With a career spanning half a century, Paul Kwame Johnson has carved out a distinguished role as a teacher, actor, director, and playwright in Yonkers and throughout Westchester County. For many years, Paul Kwame Johnson has shared his talents with the Sarah Lawrence College community annually by bringing performers to campus. His most recent foray at Sarah Lawrence College occurred on February 17, A Tribute to Black Theatre Part 2, a show that celebrated Black History Month.
Johnson’s passion for community work began as an undergraduate at Sarah Lawrence, sharing theatre skills with teenagers on Yonkers basketball courts. Soon after, in 1971, Paul Kwame Johnson joined his friend, musician James Hill, at the Yonkers Community Action Program’s ‘School 12’, which led to the founding of Youth Theatre Interactions. This after-school performing arts Yonkers cultural institution still exists today.
Johnson is currently with the Theodore D. Young Community Center Adult Acting Workshop’s Little Blue Room Theatre Company, the signature multi-cultural theatre ensemble in Westchester County. In leading the Little Blue Room Theatre Company with an unwavering dedication to artistic excellence and social responsibility, Johnson, with a company of cultivated performers, continues to enrich and inspire the cultural fabric of New York.
In A Tribute to Black Theatre Part 2, Johnson showcased the undeniable talent of each company member while skillfully directing a powerful program that confronts uncomfortable truths and challenges preconceptions, ultimately allowing us to witness our humanity reflected on stage. Without missing a beat, Johnson and company tackle complex themes with depth and nuance. The powerful exploration of racial dynamics in “Race,” followed by the poignant examination of identity in “The Right Box,” are selections that provoke introspection and dialogue. “The Real Black History,” written by company member Tina Harper, is a program highlight.
Johnson, underscoring a reverence for pioneers and literary figures who have used their words as tools for social change, beautifully weaves the works of historical poet, novelist, and playwright Paul Lawrence Dunbar and playwright Melvin Van Peebles into an impactful series of poignant character pieces beautifully portrayed. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “Selma to Montgomery” speech on March 25, 1965, is a spirited, rousing call to action delivered by the entire company. Johnson honors the legacy of these seminal figures by drawing connections that encourage audiences to reflect on equality and justice. A fabulous African Dance performance titled “Goddesses” was gracefully performed by the colorfully costumed and lovely young dancers of the Falcon Dance Team. The generous and rich choreography by Jessica Parris was pleasing and joyful.
The talkback that followed A Tribute to Black Theatre Part 2 is where Johnson’s distinct legacy as a socially engaged artist becomes apparent, where the medium truly becomes the message. Here, the traditional boundaries between audience and performer dissolve, and the roles dynamically reverse. Audience members, deeply moved by the resonance of Johnson’s storytelling and the authenticity of the performances, eagerly step into the spotlight. With passion and eloquence, they share their connections to the themes explored on stage, drawing from their lived experiences and entering the performative. This reversal of roles serves as a testament to the transformative power of theatre, where the stage becomes a platform for personal and collective reflection and exchange. With audience members stepping onstage or speaking from their seats to reminisce, remember, or respond, it celebrates Johnson’s years of teaching and making theatre; this remarkable happening-like exchange speaks to skill, spirit, love, and commitment to bringing theatre home to all.
The Little Blue Room Theatre Company members: Donel Dinkins, Paula Santa-Donato, Paul Santa-Donato, Tanisha Downey, Luther Garrison, Tina Harper, Olivia Hunter, EV McFall and Tee Sudderth
Allen Lang is the director of the SLC Theatre & Civic Engagement Program and a Sarah Lawrence College Theatre Faculty member.
New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and State Senator Shelley Mayer teamed up to host a special screening of the acclaimed Ava DuVernay film “Origin” Friday in Yonkers, as a special observance of Black History Month and Women’s History Month at the Cinema de Lux Ridge Hill.
“Origin” is a 2023 film written, directed, and produced by the Oscar-nominated DuVernay, based on the 2020 book “Caste: the Origins of Our Discontent” by award-winning author Isabel Wilkerson. The film examines how factors other than race play a role in discrimination and hate, and looks at the role caste systems have played in various societies. To date, “Origin” has been nominated for more than 20 awards at a dozen festivals and awards shows, with five wins so far, including a Best Director award for DuVernay from the African-American Film Critics Association.
