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!
Book Summary: We Got Our Own Thang gives you a look at Hip-Hop from The 914 (Westchester County, New York). The book doesn’t only celebrate the superstars and rap legends that grace its cover, like DMX, Heavy D & The Boyz, Mary J. Blige, Grand Puba, Brand Nubian, Master Of The Ceremony, Pete Rock & CL Smooth and The Lox, but many of the early legends many outside the region may have heard of like the Legendary Collins Brothers who had the ‘King Kong Sound System’ and battled the legendary DJs like Kool DJ AJ and The L Brothers, of Graffiti Artists like REM 311 & LM444 who were highly respected in the 5 boroughs. The book highlights the contributions of individuals of The 914 in the 50-year history of Hip-Hop. The book documents how, while once only thought of as “Upstate New York”, Westchester “Westcheddar” County borders Hip-Hop’s Garden of Eden. Not trying to dispel the fact the Bronx is Hip-Hop’s birthplace, or diss the other boroughs that didn’t recognize Westchester as a Hip-Hop equal. But to show and prove what was going on in the Bronx hiccupped into the 914, especially its most southern cities like Mount Vernon and Yonkers, which, unlike the boroughs or any other region, don’t have to cross a bridge to get to the Bronx. To tell the story, I enlisted the help of some respected voices in Hip-Hop including Ralph McDaniels of Video Music Box, DMC of the legendary RUN DMC, Kim Osorio (former Editor-In-Chief of the Source), Chuck ‘Jigsaw’ Creekmur (AllHipHop.com), Floyd Myers (Heavy D’s older brother), Bobbito aka Kool Bob Love and A.L. Dre who illustrated Hip-Hop artists for The Last Word of the Source magazine, even an unexpected Hip-Hop head like the US Congressman of the region, Jamaal Bowman and others who share their memories, favorite songs or videos of 914 artists. After reading this book, the author’s aim is for everyone to put some respect on The 914 when you think about Hip-Hop!
Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16) announced on Sunday, February 25th, that over the course of his three years in Congress, he has brought back over $1 billion to constituents and community organizations in NY-16. This money includes federal grants and loans, funding from federal legislation and appropriations, and money returned to constituents through direct assistance and casework. You can find the full clip of his announcement on PIX11 below.
Specifically, Congressman Bowman has helped secure:
Approximately $916 million in federal grants and loans, including grants and loans for housing assistance, small businesses, local cultural development, and more
$125,000,000 in funding from federal legislation, including $25.8 million in community project funding for violence prevention, community health centers, and more, $12 million for the New Rochelle LINC Project, and $88 million for flood mitigation in Mamaroneck
$7,596,018 in money returned to constituents through casework, including tax refunds, student loan support, and more
He is also pushing for an additional $14,078,199 in community project funding that will be included in the upcoming FY24 budget that is currently under consideration in Congress.
“I came to Congress to fight for all of the people of New York’s 16th district so that every single person and organization in our community has the support and resources they need to thrive,” said Congressman Bowman. “I am incredibly proud to have secured over $1 billion for our district to fund programs that focus on violence prevention, creating greenspaces, facilitating flood relief, putting money directly back in the pockets of our neighbors, and so much more. This is the real work of public service–bringing the resources and the funding to the people on the ground in our community–and we’re just getting started. I’m looking forward to keeping the work going with our grassroots community partners and pushing for even more funding for local projects as we consider this year’s appropriations bills.”
Black Westchester presents The People Before Politics Radio Show Episode 389 with local NAACP President Rev Frank Coleman (Yonkers), Janice Griffin (White Plains/Greenburgh), and Kathie Brewington (Mount Vernon) discussing the power of the Black Vote, the upcoming election, and the work of the local NAACP
Over 1,300 registered Republican voters in New York’s 16th Congressional district recently switched parties to become Democrats ahead of the state’s Democratic primary election on June 25th. This comes after groups supporting Democratic candidate George Latimer made efforts to get Republican and independent voters to register as Democrats so they could vote in the primary.
