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WNED PBS To Air Documentary On Early Civil Rights Movement

AJ Woodson
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WNED PBS To Air Documentary On Early Civil Rights Movement

The Niagara Movement: The Early Battle for Civil Rights premieres Monday, November 6

Buffalo, N.Y.  — The Niagara Movement: The Early Battle for Civil Rights, a powerful hour-long documentary by WNED PBS, delves deep into a national crusade that forged the civil rights landscape for the 20th century and beyond. The film explores the Black elite and intellectual society at the turn of the 20th century and examines the heated national debate and conflict three Black leaders — sociologist W.E.B Du Bois, publisher William Monroe Trotter and educator and orator Booker T. Washington — had about how best to foster equality and opportunity for Black Americans. The film premieres on Monday, November 6, at 9 p.m. on WNED PBS and Buffalo Toronto Public Media’s YouTube Channel.

The film, produced and directed by Emmy Award-winning and two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker Lawrence R. Hott, spotlights the early battle behind the civil rights movement that sprang forth as a repudiation of the methods of Booker T. Washington, then the most prominent Black leader in America. The end of Reconstruction brought about oppressive Jim Crow laws and widespread lynching. Washington pandered to white society with his conciliatory philosophy of racial segregation and industrial training for Blacks instead of other advances.

Washington’s position was roundly criticized by Du Bois and by Trotter, a prominent Boston newspaper publisher, and soon a new civil rights organization emerged: the Niagara Movement. The group was formed when Du Bois and Trotter helped summon Black intellectuals, clergy, writers, newspapermen, and activists from across the country to Buffalo, New York; the 29 men ultimately met across the Niagara River in Fort Erie, Canada, to evade disruption by Washington’s supporters. The organization’s key demand: full civil rights for Black Americans.

Its Declaration of Principles, a sharp rebuke to Washington, stated, in part: “We refuse to allow the impression to remain that the Negro-American assents to inferiority, is submissive under oppression, and apologetic before insults.”

The film captures the far-reaching impact of the short-lived Movement — disbanded only four years after its inception — which laid the cornerstone of the modern American civil rights movement, eventually morphing into the NAACP.

“The influence of the Niagara Movement is evident in the protests and court challenges of the American civil rights movement as well as past and current activism,” said Tom Calderone, President & CEO of Buffalo Toronto Public Media. “We are pleased to present this important film about such a prevailing influence on our society.”

The Niagara Movement will be distributed by American Public Television in February 2024 to public television stations across the country (check local listings). The film will be available on the PBS app in February 2024.

Visit www.theniagaramovement.org for more information, educational resources, and bonus materials. Follow WNED PBS on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.

Major funding for The Niagara Movement: The Early Battle for Civil Rights was provided by The John R. Oishei Foundation, with additional funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay Inc. – In Memory of Susan Howarth and Visit Buffalo Niagara.

The Importance of Eye Health in the Black Community

AJ Woodson
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The Importance of Eye Health in the Black Community

When we talk about eye health, it’s essential to look beyond clear vision. Eye health is a vital aspect of one’s overall health, affecting our daily lives and serving as a signifier of other health conditions. However, the disparity in healthcare and eye care has led to a disproportionate rate of eye diseases in the Black community. African Americans are at a higher risk for eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

Moreover, these conditions are often linked to other health conditions that affect general health, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Many of these eye diseases also don’t exhibit symptoms in the early stages. As a result, Black communities experience significantly higher rates of vision loss and blindness caused by eye diseases.

We’ve previously written about the lack of healthcare equity and its detrimental impact on Black women. For one, Black women have the highest mortality rate — three times the rate per woman — even though Black women make up just 7% of the population of the US. Combined with the increased risk of eye diseases, it’s vital to consider healthcare inaccessibility’s impact on the Black community’s eye health.

Diabetes in the Black community

As mentioned above, diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by diabetes. This is caused by high blood sugar levels that lead to blood vessel leakage, swelling, scar tissue formation, and abnormal new blood vessel growth in the eyes. This condition can cause vision loss and other complications like retinal detachment.

Making matters worse is the fact that Black communities are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. 13.4% of Black men and 12.7% of Black women have been diagnosed with diabetes — a rate 60% higher than that of white people. This puts Black people significantly more at risk of developing eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.