“Black History Month and Women’s History Month come in consecutive months, and days like today offer us the chance to observe the intersection of the two in a thought-provoking way,” Sen. Stewart-Cousins said. “That’s why, as we close out another meaningful Black History Month and begin Women’s History Month, I am so honored to be joining with Sen. Mayer here at the Showcase Cinema de Lux Ridge Hill to bring these perspectives to light with the showing of “Origin.”
The audience members were visibly moved by the touching and sometimes heavy subject matter.
“What makes this such a poignant and powerful piece of media for us to consume as we celebrate Black History and Women’s History, is that it reminds us also, of our ability to change hearts and minds with our voices, our vision and our stories,” Sen. Stewart-Cousins said. “The crucial lesson of Black History Month and Women’s History Month is that history is ongoing. The story is not yet written, and together, we can write the next chapter.”
State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I was proud to join Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins in co-hosting a special screening of Ava Duvernay’s Origin. Thank you to all who attended, and I hope they share the inspiration and challenge I am left with as we continue towards a more equal and just society. I also thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for leading this transformative event and I thank Ava Duverney and Isabel Wilkerson for sharing their incredible stories.”
At the screening, Sen. Stewart-Cousins and Sen. Mayer thanked the Showcase Cinema de Lux Ridge Hill for their partnership in hosting the screening.
I had the pleasure of being interviewed by The Journalist Sin-Seer about my new book, ‘We Got Our Own Thang – A Look At Hip-Hop From The 914.” Check out the interview below, broken up into three parts as I talk about the book, the artists, The DJ’s, The Producers, The Legends, the history of 914 Hip-Hop, and much more!!!
Black Westchester presents The People Before Politics Radio Show Episode 390 with Damon K. Jones and AJ Woodson with our guest Rev Edward Mulraine discussing Isreal, Palestine, and The Black Community. Where Do Black People Fit in?
As a Black community, we are suffering from a lack of leadership and unity that is holding us back. Several complex issues plague us, from broken cultural ties to tense gender relations. Healing these divisions requires a special kind of moral guidance – that provided by upright Black men.
The Bible provides many verses extolling uprightness and integrity as crucial virtues for leaders. As Proverbs 11:3 states, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” Upright men allow righteousness to direct their conduct.
Upright Black men embody integrity, spirituality, and strength of character. They promote self-acceptance and identity pride in the face of internalized racism that causes dangerous self-doubt. As Genesis 1:27 explains, God created man in His image; upright men help others recognize their innate divine essence.
They model healthy masculinity focused on respect and compassion, not aggression. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of injustice; upright men wage this righteous struggle while rejecting violence.
And they foster open dialogue to build understanding between Black men and women. Proverbs 12:26 notes, “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Upright men befriend and support moral partners.
The scriptures mandate for upright Black men to speak truth to power and advocate for justice. Proverbs 31:8-9 highlights the duty to stand up for the marginalized and oppressed, addressing systemic injustices such as economic inequality and racial discrimination. Ephesians 4:15 emphasizes the importance of advocacy rooted in empathy and reconciliation, while Proverbs 29:25 reminds individuals to trust in the Lord and not succumb to fear when confronting injustice. Together, these verses underscore the responsibility of upright Black men to defend the rights of the marginalized and strive for a more equitable society guided by faith, compassion, and courage.
As upright Black men, we must embrace the spiritual armor of God and acknowledge the existence of spiritual warfare within our community. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
We must stand confidently against the rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms. Upholding righteousness and truth, we courageously confront oppressive power structures perpetuating evil and injustice. Through our unwavering commitment to integrity and justice, we strive to dismantle systems of oppression and pave the way for a brighter future.
In short, upright Black men can get our community back on track by motivating and mentoring others. They lead by example, living by their principles and spreading wisdom from scripture and cultural heritage. We desperately need more of these ethical leaders if we want to empower Black people to overcome society’s limitations.
So, how do upright Black men come into being? They commit themselves to growth across six key areas of life: physical, mental, emotional, social, purposeful, and spiritual health. This self-improvement gives them the strength, resilience, and moral authority to inspire change. It’s a lifelong journey, but the rewards for themselves and the Black community are immense.
Certainly, upright Black men cannot propel progress in isolation; they require partners and allies, with a particular emphasis on the Black woman. The Black man and woman represent spiritual dualities and serve as the cornerstone of community cohesion. Their collective presence is an essential catalyst for societal advancement, yet we need more in this vital area.
If you’re a Black man navigating the journey of self-discovery and purpose, I encourage you to contemplate embracing the path of uprightness. Consider this for your fulfillment and for recognizing the urgent need for your contribution. Your leadership and character possess the potential to invigorate our community in profound and transformative ways.
