneteenth Celebration Presented by: The Village of Ardsley
This event will include music, dance and poetry, as well as a DJ and local youth performances. Food and ice cream will also be available for purchase. More info:http://ardsleyvillage.com/
PELHAMJune 16 | 3-6pm
Juneteenth in the Village of Pelham Wolfs Lane Park – Presented by The Village of Pelham Council on the Arts
A day of celebration, inspiration, education, cultural connection and entertainment to honor the Juneteenth Federal Holiday. More Info:https://facebook.com/VOPCA10803
TUCKAHOEJune 17 | 12pm-6pm2023 Juneteenth Celebration Tuckahoe Poetry and Creative Writing Contest Main Street Park, 1-25 Marbledale Avenue
Presented by Tuckahoe Juneteenth Committee
Write a short poem or story about yourself, your community or problems you want to fix in the world. Submit your work to us and we will select 3 submissions to perform at our upcoming Juneteenth event and win a gift card. Best contact information email: tuckahoejuneteenth22@gmail.comAlternate location if it rains | Tuckahoe Community Center, 71 Columbus Avenue
MOUNT VERNONJune 19 | 12pm-3pm
Juneteenth Celebration Hartley Park | 144 N 5th Ave, Hartley Ave. Presented by the Mount Vernon Department of RecreationYusuf Shah Islamic Center
Recognizing the end of slavery as well as celebrating American culture and achievements.
Juneteenth In Pound Ridge Bush Lyon Homestead, 479 King Street Presented by Pound Ridge Partnership,Human Rights Advisory Committee, Pound Ridge Library, and Pound Ridge Library Foundation
A free Broadway performance will feature Dan Micciche, musical director of Wicked; and Stephanie Umoh, who plays Angelica Schuyler in the national tour of Hamilton. 6pmat The Green in Scotts Corners in Pound Ridge. More Info:https://poundridgepartnership.org/events/juneteenth/
PORT CHESTERJune 19 | 5:30-7:30pm
Juneteenth Celebration Bush Lyon Homestead, 479 King Street Presented by Port Chester Historical Society
This family-friendly event will feature music, poetry, history and community art.
Irvington’s 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration presented by Irvington Juneteenth Committee and the Village of Irvington
June 19 | 10:45-11:30am Ways to Fly Irvington Historical Society, 131 Main Street
This FREE workshop for kids grades frou (4) through six (6) focuses on the messages of hope and resilience seen in the sculptor Vinnie Bagwell’s Yesterday statue. The workshop will be grounded in the Jacqueline Woodson’s The Year We Learn to Fly story and will incorporate a discussions and art activity so participants can explore their own resilience techniques. Pre-registration is required.
June 22 | 2-5pm Celebrating the Legacy of Madam C.J. Walker, Villa Lewaro, 67 North Broadway
This historic street naming celebration in honor of Madam C.J. Walker at the legendary Villa Lewaro will be attended by Madam’s great, great granddaughter A’Lelia Bundles. There will also be music, food and tours of Villa Lewaro. This event is FREE, but pre-registration is required for the timed tours.
Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth Together! presented by Equity4All Lewisboro Town Park 1190 Route 35, South Salem
This event is open to the public to enjoy live music, food, crafts, games, family fun, and a dance DJ.
MOUNT KISCOJune 22 | 12:30pm-5pm
Mount Kisco’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration Train Station Parking Lot, Mount Kisco Presented by Aaliyah Thompson
This event is for people of all ages and races who want to have fun, educate, and create more diversity with love in the town we live in with a positive outcome. Includes food and entertainment.
Thank you for featuring Dr. Courtney Williams from Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions on the People Before Politics show recently. Though it may feel good to separate recycling from trash, the reality is that all that material often ends up in an incinerator like 40-year-old Wheelabrator Westchester in Peekskill, emitting harmful chemicals that affect everyone who breathes, especially those with asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions, lowering quality of life and raising the number of emergency room visits. One way to reduce the harmful effects of the incinerator emissions is to keep food scraps, such as vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and uneaten food, out of the trash. These materials cause the incinerator to burn more fuel and work inefficiently.
Instead of burning food scraps and breathing them in, we should compost them, which restores soil and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Community composting programs can improve public health, increase neighbor-to-neighbor connection, and provide jobs and job training skills to participants. For example, the Baltimore Compost Collective is a thriving organization that employs local youth and sustains community connection, using their compost to improve the lives of their neighbors by building their soil and growing nutritious food. Westchester communities like Peekskill have a similar opportunity, and food scrap collection programs already exist, though they are of limited availability to many residents. Peekskill NAACP is working with the Peekskill school district to provide food scrap recycling to students, and the Peekskill Conservation Advisory council is working to provide publicly available drop-off bins in downtown Peekskill.