Glaucoma in the black community

Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve. This can be caused by high pressure in the eye, although it may also occur with normal eye pressure. The condition usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye, increasing pressure. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause gradual vision loss.

Much like diabetes, the prevalence of glaucoma among Black individuals is five times higher than their white counterparts. Worse, Black patients are six times more likely to go blind due to the disease. Compared to other populations, Black patients also tend to develop glaucoma approximately ten years earlier. It’s worth noting that Black people with a family history of glaucoma have a 20% higher risk of developing the disease than those without.

The future of access to eye care for Black communities

On the bright side, the outlook isn’t all bad. Nowadays, eye care essentials such as prescription glasses have become more accessible as they can easily be acquired online via retailer websites. Prescription glasses are essential for vision correction, helping people see more clearly.

Depending on your needs, you can opt for various eyewear brands with prescription lenses in single-vision and progressive lenses. New and advanced lens technologies also provide helpful optical features such as anti-glare, oleophobic, and hydrophobic properties for daily activities and outdoors.

At the same time, doctors and optometrists in the Black community continue working on expanding healthcare services such as clinics to provide care for people who have diabetes associated with visual complications and glaucoma. Providing access to routine eye exams can help doctors diagnose and use therapy or medications to help maintain the visual system and handle eye health issues. This is important because while four of five Black people acknowledge eye exams should occur every year, less than half of the people in the Black community actually get their eyes examined due to barriers to accessibility.

While there are still some ways to go, maintaining good eye health in the Black community will be a huge step forward in improving the quality of life for everyone.

Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam Sue the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) for the Misuse of the Word “Anti-Semite”

AJ Woodson
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Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam Sue the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) for the Misuse of the Word “Anti-Semite”

Chicago—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.

For over 40 years, the Defendants have falsely labeled Minister Farrakhan and the NOI as “anti-Semites,” and as “anti-Semitic” because of a difference in theological viewpoints, and for his pointing out misbehavior of some members of the Jewish community, among other things.  This false labeling has hindered Minister Farrakhan in his Mission, which is to deliver the Truth taught by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad that will correct the condition of spiritual, mental and moral death of the Black man and woman of America that came as a result of the 310 years of chattel slavery and over 150 years of oppression and suppression thereafter.

Minister Farrakhan and the NOI, in bringing this action, are keenly aware that good, law-abiding citizens are likewise victims of this mischaracterization including, the late Nelson Mandela, President Jimmy Carter, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Bishop Desmond Tutu, and many more.

The Defendants have, at times, indiscriminately and arbitrarily mislabeled countless politicians, entertainers, athletes, authors, educators, public speakers, academicians, comedians, and others, as being “anti-Semites” and as “anti-Semitic,” simply because, in many instances, the speaker did not agree with the Defendants’ point of view and, in some instances, simply because the person made a favorable comment about Minister Farrakhan and/or the Nation of Islam.

The importance of this case extends far beyond the named Plaintiffs, but it encompasses every citizen of America who values the freedom of speech, the freedom to exercise his or her religion, and the freedom to associate with persons of like interests.

These unjust actions by the Defendants, over the years, have caused many to fear their censure and rebuke, which, thereby, significantly erodes, and has a chilling effect, on the protections woven into the fabric of the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and must not be accepted.

If it is the will of Allah (God), Minister Farrakhan will personally address the filing of the lawsuit at a press conference in the near future.

Download COMPLAINT against Anti-Defamation League, Johnathan Greenblatt, Simon Wiesenthal Center, Abraham Cooper

Download Links for Court Documents Below

  1. Exhibit A-L,
  2. Exhibit L1-M,
  3. Exhibit N,
  4. Exhibit O-Q,
  5. Exhibit R-T,
  6. Exhibit U-Z ,
  7. Exhibit AA-CC,
  8. Exhibit DD,
  9. Exhibit DD1-EE,
  10. Exhibit FF-GG,
  11. Exhibit HH-JJ,
  12. Exhibit JJ1-OO,
  13. Exhibit PP-ZZ,
  14. Exhibit AAA-MMM

NYLCV Honors Environmental Leaders of Color for Commitment to Environmental Justice

DAMON K JONES
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NYLCV Honors Environmental Leaders of Color for Commitment to Environmental Justice

New York, NY – October 24, 2023

In a heartfelt ceremony held on October 17, the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) celebrated the remarkable achievements of the Environmental Leaders of Color, a Mt. Vernon-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering marginalized communities in the battle against climate change. The NYLCV recognized the Environmental Leaders of Color as their Non-Profit Honoree, lauding their unwavering commitment to education and advocacy for underserved communities facing the adverse impacts of climate change.