In the primary, incumbent Democratic Congressman Jamaal Bowman will face challenger George Latimer, the Westchester County Executive. Supporters of Latimer led initiatives to get non-Democrats to switch parties before the February 14th deadline. Data shows there are now 3,000 more Democratic voters registered in the 16th district than in November, including 1,300 former Republicans.
Some believe opposition to Congressman Bowman’s stances on Israel among Westchester’s Jewish community motivated party switching. While the number of Westchester Jews who switched parties is unknown, the over 1,300 party changes could impact the tight Democratic primary. In the general November election, current Republican Congressman Mike Lawler won by just 2,100 votes in CD-17.
Another complicating factor arises from George Latimer’s acceptance of substantial funding from MAGA Republican-backed AIPAC. Many progressives view this as hypocritical, primarily since Latimer identifies as a progressive. Accepting funding from a Republican-funded organization like AIPAC while supporting Republicans switching party affiliations to influence the Democratic primary raises questions about Latimer’s absolute alignment with progressive values or if he is just a light version of Republican values.
Letter Calls for Investigation Into Voters Switching to Democratic Party
A letter to the Westchester Democratic Chairman raised concerns about Republicans and independents recently registering as Democrats. It questioned if they intended to influence the Democratic primaries unfairly. The letter cited New York election law allowing party officials to investigate voters and potentially remove those not genuinely aligned with the party.
The letter urged urgent action to address this influx of Republican registrants to uphold the integrity of the Democratic Party’s nomination process. It requested a response in five days about investigating and disqualifying those trying to manipulate the primaries. Overall, the letter calls on the Democratic Chairman to ensure only voters who share party values can participate in its primaries.
Many grassroots Democrats believe that there’s an orchestrated attempt to hinder the Democratic Party from achieving historic milestones in Westchester County, such as electing the first Black District Attorney, reelecting the first Black Congressman in CD 16, and electing the first Black Congresswoman in CD 17. They perceive this as a deliberate effort to suppress Black representation at the highest levels of government in the county. Some question the Democratic Party’s commitment to inclusivity, pointing out the contradiction in working with Republicans to potentially unseat the first Black Congressman.
Prominent investors are making significant shifts in their business strategies following a notable legal ruling involving former President Donald Trump in New York. Grant Cardone, a real estate mogul, declared on Tuesday that his firm, Cardone Capital, would cease underwriting New York real estate. This decision came shortly after Kevin O’Leary, known from Shark Tank, expressed his decision to halt investments in the state due to the verdict.
The ruling, delivered by Judge Arthur Engoron, requires Trump to pay over $355 million for manipulating his net worth to gain tax and insurance advantages. Additionally, Trump and his sons are barred from conducting business in New York for three years.
Speaking on the Cats Roundtable radio show hosted by billionaire John Catsimatidis, Hochul aims to allay fears that the penalties imposed on Trump could negatively impact businesses in New York. She emphasizes that law-abiding businesspeople need not worry, as the circumstances surrounding Trump’s case are exceptional and do not reflect the typical behavior of New York entrepreneurs. Hochul acknowledges concerns raised by some business leaders regarding potential repercussions on the state’s business environment but highlights the unique nature of the case, where Trump and his allies allegedly manipulated real estate values to secure favorable loans and insurance rates.
During an interview with CNN, O’Leary remarked, “I believe this case transcends Trump entirely.” He stressed its wider ramifications for investors, expressing disapproval of what he perceived as selective prosecution in New York. O’Leary suggested that such actions unfairly target individuals like Trump for behaviors considered inappropriate, prompting investors to wonder, “Who will be targeted next?” He characterized the situation as a “victimless crime,” arguing that it did not cause any financial harm.
Coates raised concerns about the legal acknowledgment of crimes such as falsification of business records and insurance fraud, questioning whether these should have been prosecuted.
In response, O’Leary highlighted the unprecedented nature of the case, emphasizing that similar practices had gone unprosecuted for 75 years. He pointed out that activities like falsifying records were common among real estate developers worldwide and had never faced legal action before.