Westchester County has earmarked $90,000.00 for a waste reduction study that could expand municipal composting programs. Rather than continuing to run the Wheelabrator incinerator, which has operated without a permit since 2021, County Executive George Latimer and the legislature should make full use of that $90,000.00 to secure cleaner air, make our communities more resilient, and improve the future for all residents. They need to hire a certified Zero Waste consultant to ensure that public health and the environment are the top priorities for an updated waste disposal system. Additionally, WASS applauds the $1.3 million approved for a composting facility that will serve the entire county, and we hope that Westchester communities find ways to make it easy for their residents to contribute to this facility. Currently, groups like WASS, the NAACP, and the Peekskill CAC are putting programs into place that the county isn’t offering, but we know that can change. — Travis Carpenter – Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions
[Editor’s Note, if you missed Dr. Williams appearance on Black Westchester presents the People Before Politics Radio Show you can see it here.]
Yesterday, numerous groups gathered outside Republican David Berkoff’s home for a fundraiser for Democrat George Latimer, sponsored by the Republican group Professional Group Plan.
As attendees engaged with each other, those outside Berkoff’s home were asked if they identified as Republicans, and the response was overwhelmingly affirmative.
During the event, one couple inquired about being a Republican at a Democratic candidate fundraiser. The man expressed his long-standing support for AIPAC. While he was engaged in a thoughtful debate with a protestor, the woman with him interrupted, stating that Congressman Jamaal Bowman was solely focused on Black justice and his people. She added, “I need someone who cares about Jews, not his people!“
This incident highlights the racism present in Westchester. For Black individuals not seeking political handouts, it is evident how deeply rooted racism is in this campaign. What’s even more disheartening is that Black people are being given this information and still don’t believe it. They don’t recognize that supporting George Latimer means supporting racist white people who are using him as a pawn to remove the first Black Congressman. So I ask the Black supporters of George Latimer, if they dont want Bowman to do for Black people, what do you think they want George Latimer to do for you?
Some white supporters of George Latimer do not want to see a Black man in office or show support for Black people. As the woman emphasized, she desires someone who prioritizes Jewish concerns over those of Black individuals.
The question arises: How can George Latimer claim to be a friend of Black people while accepting money from individuals who disregard Black issues and concerns?
Unfortunately, George Latimer has embraced this problematic stance. He has accepted millions from the racist AIPAC, taken money from MAGA Republicans, and accepted the strings attached to these funds. Despite his claims of connection to Mount Vernon, by assoiating himself with he appears distant from its Black roots, a point he often tries to argue against. As I write This article, he should feel more ashamed than I do.
Regrettably for George, regardless of the election outcome, his legacy will be associated with the face of a racist Westchester.
WESTCHESTER, NY—In response to a series of offensive posts by the Vice Chair of the Westchester County Democratic Committee on George Latimer’s Facebook page, Jennifer Cabrera and Peter Bernstein of the Westchester-Putnam Chapter of the New York Working Families Party have issued the following statement:
“We strongly condemn the harmful comments made by Latimer supporter and Vice Chair of the Westchester County Democratic Committee Terry Degatano. Her comments repeat racist stereotypes about Black men and call for the Congressman to suffer a stroke. When others objected, Vice Chair Degatano doubled down on her racist statements. This behavior is unacceptable from any person, much less a member of the County Democratic Committee’s leadership team. We urge George Latimer to denounce racist rhetoric from his supporters and for the Westchester County Democratic Committee to remove Degatano from her position in party leadership immediately.”
Black Westchester obtained screenshots of some of the comments made by Degatano on George Latimer’s Facebook post on the News 12 CD-16 debate
Black Westchester reached out to members of the Westchester County Democratic Committee by email including Chairwoman Suzanne M. Berger and Vice Chair Terry Degatano for a response or quote on the aforementioned Facebook comments of Degatano. While there is nothing wrong or illegal with a member of the county committee leadership supporting a candidate, is this acceptable behavior?
“Political dialogue can get heated and contentious. The remarks extracted below were not made on behalf of the Westchester County Democratic Committee. It’s my hope that all participants in the process will engage, civilly, without resort to racist, antisemitic, homophobic, islamophobic, ableist or other disparaging comments. I have personally made this point several times this season. This Democratic Party will continue to strive to be a home for all civic minded voters striving to protect and preserve our county and our country,” Westchester County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Susan Berger shared with Black Westchester
We have not heard back from Degatano. If she does send a statement of quote we will update the article. We know we are in the middle of silly season and this is a very heated and highly publicized race, so we ask you, do you feel this is acceptable behavior from a member of the county committee leadership? We would like to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.
