Black Westchester presents the People Before Politics Show, Episode 384, with your hosts Damon K. Jones and AJ Woodson. In this week’s show, we will be discussing the election. Early voting started Saturday, and we will discuss some of the races and reveal some of Black Westchester’s endorsements. The complete list of endorsements will be posted on Black Westchester on Monday, October 30th, We will talk to a few of our endorsed candidates, like Tuckahoe Mayor Omayra Andino and her running mates Darryl Taylor and Josh Gaccione running for Tuckahoe Village Town Board. Then we have two New Rochelle Council candidates, Kwamain Dixon (District 3) and Shane Osinloye (District 4) You do not want to miss the first of two shows where we address the upcoming election and talk endorsements! And Damon debuts his “Balling On A Budget segment!”
Black Westchester reported that on October 16, 2023, which was the 28th Anniversary of the Million Man March, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam (NOI) sued the ADL, its CEO, Johnathan Greenblatt, SWC, and Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the SWC in the Federal Court of the Southern District of New York for 1st Amendment violations and for defamation.
On Saturday, October 28th, Minister Farrakhan set the record straight on the Nation of Islam lawsuit. See the video below and check out the Supporting documents
Because finding love and keeping it requires going inward, the first place you need to look is within yourself if you want to either find your faithful Black Love or keep the Black Love you already have. If you want to see your true love or soul mate, going through this exercise first is a good idea. It is an excellent process to go through.
Since relationships tend to resonate at the same energetic level, if you want to be a part of a happy and affectionate relationship, you must first be happy and affectionate yourself before you can expect to be a part of such a relationship.
Make a Commitment to Your Vision
Asking for precisely what you require is the first step in committing. When you commit to yourself, you make a pact to recognize your capabilities and limitations. Because you are still only human, having flaws in your character is acceptable.
The first step in this process and on this inner journey is compiling a list of characteristics you believe your future partner will possess. You may be looking for someone affectionate, wealthy, ambitious, caring, charismatic, considerate, creative, etc., among other desirable qualities in a partner. Put less emphasis on physical characteristics and more on mental attributes instead.
Commit to this process by becoming the person who fits the ideal client’s profile. This process will open your eyes because you may discover that you have some internal cleaning before you open your heart to someone else.
When you are ready, make a public declaration of your intent by saying the following out loud:
“I __________(say your name) fully commit to welcoming my soul mate into my life and growing myself into the kind of person I want to attract,” the speaker says to the listener. “I will grow into the person I want to attract.”
Developing a Sharp Focus on the Future
This is the enjoyable part of it. Imagine who it is that you would marry if you could. Gain some insight and concentration, and home in on the essential qualities. Which characteristics do they most strongly exhibit? How would you recognize them if you happened to run into them at a party? Would you consider someone who makes you laugh and smile to be your soul mate?
Imagine being able to reach out and give a bear hug to your true love. Use your list and create a mental image of someone who embodies all your essential characteristics. Instead of picturing someone you already know, conjure up an image in your head of the ideal person to share your life with. Imagine someone open to a happy, loving, and committed partnership. Remember that you are NOT looking for someone to “make you happy,” but rather for someone who complements you in every way. Your goal should be to find someone who brings out the best in you. Consider the unique skills and experiences that each of you brings to the table.
Put out a call to your soul and write a new chapter in your life.
The human mind is the fertile ground from which everything in the cosmos grows. A significant amount of scientific research has demonstrated this. People who are separated by thousands of miles but think loving thoughts about one another can affect the other person’s heartbeat and capacity to experience love simply by thinking about one another. You could also think of this as a prayer to the universe, asking it to bring you together with the person destined to be your soul mate.
Create an intention by writing down or speaking aloud a statement such as “My perfect partner is on his/her way to me” or “The universe is now conspiring to join my soul mate and me in the perfect time and the perfect way.” This will help bring your ideal partner into your life.
To attract the energy of your soul mate, you must first make room in your heart for it to enter. Invest a few minutes of your time every day in concentrating on the sensations of love and companionship brought to you by your ideal partner.
