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Mayor Spano Presents Yonkers “Women Of Distinction” Awards In Honor Of Women’s History Month

AJ Woodson
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Mayor Spano Presents Yonkers “Women Of Distinction” Awards In Honor Of Women’s History Month

Yonkers Women Recognized for Achievements Benefitting Yonkers Community

YONKERS, NY – March 28, 2024 – In honor of Women’s History Month, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano presented “Women of Distinction” Awards to Yonkers women whose distinct achievements have improved the lives of others in the community and whose impact has changed Yonkers for better.

“Women’s History Month celebrates the significant achievements of women, and Yonkers has the opportunity to honor the local leaders who live or work in our midst every day,” added Mayor Spano.

Mayor Spano presented the “Women of Distinction” Awards at a ceremony held at Yonkers City Hall on March 27th.

This year’s honorees range in talent and service. They include:

Detective Vionett Martinez – was hired by the Yonkers Police Department in 2006 as a patrol officer, later serving as a recruiter, a Field Training Officer, and a Field Intelligence Officer. In 2018, she became a Yonkers Detective assigned to the Major Case Squad, collaborating closely with other Detectives in the City of Yonkers. In 2019, Detective Martinez began to work on cold homicides alongside the now-retired Detective John Geiss. Upon his retirement in May of 2022, Detective Martinez was assigned to the Cold Case Unit and is now the City’s Cold Case Detective. Detective Martinez remains actively engaged with various families within the community, consistently reaching out and offering support. This ongoing communication is a testament to her deep-seated compassion and commitment to the well-being of her community members.

Sister Mary Alice Reamer – has been the principal of St. John the Baptist School in Yonkers since 1984 and has done a tremendous job with the school. She is the longest serving catholic school principal in Yonkers and the Archdiocese. In addition to teaching at St. Joseph’s, Sr. Mary Alice taught at Good Counsel Elementary, the Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel and Kennedy Catholic High Schools. The Sister Mary Alice Reamer, RDC Scholarship was established to honor Sister Mary Alice, a Sister of the Divine Compassion. Mary’s unwavering commitment to the growth and development of young minds has been the cornerstone of her career. With a passion that extends beyond the traditional classroom, she has embraced multiple roles—each with its own unique impact on the lives of her students.

Yolanda “Loni” Shinault – is a member of KCCC where she has contributed significantly to the community by supporting teen mothers through the church group Loving, Lifting, Encouraging Girls Over Obstacles (LLEGOO), assisting local pantries, and establishing All Access Yonkers, a 501©(3) organization dedicated to providing scholarships and resources to seniors, teens, and adolescents. In collaboration with other community-based organizations, she has worked to fortify the community of Yonkers by fostering a vibrant spirit through the love of Christ by promoting spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Here efforts have contributed to rebuilding healthy individuals, reviving families, restoring the community, and creating lifelong partnerships. Yolanda’s vision is to cultivate a robust nonprofit network of partners in the City of Yonkers, committed to nurturing the community’s growth.

Meiling Macias-Toro – is an advertising and media expert known for producing award-winning commercials and content for Fortune 500 brands. As the former Head of Production and Executive Producer at Conill Advertising/Saatchi & Saatchi, Rapp Collins Worldwide, Siboney Advertising, and The Vidal Partnership, she has a broad trajectory in producing for iconic global and national brands. She also produced the award-winning Off-Broadway play ‘Frida Kahlo: Long Live Life,’ which won Best Biographical Show at the 2018 United Solo Festival in NYC. A passionate advocate for education and human rights for children, she served as the former President of 100 Hispanic Women in Westchester County, supporting young Latinas with scholarships to achieve higher education, develop leadership skills, and promote career equity. Additionally, she has been instrumental in organizing fundraisers to support research aimed at finding a cure for DIPG, a rare and fast-growing brain tumor that affects children.

Phylisha Villanueva – has been an essential part of her community in Yonkers, from working in schools to collaborating with senior recreational centers, and contributing within the Westchester County jail system. She gives back through arts and poetry, facilitating programs in our Yonkers Schools (Girls Inc., Arts Westchester), Art Gallery, Yonkers Arts & Blue Door Art Center, and was appointed as the Westchester County Poet Laureate. Phylisha also participates and volunteers with major organizations as a way to give back and make a difference. Her dedication and commitment to the people in her community mean a lot, and it is evident in her work.