Environmental Leaders of Color (ELC) is an organization driven by a profound mission to prepare disadvantaged communities for the challenges of climate change. Their initiatives include summer sessions to educate children about climate change and opportunities for young people to pursue careers in general science, social service, medicine, engineering, law, clean energy, and social justice. One of their core advocacy goals is integrating climate change and its consequences into educational curricula from kindergarten to professional schools.

Founded by Dr. Diana Williams and Marvin Church, ELC is resolute in its pursuit of ensuring equitable access to resources, education, and opportunities for all residents, regardless of race, gender, physical ability, country of origin, mental ability, sexual orientation, culture, age, sexual preference, religion, social status, or income. Their vision is to unite communities in the fight against the devastating impacts of climate change.

The NYLCV, as the only statewide environmental organization in New York, champions various environmental causes, including clean water, clean air, renewable energy, and open space preservation, through political action. Their non-partisan, pragmatic, and practical approach aligns with ELC’s dedication to climate justice.

In addition to recognizing the outstanding work of the Environmental Leaders of Color, NYLCV’s Westchester Chapter outlined its priorities to combat climate change:

  1. Sustainable Development: Municipalities can be crucial in addressing climate change by fostering sustainable communities. The NYLCV will collaborate to modernize zoning regulations to encourage mixed land use, compact development, downtown revitalization, open space protection, historic preservation, and energy-efficient building codes.
  2. Renewable Energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources is vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. NYLCV will work to address challenges related to the siting of large-scale renewable energy installations and small-scale renewable technology installations. This initiative is particularly critical following the shutdown of Indian Point in 2021 to prevent replacing its power with fossil fuels.
  3. Clean Air: NYLCV is committed to expediting conversions and retrofits to cleaner, more efficient heating systems, following the recent legislation to phase out No. 4 and No. 6 home heating oil. Furthermore, they will continue their efforts to reduce emissions from power plants and automobiles, focusing on protecting environmental justice communities through targeted interventions.
  4. Electric Vehicles: In their ongoing advocacy, NYLCV will work towards increasing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in municipal fleets, transit systems, and school bus fleets. They will expand the EV charging station network throughout Westchester and ensure that environmental justice communities have equitable access to and benefit from EV technology.

The collaboration between NYLCV and the Environmental Leaders of Color underscores the collective effort required to address the challenges of climate change and promotes a future where environmental justice is accessible to all.

A Great Day In Mount Vernon & Hip-Hop

AJ Woodson
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A Great Day In Mount Vernon & Hip-Hop

In 1958, the Iconic: A Great Day in Harlem photo was taken. It featured some of the most iconic jazz musicians of the day. In 1998, A Great Day in Hip-Hop was shot. It showcased some of the most prominent rappers of the era. On Sunday, October 15th, 2023, at 2 p.m., the Mount Vernon Public Library hosted a seminal event. It’s called “A Great Day in Mount Vernon.”

Community leaders, civil servants, clergy, athletes, celebrities, and students came out and were part of this historic event. Photographer Dennis Manuel of AFROPUNK fame will be leading the photography campaign. This was a day of healing, fellowship, and celebration! It is also the opening event of the Hip-Hop 50 series being produced by the Mount Vernon Library, culminating in its “Beats That Made Hip Hop” function that will be hosted at the library on November 5th.

The event was organized by Curtis Sherrod of Rapacon. All images by Renee Ham Yearwood

Photo bottom right – Mrs. Cora Brown, VP of GMC Entertainment and the wife of Grandmaster Caz (in the Hip Hop 50 shirt), and Gail Hall aka DJ Flame of the Mercedes Ladies. [Renee Ham Yearwood]

Pictures of Curtis Sherrod with MVPL Personnel and Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard [Facebook]

Before the samples, before the remixes, there were the beats that made a trillion-dollar industry called Hip Hop! Join us as we celebrate the 1st generation DJs and the breakbeats that changed the world. Come to the Mount Vernon Public Library, on Sunday, November 5th, from Noon til 9 PM for the Hip-Hop 50 event of the year; The Beats That Made Hip-Hop!