Expressing his apprehension about investing in New York again, O’Leary underscored his belief that the city’s actions were alienating investors and diminishing its appeal as a business hub.
Coates further delved into the broader ethical implications of business practices, challenging the normalization of fraudulent behavior within the industry.
O’Leary defended the industry’s reliance on banks for due diligence and emphasized the traditional negotiation processes between developers and financial institutions. His argument aimed to highlight the industry’s established norms rather than solely defending Trump.
He questioned the basis for the fraud allegations, emphasizing that the issue transcended Trump and underscored broader concerns about legal and ethical standards in the business world. “Excuse me. What fraud? This is not about Trump anymore.”
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Grant Cardone said, “Dear Cardone Capital team, Immediately discontinue ALL underwriting on New York City real estate. The risk outweigh the opportunities at this time. Recent political decisions will continue to deteriorate price and benefit states that don’t have these challenges. Focus on Texas & Florida.
Grant Cardone, CEO of Cardone Capital, made a decisive announcement via a post on X platform. He directed his team to cease all investment activities in New York City real estate immediately. Cardone cited concerns over recent political decisions, which he believes will lead to a decline in property prices.
In his message, Cardone emphasized the need to prioritize investor interests, stating that the risks currently outweigh the potential benefits of investing in New York City real estate. He expressed apprehension about the unpredictability of cash flow due to various factors such as legal rulings, migration patterns, and restrictions on evictions. Cardone highlighted the competitive advantage of states like Florida over New York, attributing it to what he perceives as New York’s unfavorable business environment.
Both investors emphasized that the issue transcends partisan politics and is more about the business environment in New York. They underscored the need for clarity and fairness in legal proceedings to maintain investor confidence in the state.
On the 59th anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X, Congressman Jamaal Bowman received endorsements from representatives from the Alliance for Quality Education (AQE), leaders of the New York Working Families Party (NYWFP), and Citizen Action New York, in addition to local school parents, students, and activists organizing for stronger public schools.
Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Director of AQE, Bronx parent & Education Advocate Thomas Sheppard, Co-Director of NYWFP Jasmine Gripper, Parent & Greenburgh School Board Trustee Jamaal Thomas, Tanesha Grant & her Daughter-Harlem parent and grandmother, and Jamell Henderson of Citizen Action New York joined Rep. Bowman, Wednesday morning in front of One World Middle School at Edenwald (3750 Baychester Avenue in the Bronx) to show their support and share why they felt he should be re-elected to continue serving the 16th Congressional District.
“As an educator, I’m proud to be endorsed by AQE, and I’m excited to continue working with my fellow educators in fighting for stronger public schools in New York and across the country,” Congressman Bowman shared.
“Congressman Jamaal Bowman stands as a dedicated friend and ally of Alliance for Quality Education, earning our wholehearted endorsement for re-election,” said Alliance for Quality Education. “His unwavering advocacy for stronger public schools mirrors our collective goal to dismantle systemic racism and economic oppression in New York State’s public education system. Our endorsement is a rare expression of confidence, as we’ve backed only two other candidates in our 20+ year history. Congressman Bowman has proven himself to be a true and unwavering education warrior for New York’s public schools. During his tenure as principal at Cornerstone Academy for Social Action, he organized student walkouts and collaborated with AQE to host teach-ins in support of Black Lives Matter at Schools for two consecutive years. He quickly established his position again, during his brief time in Congress. We look forward to playing our role in helping send him back to Congress to continue championing increased funding for NYS’ public schools, supporting our dedicated teaching workforce, and pushing and passing legislation that improves education opportunities from birth to higher education.”
Rep. Bowman and AQE were joined by leaders of the New York Working Families Party and Citizen Action New York at today’s announcement outside One World Middle School at Edenwald.
In just three years in Congress, Rep Bowman has established a record of strengthening public schools and delivering progressive results for NY-16. Rep. Bowman has delivered over $1 billion in new investments for the district in affordable housing, safety, public schools, jobs, and health care. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Energy, Rep. Bowman helped write and pass the CHIPS and Science Act, which includes his legislation on STEM education. Rep. Bowman was also involved in negotiations to successfully pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes tax credits to fund new public school facility upgrades and reduce school district energy bills.
In addition to AQE, Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s re-election campaign is endorsed by:
Rep. Yvette Clark
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Congressional Black Caucus PAC
Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC
State Senator Jamaal Bailey
NYC Comptroller Brad Lander
NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams
NYC City Councilmember Kevin Riley
Hastings-on-Hudson Mayor Nicola Armacost
Mamaroneck Trustee Leilani Yizar-Reid
Hastings-on-Hudson Trustee Doug Alligood
Mamaroneck Trustee Manny Rawlings
New Rochelle City Councilmember Shane Osinloye
Former Westchester County Legislator Damon Maher
Former Mount Vernon City Councilmember Lisa Copeland
Elevate Cannabis Dispensary, located at 127 S. Terrace Ave. in Mount Vernon, held its grand opening on Tuesday, February 20th at 11 am. Evevate, Westchester County’s first recreational dispensary, actually opened on December 5th, following a months-long legal battle that prevented dispensaries across the state from obtaining licenses.
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, City Council President Cathlin Gleason-Boncardo, and members of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management were among those present at the historic ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Although recreational marijuana has been legal in New York since 2021, the process of granting licenses to dispensaries has been slow. Elevate New York received its license on Dec. 4, and the soft opening followed shortly after a judge approved a settlement to end lawsuits that had hindered the state’s retail marijuana licensing program.
The settlement paves the way for an estimated 436 license holders to continue with their plans to open their businesses, according to The New York Times. While the lawsuits were in progress, the State created a new licensing period where 1,000 additional licenses would be open to applicants who didn’t qualify for the initial round of licensing. It’s expected that at least 40 recreational marijuana dispensaries in New York will be open for business by the end of 2023.
“What’s particularly heartening is not just seeing these stores open, but seeing who is operating them. Before the end of the year, we will have 12 Black-owned dispensaries operating and 5 Hispanic-owned dispensaries. Considering the national landscape, where Black and brown ownership of cannabis is exceedingly rare, I am incredibly proud of this result. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s a clear indication of our dedication to creating a more equitable and inclusive cannabis industry,” New York State Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director Chris Alexander said in a press release.
About 20 percent of recreational cannabis dispensaries in New York are majority Black-owned while that number goes down to less than 0.2 percent when calculating all U.S. dispensaries.
Elevate Cannabis Dispensary in Mount Vernon won’t be the last recreational dispensary in Westchester NY. You’ll likely see more popping up soon as the following cities have voted to allow the sale of cannabis, according to the Yonkers Times as of April 1, 2023:
Mount Vernon
New Rochelle
Pound Ridge
Sleepy Hollow
White Plains
The following Westchester County has passed laws preventing the sale of cannabis as of April 1, 2023:
Ardsley
Dobbs Ferry
Eastchester
Elmsford
Harrison
Irvington
Larchmont
Lewisboro
Mamaroneck Town
Mamaroneck Village
Mount Kisco
Mount Pleasant
New Castle
North Castle
North Salem
Pelham Manor
Pleasantville
Port Chester
Rye City
Rye Brook
Somers
Tuckahoe
Yorktown
Elevate is planning a 420 Concert Festival, to be held on April 20 at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon. Panel discussions and music are among the plans for the annual event.
The new dispensary is open seven days a week, offering a variety of adult-use cannabis products from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
![Congressman Jamaal Bowman Brings Over $1 Billion Back to NY-16 During His Time in Congress [Announcement]](https://blackwestchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/426179735_717608760507614_6397472540307724575_n-768x509.jpg "Congressman Jamaal Bowman Brings Over $1 Billion Back to NY-16 During His Time in Congress [Announcement]")