If you are experiencing any emotional resistance or blocks, you may need to forgive yourself for letting go of the past. You can free up your emotional energy by having a conversation in your head with the energy of your history. Picture any excess energy sitting in a chair before you, and have this conversation with it. Tell the energy of the past that you are grateful for the experiences and the lessons it has provided you but that you are now prepared to move on to something new.
Make a statement that you will be able to concentrate on and read each day. The conversation could go something like this:
“I am the one who brings my life into existence. I have self-love and acceptance. I am willing to receive all the good things the universe has planned for me. I have respect and love for myself. I am an excellent person to give and receive love too. Because I am kind and compassionate, I deserve your love and attention. I am prepared to meet the person who is meant to be my soul mate. I am content with myself and don’t need to change for anyone. I am bringing into my life the most loving person possible, and as a result, my heart is overflowing with joy. I send my perfect partner pure, unconditional love from the depths of my being. As I pour my love out into the world, I am showered with an abundance of it in return.”
Remember to devote some of your days to concentrating on this picture of perfection. Your new chapter will soon begin, and you will start to move into it and live it.
Improving the Quality of Your Existing Romantic Relationship
Realizing and accepting that you have a part of yourself that is not loved is the most significant obstacle to having a loving relationship with another person. Because everyone is a reflection of us, we must first fortify our innermost convictions or values to fortify an already-established romantic connection. You are the first step in the process.
Loving Yourself Deeply
You should begin by telling yourself over and over in your head, “I commit to loving myself deeply.”
Repeat the statement in your head over and over again until you feel it beginning to resonate with your energy. At least 20 to 30 times while in a peaceful meditative state, repeat the phrase “I love myself deeply.”
During your meditation, your thoughts may wander to other affirmations, and that’s perfectly normal. Repeat in your mind whichever affirmation you believe will assist you in loving yourself deeply more often. Perform this activity for at least five to ten minutes each day. The kind of magic produced by this straightforward process will surprise you.
An energetic field is formed when the heart’s electromagnetic field, generated by our heartbeat, forms. This field connects us to our higher power or higher self, and it also connects us to other people.
When you make choices that come from your heart, you are aligning yourself with the goals and values that are most important to you. Discovering how to connect with your heart bestows meaning, value, and purpose.
To connect with your heart, you must look deep within yourself to find out what makes your soul light up and your chest feel like it could burst. Feelings such as love, friendship, and pleasure contribute to the meaning we derive from our lives.
When you are crystal clear about what you want out of life and out of your relationship, the universe conspires to help you obtain it. This is true for both your personal life and your romantic life. It is also the location of the fourth chakra, the heart chakra, which is a powerful component of your being. The heart is also the center of love. Our connection to the divine and one another, as well as the healing and wholeness that result from it, are both realized through the experience of love.
Your energetic body’s core, also known as the heart chakra, is in the middle of your physical body and is responsible for helping you connect between the earth and the heavens. Circulating your point freely allows you to reach your full potential. Your energy becomes stifled when negative emotions such as hatred, anger, and resentment consume your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Love and hate, both of which are compelling emotions, are intricately connected in the human brain. It’s much simpler to hate someone than it is to love them. Hatred requires little in the way of effort or time, and it serves to keep others at arm’s length. It is not easy to love someone because it requires much
work, time, and dedication. Love is the only thing that can heal any wound and the only thing that can keep us all connected. Love is alive.
These sorts of feelings have the potential to clog up your energy field and leave your immune system vulnerable. If your heart chakra becomes blocked, the quality of your energy may deteriorate. To keep your vibrations high and protect your mind and body from the corrosive effects of emotions such as hatred, you should make it a habit to purge these negative feelings whenever you can.
You will be able to start constructing a powerfully healing relationship with yourself and the people who are a part of your life as you learn to connect with your heart.
Restoring Health to Your Fractured Relationships
Healing is frequently an internal process. When we resonate at a certain frequency, we often attract other people who resonate at the same frequency as us. If you want to fix a broken relationship, you must set yourself before you can heal the relationship. For you to make progress in your romantic relationships, there is something deep inside of you that has to be resolved first.
Stereotypes and assumptions about gender have existed for centuries, perpetuating harmful generalizations about both men and women.