The struggles faced by Black Americans are complex; there’s no denying it. But the service and example provided by upright Black men offer real hope. We all have a responsibility to support these leaders in any way we can as they work to guide us to a better future
Bronx Triangle, Incorporated honored 12 local Phenomenal Women, at their annual Award Breakfast. The Standing on Their Shoulders Breakfast honoring Phenomenal Women was held Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Eastwood Manor, Bronx. The event was hosted by Bronx Triangle, Inc., a community-based service group of 12 women. More than 300 guests gathered to pay tribute to 12 “Phenomenal Women.”
During Women’s History Month each year, the organization celebrates women who so graciously give of themselves to their community. The Triangle believes that the number of Phenomenal Women are many, but few are acknowledged for their service.
Mount Vernon’s Brenda L. Crump, Councilwoman Danielle Browne, YSOW’s Jordan Cormier, and Edith Bly-Jenkins were among the honorees.
“I thank God for the Bronx Triangle, Inc providing an opportunity for some Phenomenal Women to receive their flowers, praises, and accolades while they are still amongst the land of the living,” Ms. Brenda L. Crump shared with Black Westchester after the Breakfast.
Other honorees included Mother Katie Robbins, Kenyetta M. Hopkins, Daniella Jackson, Juanita Brown, Reverend Gloria Ford, Karen Angelica Suero, Charisse Rhodes, Debra G. Tirado and Chevone T. Sanon. Tiease Epps-Murray was the Mistress of Ceremonies.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson was the surprise Keynote Speaker and gave a great inspirational speech about the resilience of Black Women, the glass ceilings they shattered, how far they have come, and how far they still have to go, even though they are last to be considered, they are always first when you need them.
Black Westchester salutes all of the Phenomenal Women who were honored.
Bronx Triangle, Inc. is a 501c3 organization that provides service to the Bronx community. Through fundraising efforts, the Triangle has been able to award scholarships to graduating high school students going to college as well as the annual Breakfast for Phenomenal Women.
Senior Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Tuckahoe, Reverend Michael Gerald announced Thursday, February 29th, that he is ending his campaign for Congress in New York’s 16th Congressional District (CD16). His decision coincides with the finalization of Congressional district lines in New York. Gerald paused his campaign when George Latimer entered the race; now that George definitely resides within the newly drawn district, Gerald is exiting and will actively campaign for Latimer.
“Many things have changed since I announced my candidacy for Congress in July,” said Rev. Gerald. “But some things have not changed; the residents of CD16 still deserve a congressman who shares our Democratic values and represents them with his votes. Bowman is not that person, on major bills, he has consistently voted against President Biden, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. He and his extreme left cronies are often the lone Democrats voting with a sea of Republicans.”
Gerald—who is currently a Westchester County Department of Corrections Deputy Commissioner appointed by CE Latimer in January 2021—cited Latimer’s record of progressive accomplishments in his press release.
“George Latimer is the proven leader CD 16 needs now to move our country forward. I have known George for years, he and I share the belief that ‘50 percent of something is better than 100 percent of nothing.’ He and I have worked side by side on issues that directly benefit the Black community, including housing, civil rights, and criminal justice reform, just to name a few.”
Gerald continued, “George’s opponent, Rep. Bowman, does not share my core values. He lacks the sensibilities and personal care for all the district’s constituents. He looks for attention by grandstanding and quarreling on camera to curry publicity. His antics are a waste of time and CD 16’s resources. While Bowman’s been obsessed with exchanging insults with people like Marjorie Taylor Greene, he hasn’t accomplished much for the district or those he claims to fight for most.”
The pastor and former law enforcement officer said he is not surprised by what he calls ‘the vicious, hate-filled rhetoric or avalanche of falsehoods Bowman is running against Latimer.’ Gerald plans to campaign for Latimer actively and says he is dedicated to ensuring a victory for Latimer in the June Democratic primary.
And then there were three! With Gerald officially out of the race, the heated CD16 Congressional race now comes down to CE George Latimer, Marty Dolan, and Congressman Jamaal Bowman, the incumbent running for a third term. The winner of the Democratic Primary will face Black Republican Chris Wright in the General Election in November.
Stay tuned to Black Westchester for more on this highly publicized, heated race!
Annual event to recognize individuals who have made contributions toAfrican American history and culture in Westchester County
(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins honored two remarkable African American citizens, as well as the life’s work of a husband and wife team, for their professional accomplishments and community efforts at the 2024 Trailblazers Awards Ceremony. “Trailblazers: Preserving our Legacy” was hosted live at the Gateway Center at SUNY Westchester Community College, as part of the County’s Black History Month celebration. The awards recognize individuals who have made great contributions to African American history and culture throughout Westchester County, and beyond.
Latimer said: “February is Black History Month, and each year we pause to reflect on the impactful stories of those Black Americans who are helping to shape our history here in Westchester, and all over the world. We are fortunate that our County has been blessed with places and exhibits of historical significance, that help us remember the Black leaders who were change-makers long before our time. Tonight, help us by honoring these two outstanding individuals, as well as the legacy of two former Westchester County residents, who stood out above the rest for their public service, and immense contributions to the mosaic that is Westchester County.”
Jenkins said: “The Trailblazers Awards Ceremony was created more than 20 years ago as way to honor outstanding individuals in the name of other heroic predecessors, so as not to forget their struggle and sacrifice. Tonight’s honorees have had extraordinarily successful careers along two very different paths, but they both made it a point to help guide, mentor, inspire and give back to others who followed in their footsteps. The legacy of the Clarks and the influence they had on children across the country will live on for generations to come. Let us be inspired by their efforts, and use it as a platform for change.”
Chair of the African American Advisory Board Barbara L. Edwards, Esq. said: “The African American Advisory Board is proud to promote the Trailblazers program in commemoration of Black History Month. Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the contributions and achievements of people of African ancestry throughout this nation’s history. We are intentional in supporting this event as we seek to increase awareness of the vital role people of African ancestry have offered and hope that the Trailblazers program fosters community engagement, promotes unity and mutual respect.”
The 2024 Trailblazer Honorees received awards in the areas of Civil Rights and Civic Engagement, as well as a Humanitarian Award. This year’s honorees are as follows:
The Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. Award for Civil Rights: Dean Horace E. Anderson Jr.
Horace E. Anderson Jr. is the ninth dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, appointed in December 2019. Prior to this appointment, Dean Anderson had been serving as Haub Law’s interim dean. The law school has been thriving under his leadership, with increased enrollment and application numbers and successful new programs, including the expansion of its part-time J.D. program to include an evening and weekend option.
Under Anderson’s leadership, Haub Law garnered its first U.S. News & World Report ranking as the No. 1 environmental law program in the country. He also strengthened the law school’s social justice initiatives and oversaw the launch of the new Pace Access to Justice Project, which directs the combined legal knowledge, skill and energy among Pace faculty, staff and students to close gaps in access to justice in our communities. A key component of this project, the Pace Access to Justice Lab (A2J), brings together students from across Pace University to apply human-centered design-thinking and legal training to create innovative technology tools to address real-world gaps in access to justice.
Anderson has a strong commitment to supporting underrepresented communities in the law, and serves as the faculty advisor to the Black Law Student Association and Latin American Law Student Association. During his
time as dean and associate dean, he has also focused on students’ professional development and emotional health, emphasizing the importance of their cultivating a professional identity and learning to practice self-care as they prepare to enter the legal profession. Anderson joined the Haub Law faculty in 2004, and served as the school’s Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from 2011 until his appointment as interim dean in 2018. He received his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a B.S. in Economics, with a concentration in finance, from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. His areas of legal expertise include intellectual property, internet privacy, law and technology, and communications law.
Watch the Dean Horace E. Anderson Jr. Video
The Betty Shabazz Award for Civic Engagement: Commissioner Deborah M. Norman
Deborah Michelle Norman was born in New Rochelle, New York. At an early age her family moved to Mount Vernon where she attended Mount Vernon Public Schools. After High School Deborah immediately joined the U.S. Army in 1980. Deborah began her career as an active duty Military Police Officer (MP) and was stationed worldwide within the Army. Some of her assignments were Fort McClellan, AL.; Fort Stewart, GA; Fort Belvoir, VA; Berlin Brigade Germany; Panama; Guantanamo Bay Cuba (GITMO) and Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, New York. She attained the rank Master Sergeant and retired after 22 years of service. Her assignments were MP Patrol Officer; MP Patrol Supervisor; MP Desk Sergeant; Crime Prevention Non Commissioned Officer (NCO); MP Physical Security Inspector, MP Investigator, Drug Suppression Supervisor with the US Army Criminal Investigation Division (USACID), Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Equal Opportunity NCO, (EEOC) Drill Sergeant Instructor, Operations Sergeant and Acting First Sergeant.
