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The Role of Faith-Based Worship Attendance and Marital Status in Upward Mobility for Black Men

DAMON K JONES
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The Role of Faith-Based Worship Attendance and Marital Status in Upward Mobility for Black Men

Pursuing upward mobility is a universal aspiration in a world characterized by socioeconomic disparities and challenges. However, for Black men in the United States, this journey is often fraught with obstacles that require multifaceted strategies and support systems. Research sheds light on the significance of two key factors that play a crucial role in the upward mobility of Black men: regular house of worship attendance and marital status. This article delves into the findings of these studies, highlighting the positive impact of attending house of worship services and maintaining a stable marital status on the economic prospects of black men.

The Path to Upward Mobility

Upward mobility, defined as improving one’s economic and social standing over time, is a complex and challenging journey for many individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. For Black men, historical and structural barriers have often impeded their progress, making the pursuit of economic success a daunting task. However, recent research has unveiled two significant factors that can contribute to breaking down these barriers and facilitating upward mobility: church attendance and marital status.

Regular House of Worship Attendance and Upward Mobility

Regular attendance of houses of worship has long been a cornerstone of Black communities, serving as a place of spiritual nourishment, social support, and empowerment. Recent studies have shown that this tradition holds a powerful key to upward mobility for black men. The data reveals a strong correlation between church attendance at a young age and reaching the middle class or higher in their fifties.

According to research, 53% of black men who attended church services as young men successfully achieved middle-class status or higher in their fifties. In contrast, only 43% of those who did not attend church services reached a similar level of economic stability. These findings underscore the importance of faith-based communities and their role in nurturing values, resilience, and social networks that can aid in overcoming economic challenges.

One potential explanation for this phenomenon is the social and moral values instilled within faith-based communities. Regular attendees of houses of worship often develop a strong sense of personal agency and resilience, traits that are instrumental in navigating the complexities of upward mobility. Additionally, the supportive networks formed within church congregations can provide valuable resources, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement.

Marital Status and Economic Status

Another crucial aspect of upward mobility for Black men is their marital status. Research demonstrates a strong association between marital status and economic outcomes at midlife. Marital stability plays a significant role in determining the economic prospects of black men, with profound implications for their ability to reach the middle class.

Approximately 70% of married Black men are middle class by midlife. This is a stark contrast to only 20% of never-married Black men and 44% of divorced Black men who achieve a similar economic status. These statistics underscore marriage’s critical role in providing economic stability and support for Black men on their path to upward mobility.

The reasons behind these disparities are multifaceted. Marriage often brings financial benefits through shared expenses, dual incomes, and the potential for wealth accumulation over time. Furthermore, stable marriages can provide emotional support, enhancing an individual’s ability to pursue career opportunities, invest in education, and make long-term financial decisions.

The Intersection of Church Attendance and Marital Status

Interestingly, the impact of church attendance and marital status on upward mobility is even more pronounced when these two factors intersect. Black men who attend church regularly and are married have a higher likelihood of achieving middle-class status or higher in their fifties compared to those who do not attend church and are not married.

This intersection highlights the synergy between faith-based communities and family structures. Church communities often prioritize strong family bonds and provide a supportive environment for married couples. These dual sources of support can create a robust foundation for black men striving to improve their economic status.

The Black Faith Experience Promotes Black Love with Black Women

An analysis of census data conducted by Toldson and Marks reveals that a significant majority of economically successful Black men maintain relationships with Black women, which is often attributed to their regular attendance at houses of faith.

In fact, the data shows that 83% of married Black men who earn an annual income of at least $100,000 choose to marry Black women. This pattern extends beyond income levels and holds true for educated Black men from all income backgrounds. An impressive 85% of Black male college graduates opt for Black women as their life partners regardless of their income. In general, a striking 88% of married Black men, irrespective of their income or educational history, have Black wives.

These statistics challenge the notion that interracial marriage is solely responsible for the perception of Black women being left without suitable partners. The data underscores that, for the vast majority of successful Black men, commitment to Black women remains solid and consistent, countering the stereotype of abandonment. Regularly attending houses of faith is often cited as a contributing factor in preserving these connections within the Black community.

Policy Implications

The findings regarding the importance of church attendance and marital status in black men’s upward mobility carry significant policy implications. It is crucial for policymakers and community leaders to recognize the potential of faith-based organizations and marriage support programs in promoting economic empowerment for black men.

  1. Promoting Houses of Faith Attendance: Encouraging young Black men to attend church services can be a valuable strategy for fostering personal agency, social support, and resilience. Government initiatives, community partnerships, and youth programs can help facilitate access to faith-based communities.
  2. Strengthening Marriage Support: Programs that offer marital counseling, relationship education, and support for Black couples can contribute to more stable marriages. Promoting healthy relationships within the Black community can profoundly impact economic outcomes.
  3. Intersectional Approaches: Recognizing the synergy between church attendance and marital status, it is essential to develop intersectional strategies that target both factors simultaneously. Combining faith-based community engagement with marriage support programs can maximize their effectiveness.
  4. Education and Skill Development: While church attendance and marriage are essential, education and skill development remain crucial for black men’s upward mobility. Initiatives that provide access to quality education, vocational training, and job opportunities should complement efforts to strengthen faith and family ties.

Achieving upward mobility for Black men in the United States is a complex and multifaceted challenge. Yet, recent research underscores the crucial influence of two key factors, regular church attendance and marital status, shedding light on the pathways to economic success. For Black men seeking success, attending Sunday service may be more beneficial than indulging in Sunday brunch.

The research shows that Black men who regularly attend houses of worship services and maintain stable marriages are significantly more likely to attain middle-class status or higher when they reach their fifties. This shift in economic outcomes represents a promising step toward dismantling historical barriers that have long impeded their progress.

Recognizing the importance of these factors, policymakers and community leaders have a unique opportunity to implement targeted programs designed to enhance the appeal of attending houses of worship for Black men. These initiatives aim to establish a supportive environment that fosters the holistic development of Black men and promotes healthy marriages within the Black community. By pursuing these actions, they can play an active role in shaping a more promising and prosperous future for Black men and their families, ultimately advancing the cause of more significant equity and social justice within society as a whole.

Exploring the True Significance of a Free Press in the Age of Content Removal on Social Media Platforms

DAMON K JONES
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Exploring the True Significance of a Free Press in the Age of Content Removal on Social Media Platforms

Recently, a seemingly innocuous TikTok post by a user named “_monix2” triggered a discussion about the concept of a free press and the dissemination of information in the digital era. “_monix2” shared excerpts from Osama bin Laden’s “Letter to America,” a document in which the late terrorist leader justified the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States based on its support for Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories. Despite “_monix2” having just 371 followers, her video set off a chain reaction that exposed the complex dynamics of today’s information landscape.

On TikTok, the video gained moderate attention, with the hashtag #lettertoamerica reaching around 2 million views, which, while substantial, was relatively low for a platform boasting 150 million accounts in the United States alone. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when journalist Yashar Ali compiled these TikTok videos and shared them on Twitter. His post quickly garnered over 28 million views, and TikTok’s announcement of the ban on the hashtag and related variations only fueled the fire, with more than 15 million views on TikTok videos bearing the same tag.

This unfolding situation highlights the challenges and complexities of the modern social media landscape. Young users, many born after the 9/11 attacks, utilize fast-paced platforms designed for virality, sometimes regardless of the content’s nature.

However, attempts to suppress such information can backfire, as the removal of the bin Laden letter from The Guardian led some TikTok users to view it as proof of its importance, thus further amplifying its reach.

The videos sparked discussions among TikTok users, with some expressing surprise at the content of the bin Laden letter and questioning their previous understanding of American involvement worldwide. However, the focus was primarily on bin Laden’s criticism of American foreign policy regarding the Palestinian issue, with fewer mentions of the letter’s more extreme views on Western “immorality and debauchery.”

It’s not surprising that many people of color questioned the historical involvement of the United States, and some young individuals said that the letter clarified why the U.S. has appeared passive in recent times, allowing numerous casualties to occur in Gaza.

Other critics pointed out bin Laden’s history of promoting antisemitism, sexism, and violence, reminding viewers of the atrocities associated with his ideology. Still, some TikTok creators who shared the letter claimed they did so for educational purposes, emphasizing that they did not endorse terrorism or violence.

The situation also raised broader concerns about content moderation on TikTok, with some accusing the platform of bias in favor of pro-Palestinian content. In response, TikTok faced pressure to crack down on antisemitic content.

However, it’s worth noting that the discussion about the “Letter to America” did not originate solely on TikTok. Google search data revealed that interest in the “bin Laden letter” began to grow days before it became a TikTok topic. Moreover, discussions about the letter extended to other social media platforms, including Instagram and X.

The Guardian, which initially published an English translation of the letter in 2002, removed it from its website, sparking criticism from some TikTok users who accused the newspaper of censorship. The Guardian stated that the removal was due to the letter being widely shared on social media without sufficient context.

In retrospect, this situation underscores the challenges media outlets face in the digital age. The Guardian found itself in a “no-win scenario” once interest in the bin Laden letter surged. On the one hand, not removing the content risks its dissemination outside the intended context, as they claim. On the other hand, removal prompted accusations of censorship because many younger people have seen the letter and compared it to what is going on right now, in their time, and what the news plays 24 hours of a war in Gaza.

In conclusion, the saga of the “Letter to America” on TikTok and other social media platforms highlights the intricate interplay between free expression, content moderation, and the power of viral content in today’s digital landscape.

Zbigniew Brzezinski once said, “In early times, it was easier to control a million people than to kill a million. Today, it is infinitely easier to kill a million people than to control a million.”

It serves as a reminder that the dissemination of information in the age of social media is a complex and evolving challenge, where the boundaries between free speech have a global effect.

AKA’s Host Sold Out Fundraiser And Raise Over $32K In Donations

AJ Woodson
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AKA’s Host Sold Out Fundraiser And Raise Over $32K In Donations

Zeta Nu Omega Chapter, the oldest Westchester County chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the ZNO Community Service Fund, Inc. hosted their annual fundraiser on Saturday, November 4th, at Greentree Country Club, where they raised over $32,000 in donations.

Themed “Casino Royale Sneaker Ball,” the event was focused on raising funds towards scholarships for local high school and college students and helping to support the various community service efforts the chapter completes in the Westchester County area, which include enhancing our environment, fighting food insecurity and childhood hunger, mental health awareness, voter education, financial wellness and more. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson also attended the event which had nearly 400 attendees.

Zeta Nu Omega Chapter President Dr. Karen A. Williams poses with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson [Black Westchester]

Dr. Karen A. Williams is the president of the Zeta Nu Omega Chapter, Joanne Askew is the president of the ZNO Community Service Fund, Inc.; and the event co-chairs were Jamie Ralliford and Stephanie DeVane.

Over the years, the Zeta Nu Omega Chapter and the ZNO Community Service Fund, Inc. have donated over $800,000 in college scholarships to local students.

Common Justice Hosts Victim Compensation Press Conference With Time Running Out for Hochul’s Signature

AJ Woodson
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Common Justice Hosts Victim Compensation Press Conference With Time Running Out for Hochul’s Signature

Broad coalition of City Council members and crime survivors show support for bi-partisan FAVC Act

New York, NY (Wednesday, November 15th) – Tomorrow, Common Justice will host a press conference with leaders of the New York City Council and coalition supporters at Foley Square to call for Governor Hochul’s signature on the Fair Access to Victim Compensation bill. The legislation has broad support from elected officials, families impacted by violence, and victim services providers and advocates, and has been awaiting Governor Hochul’s signature for six months after it passed unanimously in the NYS Senate and with wide bi-partisan support in the NYS Assembly.

Calls for the legislation’s passage are rising after the closeout of a 12-week-long campaign from the Governor’s office to raise awareness of the current victim compensation system, which provides state funding for crime victims to reimburse the costs of recovery. The campaign neglected to address the ongoing obstacles faced by survivors of violence, such as short application windows and mandatory police reporting requirements that make it more difficult for them to prove they were harmed and access life-changing funding to help heal from their trauma and rebuild their lives.

Black and Brown New Yorkers are more likely to become survivors of violence or have loved ones affected by it but they are less likely to receive compensation. 31.6% of all claims come from Black victims, but they represent half of the denials. From 2010 to 2015, only 10% of eligible survivors accessed services. 

With the deadline to sign FAVC coming at the end of the year, activists, electeds, and survivors are calling on Governor Hochul to show up for survivors and swiftly pass this legislation.

Who:

  • Danielle Sered, Founder and Executive Director, Common Justice
  • NYC Councilmember Tiffany Cabaìn
  • NYC Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse
  • Oresa Napper-Williams, Founder and Executive Director of Not Another Child Inc.
  • Michael Polenberg, Vice President, Government Affairs, Safe Horizons
  • Crime survivors and victims’ families, local elected officials, members of the statewide FAVC coalition

Where: 

Foley Square

Lafayette Street Worth Street, Centre St, New York, NY 10013

When:

Thursday, November 16th, 2023

Press arrival: 12:15pm

Press Conference: 12:30pm

About Common Justice

Common Justice develops and advances solutions to violence that transform the lives of those harmed and foster racial equity without relying on incarceration. In New York City, the organization operates one of the first alternative-to-incarceration and victim service program in the United States that focuses on violent felonies in the adult courts.

Common Justice’s policy and organizing work seeks to build power in Black and brown communities that have been disproportionately impacted by violence. Our work uplifts and centers the needs of survivors of violence, as well as those who have been adversely impacted by violence, including interpersonal, community and state violence.


To learn more, visit commonjustice.org..

Gwen Carr Joins Coalition Urging Sen. Schumer to Halt Biden’s Menthol Ban

DAMON K JONES
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Gwen Carr Joins Coalition Urging Sen. Schumer to Halt Biden’s Menthol Ban

Ban Expected to Have Far-reaching Consequences; Westchester County Executive Voices Concerns

New York, NY – November 14, 2023 – In a powerful demonstration of unity, Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner and founder of the E.R.I.C. Initiative Foundation, will stand alongside law enforcement veterans, labor unions, business leaders, and other prominent figures, demanding that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer intervene to stop the Biden Administration’s impending menthol cigarette ban. The ban, expected to be finalized by the FDA within weeks, is set to become the most extensive prohibition of a legal adult product in modern history, with ramifications that extend well beyond the scope of its intended goal.

Ms. Carr penned a letter to Senator Schumer on November 9, imploring him to reconsider his stance on the menthol ban. The group argues that the ban, while well-intentioned, will lead to unintended consequences, including negative impacts on businesses, harm to communities of color, and the potential for the menthol cigarette market, valued at $30 billion, to fall into the hands of organized crime. This, in turn, is predicted to result in financial hardships for legitimate businesses and layoffs as their revenues plummet. Additionally, enforcing this prohibition will burden the nation’s already stretched law enforcement agencies.

One alarming concern raised by the coalition is that the menthol ban may have the same racial profiling implications as the controversial “stop-and-frisk” policy, potentially leading to more negative interactions between police and communities of color. In a state like New York, already home to the nation’s largest illicit tobacco market, the prohibition is expected to cause hundreds of millions in lost tax revenue and an increase in violent crime, as reported in a recent POLITICO story. Despite these concerns, Senator Schumer has remained notably silent on this issue, despite its imminent finalization.

In December 2022, Westchester County Executive George Latimer vetoed a proposed menthol ban by the county’s legislators. His decision came as a response to concerns regarding the possible unintended ramifications of the policy. Latimer emphasized that the rates of smoking had decreased overall and expressed apprehensions regarding the potential economic and law enforcement consequences that could arise from implementing such a ban.

It is noteworthy that Westchester County is situated within Senator Chuck Schumer’s district. As a result, the question remains whether Senator Schumer will align his stance with the expressed wishes and concerns of the people within his district regarding the menthol ban issue.

.

Participants include:

  • Rev. Malcolm Byrd, Senior Pastor Mother of A.M.E Zion in Harlem
  • Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner, member of Mothers of the Movement, Founder of E.R.I.C. Initiative Foundation
  • Edgar Domenech, 117th Sheriff of New York City, COO of the ATF (Ret.)
  • Rev. Johnnie Green, Senior Pastor of Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem, NY, President/CEO of MPAC-NY
  • Damon Jones, activist and publisher, representative of Blacks in Law Enforcement of America
  • Deputy Inspector Corey Pegues, NYPD (Ret.), author, motivational speaker, community leader, and national policing expert
  • David Schwartz, New York Association of Wholesalers and Distributors
  • Mike Smith, President of Local 810, International Brotherhood of Teamsters
  • Kent Sopris, President of the New York Association of Convenience Stores

The coalition aims to shed light on the potential consequences of the menthol ban and urge Senator Schumer to take action to protect the interests of businesses, communities, and law enforcement agencies nationwide. The concerns Westchester County Executive George Latimer voiced with his veto of the county bill further highlight the need to carefully reconsider the ban’s implications.

Priscilla Edmunds’ 100 Birthday Celebration

AJ Woodson
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Priscilla Edmunds’ 100 Birthday Celebration

“People want to know my secret; you have to have a relationship with God
and pray through it all,” Priscilla Edmunds shared with the crowd.

Over 100 plus people came out to celebrate the 100th Birthday Celebration of Priscilla Edmunds at Macedonia Baptist Church, located at 141 South 9th Avenue in Mount Vernon, on Saturday, September 2nd.

It was a great event with Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, former Mayor Ernie Davis, Council President Danielle Browne, and others — each praising Ms. Priscilla Edmunds’ long and distinguished service. Dennis Hanratty, the Executive Director of the Mount Vernon United Tenants (MVUT) served as Emcee of the event. And then on her birthday on Monday, they had her magnified picture on the electronic scoreboard at Mount Vernon’s newly rehabilitated Memorial Field. All-in-all a well-deserved recognition.

On Thursday, July 27, MVUT and tenants organized a major meeting in the Macedonia Towers (150 South Fifth Avenue). The leading tenant organizers were Shawna Holmes and Priscilla Edmunds. Priscilla Edmunds was instrumental in the planning for this meeting; at the time of the planning and the meeting, she was weeks away from her 100th birthday! This is just one of many examples of Ms. Edmunds’ decades of distinguished service and selflessness.

“They just won’t let me retire,” she joked.

“Wishing an amazing Happy Birthday to Ms. Priscilla Edmunds who is 100 Years Young today. Ms. Priscilla is VERY ACTIVE, and continues to volunteer at food pantry giveaways, and serves as a housing advocate. Her mind is clear and her movements brisk. She is an active member of Macedonia Baptist Church and Church Women United. With Long Life Will I Satisfy You!,” Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard (SPH) shared.

Mayor SPH used her White House connections to facilitate a citation from President Biden to Ms. Edmunds. “We may not all be famous, but we can all be great.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Ms. Priscilla Edmunds is the epitome of grace, resilience, and service. On the occasion of her 100th birthday, we don’t just celebrate her age; we celebrate a century of invaluable contributions, unflagging leadership, and boundless compassion. Ms. Edmunds has shown us all what it means to truly ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Her lifetime of action speaks volumes, and we are profoundly grateful for her enduring legacy,” Mount Vernon Council President Danielle Brown shared with BW.

“Blessings & Honor to this lovely, vibrant 100 year old…Priscilla Edmunds. She is the spice of life!! We salute you,” Judy Williams Davis shared.

This joyous event was organized by Church Women United, Mount Vernon New York Unit, and co-sponsored by Friends of Macedonia Towers, Macedonia Baptist Church, and the Family of Mrs. Priscilla Edmunds.

Black Westchester salutes Sis. Priscilla Edmund, who turned 100 years old on Monday, September 4, 2023. We are honored and blessed to give one of Mount Vernon’s oldest living residents her flowers while she is still with us to smell them. Happy 100th Birthday Ms. Priscilla Edmunds! A Great Centenarian! You are truly a Black Westchester Living Legend!

County Responds To Correction Union Rally

AJ Woodson
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0
County Responds To Correction Union Rally

On Monday, November 13, at 2:00 pm, County Executive George Latimer addressed COBA after the corrections union protested in front of the county offices at 148 Martine Avenue early in the day.

Black Westchester has been exclusively covering this story from the beginning. Let’s take a look at how we got here. On Thursday, November 2nd, Damon K. Jones, Publisher of Black Westchester, and the New York representative of Blacks in Law Enforcement of America (BLEA), expressed his concerns publicly regarding a recent proposal made by Westchester County to the Westchester Corrections Officers Benevolent Association (COBA), as stated by COBA’s President, Neil Pellone, in his November 1st letter to the COBA members.

According to Pellone, the County had approached COBA with a contract settlement plan, acknowledging the collective efforts of COBA members on social media and with the support of local legislators. The proposed contract would cover the years 2020 and 2021, a two-year contract for a combined 6% despite the fact that COs went 4 years without a contract.

Deputy County Executive (DCE) Ken Jenkins reached out to Damon and vehemently denied that the County had made such an offer and the County issued a statement of their own in response. There were claims of misinformation, with both sides telling a different story, which led to our third installment by Damon K Jones detailing the challenges and controversies in the 2023 Westchester County and COBA contract negotiations.

That brings us to the Monday, November 13th rally & protest in front of the county building.

Despite Public Objections, Panel Recommends Weakest Police Review Board

AJ Woodson
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Despite Public Objections, Panel Recommends Weakest Police Review Board

Issue now goes to City Council, where public comment is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14

After hearing a number of residents again demand an independent police review board with the power to investigate civilian complaints about police misconduct, New Rochelle’s Community-Police Partnership Board (CPPB) voted on November 3 to recommend a board empowered only to review police investigations of themselves in response to citizen complaints.  

The issue now goes to the City Council, which will hold its next meeting (and a 7:00pm Citizens To Be Heard session) on Tuesday, November 14. Three of the seven members of the current City Council will be replaced in January based on the elections held on Tuesday, November 7.

The CPPB adopted the recommendation of CGR, a consulting firm hired earlier this year, to create a “review-focused” Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), rather than the “investigation-focused” board demanded by the community.  CGR’s report acknowledged that a review model would have “limited power to determine police misconduct outcomes,” and a CCRB with investigative powers would better address “community stakeholder concerns about potential police bias…in the review process.”  But CGR recommended a review model, explaining that it wished to “balance the community’s desire for an independent body…with the administration’s concerns about cost and broad powers.”

Interviews described in the CGR report showed that community members characterized community/police relations as “mediocre or needing improvement, while NRPD members said their relationship with city residents was “good to great.”  Community stakeholders told CGR they felt that “an independent and unbiased group should be available to address police complaints” with “real authority and official capacity to influence change.”  Most NRPD leaders, on the other hand, told CGR they “did not see the need for a CCRB” and believed that the current review process was sufficient.  

The CGR report and CPPB vote came 18 months after a deadline imposed by the City Council when it passed its police reform plan in March 2021.  In a statement by Lisa Burton, read by Lourdes Font, Burton objected to “the deliberate slow-walking of this process” and described the proposed review-only CCRB as “watered down.”  “The African American community in New Rochelle has been shaken by violence,” Burton wrote, “yet the level of urgency is missing.”

Aisha Cook, Vice President of the New Rochelle NAACP, referenced the killing of Jarrell Garris by NRPD Detective Steven Conn on July 3—the second killing of a Black man by the NRPD in the past three years.  “If our goal is to increase transparency and trust between the community and the membership Police Department,” she said, “more oversight, not less, is needed.”

Martin Sanchez, an attorney and the son and grandson of police officers, called the CGR recommendations “a very sad testament to a do-nothing organization.”  Noting the lack of public awareness of New Rochelle’s police reform efforts, particularly in the Latinx community, Sanchez said, “We have to be transparent.  But more importantly, we have to be vigilant.  You have to have a sense of urgency.  I see none of that from anyone here on the platform.”

Dr. Carla Woolbright, former president of the New Rochelle NAACP, said, “There’s no way that we should have a Civilian Complaint Review Board with no authority to do anything but listen to the complaint. We should have our civilians involved that are also part of the investigation process that have access to those investigative records.  If we want to build trust between the police and our community, we have to have an open process with people in the community involved that the community trusts….It shouldn’t be the police policing themselves.”

Rodney Bynum, a cousin of Jarrell Garris, noted the failure of the NRPD to discipline the officer who killed his cousin on July 3,2023, and the two-year delay in dismissing Detective Michael Vaccaro, who was caught on video punching and kicking Malik Fogg, another Black man, while Vaccaro was off-duty in 2021.  Asking, “You can’t have a review board with enough oversight because that’s going to affect your budget?” he continued, “How does having officers that are on paid leave affect your budget?  How does having officers that are being sued for their actions affect your budget?  That’s not your budget. That’s our budget. We’re the taxpayers. You work for us. We don’t work for you. But you’re conducting yourselves like you’re working for yourselves.“

Alprentice McCutchen, a teacher at New Rochelle High School, speaking as a parent and educator, expressed concern about “the crisis of interaction … between the youth and institutions within this community” and called for “an authentic Board to let them know that if they ever have a complaint, they know that action can be taken,…that it’s not just a performative set of steps, it’s not just a perfunctory set of steps, it’s something that’s actually going to happen.”

Bruce Soloway, a member of New Rochelle Against Racism (New RoAR), called the CGR report “a betrayal of the people of New Rochelle” and a “sham.”  “How much money is too much to save another Black life?” he asked.  “How much accountability is too much accountability?  The City Council did not create the CPPB and mandate the creation of a CCRB to appease the fears of the police or to balance the city budget.  It did so to save lives and improve the safety and quality of life of the people of New Rochelle.”

In conclusion, Deputy Police Commissioner and CPPB Co-Chair Neil Reynolds, speaking only for himself, discussed “facts and feelings.”  “Facts can inform feelings, and feelings certainly can inform facts,” he said.  “Each of us has views created by our own lived experiences…. Either-or only continues to divide us and cause further conflict. We cannot continue to disregard a fact or a feeling in favor of the other. We have to accept that both can and do exist simultaneously.  If we stop talking past each other and stop invalidating each other’s facts and feelings, we will realize that we agree on more than we disagree on when we listen, speak, work, and engage with each other.”

Reynolds then called for a vote, and the CPPB approved the CGR vote by a vote of 10-3.  Two present and one former police officer on the board voted “no”, apparently opposing the creation of any review board at all.  

Westchester COBA Hold Rally At County Bldg To Protest Soaring Cost Of Health Care

AJ Woodson
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0
Westchester COBA Hold Rally At County Bldg To Protest Soaring Cost Of Health Care

“Union Warns Rising Medical Costs And Increase Employee Health Insurance Contributions Are Unsustainable And Will Result In Mass Exodus Of Correction Officers, Jeopardizing Current Staffing Levels And Jail Safety,” – COBA President Neil Pellone.

Westchester COBA, the union representing all Correction Officers who provide care, custody, and control over approximately 2,300 inmates (annually) at the Westchester County Jail, held a demonstration at the Westchester County Office Building to protest rising medical costs and increased health insurance contributions on Monday, November 13th, at 12:00 PM.

Westchester COBA President Neil Pellone joined by members of his executive board, over 100 Westchester Correction Officers, as well as members of Nassau, Rockland County, and NYC Corrections and the NYPD, gathered at the county building (148 Martine Avenue) to protest the fact that their raises have not kept up with their contributions for health insurance coverage. Health insurance coverage contributions for a single correction officer have ballooned from $1,750 in 2014 to $2,483 in 2023, while family health insurance contributions have soared from $4,600 in 2014 to $6,548 in 2023, according to a press release by President Pellone.

“Fix our medical. What do we want? Fair Contracts. When do we want it? Now!” was the chant from the correction officers.

Black Westchester has been exclusively covering this story from the beginning. Let’s take a look at how we got here. On Thursday, November 2nd, Damon K. Jones, Publisher of Black Westchester, and the New York representative of Blacks in Law Enforcement of America (BLEA), expressed his concerns publicly regarding a recent proposal made by Westchester County to the Westchester Corrections Officers Benevolent Association (COBA), as stated by COBA’s President, Neil Pellone, in his November 1st letter to the COBA members.

According to Pellone, the County had approached COBA with a contract settlement plan, acknowledging the collective efforts of COBA members on social media and with the support of local legislators. The proposed contract would cover the years 2020 and 2021, a two-year contract for a combined 6% despite the fact that COs went 4 years without a contract.

Deputy County Executive (DCE) Ken Jenkins reached out to Damon and vehemently denied that the County had made such an offer and the County issued a statement of their own in response. There were claims of misinformation, with both sides telling a different story, which led to our third installment by Damon K Jones detailing the challenges and controversies in the 2023 Westchester County and COBA contract negotiations.

That brings us to the Monday, November 13th rally, protesting in front of the county building. BW reached out to the county who informed us they would be responding in a press conference at 2PM.

Stay tuned for more on this developing story!

The Beats The Made Hip-Hop @ MVPL

AJ Woodson
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2
The Beats The Made Hip-Hop @ MVPL

Before the samples, before the remixes, there were the beats that made a trillion-dollar industry called Hip-Hop! On Sunday, November 5, 2023, Hip-Hop pioneers, fans, and purest as well as many Mount Vernonites gathered at The Mount Vernon Public Library located at 20 South First Avenue, for a 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop celebration, featuring the 1st generation of DJs and the breakbeats that changed the world.

The afternoon started off with an informative and powerful panel discussion titled “The Beats That Made Hip-Hop” featuring legendary Hip-Hop DJs Grand Wizard Theodore, Grand Mixer DXT, DJ Flame, DJ Mark C of the legendary Collins Brothers, DJ Tony Tone of the Cold Crush Brothers, ScratchMasta Jazzy G and DJ Rockin’ Rob hosted by GrandMaster Caz who treated the crowd with a brief but dope freestyle and is one of the people who provided the foundation for the culture and personally the emcee that made me want to pick up the mic and rock the crowd.

“The music, the breaks, the beats, the foundation of Hip-Hop. the music provided a platform for the dance and for everything else to happen, so there is no party without no music,” Caz told News 12’s Jade Nash who was giving a listen in scratch records during the program, by Kurtis “Baybe KLD” Lee.

Then you had DJ CON, an unending DJ Merry-Go-Round hosted by Kev Lawrence, with Grand Wizard Theodore-the inventor of the scratch, Tri-State Jericko-The Voice of Westchester, and a really special display in turntablism from DJ Supreme, the Grandmaster.

Followed by a live taping of Video Music Box hosted by “Uncle” Ralph McDaniels and co-hosted by Monet Helene, and then a Concert After-Party and The People Before Politics Radio Show.

This incredible event was coordinated by Curtis Sherrod, “Many hip-hop legends were made in Mount Vernon.” It’s another reason why Sherrod said the library wanted to host the program. “From Heavy D, Pete Rock, CL Smooth, to the Collins Brothers,” Sherrod said.

This is the second event by Sherrod. On Sunday, October 15th, 2023, at 2 p.m., he coordinated with the Mount Vernon Public Library on a seminal event. It’s called “A Great Day in Mount Vernon.”

All the photos below were taken by Renee Ham Yearwood.

News 12’s Jade Nash on the scratch at MVPL’s The Beats That Made Hip-Hop” event, Sunday, November 5, 2023 [Renee Ham Yearwood]
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