Black Women Deserve Good Healthcare Too By Precious Ferrell

AJ Woodson
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Black Women Deserve Good Healthcare Too By Precious Ferrell

I was recently diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by my OBGYN. For months, I complained to her about the pain that I would have for some months but not have a menstrual cycle. In 2022, I took a visit to my previous OBGYN, and they discovered I had a small fibroid. I disclosed this information to my new OBGYN, but there was no follow-up. The solution? Get back on birth control. Since I was 14 I took my birth control pills every day until I turned 23 and decided to give my body a break. My body responded fairly well until April 2022, when I wasn’t having a cycle at all. This is when everything went downhill.
Two doctors, multiple sonograms, and bloodwork were being done, but it wasn’t until July 2023 that my doctor finally decided to listen to me and send me for a sonogram, one year later. Black women are one of the largest groups of people who experience the worst side of this healthcare system. Black women have the highest mortality rate, coming in at 69.9 per 100,000 live births, which is three times the rate per women (Associated Press Projects). We are disproportionately high in numbers, even though Black women as a whole only make up 7% of the population of the United States. We have discussed not feeling heard or seen at our doctor’s appointments numerous times. Doctors have discussed that they do not serve certain pain medications to us because we are being “dramatic” or our pain levels aren’t as bad as we are making it seem.

So why is it that we are treated as such when we visit doctors? Do our voices not matter? Does our pain not equate to a certain metric of understanding? According to the Center for Disease Control, “in 2021, 1,205 women died of maternal causes in the U.S. compared with 861 in 2020 and 751 in 2019(CDC.gov). Lower to working middle-class Black women do not always have access to healthcare, which can also play a role in why we experience so many disparities. In my case,

I am thankful to be under the age of 26 and still under my mother’s health insurance. Because of this, I have access to certain doctors and streams of decent healthcare (thank you, President Obama). We are not rich, but we have access to doctors and care that other Black women may not have. Most “poor” or “lower class” Black women do not have health insurance or the money to pay for their copayment, which results in them not showing up to receive treatment at all.

So what can we do to fix this? We need a better healthcare system for everyone. In 2023 there should be no one left without health insurance. We need more neighborhood health clinics/centers equipped with doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc. who want to serve and have a passion for helping others. We need a better transit system in poverty-stricken communities so that it isn’t hard to get access to these systems of care. As a social worker, I see on a daily basis how many young girls and women who don’t have access to health care and don’t have a clue on how to get there suffer in silence while they face other challenges in life.

To the doctors and nurses out there, please start listening to your patients the first time around so that we don’t have to keep dealing with these disproportionate rates and issues in our healthcare system. To Black women, don’t give up. Keep advocating for yourself and showing up for yourself. You know your body better than anyone else, so if you don’t feel right, please go see a doctor or even go to urgent care. Be assertive; be the “aggressive Black woman” if needed. You only get one life to live and one temple to take care of. To the world, remember Black women deserve good healthcare too.

Sources: An AP series examining the health disparities experienced by Black Americans across a lifetime, and The Center for Disease Control and Prevention Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2021

Article originally ran in the Septemeber/October 2023 issue of Black Westchester Newspaper

The Facts Of The Arrest & Arraignment of MVPL Trustee Jonathan Davis and The Order of Protection That Followed

AJ Woodson
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The Facts Of The Arrest & Arraignment of MVPL Trustee Jonathan Davis and The Order of Protection That Followed

Since we ran our article reporting Mount Vernon Public Library Trustee Jonathan Michael Davis’ arrest, Mr. Davis responded, categorically denying the charges and allegations. He took to social media to tell people the story was BS and stated that he was not arrested because he wasn’t handcuffed. Mr. Davis and his supporters have written that the aforementioned articles were baseless, without facts, and slander of a trustee.

Since the original article and the responses from Davis et al., here are the facts we have since discovered, including the original violation information, the exact charge, and details on the order of protection that followed. Despite Mr. Davis’ social media defense about not being arrested, an individual cannot be arraigned without being arrested and charged. The very definition of being arrested is; the taking of a person into legal custody, as by the police. On Friday, October 20th, the Mount Vernon Police Department came to Mr. Davis’ home and took him into custody.