Police Week is an annual observance that pays tribute to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives or become disabled in the line of duty. It is typically a time for communities to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by their local police officers. However, in Mount Vernon, the police officers chose to boycott Mayor Shawyn Patterson Howard’s Police Week celebration as a show of solidarity and protest against ongoing issues within the department.
The tension between the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and City Hall under the Mayor’s administration has been growing due to disputes over pay, safety concerns, and understaffing. The PBA argues that these issues put both officers and the community at risk, leading to overworked and undervalued police officers.
The officers’ decision to boycott the event also highlights the city’s failure to pay the retroactive pay owed to them after agreeing to a contract they believed to be fair. This is particularly striking given that the city claimed not to have the funds, yet the city council and the Mayor gave themselves raises before paying the police their retroactive pay.
PBA President Nicholas Mastrogiorgio expressed the officers’ frustration, stating, “After being denied a contract for 6 years, still being out of contract, working short-staffed, and watching over 120 officers transfer, while still being the lowest-paid Department in Westchester, the least America could have done to help improve work conditions in Mount Vernon was give the officers the free benefit of a healthier, more family-friendly work schedule.”
The police officers’ boycott during a week meant to honor their service and sacrifices underscores the growing discontent and strained relationship between Mount Vernon’s law enforcement and the city’s leadership. It serves as a powerful statement of their dissatisfaction with the current working conditions and the lack of support they feel from the Mayor and City Hall.
National Foster Care Month is an initiative of the Children’s Bureau. Each May, we take time to raise awareness of issues related to foster care and acknowledge the parents, family members, foster parents, child welfare and related professionals, mentors, policymakers, and other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections.
### Family, Where Are You?
As we delve into the significance of family during National Foster Care Awareness Month, it’s crucial to acknowledge the 391,000+ children still in care, 153 million children orphaned worldwide, yearning for familial love and stability.
Each one of these children holds within them the potential to contribute positively to society, be it as a future surgeon, writer, or in any other capacity they are destined for.
#### The Heartache of a Broken System
Drawing from personal experience, the pain and bewilderment of being placed in foster care at the tender age of five lingered as no relative came forward to offer solace.
Not an aunt, uncle, grandparent, or even a supposed godmother, extended a helping hand when needed the most.
This predicament begs the question, why is it increasingly challenging for families to step up and prevent children from ending up in state care?
In today’s society, the erosion of traditional family values, dedication, and the guiding presence of matriarchs in nurturing successive generations have contributed to the breakdown of the familial safety net.
While the onus primarily falls on parents to provide for their children, there exists an inherent truth in the African proverb that highlights the communal responsibility of raising a child – “it takes a village.”
#### Rebuilding the Village
The haunting memories of being abandoned in a sterile group home setting or a children’s facility in Brooklyn remain etched in the psyche, highlighting the void left by familial neglect.
Trust becomes a scarce commodity when one’s own mother willingly parts ways, and the extended family fails to intervene, leaving the child stranded amidst unfamiliar faces and surroundings.
It’s an earnest plea to parents, especially fathers, to exercise prudence and restraint in bringing new lives into the world without the means or capabilities to nurture them to their fullest potential.
For the able aunties, uncles, cousins, and grandparents out there, the time is now to step into the breach and offer support and stability to those in need.
#### A Call to Action
The staggering number of over 390,000 children navigating trauma or transitioning out of care underscores the magnitude of lost opportunities and untapped potential.
Each child left adrift represents a missed chance for the universe to witness a talent unfurl, a gift shared, or a life transformed for the better.
In conclusion, let us heed the call to fortify our familial bonds, embrace the essence of community support, and rekindle the spirit of collective responsibility towards the younger generation. For in doing so, we not only safeguard the well-being of our children but also pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future enriched by the diverse contributions of all.
The blue ribbon is a symbol for National Foster Care Awareness Month.
About The Author – Tanya Copper: Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Tanya’s early life was marked by the challenges of foster care. Placed in the system at the age of 3 due to her mother’s struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, she found stability and a permanent home at the age of 7.
Despite facing abandonment, neglect, and later abuse as a child, by two older foster brothers, Tanya’s journey has been defined by her unwavering resilience and determination. Drawing from her own experiences, she has emerged as a passionate advocate for foster youth and orphans, using her voice to bring attention to their needs.
With a strong educational background in communications from NYU and extensive experience in youth counseling and education, Tanya has dedicated over 30 years to empowering young individuals across diverse communities. She has harnessed her creative talents as a writer, artist, stand-up comic, and motivational speaker, touching the hearts of many through her work. Tanya’s popular podcast, “On The Town With Tanya,” serves as a platform for inspiration and connection.
Currently, Tanya is focused on her upcoming book and documentary projects centered around foster care. Through these endeavors, she aims to make a profound and positive impact on thelives of children and youth, shedding light on their experiences and advocating for their well-being.
Congressman Bowman defends his seat against Latimer’s Undefeated Record and AIPAC’s Millions
News 12 exclusively held the first head-to-head debate between Democrats Rep. Jamaal Bowman (incumbent) and Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Monday, May 13th. News 12’s Tara Rosenblum moderated and occasionally doubled as referee at the heated debate full of many subliminal and unmistakable verbal jabs, hooks and uppercuts. The two sparred in White Plains in front of a packed live audience made of lower Westchester and Co-op City (Bronx) residents. The political bout went the distance despite both candidates frequently interrupting and talked over each other there was no stoppage, disqualification, technical foul, although Rosenblum almost had to deduct a point for candidates continuing to hit after the bell and once or twice attempting to hit below the belt.
The democratic primary candidates accused each other of colluding with Republicans and jabbed each other over their records, platform, campaign donors and their positions on the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Israel-Hamas was also a headliner in this debate, and the funds sent to Israel. Latimer feels the hostages should be released and attacked Bowman for what he called an ‘Anti-Israel approach,’ Bowman clapped back that he unlike many politicians he visited Israel way before October 7th and responded that Hamas absolutely needs to be dealt with when asked as a follow up by Rosenblum. The war was the first and last question. Latimer called for a balanced view while Bowman stands on being one of the first to call for a permanent cease fire before it was popular to talk about it. Bowman interrupted Latimer telling him not to lie on him and Latimer snapped back, “you set the record for lying.”
Latimer was asked about taking money from AIPAC, while Bowman was asked to address his pulling the fire alarm by a resident from Rye. Other topics tacked were immigration and border security, pocket book issues like affordable housing, rising hate, protests over the war at college campuses, quality of life issues (crime and public safety) and infrastructure. Both candidates gave as good as they got. With most voters already picking a side, I do not think the debate did much to change minds to switch the candidate the support. Were any undecided voters moved? Time will tell.
The slugfest had all the fireworks of a highly anticipated heavy weight championship fight. I give it a draw. You have to decisively defeat or damn near knock out the champ to take the belt and I am not sure Latimer did enough last night to dethrone the champ. The candidates have already signed on for a rematch on June 5th, ten days before early voting begins. The candidate forum will take place in White Plains as well and will be sponsors by local branches of the NAACP including Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Port Chester/Rye with the White Plains/Greenburgh branch taking the lead.
For all who missed the live debate you can see it in its entirety in the video below
MOUNT VERNON, NY (May 14, 2024) – In a powerful display of solidarity, Pastor Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Wheeler of Mt. Calvary “The Promise Church” and Damon K. Jones, Publisher of Black Westchester Magazine, announce the Peace and Unity Event to be held on May 26, 2024, at 11:30 AM. The event will occur at Mt. Calvary, “The Promise Church,” at 38 South Second Ave, Mount Vernon, NY 10550.
The Peace and Unity Event aims to unite individuals from various faiths, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, to call for brotherhood, sisterhood, love, peace, unity, and the end of the war. The event will focus on the urgent need for harmony in Israel, Gaza, and throughout the world.
“In these challenging times, we must come together as one human family to promote peace and understanding,” said Pastor Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Wheeler. “Our event seeks to bridge divides and foster a spirit of unity among all people, regardless of their faith or background.”
Damon K. Jones, Publisher of Black Westchester Magazine, echoed these sentiments: “We believe that through open dialogue and mutual respect, we can work towards a world where peace and unity prevail. This event is a step in that direction, and we invite everyone to join us in this critical mission.”
The Peace and Unity Event will feature esteemed guest speakers from diverse faith traditions who will share their insights and perspectives on the importance of interfaith harmony and our role in creating a more peaceful world.
The event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. For more information, please get in touch with Mt. Calvary “The Promise Church” or Black Westchester Magazine.
About Mt. Calvary “The Promise Church”:
Mt. Calvary, “The Promise Church”, is a vibrant faith community in Mount Vernon, NY, dedicated to spreading love, hope, and spiritual growth.
About Black Westchester Magazine:
Black Westchester Magazine is a leading publication that serves the Westchester County, NY, African American community by providing news, insights, and resources that empower and inspire.