Norman attended many military schools and military courses throughout her career. She received an Army Achievement Medal for being selected as Distinguished Graduate of the Primary Leadership Academy, where Norman was the #1 academic student out of 161 fellow soldiers. Norman’s additional awards include three Meritorious Service Medals; eight Army Commendation Medals; seven Army Achievement Awards and numerous Citations for Excellence.
In 2002, Norman retired from the Army and came back home to Mount Vernon where she was appointed by Mayor Ernest D. Davis as the first woman Deputy Fire Commissioner of the Mount Vernon Fire Department. For the past 21 years, Norman has worked for four City administrations, servicing the community as Deputy Commissioner of Planning and Community Development and Deputy Police Commissioner/Parking Bureau in 2016. She has served 15 years with the Mount Vernon Fire Department and in January 2020, Norman was appointed by Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard as the City’s first woman Fire Commissioner. She is a lifetime member along with her father, the late Mr. George Lee Jr. of the Aaron A. Lewis VFW Post 6396 in Mount Vernon. Norman is a proud mother of her only daughter Devyn M. Norman and two grandsons.
Watch the Commissioner Deborah M. Norman Video
The Humanitarian Award for their Contribution to School Desegregation: Drs. Kenneth and Mamie Clark
Long-time Hastings residents Mamie Phipps Clark (1917-1983) and Kenneth Bancroft Clark (1914-2005) were American psychologists who, as a married team, are best known for conducting groundbreaking research on the
psychological effects of racism on the identity and self-esteem of Black children. They were activists on the national level, contributing to many social reform causes, including desegregation and the Civil Rights Movement.
Early on, while working at an all-Black nursery school, Mamie became interested in the topic of self-identification in young children. Her master’s thesis on this subject would form the foundation of the Clarks’ famous “doll tests,” where Black children – given the choice between a white and Black baby doll –
overwhelmingly preferred the white one. The couple worked together on other major initiatives, juggling an enormous volume of work while simultaneously raising their family in Westchester.
The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund called upon Drs. Kenneth and Mamie Clark to testify in several court cases challenging segregation in public schools. Their testimony demonstrating that segregation harmed Black children’s self-images before the Supreme Court contributed to the landmark Supreme Court Case that desegregated American public schools: Brown v. Board of Education.
Over 100 Palestinians were killed in chaotic scenes in northern Gaza on Friday morning, according to Palestinian officials, when Israeli troops opened fire on large crowds that had gathered around recently arrived food aid trucks. The gunfire triggered panic and a rush towards the vehicles, resulting in many casualties.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 104 people died and over 700 were injured. They said many victims were trampled or hit by trucks amid the chaos after troops started shooting. CNN could not independently confirm the figures.
An Israeli military spokesperson disputed aspects of this account but did not provide casualty numbers. “It was a limited response,” the spokesperson said regarding the gunfire.
According to journalist Khadeer Al Za’anoun, an eyewitness at the scene, large crowds had gathered on Haroun Al Rasheed Street awaiting food distribution, when the gunfire erupted suddenly. He stated the chaos and fatal truck accidents only began after Israeli forces opened fire on the crowd.
Israel acknowledged its troops did fire on the people, saying the soldiers were threatened. But Israel disputes that the gunfire itself caused the bulk of casualties. In their initial statement, the Israel Defense Forces claimed that injuries mainly resulted from pushing and trampling in the aid scramble before troops fired.
The tragic incident further inflames tensions, as negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue and the Gaza death toll has surpassed 30,000 over months of conflict. United Nations agencies warn over half a million Gazans now face famine conditions.
The revised version provides more detail attributed to witnesses and officials, highlights disputed accounts, and gives further context about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This aims to reduce confusion for readers around the complex and highly charged incident.
The District Pac claims Congressman Bowman and The Squad are dividing our communities when it is their actions that are actually causing division
In response to a video of County Executive George Latimer telling the story of how he grew up as a white kid in a Black neighborhood in the southside Mount Vernon yet again (see below), as proof that he is cool with Black People and he is “hardly targeting African Americans in a negative way,” and how no nationwide outside group is telling him how to think, The District Pac calls Congressman Jamaal Bowman and other members of color of ‘The Squad’ race hustlers (see tweet below).
So here is what I have a problem with, why when people of color, especially Black People stand up, advocate for, and speak up for their people, do White People call them stuff like Race Hustlers or label them anti-something or accuse Black People of playing the race card? Every other group of people can advocate and stand up for their people without having to deal with race-baiting labeling and having dog whistles thrown at them. It’s time for some REAL TALK!
Groups like The District Pac are the ones dividing our communities, not Black and Brown elected officials who are representing their districts and their people, who do not usually have people who look like them to advocate for them. To speak up and defend them. To bring attention to issues they face, as elected officials do for their districts, their communities, and their people.
The District Pac’s mission is to remove people of color from Congress, especially Congressman Jamaal Bowman, the first African American to represent the 16th Congressional District. Do not take my word for it, see the quote below or click on the link above, they spell it out on the front page of their website.
The District is a Westchester County based political action committee campaigning to defeat The Squad, Progressives, and Socialist Democrat Party candidates seeking to represent Westchester County residents in The US House of Representatives.
We are the boots on the ground in our communities, actively campaigning to defeat The Squad and Socialist Democrat Party candidates that are destroying our country and our communities. Our main objective in 2024 is to defeat Jamaal Bowman’s bid for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The District Pac, the self-described ‘New York-based independent expenditure committee (super pac)’ on their Facebook Page, led the attempted GOP takeover of the Westchester Democratic primary to disenfranchise the Black and Brown vote in Westchester. They feel that anyone of color who dares to represent something other than what they believe has to be taken out. Persons who has the audacity to believe the words written by the forefathers of this land actually apply to them.
That is the very definition of the White Privilege. White Privilege is the societal privilege that benefits white people over non-white people in some societies, particularly if they are otherwise under the same social, political, or economic circumstances. Why is racial inequality perceivably so resistant to transformation? Some say it is because of a failure to acknowledge and confront white privilege.
Instead of trying to appeal to Black Voters to show how the candidate they support is better, just like MAGA Republicans are doing all over the United States, The District Pac decides it better to disenfranchise the Black Vote. In this case, they encouraged a MAGA GOP takeover of the Democratic Primary and they are using their Super Pac to remove a Black Man from office because he refuses to kiss the ring like others and dares to be unapologetic in representing his people and his district in the House of Representatives.
To be clear and I have said it over and over, if Democrats feel Latimer is the better candidate, they should be free to express that with their vote without interference from the Republican Party. As the Editor-In-Chief and co-owner of a Black community media outlet, I know all too well the attacks of the privileged for speaking truth to power and advocating for Black and Brown people in Westchester and I take it personally.
To clear up another misrepresented claim that ‘Black Westchester is carrying out a smear campaign against George Latimer.’ Black Westchester endorsed Latimer in his successful unseating of Republican County Executive Rob Astorino and again when he ran for re-election. Latimer has enjoyed the support of Black Westchester, which included having difficult conversations with him when it came to our community. We have always had a lot of respect and a good relationship with Latimer, just ask him.
What we do not respect are the actions of organizations like AIPAC, The District Pac, and others that represent him and support his campaign financially. Latimer himself may not be using the dog whistles and race-baiting of these organizations but the white kid who grew up in the Black community on the Southside of Mount Vernon must not have a problem with what they are doing and saying to assist him in unseating the first Black Man to be elected by the people to serve CD-16.
Remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “The SILENCE of the good people is more DANGEROUS than the BRUTALITY of the bad people,” or “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” How about one of my favorites, “A time comes when silence is betrayal.” Your silence speaks volumes George!
Lastly and I say this out of love, while this may not be your intention, telling us every five minutes that you grew up a white kid in a Black neighborhood, and how your friends were Black etc etc., comes off like the words of many White Men before you who tried to convince us that they weren’t racist, because they have a Black Friend. Why is it so necessary to continue to tell us this same story over and over and over again, who are you trying to convince us or you? And allow me to share a video of you so people can see and hear your words directly from you before you tell the world I misrepresented your words again.
Do not mistake our speaking truth to power and having the difficult conversation with you for a smear campaign. You claimed to respect us and spoke highly about what we represent and the work we do (Damon and I have the proclamations on our walls to prove it) and never had a problem appearing on our show as State Senator or County Executive so why won’t you come on now and have that difficult conversation with us you never ran from before? We invite you to have the difficult conversation publicly since you said no privately.
Lastly, I end this editorial simply by asking, Why have you been quiet about the actions of your supporters, who by your own words, do not influence you or who represent attitudes you tell us you don’t? Out of love, I have to say your silence speaks volumes and comes off as betrayal! Do you believe what the organizations representing you believe? If not, why haven’t we heard you speak up against their community-dividing actions? Dividing the Black & Jewish communities! The communities you claim to represent as a whole! The communities that have been very supportive of you. That goes for anyone else in Westchester who is silent as well! And that’s Real Talk!