So to be clear, MVPL Trustee Jonathan Davis was arrested and charged by the MVPD and, arraigned in Mount Vernon City Court (see document below).

Mr. Davis is charged with one count of violation of Penal Law Section 240.26 – Harassment in the second degree which is a violation.

[Editor Note: The above document also consisted of three witness depositions that we did not include.]

As far as the order of protection, here is what Black Westchester has found out. The order of protection (see photo below) shall remain in force until and including, Sunday, October 20, 2024. The order was served to and signed by Mr. Davis and states that the “defendant,” (another word used by someone who has been arrested) must observe the following conditions of behavior;

  • Stay away from MVPL Trustee and Board President Chanese Coleman, Trustee Delores Mack, and MVPL Director Timal Al-Basil Davis
  • Stay Away from the home of Chanese Coleman, Delores Mack, and Timal Al-Basil Davis
  • Stay Away from the business of Chanese Coleman, Delores Mack, and Timal Al-Basil Davis
  • The place of employment of Chanese Coleman, Delores Mack, and Timal Al-Basil Davis

Mr. Davis must refrain from communications or any contact by mail, telephone, email, voice mail, or other electronic or any other means with Chanese Coleman, Delores Mack, and Timal Al-Basil Davis. This last part means Mr. Davis cannot show up at any board meetings, or even participate via Zoom (which would fall under electronic communication).

The order of protection also states Mr. Davis must refrain from harassing, intimidating, or otherwise interfering with the victim(s) or designated witnesses to allege offense, as well as the family of households of Chanese Coleman, Delores Mack, and Timal Al-Basil Davis

Lastly, the order states Mr. Davis had to surrender any and all handguns, pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, and any other firearms owned or possessed to the Mount Vernon Police Department on Friday, October 20th, by 4:30 PM.

Being arrested and arraigned is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Stay tuned to Black Westchester for more on this developing story!

Angela Johnson – Unfiltered, Unvarnished, Un-bossed

AJ Woodson
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Angela Johnson – Unfiltered, Unvarnished, Un-bossed

The First Lady of Purpose Music Group, songwriter, producer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, Greenburgh’s Angela Johnson, is the first Under The Radar Spotlight artist we think you should all know about. For 17 years, she’s made it look easy: marriage, motherhood, music career, and managing the enviable feat of becoming one of the most consistently sought-after producers and songwriters in independent soul music.

Something magical happens when a woman arrives and stops being afraid of the resonating fullness of her power and the potential impact of her voice. It can take a while for it to happen—decades even. But, when that internal click happens—that freeing moment in her life when she embraces the magnificence of her flawlessly flawed mind, body, and gifts—new levels of inner peace and creativity are achieved and it’s a thing of wonder to behold.

No longer the girl next door or the superwoman who thought she had to be super to be extraordinary, here is Angela Johnson, unfiltered, unvarnished, and definitely un-bossed. The title of her sixth solo album, Naturally Me, says it all.

In the wake of the many senseless deaths of young African-American males nationwide at the hands of the police like Walter Scott, Freddie Gray, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, Anthony Smith, Dario Tena, Eric Garner, Mike Brown, Akai Gurley, and unfortunately, too many others to list them all here, Purpose Music Group’s Angela Johnson sang a ‘Black Boy Lullaby.’

Angela blessed us with her presence and sang her soul-stirring single Black Boy Lullaby—my favorite track—live in the studio on the People Before Politics Radio Show, Episode 37, in December 2016.

Whether at the hands of law enforcement or the hands of other black males, as Marvin Gaye so elegantly sang in 1971, ‘Brother brother, there’s far too many of you dying,’ Black Boys are dying at an alarming rate. Angela’s soulful track is just what the black community needed in these troubled times—an encouraging, inspiring, and uplifting melody that pays tribute to our black boys.