Hope Hollinsworth-Coaxum – is a long-time resident of Yonkers, New York, wears many hats. Hope is deeply committed to her community. She co-founded two community-based organizations: Hope Healing and Growth and The Mothers’ 2016. As the President of the Gold Star Mothers of Yonkers and Westchester County, Hope provides unwavering support to veterans and their families. She initiates drives such as the Valentine’s Day Care Drive with the YPS and Salute and Serve with the City of Yonkers. Her County Tie Drive, named after her son Courtney, aims to make a difference through Volunteer NY. Hope is an accomplished novelist, having self-published several books. Beyond novels, she’s a playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director. Her works address social causes, including homelessness, domestic abuse, and child abuse. Hope Hollinsworth Coaxum’s dedication to her community, military families, and creative endeavors exemplifies her commitment to making a positive impact.

“These women have exemplified outstanding achievement and leadership in Yonkers, setting an example for other women who aspire to success,” stated Mayor Spano.

L-R: 2024 Women of Distinction Honorees: Detective Vionett Martinez, Sister Mary Alice Reamer, Yolanda “Loni” Shinault, Meiling Macias-Toro, Phylisha Villanueva and Hope Hollinsworth-Coaxum

Westchester County Executive Accused of Neglecting Black and Brown Children Amidst Racial Inequities and Homelessness Crisis

DAMON K JONES
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Westchester County Executive Accused of Neglecting Black and Brown Children Amidst Racial Inequities and Homelessness Crisis

Sandy Bernabei, a representative from The AntiRacist Alliance, has openly criticized Westchester County Executive George Latimer for his apparent lack of action in addressing the dire conditions faced by Black and Brown children in the county. In a recent statement, Bernabei accused Latimer of turning a deaf ear to the evident racial inequities and high rates of homelessness among these children throughout his two terms in office.

Sandy stressed that when Latimer was first elected as County Executive, he was provided with all the necessary information to address the issues. Despite this, two terms later, he has failed to meet expectations. She also clarified that based on his promises, she believed he would advocate for the disadvantaged, but instead, he represented the interests of the white privileged.

She emphasized that community leaders had met with Latimer for over a year to discuss social issues, particularly police reform. During these meetings, the leaders provided Latimer with information and reports on how to improve relations between the police and the community. However, she said that Latimer took no action based on their input. “He disrespected us,” she stated, adding that “he disrespected the Black men in the room.”

“You cannot claim to be the friend of Black people when you have refused to help Black children,” Bernabei stated, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the perceived inaction of the County Executive.

The criticism also comes as Westchester County plans to expand the Woodfield Cottage Youth Detention Facility. This multi-million dollar project has drawn opposition from advocates who argue that the focus should be on alternatives to incarceration and addressing the root causes of the issues faced by Black and Brown youth.

Data reveals stark disparities experienced by these children in Westchester County. Despite making up only 14% of the child population, Black children account for 41% of public school suspensions, 56% of kids in the foster care system, and 62% of juvenile detentions. Moreover, Black infants have a mortality rate four times higher than white infants, and Black children are five times more likely to be hospitalized for asthma.

Homelessness is another pressing issue disproportionately affecting the Black community in the county. Nearly 7 out of 10 people considered homeless by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development are Black, even though only 1.5 out of 10 people living in Westchester are Black.

Advocates argue that expanding the youth detention facility without exploring alternatives to incarceration could be seen as a race-based human rights violation. They point to the racial breakdown of youth served at Woodfield in 2022, which shows a disproportionate number of African American and Hispanic youth compared to their Caucasian counterparts.

Furthermore, critics of the expansion plan argue that there is no publicly available data to support the need for increased detention capacity. The average monthly census for the five counties served by Woodfield remains below 20 youth, and an additional non-secure detention space at Children’s Village is nearly empty.

Instead of investing millions in expanding youth detention, advocates urge county officials to consider repurposing the facility and reinvesting the cost savings into community-based alternatives. They believe involving parents of impacted youth and representatives from the five counties in the planning process is crucial to developing a more effective and equitable approach to juvenile justice.

As Westchester County faces these challenges, it is crucial for its leadership, particularly County Executive George Latimer, to prioritize the well-being of Black and Brown children and take concrete steps to address the systemic inequities that have persisted for far too long. Failure to do so may continue to draw criticism and accusations of neglect from advocates fighting for the rights and welfare of these vulnerable children.

The Power of Being a Blessing: Embracing Service to Humanity through Our Spirituality

DAMON K JONES
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The Power of Being a Blessing: Embracing Service to Humanity through Our Spirituality

In a world that often prioritizes personal success and self-fulfillment, the scriptures remind us of the profound impact we can have on others by blessing them. As people of faith, we are called to shift our perspective from solely pursuing our interests to actively seeking ways to serve and uplift those around us. In doing so, we embody the love of Christ and fulfill our purpose as His disciples.

Many individuals today believe that blessings are solely for their own benefit, failing to recognize their responsibility to create blessings for others. If we look closely at our communities, the extent of the problem becomes clear. We have a growing homeless population, and the lines at our food pantries are longer than ever before.

It is time for us to step up and help others, not for the sake of being seen or praised by others but for the glory of the Most High. As it is written in Matthew 6:1–4, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

We must act with compassion and generosity, recognizing that our actions have the power to make a profound difference in the lives of those who are struggling. By extending blessings to others, we fulfill our duty to our fellow human beings and honor the divine presence in all of creation. As it is written in Proverbs 19:17, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

The art of being a blessing to others begins with empathy, a value deeply rooted in biblical teachings. In Philippians 2:4, Paul urges us to “look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” By putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes, we gain valuable insight into their struggles, hopes, and needs, enabling us to offer genuine support and encouragement.

One of the most powerful ways to be a blessing is through the simple act of listening. Proverbs 18:13 emphasizes the importance of understanding before speaking: “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” By creating a safe space for others to share their thoughts and feelings, we demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ.

Beyond listening, we can actively seek opportunities to offer help and support. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Whether it’s assisting with a task, providing resources, or being present during difficult times, our actions can make a significant difference in someone’s life. As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

Volunteering and serving our communities is another powerful way to bless others. In 1 Peter 4:10, we are encouraged to “use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” By donating our time and skills to local organizations, charities, or community events, we contribute to the well-being of those in need and help build stronger, more compassionate societies.

Moreover, we can be a blessing by sharing our unique talents and knowledge with others, particularly by mentoring young men and women. As experienced individuals, we have the opportunity to guide the next generation, helping them navigate life’s challenges and grow in their faith. By investing our time and wisdom in mentoring relationships, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of young people, empowering them to become strong, faithful leaders in their communities. Romans 12:6-8 highlights the importance of using our God-given abilities to serve others: “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” Through teaching, mentoring, and guiding young men and women, we not only help them develop their skills and talents but also encourage them to grow in their relationship with Christ, ultimately equipping them to become a blessing to others.

Being a blessing also involves practicing forgiveness and letting go of grudges. I have always said that “Forgiveness is our Superpower”! Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” When we offer forgiveness to those who have wronged us, we demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love and create space for healing and reconciliation.

Generosity is another essential aspect of blessing others. We should use our financial resources to positively impact our community rather than being “bloodsuckers” who drain resources without giving back. It is crucial that we invest in our neighborhoods, support local initiatives, and help those in need to create a thriving and nurturing environment for all.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul encourages us to “give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This verse emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and joyfully, not out of obligation or guilt. When we share our resources, whether it’s money, possessions, or time, with those who are less fortunate, we demonstrate tangible love and care for our fellow human beings. By doing so, we embody the spirit of generosity that God calls us to embrace, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and contributing to the overall well-being of our community.

Finally, being a blessing involves leading by example. Many of us are reluctant to take on leadership roles, preferring to follow others, even if those we follow are guiding us down the wrong path. We fear criticism and hesitate to let our light shine, as our light often differs from the usual darkness that society promotes. However, as Jesus states in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

When we courageously live out our faith, embodying kindness and compassion daily, we become a beacon of hope and inspiration to those around us. Our actions can encourage others to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, leading to positive change and transformation in our communities. By fearlessly allowing our unique light to shine, we honor God and serve as a testament to the transformative power of His love, inviting others to experience the same grace and mercy we have received.

In conclusion, being a blessing to others is a noble pursuit undertaken by upright men and women who believe their lives have a purpose greater than their own. We must recognize that we do not need to rely on politicians or political trickery to change the conditions in our community. The scriptures provide clear guidance on how we can transform lives and improve the well-being of those around us.

We can create a more sacred, safe, and busy community by focusing on empathy, active listening, offering support, volunteering our time, sharing our unique talents, practicing forgiveness, exhibiting generosity, and leading by example. When we prioritize serving others, we discover the true meaning of fulfillment and purpose, knowing that our lives have made a positive difference in those around us.

As we embark on this journey of being a blessing, let us remember that our actions, no matter how small, can create a ripple of change that extends far beyond our immediate sphere of influence. By dedicating ourselves to the service of others and living out the principles outlined in the scriptures, we can transform our own lives and the lives of countless others in our community and the world at large.

Westchester’s Shameful Silence: Elected Officials Fail Muslim Community Amid Surge in Hate Crimes

DAMON K JONES
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Westchester’s Shameful Silence: Elected Officials Fail Muslim Community Amid Surge in Hate Crimes

As Westchester confronts an alarming rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes, our county government must take a more proactive and unequivocal stance against Islamophobia. The relative silence of many of our elected officials in the face of this crisis sends a troubling message of imbalance and subtle bigotry.

It must be emphasized that Muslims in Westchester are a diverse group, including Arab, Black, white, and Asian residents. We cannot allow the pain and trauma experienced by any part of our community to be minimized or brushed aside out of political expediency. If we, as leaders, shrink from telling hard truths or fail to stand up for all of our constituents, we will have abdicated our moral responsibility and diminished our humanity.

To effectively address this challenge, we must approach it with empathy, moral clarity, and a determination to affirm our shared values even in the face of deep divisions. There should be no hesitation in condemning the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas that claimed innocent Israeli lives. Such violence is indefensible under any circumstances.

At the same time, we must also reckon with the immense suffering the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has inflicted on ordinary Palestinians. The deaths of more than 32,000 Palestinians, 70 percent of whom were women and children, represent an unfathomable level of loss that cannot be ignored or downplayed.

Westchester’s government officials on a local county and state level, community leaders, and residents must come together to send an unequivocal message that anti-Muslim bigotry and violence have no place in our county. Muslim Americans are a vibrant part of the diverse fabric of Westchester, contributing to our economy, culture, and civic life. They deserve to feel safe, welcome, and free from discrimination throughout their daily lives, too.

The scope and severity of anti-Muslim hate in Westchester were thrown into sharp relief by a recent survey conducted by the Muslim Community Network (MCN). After polling more than 200 local Muslims, MCN found that a staggering 76% had witnessed a hate crime, while 49% reported being the victim of one themselves. Perhaps most disturbingly, nearly 44% of respondents between the ages of 10 and 18 said they experienced a hate crime in 2019 alone.

These findings paint a grim picture, reinforced by the latest statistics from the New York Police Department. In the first three quarters of 2024, the NYPD recorded 18 hate crimes against Muslims compared to just six during the same period last year – a shocking 200% increase.

As a Black man who has lived in Westchester his entire life, I am all too familiar with the kind of racism that often simmers just beneath the surface here, occasionally boiling over into blatant acts of bigotry. The discrimination faced by the Black community provides a window into the hardships and indignities endured by Arabs and Muslims in the county as well.

Against this backdrop, it is disappointing that it took County Executive George Latimer 10 days to issue a simple statement making clear that the Muslim community should not be blamed for the actions of Hamas. The failure of leadership at this moment was not unlike remaining silent while some tried to smear all Black people as gang members and criminals.

Whatever one’s views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we should all agree that there is no justification for hate crimes targeting people based on their religious beliefs or ethnic background. The Muslim community in Westchester is entitled to the same presumption of innocence and freedom from collective guilt as any other group.

Only when every Muslim in Westchester feels like elected officials support them will they have a sense of calm. Westchester elected officials must act far beyond their political chauffeurs, which takes acts of humanity. Until then, all people of conscience must stand in solidarity with our Muslim and Jewish neighbors and redouble our efforts to root out hate in all its forms.

Westchester’s elected officials are needed now more than ever to address the rising tide of Islamophobia in our community. Mere soundbites buried in news articles few will read are not enough. A strong first step would be for the County Board of Legislators to pass a resolution condemning Islamophobia and affirming Westchester’s solidarity with our Muslim neighbors. But words alone will not suffice. Our representatives in White Plains, Albany, and Washington must also lend their voices to the growing chorus, including Senator Chuck Schumer, demanding an immediate ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to stem the heartbreaking loss of civilian life, especially among Palestinian women and children. The deaths of more than 32,000 Palestinians and the specter of famine brought on by the fighting should shake the consciences of all people of goodwill.

To effectively combat anti-Muslim prejudice in Westchester County, sustained engagement and allyship from people of all faiths and backgrounds are essential. In these tense times, we must stand united with both our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters. Through our words and actions, we must clarify that, just like our Jewish community, our Muslim community members are also valued members of our shared community. This is something our elected officials in Westchester have failed to do. The best way to respond to hate is with compassion, inclusion, and a recommitment to our highest ideals. Doing so can help us overcome this challenging moment and emerge stronger together as a people.

Heard 5 Gun Shots After Reporting Latimer Said Gun Violence Is Not A Major Problem In Westchester.

AJ Woodson
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Heard 5 Gun Shots After Reporting Latimer Said Gun Violence Is Not A Major Problem In Westchester.

[Update 7:39 pm, I am being told what I heard was fireworks. It sounded a lot like gun fire. But I still stand by the point of article senseless violence is a major problem in lower Westchester]

While very few details are known yet, I can personally give a first-person account that I just heard 5 gunshots and saw half MVPD race down my block and turn on Fifth Street.

I just posted my article about the announcement of the new Gun Violence Task Force where County Executive George Latimer said in the statement that  “gun violence is not a major problem in Westchester County…”

I just wrote the words, Gun violence may not be a major problem in the County of Westchester, but that is not the reality in some of the southern cities in the county, like Mount Vernon, where there was a double homicide at a Mount Vernon smoke shop just a week earlier on Tuesday, March 19th, two hours ago and then I hear 5 gun shots out my window while working on another story.

While I find out more details about the 5 gunshots I just heard, here is why I have a problem with the statement from CE Latimer. In the last year, there have been several shootings in Mount Vernon, including 14-year-old Zyaire Fernandez shot and killed in the courtyard of Levister Towers in Mount Vernon (one block from my house) in broad daylight at approximately 10 am on the morning of Thursday, March 9, 2023.

A month later, there was 18-year-old Tamani Turner, who was fatally shot just a few yards from where he and his family lived on Thursday, April 6, 2023, near Garden Avenue and East 4th Street. He was the teenager killed in Mount Vernon in early 2023. Sergey Tonkovid, 19, was stabbed to death on Feb. 11, 2023. He was found lying on the ground near the intersection of North Columbus and East Lincoln Avenues, just before 4 p.m.

Then there was the shooting of 25-year-old Mount Vernon DPW employee, Daquan Moore, at 8:25 a.m., Friday, July 6, 2023, near 50 North Terrace Avenue while on duty collecting garbage when an unknown person began shooting at him and his co-worker. Moore was shot in both legs.

On Sunday, August 21, 2023, Mark Nembhard, 34, and his brother Brandon were shot by an off-duty Mount Vernon Police officer who emptied his gun into the unsuspecting crowd after an altercation between two other individuals in a backyard summer party, according to news reports. Mark was shot in his left foot, while his brother was shot in the back and shoulder.

And again there was a double homicide outside a Mount Vernon Smoke Shop on South 5th Avenue just last week, Tuesday, March 19th. The Southern District of New York said that five men — Ilario Contreras, Jerpi Diaz-Feliz, Jhoan Diaz-Feliz, Victor Jimenez and Joseph Perez — were charged with murder in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted on that charge alone, the five men could face life in prison or even the death penalty, because they are being charged with a federal offense. They are also charged with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, conspiracy to engage in drug trafficking, and discharging a gun in furtherance of drug trafficking, according to prosecutors. The latter two charges also come with potential life sentences.

Senseless gun violence is not just a Mount Vernon thing, neighboring other cities in Congressional District 16 like the city of Yonkers where I recall five people were wounded in Yonkers on Saturday night in two separate shootings in 2022. Legislator Shanae Williams, who was a Yonkers City Councilwoman at the time discussed a shooting that took place in front of her house in 2020 in Yonkers, at the press conference announcing the new Gun Violence Task Force. Another man was shot near the Saw Mill River Parkway in Yonkers on Tuesday morning, November 14, 2023. County Legislator James Nolan spoke about his brother being shot to death in the Yonkers Burger King parking lot in 2015 as the main reason he supports the need for the task force.