Recently, there has been a growing awareness of the need to challenge these stereotypes about Black men in particular. Stereotypes that warrant attention include the assumption that all Black men are inherently dishonest, disloyal, disrespectful, selfish, neglectful, abusive, or avoidant of responsibilities.
This assumption is not only detrimental to men but also hinders progress toward healthy relationships between Black men and women. In this article, we will explore the origins of this stereotype, its consequences, and why it is crucial to challenge and dispel such false assumptions.
The Origins of the Assumption
The assumption that Black men possess negative traits like dishonesty, disloyalty, disrespectfulness, selfishness, neglectfulness, abuse, or avoidance of responsibilities has its roots in historical and cultural contexts. Throughout history, traditional gender roles have often dictated that men are supposed to be strong, dominant, and unemotional. These rigid expectations have led to a perception of men as stoic and unfeeling, which, in turn, has given rise to the false belief that men lack empathy, responsibility, and compassion.
Media and popular culture have played a significant role in perpetuating these stereotypes of Black men. Television shows, movies, and advertising have frequently portrayed Black men as irresponsible, commitment-phobic, and prone to cheating or mistreating their partners. Such portrayals reinforce the assumption that all men are dishonest, disloyal, disrespectful, selfish, neglectful, abusive, or avoidant of responsibilities.
Consequences of the Assumption
Harmful Generalizations: Assuming that Black men possess negative traits can lead to dangerous generalizations. It encourages people to judge individuals solely based on their gender, disregarding their unique qualities and character.
Stigmatization: Black Men who do not conform to these stereotypes may face social stigmatization or ridicule, which can have adverse effects on their mental health and self-esteem.
Reinforcing Gender Inequality: Stereotyping Black men as inherently negative can reinforce harmful gender norms and discourage men from participating in caregiving roles or expressing vulnerability, further perpetuating gender inequality.
Undermining Relationships: Assuming that all Black men are dishonest, disloyal, disrespectful, selfish, neglectful, abusive, or avoidant of responsibilities can harm interpersonal relationships. It creates mistrust and paranoia, making it difficult for individuals to build healthy connections.
The consequences of making assumptions about the character and behavior of Black men can extend to the state of Black marriages and relationships. It’s important to acknowledge that negative stereotypes about Black men can have a detrimental impact on Black relationships, contributing to lower marriage rates than any other ethnic group and strained partnerships.
It’s essential to address these consequences and work toward dispelling harmful assumptions and stereotypes about Black men and relationships within the Black community. Promoting healthy communication, mutual respect, and the recognition of individuality can contribute to stronger Black marriages and relationships.
Moreover, societal efforts to combat racial disparities in education, employment, and access to resources can also help create a more equitable environment, reducing some of the external stressors that can affect relationships within the Black community.
Indeed, it’s essential to acknowledge that there are Black men of varying character and integrity. While it’s true that some men may exhibit negative behaviors, it’s equally valid that many men possess positive qualities such as honesty, loyalty, respectfulness, selflessness, responsibility, and kindness.
In the quest for a serious relationship or a life partner, it’s crucial to exercise spiritual discernment. This discernment involves understanding one’s values, beliefs, and priorities and using these as a guide when choosing a partner. It’s about seeking compatibility and shared values rather than making broad assumptions about an entire gender.
Relationships are complex, and they depend on a wide range of factors, including personal compatibility, communication, values, and life circumstances. While holding negative stereotypes about Black men or any group can impact relationships, it’s essential to approach this topic with sensitivity and avoid implying that people who have these beliefs are destined to be single and alone.
Moreover, if someone finds themselves stuck in a thought cycle that lumps all Black men (or any group) into being evil, seeking counseling or therapy can be immensely beneficial. Professional counseling can help individuals challenge and change these harmful thought patterns, fostering a more open and healthy mindset conducive to building positive relationships.
While there may be individuals with negative qualities in any gender, it’s essential to recognize and appreciate the diversity of character and integrity within that group. Spiritual discernment, open-mindedness, and the willingness to seek counseling if needed are valuable tools for creating meaningful and fulfilling relationships based on genuine connection and shared values.