Written, produced, arranged, and sung by Angela, SoulBounce.com describes the ode to African-American young men from her CD, ‘Naturally Me’:

“Black Boy Lullaby” isn’t “your average, run-of-the-mill lullaby,” but it is a clarion call for Black boys to stand tall, be proud, and to not live in fear. Sung from the point of view of a mother writing a letter to her unborn son, Johnson encourages this young king to never let anyone dull his light but to be aware that there are some out there who may harbor ill will toward him for no other reason than the color of his skin. Angela’s impassioned lyrics are punctuated by her soulful delivery, gospel-style harmonies, and a bluesy Hammond organ.

“I’m voicing my opinions about things that I think are wrong in the world today. I’m being more political, talking about what’s affecting my family and community. I’m putting myself out there, even though I’ve been afraid to.

I wanted to talk about things that are relevant but that many people aren’t talking about,” says Johnson.

Angela was ever shy when it came to music, a path she’s always taken seriously. Playing piano by age four, violin by nine, and rocking the church as an organist, choir director, and featured performer by adolescence, she went quickly from teenage Baptist phenom to the high school musical star of such local shows as Godspell. The eldest of four, Johnson’s family encouraged her formative years as an aspiring musician through college and beyond.

Upon enrolling at the State University of New York at Purchase (SUNY) to further her study in violin, Johnson soon met her future Cooly’s Hot Box bandmates and writing partner, Christian Urich. Together, the eclectic soul and acid jazz band landed an all-too-brief deal with Polygram Records, despite a trifecta of international dance hits (“We Don’t Have To Be Alone,” “What A Surprise,” and “Make Me Happy”).

Nonplussed, Johnson and the group inked a subsequent deal with Virgin Records in 2002 and released the band’s critically acclaimed debut, Take It. Leaning in before the concept gained currency, Johnson decided to express her independent artistic vision distinct from Cooly’s and simultaneously recorded her solo debut, They Don’t Know (Purpose), while also contributing to the songwriting and production of Take It. They Don’t Know and its radio hit “Ordinary Things” did what Johnson had done since being that big-voiced child behind the organ keys—distinguish herself as a woman apart.

While she may not be a household name to many, Anglea has anything to prove to anyone; she is the real deal, and I encourage all reading this to check her out.

Purpose Music Group’s Angela Johnson stops by People Before Politics Radio and sings a ‘Black Boy Lullaby,’ December 18, 2016

For more information or to check out her music visit Angela Johnson’s website.

Yonkers Public Library Joins Other Public Libraries in Launching Hip-Hop Art Inspired Library Card

AJ Woodson
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Yonkers Public Library Joins Other Public Libraries in Launching Hip-Hop Art Inspired Library Card

Renowned Artist Maxx Moses Collaborates with Yonkers Public Library to Create Unique Library Card

The Yonkers Public Library is proud to announce its partnership with renowned artist Maxx Moses in launching a one-of-a-kind library card that celebrates the vibrant culture of Hip-Hop art. This exciting initiative aims to engage and inspire the community by promoting both art and literacy. To commemorate this collaboration, the Yonkers Public Library will be hosting a special event on October 26, 2023, at 5:30 PM. The event will take place at the Yonkers Public Library. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Maxx Moses, along with esteemed guest panelists Waah Deen, CEO of Ruff Ryders, and Hip-Hop artist Large Amount.

Under the umbrella of the critically acclaimed book “Yonkers: The Lost City of Hip-Hop” authored by Jerome “RawRome” Enders, this partnership launches an innovative music and entertainment interactive education series. The objective is to provide a platform that engages and educates the public about Hip-Hop culture, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for its contributions to art, music, and creative expression.

Attendees at the event will have the chance to witness the unveiling of the exclusive Hip-Hop-art-inspired library card designed by Maxx Moses. The card reflects the vibrancy, energy, and spirit of Hip-Hop as an art form, infusing it with the values of literacy and learning. “We are thrilled to partner with Maxx Moses and bring this unique library card to our community.” “Hip-Hop has had a significant influence on art, music, and culture, and we are excited to celebrate and showcase it through this collaboration. We believe this card will be a source of inspiration and pride for Yonkers residents.” The event promises to be an inspiring and educational experience for all attendees, featuring engaging discussions about the impact of Hip-Hop on society, as well as its relevance to the local Yonkers community.

“We are honored to be a part of this groundbreaking initiative,” said artist Maxx Moses. “With this library card, we hope to encourage creativity and provide young people with a tangible connection to their culture. We believe that through art and literacy, we can empower individuals to express themselves freely and positively impact their communities.”

