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Mount Vernon’s Lillian C. Jones Turns 100 Years Old

AJ Woodson
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Mount Vernon’s Lillian C. Jones Turns 100 Years Old

My mother always told me and my sister before she passed that she wanted us to give her flowers while she was still alive. Most of the time we celebrate people we love after they have passed. Black Westchester wanted to honor one of Mount Vernon’s oldest living residents while she was still with us.

On Thursday, November 14, 2019, Lillian C. Jones turned 100 years old. We are so blessed to have her still with us.

Lillian is a lifelong resident of Mount Vernon attending Mount Vernon schools and graduating from A.B. Davis High School.

On Thursday night friends and family members gathered at Lillian’s grandson’s establishment, The Spot located at 168 Gramatan Avenue to celebrate her 100th birthday.

Lillian retired from the Board of Elections in White Plains, NY as a Supervising Clerk after 34 years. She is a member of the Macedonia Baptist Church and was a member of the Gospel Chorus and the Westchester Gospel Chorus Guild. She is also a longtime member of the NAACP.

Lillian is the daughter of the late Irving and Clara Higgins; her mother was a Gold Star Mother. She had three brothers; Irving Higgins, Jr. who was killed in World War II, Henry Higgins a World War II Veteran and Clarence Higgins. She was married to the late Clarence Jones who was also a World War II Veteran.

Lillian is a life member of the Aaron A. Lewis Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary to Post #6396 for over 60 years. She is still an active member currently serving as Conductress for over 25 years. In the auxiliary, she served as secretary for 8 years, and after going through the chairs she served as President for 2 years.

She served as a Color Bearer in the Westchester County Auxiliary & District #2 Auxiliary. She is a life member of the V.F.W. National Home. Her favorite saying in the auxiliary is “Anything for the Good of the Order”.

“NANA” as she is most commonly known as five generations in her family, one daughter Sylvia; two grandchildren Dwayne & Katrina; four great-grandchildren, Donte’, Dwayne Jr., Briana & DeAndre; two great-great-grandchildren, Camryn & Elijah.

Black Westchester proudly celebrates one of Mount Vernon’s oldest living residents, Lillian C. Jones, her years of service and celebrating her 100th birthday. Happy Birthday!

DMX and Nice & Smooth Rock City Fest In Mount Vernon

AJ Woodson
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DMX and Nice & Smooth Rock City Fest In Mount Vernon

On Saturday, September 14, 2019, the city of Mount Vernon witnessed a true celebration of Hip-Hop when DMX and Nice & Smooth hit the stage during CityFest, bringing together generations of the culture on one stage. It wasn’t just another concert—it was a moment where legends connected directly with the people, reminding everyone why Hip-Hop remains rooted in community, energy, and authenticity. Mount Vernon’s City Fest is a free, day-long celebration of community, culture, and arts hosted by the City’s Recreation Department. The festival featured food, vendors, activities for all ages, and live musical performances, most notably a special headline concert by the late rap icon DMX, and the Hip-Hop Junkies, Nice & Smooth.

DMX brought the raw intensity and spiritual passion that made him one of the most electrifying performers in rap history, while Greg Nice and Smooth B delivered the charisma, humor, and classic routines that helped define hip-hop’s golden era. For Mount Vernon, a city with deep hip-hop ties of its own, the event felt bigger than entertainment—it felt like the culture coming home.

DMX

DMX took the stage shortly after 8 pm, Saturday, September 14th, at Mount Vernon’s annual City Fest event. As he started to perform, the sky opened up, but that didn’t stop the dog from doing his thing.

NICE & SMOOTH

After DMX performed and was given a proclamation from the City of Mount Vernon by Mayor André Wallace, the Hip-Hop junkies took the stage, yes, Nice & Smooth. Greg “Greg Nice” Mays and Daryl “Smooth B” Barnes, with deejay Tedd “DJ Teddy Tedd” Whiting of the Awesone Two on the wheels, did not disappoint. Greg Nice jumped in the crowd and performed the rest of the show there to the delight of the fans, many taking selfies of themselves with the legendary, energetic emcee.

Other performers included R & B/ Hip Hop: Sophisticated Gents, Norm Adam, Ismilez, Julia Robert, Nyasia Chenil, DRR, The Choice, Aly-US, Gospel Performances: Dr. Kenneth Hamilton and Jenkins Brothers (Main Stage), Reggae Performances: Serani & Friends (Main Stage), a few local artists, and Hip Hop/R&B performances from Intro and Ruff Endz. DMX and Nice & Smooth headlined the event!

The all-day event transformed the downtown area, taking place along Gramatan Avenue and Hartley Park, with activities kicking off in Hartley Park at 9:00 AM and the main festival running from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It aimed to showcase the diverse, vibrant heart of Mount Vernon through local talent and community unity. City of Mount Vernon, NY – Recreation Department offers an array of programs and services for all residents, from children to senior citizens.

BW Black Business Spotlight: Don Powell dp Printing & Graphics

AJ Woodson
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BW Black Business Spotlight: Don Powell dp Printing & Graphics

This month we like to spotlight a man who needs no introduction, Mr. Don Powell of DP Printing & Graphic and Send-A-Tee.com or New Rochelle.

For more than 20 years, Don Powell’s firm has been delivering on their promise to provide unique designs that are both visually dynamic and environmentally friendly. They pride themselves on never delivering anything less than perfection to their clients.

Dp Printing’s designers bring passion and enthusiasm to every project. From original designs to complete renovations, they have you covered. If you can imagine it, they can create it for you.

Black Westchester has utilized Dp Printing for several promotional t-shirts, and I have worked with Don Powell and Dp Printing personally in many different endeavors and projects I have worked on in the past two decades and have never been disappointed Dp is also the largest private mailbox rentals in Westchester County.

Checkout our 914 Business Spotlight interview with Don (video below).

OFFSET • DIGITAL • T-SHIRTS • SUBLIMATION
Business Stationary, Flyers & Posters, Banners & Signs, Sublimation Printing, Web Sites & Much More!

3 Church St, New Rochelle, NY 10801
Tel: (914) 636-0003 – Email: staff@dpprintingandgraphics.com
Website: https://www.dpprintingandgraphics.com/
Facebook: @dpprintingandgraphics – IG: dpprintingandgraphics/

Who Is Robert F. Smith?

Rashad Bilal
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Who Is Robert F. Smith?

Robert F. Smith is the richest Black man in America, but until a few years ago he was relatively unknown by most Black people

I recently asked a group of kids who Robert Smith was and they had no clue. Odds are you’ve
probably never heard of him either. For those who are not familiar with him, here’s a brief
overview:

He grew up in Denver, is 55 years old, and is worth 4.4 billion dollars (more than Oprah). He gave
$20,000,000 to the African American National Museum, is helping pretrial detainees that can’t
afford bail, he gave $2,500,000 to prostate cancer research for African American men, his charity
has committed $50,000,000 to improve the representation of women and people of color in
scientific research at Cornell University and he is the first black American to sign the giving
pledge, vowing to give away half of his net worth in his lifetime to causes focused on helping
African Americans and women.

He did not get rich by way of sports or entertainment. He amassed his fortune from being the
CEO of a private equity fund.

I feel like Big Meech, Larry Hoover…” – B.M.F (Blowing Money Fast) by Rick Ross

Movies were made about notorious drug dealers like Alpo and Rich Porter, Songs were made
about wanting to be Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory of the Black Mafia Family (BMF) and Larry Hoover, the former leader of the Black Disciples Nation. But neither was made about the richest black
person in American history (who’s still alive). He’s pretty much unknown. He’s been
invisible in plain sight for 20 years. Pretty disturbing if you think about it.

We immortalize people who made a million dollars on the streets, that’s either dead or doing 100
years in jail but are clueless about someone who made billions in the corporate world and is still
living. That’s not by accident though, the latter is way more dangerous to the status quo than the
former. It’s not a mystery why one is promoted over the other, but he’s on the cover of this
year’s Forbes’s annual billionaire edition; so obviously he’s not in hiding. So, we have to ask,
who’s fault is it really that he’s not championed by the culture…

Mount Vernon Corporation Counsel Lawrence Porcari Arrested And Arraigned

AJ Woodson
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Mount Vernon Corporation Counsel Lawrence Porcari Arrested And Arraigned

Breaking News – Mount Vernon Corporation Counsel Lawrence Porcari turned himself in on the morning of Wednesday, May 29th, after being indicted in the state attorney general’s probe of the misuse of city funds.

Porcari, a resident of Yonkers, was arraigned on felony charges of offering a false instrument. Porcari was spotted being escorted by his attorney and members of the NYS Attorney General’s office to court in White Plains to be arraigned. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment this morning in Westchester County Court.

Porcari was represented by Joseph Spiezio’s Florida lawyers, who are also handling Mayor Richard W. Thomas‘ corruption case.

This is the latest development in the NYS Attorney General’s corruption case against Mayor Thomas and follows an announcement the grand jury declined to indict Mayor Richard W. Thomas in the case of the use of Mount Vernon Water Department funds for Mayor Thomas’ personal legal bills, his lawyers said late Friday afternoon.

Thomas and his lawyers maintained that the mayor “received sound counsel from the Mount Vernon Corporation Council in connection with the water department payments at issue.

Porcari was indicted by the same grand jury that voted not to charge Mayor Richard Thomas after hearing evidence about the use of city water department funds to pay for the mayor’s criminal-defense legal bills, LoHud reported.

Mayor Thomas, who is running for re-election, also rejected a final plea offer – on May 17th – that would have allowed him to avoid incarceration if he pleaded to a misdemeanor and one of the six felony charges he is facing and stepped down as mayor. He also could have had the felony conviction expunged if he had completed probation.

Porcari was at one time a Yonkers Corporation Counsel, alleged to have been conflicted because he was also a confidante/stooge of Joseph Spiezio, III, reports the Yonkers Tribune.

Stay Tuned to Black Westchester for more of this developing story.

New Rochelle Council Candidate Yadira Ramos-Herbert Interview

AJ Woodson
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New Rochelle Council Candidate Yadira Ramos-Herbert Interview

New Rochelle City Council Candidate Yadira Ramos-Herbert stops by The People Before Politics Radio Show, Sunday, May 26, 2019, to share why she should be the next council member to represent New Rochelle’s District 3 as Jared Rice is appointed City Court Judge to succeed his mom.

5 Reasons Why Women Should Be Selfish…Financially

Rashad Bilal
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5 Reasons Why Women Should Be Selfish…Financially

Women are givers by nature – especially when it comes to money. They may delay getting dental work to buy school clothes. Or put careers on hold to raise children and care for aging parents. And they might help pay for their kids’ college tuition at the expense of their own retirement savings.

Such choices may be selfless, but they also put women in a precarious financial position. Break the cycle
Women often sacrifice their own financial well-being because that’s the behavior their own mothers modeled. But, remember that your financial decisions today are setting an example for your kids and future generations.

Don’t give your son money for a down payment on a home if it compromises your ability to retire on time or with the lifestyle you envisioned. And don’t bail your daughter out of credit card debt.

Instead, explain that you’re not in the position to provide financial resources, but lend your verbal and emotional support. It’s not a rejection. It’s a learning opportunity. Help them research loan options, develop a savings plan, and explore debt repayment options to empower your children to meet their financial goals and develop healthy spending habits.

Self-reliance is a gift While many parents worry about leaving a financial legacy for their kids, advisors say the best gift you can give them is to fortify your retirement nest egg so you can cover your own living expenses and future health care costs.

Otherwise, one or more of your kids (statistically more likely to be your daughter) might be forced to help finance your living expenses or quit their job to become your caregiver.

Less stress Money continues to be the leading cause of stress in America. Stress related to finances can impact both psychological and physical health. Indeed, those with high levels of stress about money often engage in unhealthy behaviors to manage that stress. And research shows the profound effects of stress on health status and longevity.

More emotionally available Making your money a priority yields another important benefit. Liberated from the weight of financial uncertainty, you may be more emotionally available to your spouse, kids, friends, and career.

While no one knows how long they’ll live or whether a layoff is imminent, you can plan for the most likely outcomes, prepare for the unexpected with an emergency fund, and protect your loved ones with adequate life and disability income insurance coverage.

You need more saved As a gender, women typically live longer, earn less, and have less banked than their male counterparts. That makes them more vulnerable in the event of a divorce or the premature death of a spouse.

And while they are generally better savers and more likely to participate in a 401(k) plan, their lower average income means they have far less socked away than most men.

By declaring their own financial security as a top priority, women can relieve a significant source of stress, and potentially strengthen their relationships with loved ones.

Provided by Rashad Bilal, a financial representative with The Bilal Group LLC, courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company

Dr. Bob on Nipsey Hussle’s Murder & Violence In The Hood on PBP Radio

AJ Woodson
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Dr. Bob on Nipsey Hussle’s Murder & Violence In The Hood on PBP Radio

Robert “Dr. Bob” Baskerville chops it up about Nipsey Hussle’s murder and acknowledging the real roles members of our own community play in our demise and Episode 210 of the People Before Politics Radio Show, Sunday, April 14, 2019

If You Want A Smashing Party, Call Kelly Denise Events By Charles Stern

Black Westchester
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If You Want A Smashing Party, Call Kelly Denise Events By Charles Stern

Kelly Denise Events is an event planning & design company based in Mount Vernon. The company specializes in weddings and social events and offers a wide array of services. Weddings, baby showers,
retirement parties, even dinner parties, and corporate events are all within the scope of this dynamic company.

Kelly Denise Gardner, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KDE, grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia, and started coordinating hair shows with Nesta Felix while she was in college. That led to fashion shows, homecomings, and later, about three years ago, Ms. Gardner opened her own company to help people bring their event visions into reality.

Kelly has been in the event planning business for over 10 years. She brings to your event an extensive network of vendors, a depth of sponsors, and a background in planning everything from baby showers to lavish weddings and large conferences. Event planning is her passion, and this shows in her attention to detail and care for your vision and budget.

She says the key is having a plan. “I become a part of their planning process.” says Gardner, “We talk about what they are trying to accomplish, we talk about having a budget and then we figure out how to make it happen. I’m there for the client at every step, guiding and making their event idea into a success.”
One of those recent clients was the daughter of Bishop W. Darin Moore, President of the AME Zion Church Board of Bishops. She called on Kelly Denise Events to plan her wedding with 250 guests. This was a fairly elaborate affair, involving location scouting, sketching designs for decor items, catering, seating arrangements, travel arrangements, and extensive logistics. Gardner’s team delivered it all, even greeting out-of-town guests at the airport to absolutely guarantee a smooth transition to overnight accommodations.

Not every event is a blockbuster. Gardner will take small events and make them fabulous too. “The glamour is fine, but you really don’t need ALL of it to have a great wedding or any other kind of event,” says Gardner. “I would rather have clients leave with some money left in their pocket.” Whether the budget is modest, or bold, Kelly Denise Events will be creative, take away your stress, and make your event into a blast.

Address: 38 S. 2nd Avenue, Mount Vernon – Tel: 347-589-2026
Email: kellydenise.ijd@gmail.com – Website: https://kdeplans.com/
Facebook: @info.kellydenisevents – Instagram: @kdeplans

Kelly Denise Events is a boutique event planning company founded by Kelly Denise Gardner. They specialize in creating unforgettable experiences, handling every detail from planning to execution.

With All The Drama With Coach And Superintendent, Let’s Not Forgot To Celebrate New Rochelle High School Huguenots

AJ Woodson
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With All The Drama With Coach And Superintendent, Let’s Not Forgot To Celebrate New Rochelle High School Huguenots

NEW ROCHELLE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP – ALL WITHOUT HEAD COACH

All over social media, you could see the outrage over the hiring of a superintendent who has a $90 million “reverse discrimination” against the New York City Board of Education and the suspension of a football coach. In our outrage of the aforementioned, our rush to share and complain about anything negative, did we forget to celebrate the New Rochelle High School football team who just won the 2019 NYSPHSAA Football State Championship – all without their popular leader, “Coach D.”

While the displayed outrage over both situations is understandable, no matter what side of the coin you are on, why wasn’t there as much posted on social media and media coverage for that matter when the New Rochelle Huguenots captured the third state championship in program history on Saturday night at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse when it defeated McQuaid Jesuit of Rochester 28-0, despite the forced absence of their beloved coach.

We spent so much time talking about how all this is unfair to the students, it’s almost overshadowed the students’ great achievement. We failed to discuss how the team didn’t throw in the towel and say how are we going to win without our coach but used that incident as motivation. They did not give up, they did not give in, they did not abort the mission but they overwhelmingly won the state championship in a rout. All of the highly publicized adversity and community outrage were not enough to keep the team from achieving its ultimate goal. Winning the third championship in the program’s history.

“We knew this was the goal,” senior Jessie Parson told Lohud after the game. “No matter what was going on around us, we never lost sight of the goal. We just kept our eyes on the prize and ultimately got the job done.”

Let’s not let our thirst for negativity overshadow celebrating the New Rochelle Huguenots’ huge win to put an exclamation mark on an incredible season that came in the midst of a controversy involving New Rochelle’s longtime coach, Lou DiRienzo.

The newly hired school’s superintendent, Laura Feijóo – who The Collective, a group of parents and community leaders, have filed legal action in state Supreme Court claiming her hiring isn’t legitimate – reassigned the coach, just as the team was headed in the postseason while education officials investigate the coach’s alleged involvement in a disciplinary matter involving a student, who reportedly a relative of DiRienzo.

The undefeated Huguenots played all three state playoff games without head coach Lou DiRienzo, who was reassigned by the school despite protests by the community and students.

Let us celebrate the New Rochelle High School student-athletes who had to perform amidst the turmoil, and that continued on Saturday. Following thrilling wins the last two weeks, the Huguenots left nothing to chance. Cornerback/ Running Back Jessie Parson rushed for 177 yards and scored two touchdowns, while senior Ali Paul and junior Gary Phillips III each had touchdowns.

Black Westchester salutes the New Rochelle Huguenots and encourages all reading this to take a break from the outrage and let’s just celebrate our youth. Showing the adults how to get it done despite adversity. The controversy with the superintendent and the coach will be there to bitch about in a few days. For now, let us celebrate the Huguenots’ state championship and undefeated season.

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