Assuming that all Black men are inherently dishonest, disloyal, disrespectful, selfish, neglectful, abusive, or avoidant of responsibilities is not only unfounded but also harmful. These false assumptions perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes, reinforce inequality, and undermine relationships and opportunities for Black men. Challenging these stereotypes is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable society where individuals are judged based on their character, actions, and choices rather than their gender. It is our collective responsibility to break free from these harmful beliefs and promote a world where everyone is treated with fairness and respect, regardless of their gender.
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Darrell C. Lindsay Sr. of Tarrytown, New York, who passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the age of 72, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
He was loved and cherished by many people, including his parents, Clarence Lindsay and Madeline Lindsay (Williams); his wife, Ann Bucciarelli; his children, Darrell, Jr. and Deanne Lindsay; and his brothers, Dorian Lindsay, Gilbert Parker, and Kim Berry.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Coffey Funeral Home (91 N Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591). A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Teresa of Avila Church (130 Beekman Avenue, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591). Reception to follow Riverside Hose Company (120 W Franklin St., Tarrytown).
The most recent obituary and service information is available on the Coffey Funeral Home Inc. website. You can click here to send flowers.
In one of the most heated races in the county, Greenburgh Town Clerk Judith A. Beville is running for re-election and stops by Black Westchester on Saturday, October 28th to share why you should vote for her on the Greenburgh Together Party line.
In a significant development ahead of the upcoming Westchester County elections, the Blacks in Law Enforcement of America (BLEA) has announced its endorsement and enthusiastic support for a diverse group of candidates who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their communities and a passion for social justice.
With a mission to promote justice, equality, and diversity, BLEA has carefully evaluated and chosen candidates who embody the principles and values they hold dear. These endorsements reflect the organization’s belief that these candidates will be instrumental in addressing critical issues and making positive changes throughout the county.
Westchester County Legislator Endorsements:
BLEA’s support spans across Westchester County, with endorsements for County Legislator positions as follows:
District 1: Colin D. Smith
District 2: Erika Lang Pierce
District 4: Vedat Gashi
District 5: Benjamin Boykin II
District 6: Nancy E. Barr
District 7: Catherine F. Parker
District 8: Jewel Johnson
District 9: Emiljana Ulaj
District 10: Judah J. Holstein
District 11: Terry A. Clements
District 12: David T. Imamura
District 13: Tyrae Woodson-Samuels
District 14: David Tubiolo
District 15: James M. Nolan
District 16: Shanae V. Williams
District 17: Jose Alvarado
BLEA’s endorsement of these County legislators’ positions underscores its belief in the candidates’ ability to address the distinctive challenges faced by Westchester County residents.
Supreme Court Judge Endorsements:
In a notable addition to their endorsements, BLEA proudly supports the following Supreme Court Judge candidates:
Francesca E. Connolly
Charley Wood
Rolf M. Thorsen
Larry J. Schwarts
City Court Judge Endorsements:
The organization has also endorsed candidates for the position of City Court Judge in Mount Vernon and Yonkers:
Mount Vernon: Tamika A. Coverdale
Yonkers : Arthur J. Doran III and Karen T. Beltran
Municipal Mayor, Council, and Town Clerk Endorsements:
BLEA’s support extends to candidates seeking mayorial, municipal council positions, and the town clerk role in various Westchester County locations:
New Rochelle Council:
District 1: Shane Osinloye
District 3: Kwamain L. Dixon
Yonkers Mayor:
Mike Spano
Yonkers Council:
District 1: Deana Robinson
District 3: Tasha Diaz
District 5: Michael B. Breen
Greenburgh Councilmember:
Gina R. Jackson
Beatrice Joy Harber
Greenburgh Town Clerk:
Lisa M. Nero
Pound Ridge City Councilmember:
Namasha H. Schelling
These endorsements reflect BLEA’s conviction that these candidates possess the vision and dedication to lead and represent their communities effectively. Their demonstrated commitment to public safety, social justice, and the welfare of their constituents makes them standout choices for public office.
Blacks in Law Enforcement of America encourages Westchester County voters to support these endorsed candidates in the upcoming elections. The organization firmly believes that its leadership will contribute to the betterment of the county’s communities and the pursuit of justice for all.
For further inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Damon K. Jones Blacks in Law Enforcement of America Phone: 914-312-7453
As Westchester County prepares for the elections, BLEA’s endorsements serve as a testament to the candidates’ dedication to making a positive impact on the county’s future.