The Yonkers Public Library’s Hip-Hop art inspired library card will be available to library members starting Thursday, October 26, 2023. It is an exciting step towards promoting both art and literacy within the community.

MVPL Trustee Jonathan Davis Categorically & Unequivocally Denies All Allegations

AJ Woodson
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MVPL Trustee Jonathan Davis Categorically & Unequivocally Denies All Allegations

Yesterday, we exclusively broke the story about MVPL Trustee Jonathan Michael Davis being arrested for criminal harassment of a female Trustee. A few hours after the story ran, Mr. Davis contacted Black Westchester to tell us he categorically denies the allegations stating it was a plot to kick him off the board because he was the only one calling out the illegal activities of the board. He went on to say that if he actually harassed Trustee Hope Marable why didn’t she press charges and said he wasn’t arrested he was simply given a summons.

“I categorically and unequivocally deny all of those allegations, it’s only a ploy to get me off the board which has been their intention all along. They don’t want me there cause I’m the one person on the board who points out the illegal stuff that they’re trying to do. Instead of voting me off with due process they filed a bogus harassment charge from Chanese [Trustee Coleman], collaborated by Timur (MVPL Director Timur Davis] that has no basis in fact. You will notice that Hope [Trustee Marable] did not file a complaint against me, because there were many people that definitely will not collaborate the scenario that she [Trustee Marable] tries to present…”

Below, you can listen to our entire conversation and hear Mr. Davis very passionately tell his side of the story in his own words.

Since Mr. Davis mentioned Trustee Marable in his statement, we contacted her about her not pressing charges as he stated. Her response contradicts Mr. Davis’ statement.

“I didn’t press charges because the Library Director made the decision to withdraw Mr. Davis’s Library privileges for a period not to exceed 120 days, I figured that would have been enough time for Mr. Davis to have reconsidered his unhinged behavior; sadly, that has not been the case,” Trustee Marable shared with Black Westchester.

Even before I could post Trustee Davis’ response, he texted an hour later

“I was not arrested. I was issued a violation slightly higher than a traffic ticket. No handcuffs, allowed to leave on my own. No bail. Gives you some idea as to how seriously the police took it. There is no truth to these scurrilous allegations. Instead, it is an obvious ploy to accomplish illegally what they couldn’t do legally, i.e., remove me from the board. The alleged harassment supposedly took place on September 20th, but charges were only filed Thursday [October 19th] after they failed to bar me from the Board meeting [on] Wednesday. Then, rather than allow me to speak during public expression, they hastily adjourned the meeting without conducting any library business. They would have you believe that with three MVPD officers in the room and other witnesses, I rushed with clenched fist hurling expletives, and followed her for 20 feet. No police report corroborated this account. I look forward to vindicating myself, but in the meantime, I must endure the embarrassment of these slanderous accusations. One of the accusers [Board President Coleman] was like a daughter to me. People will believe what they want, but weigh the credibility of the parties. I feel sorry for them. The truth, however, will come to light. God is Great!”

When asked, Trustee Marable said she fully supports Trustee Coleman

“I am in full support of President Chanese Coleman’s decision to seek relief by way of our justice system” When asked if she had any words for Trustee Jonathan M. Davis, she repeated her earlier quote: “Only that I wish him well”.

Despite the fact that Mr. Davis responded on Facebook that our story was BS and not factual, calling our credibility into question, Black Westchester shares all of his replies to our original story in full. Mr. Davis sent one last text.

“I trust my response gets comparable exposure in your paper. Use your investigative skills, and the truth will smack you in the face!”

Mr. Davis, your entire statement and follow-up text are shared, and the public can judge for themselves. We will continue to use our investigative skills, and follow this story wherever it goes, and report the outcome.

As with many stories in Mount Vernon, you have to peel many layers of the onion to get anywhere near the truth. Mr. Davis made allegations of illegal activities by the board but offered nothing to substantiate his claims, doing exactly what he alleges his accusers are doing to him, but the truth will come out either way; it always does. We have reported all sides of this story and will allow you, the reader, to be the judge of what is true and what is not.

Stay Tuned to Black Westchester for more on this developing story, we are quite sure this will not be the last you hear or read about this!

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