16-year-old Julian Oliveros, of New Rochelle, was shot on the corner of Fourth Street and Washington Avenue in the middle of the afternoon in January 2022, he was taken to the hospital where he died. A 33-year-old New Rochelle man was shot shortly after midnight on Monday morning, October 2, 2023. A 17-year-old has been arrested after he allegedly shot a gun inside a Burger King restaurant at 33 LeCount Place around 8 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024.

This is what I can call off the top of my head but by no means is this all of them. There is too much senseless violence, not exclusively gun violence, like the fatal stabbing of MV teenage cheerleader Kayla Green last year Friday, April 7, 2023, and a 15-year-old who was stabbed yesterday at 4 p.m. at Benjamin Turner School on South Third Avenue, according to the district.

The bottom line when County Executive George Latimer talks about gun violence not being a major problem in Westchester, he obviously isn’t talking about the 16th Congressional District where he is running to unseat Congressman Jamaal Bowman. Like I said two hours after reporting on his announcement of the Westchester County Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce (WCGVPT), I just heard five shots from my window! I do welcome the WCGVPT because senseless gun violence is a major problem in lower Westchester. And I still haven’t found out any further details on today’s shooting!

Latimer: “Gun violence is not a major problem in Westchester County.” CE Announces New Gun Violence Task Force

AJ Woodson
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Latimer: “Gun violence is not a major problem in Westchester County.” CE Announces New Gun Violence Task Force

Westchester County Launches Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce

Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Westchester County Legislator Shanae Williams are joining together to announce the Westchester County Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce (WCGVPT). The task force, which will fall under the Office of the County Executive, will be aimed at unifying efforts across Westchester County to combat gun violence.

Latimer said: “Gun violence is not a major problem in Westchester County, but one death or injury due to gun violence is one too many and we are focused on getting to the root of the problem.  The WCGVPT will serve as a critical platform to address the root causes of gun violence while advocating for effective prevention strategies.”

Gun violence may not be a major problem in the County of Westchester, but that is not the reality in some of the southern cities in the county, like Mount Vernon, where there was a double homicide at a Mount Vernon smoke shop just a week earlier on Tuesday, March 19th.

The Southern District of New York said that five men — Ilario Contreras, Jerpi Diaz-Feliz, Jhoan Diaz-Feliz, Victor Jimenez and Joseph Perez — were charged with murder in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted on that charge alone, the five men could face life in prison or even the death penalty, because they are being charged with a federal offense. They are also charged with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, conspiracy to engage in drug trafficking, and discharging a gun in furtherance of drug trafficking, according to prosecutors. The latter two charges also come with potential life sentences.

“Senseless gun violence has been a major problem in Mount Vernon, where Latimer grew up, over the past few years, he has been County Executive. To say it’s not a major problem in the county dismisses the ongoing problem in cities like Mount Vernon,” one resident shared.

Westchester County may have some of the lowest rates in gun violence, but there is still a problem, especially in the Black and Brown Communities in the County.

Newly elected Legislator Shanae Williams — whose idea it was according to Latimer — admits gun violence is also still an issue in Yonkers, the third largest city in New York State.

“Gun violence is a subject that is very important to me and is very personal to me. In the height of the pandemic in 2020, a New Rochelle man shot five rounds at Yonkers Police Officers in an attempt to avoid arrest. This happened in broad daylight. This happened with children and families walking around Getty Square. This happened right outside of my home and thankfully no one was hurt and that man was arrested, but this made me realize that we do have a problem with gun violence in our community, in Yonkers and in Westchester. And as many of us realize its a public health crisis. In New York City and city and states around the country, it is a deadly issue,” Williams said at the press conference. “I am thrilled to partner with County Executive George Latimer and his team in this effort and look forward to working with stakeholders to identify solutions that will eliminate gun violence.”

Legislator James Nolan, whose brother Mike was killed as a result of senseless gun violence on September 18, 2015, while he is happy the County Executive is being proactive and agrees with the need for a task force, knows gun violence is a problem nationwide, even in Westchester County.

“As someone who lost their brother to illegal gun violence, I know what its impact on a family and a community looks like,” Legislator Nolan shared. “I appreciate how proactive the County Executive is being by creating this task force. In 2021, the United States experienced record gun violence. It is high time for all of us to come together and find a solution to this issue. I look forward to doing anything I can to help make the task force successful.”

County Legislator Terry Clements also feels the implementation of the WCGVPT will be an important next step in preventing gun violence.

“I approach the issue of gun violence prevention from two perspectives — as Chair of the Board’s Committee on Public Safety, and as an educator committed to the safety of Westchester’s students. The Westchester County Department of Public Safety, expertly run by Acting Commissioner Terrance Raynor, utilizes Community Resource Officers (CROs) and School Resource Officers (SROs) to ensure safety in our schools and community. Establishing a Gun Violence Safety Task Force will expand on the good work we have already been doing, and will be an important next step towards preventing gun violence on our streets, and in our homes and schools,” Clements shared.

The WCGVPT will work with organizations that are currently making strides in rooting out gun violence and foster collaboration across these agencies, leveraging each other’s resources.  The task force aims to identify and implement best practices to prevent and ultimately eliminate gun violence in Westchester County.

“The safety and well-being of every resident in Westchester is our top priority. Through the establishment of the Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, we are taking proactive steps to address this critical issue head-on. By bringing together diverse voices and expertise, we will develop comprehensive strategies to create safer communities for all,” Latimer said in the statement emailed to Black Westchester.

According to the statement, the goals of the WCGVPT:

·         Change the social conditions and address the influences that lead young people to resort to gun violence.

·         Foster collaboration across all agencies and levels of government, including county, town, village, city and law enforcement agencies.

·         Facilitate collaboration between nonprofit and for-profit businesses already engaged in this work.

·         Engage the community in meaningful dialogue, including victims and perpetrators of gun violence.

·         Develop prevention and intervention strategies tailored to eliminate gun violence.

·         Advocate for the necessary resources to support these efforts.

The task force will consist of volunteers representing various backgrounds. Joaquin Dean CEO/Founder of Ruff Ryders and Ruff Riders To The Rescue, a community 24-hour watch group, was among the supporters of the new WCGVPT. He spoke briefly at the press conference, “Less words, more action, that’s what we [Ruff Ryders To Rescue] are all about.”

Jesse Van Lew, the co-founder of Save Mount Vernon is one of the first to get the call when incidents of senseless violence take place in the city. He was taken aback by CE Latimer’s claim that “gun violence is not a major problem in Westchester.”

“It is RIDICULOUS for the county executive to say we don’t have a gun problem when Save Mount Vernon begged the Mayor and the county for a gun buyback because if all of the shootings in Mt.Vernon, it’s a slap in the face of the African Americans living in this city, to say the least, were the one’s dealing with it. I guess he doesn’t watch News 12 !!!,” van Lew shared with Black Westchester.

Congressman Jamaal Bowman, who Latimer is challenging for his seat in CD-16 also disagrees with the sentiment. Bowman will be hosting a community conversation on March 27, 2024, at 7:00 pm at 350 6th Avenue, Mount Vernon, to discuss violence prevention. He will be giving attendees the opportunity to share their experiences, thoughts, and policy ideas on preventing violence in our communities. 

BW March 2024 – The Women’s History Month Issue

AJ Woodson
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BW March 2024 – The Women’s History Month Issue

Welcome to the March 2024 Women’s History Month digital edition of Black Westchester Newspaper

Federal Jury Convicts Derickson Lawrence For Defrauding Restaurant Employees and COVID-19 Relief Program

AJ Woodson
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Federal Jury Convicts Derickson Lawrence For Defrauding Restaurant Employees and COVID-19 Relief Program

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.

Ford ACE Program Expanded to Mount Vernon STEAM Academy

AJ Woodson
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Ford ACE Program Expanded to Mount Vernon STEAM Academy

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.

People Before Politics Radio Episode 391

AJ Woodson
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People Before Politics Radio Episode 391

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.

Check out Black Westchester articles discussed during the show, MV PBA Pres: Mount Vernon Politicians Get Top Dollar Raises While Leaving Police Department Understaffed and Underpaid, RESPONSE: County Executive Latimer’s State of the County Fails to Address Westchester’s Housing Crisis by Juanita Lewis, Schumer calls for new elections in Israel, saying Netanyahu is an obstacle to peace and Black People Know White Supremacy and Oppression: The Black Power Movement and Palestine

Also, check out the Rolling Stone article, “Isreal Lobby Pushes Lie That People Are Not Starving In Gaza: Report” we discussed.

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

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