A Local Law amending Chapter 85 entitled, “Forfeiture of Vehicles in Connection With Criminal Acts” in relation to forfeiture of vehicles attempting to evade police officers.
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Yonkers has adopted the abovementioned legislation that provides a means for the City to seize and subsequently seek the forfeiture of vehicles used in the attempt to flee/evade police officers to reduce and eliminate the occurrences of high-speed chases or dangers involving police chases within the City of Yonkers.
The penalties for offenses pursuant to this ordinance are as follows:
A civil action seeking forfeiture brought pursuant to this section shall be commenced in the County of Westchester within sixty (60) days after such person has been convicted of any offense arising out of his or her arrest or summons under section eleven hundred eighty-two of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, if brought pursuant to subsection A. of this section, or within sixty (60) days after such person has been convicted of any offense arising out of his or her arrest or summons under sections 270.25, 270.30, or 270.35 of the Penal Law, if brought pursuant to subsection B. of this section. The Yonkers Police Department shall make a timely notification to the Office of the Corporation Counsel regarding such conviction, or other disposition of the applicable criminal action or proceeding regarding such person.
The complete text of the ordinance is on file and may be examined at the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 40 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701.
On Thursday, October 26th, Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah announced she will not be running for re-election next year when her first term is up (see full announcement below).
Before her announcement, there were already rumored to be at least three candidates whom Black Westchester had become aware of who intended to challenge DA Rocah for her seat, including Adeel Mirza who introduced himself to Black Westchester at a recent event to let us know he was running against his former boss who fired him, and Judge Susan Cacace, Acting Justice of the Westchester County Supreme Court in the Ninth Judicial District of New York, who we hear is the party’s favorite. The 2024 race for Westchester DA has the potential to be a heavily contested race.
The third potential candidate is William Wagstaff, Civil Rights Litigation, Criminal defense, and Municipal Law attorney and principal of The Wagstaff Firm, P.C.
“I am grateful to all the community leaders, elected officials, and political activists across the county who are actively encouraging me to run for District Attorney. I am very seriously exploring a run,” Wagstaff exclusively shared with Black Westchester.
Stay tuned to Black Westchester for more information; we will let you know when any of these potential candidates officially announce their candidacy, and look for an upcoming exclusive interview with DA Rocah.
Namasha Schelling, a Pound Ridge resident, is a 2023 Democratic candidate for Pound Ridge Town Board. She is running with Kevin Hansan who is running for re-election as Town Supervisor and Alison Boak who is running for re-election to the Town Board & Erin Trostle who is running for re-election as Town Clerk. They are the Pound Ridge Democratic Committee-endorsed candidates. If elected, Namasha will be the first African-American woman to serve on the Pound Ridge Town Board.
Despite running with a slate of three other candidates, Namsha is the only candidate of the party-endorsed slate who is being targeted with hate rhetoric and signs that are popping up all across Pound Ridge, like the one below. The Co-Chair of the Human Rights Advisory Committee of Pound Ridge vows she will not allow hate and the short-mindedness of a few to derail her campaign.
Namasha, who is a member of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus—Greater Bedford Chapter, joined us for a special edition of the People Before Politics Radio Show to discuss her candidacy and the coordinated hate-filled attacks she is receiving from those who do not know. We discuss race and politics, systemic racism in Westchester County, why she is running to serve on the Town Board, the fear of the browning of America, and much more. You can watch the powerful discussion in the video below.
Namasha Schelling is a five-year resident of Pound Ridge, where she lives with her husband, Tristan, an entrepreneur, and her four-year-old daughter.
Namasha is Co-Chair of the Human Rights Advisory Committee of Pound Ridge, which was officially launched in 2022. She is a member of the Pound Ridge Housing Board and has participated in the process of updating the town’s Comprehensive Plan since 2021. She was also a member of the Criminal Justice Reform Committee, which was mandated for each police department in the state in 2020.
Namasha has fifteen years of professional experience in nonprofit communications, operations, and fundraising. She graduated from Harvard Extension with a Masters of Liberal Arts in Environmental Management
For more information on Namasha Schelling visit her website and follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn