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Infinite Henry: The 22-Year-Old She-EO Making Herstory

Dennis Richmond Jr
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Infinite Henry: The 22-Year-Old She-EO Making Herstory

At just 22 years old, Infinite Henry is a salon owner in New Rochelle, NY.

When asked who she is, Infinite Henry (@Envy_Infinite) describes herself as an entrepreneur. With thousands of friends and followers across social media, she comes off as a social butterfly. Infinite is outgoing, hard-working, and well-rounded. I had the privilege of interviewing her a few weeks ago, during Women’s History Month. When asked why she works so hard, she told me simply, “I want more for myself… for the lifestyle that I want to live.”

A young woman who celebrated her 22nd birthday on February 13th, Infinite is the daughter of Jamaican parents. Her family decided to settle in Westchester County. Born and raised in Westchester, Infinite attended high school in Yonkers. She began to explore New York upon turning 16 years old and working her first job. “That’s when I started to go outside,” she said. Infinite was never afraid of hard work. As a teenager, she worked multiple jobs across the Cross County Shopping Center in Yonkers.

After graduating from high school, purchasing a car, and driving 8 hours upstate for college, Infinite was ready to spread her wings. As a young woman who took out $10,000 in loans, a friend suggested selling hair as a way for her to make money. People always complimented her hair when she was in Buffalo. Infinite embraces support and love, and she knows how to tune out naysayers and drama. She’s too focused on her career and her future goals to worry about negative energy.

She began selling hair in Buffalo, New York and she was a hit! With a logo and ambition, she decided to become a hairdresser. Hesitant at first, too many people would buy her hair and then need someone to install it, for Infinite to pass up the opportunity. People would say, “Who’s supposed to put it in for us,” she told me. Infinite began to perfect her craft. With wigs selling for over $500 and with house visits raking in hundreds of dollars, Infinite took the next logical step. “Buying a suite for her business.”

After searching Westchester far and wide, it was Main Street in New Rochelle, that Infinite decided to open her business. She’s looking to hire close to a dozen people for her business. All of this, and she’s in school for occupational therapy.

Forever Hair Salon is opening next month, and I’ll be there to cover the story. Stay tuned!”

Address: 985 Main Street, New Rochelle
Tel: (914) 685-3145 – IG: forever.hair.by.infinite/
Mon-Sat 11 am-7 pm, Closed Sundays

The Greenburgh Housing Relocation Crisis Update

AJ Woodson
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The Greenburgh Housing Relocation Crisis Update

A special edition of Black Westchester presents the People Before Politics. Friday, March 19, 2021, hosted by AJ Woodson and Robert ‘Dr. Bob’ Baskerville. We held a forum to open up dialogue to try to bring out some solutions. We invited the Chairman of GHA’s Board Bishop Wilbert Preston – who says the letter by Greenburgh Housing Authority’s Federal Sites Commissioner Renee Robinson was misleading – Town of Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner, Executive Director of Greenburgh /Ceo Greenburgh Housing Authority, Raju Abraham (who did not appear on the show), Greenburgh Housing Authority’s Federal Sites Commissioner Renee Robinson, Former Greenburgh Housing Authority State Site Commissioner Clifford Abramson (who did not appear on the show), Town Supervisor Candidate Tasha Young (who has been advocating for those relocated) and a few others including one senior, Mrs. Lorraine Frazier who came of to backed up Commissioner Renee Robinson’s letter, as well as share her experience (no heat and broken toilet that keep backing up) and the experience of other seniors (who are without food and ended up in a nursing home) who feared retaliation and did not want to appear. See the video below to check out the whole conversation.

People Before Politics Radio, Giving You Real Talk For The Community Since 2014!

Black Westchester presents the People Before Politics Radio Show every Sunday night, 6-8 PM, simulcasting live on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, and archived on BlackWestchester.com. Giving you that Real Talk For The Community since 2014.

To support the Black Westchester and the People Before Politics Radio Show, which provides the News With The Black Point Of view and gives you the real talk for the community for free, donate via PayPal. In the words of Ray Charles, “One of these days, and it [might not be] long, You’re gonna look for [us], and [we’ll] be gone.” Support independent, Black-owned, Free Media!

Subscribe, hit the notification bell, and join the conversation this Sunday. At Black Westchester, we always put People Before Politics!

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Congressman Mondaire Jones advocating for Black Westchester at Friday, March 12, 2021 hearing

AJ Woodson
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Congressman Mondaire Jones advocating for Black Westchester at Friday, March 12, 2021 hearing

Congressman Mondaire Jones advocated for Black Westchester and other independent and free press outlets at a congressional hearing on Friday, March 12, 2021.

Letter To The Editor: Greenburgh Housing Authority Relocation Crisis

AJ Woodson
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Letter To The Editor: Greenburgh Housing Authority Relocation Crisis

My name is Renee Robinson, and I am the duly elected Federal Housing Commissioner with the Greenburgh Housing Authority (GHA). 

This is a letter regarding the removal of 30 residents from the Manhattan Ave. site.  26 of these residents are senior citizens and/or disabled people. 

The residents have been forced to move out of Greenburgh public housing in the middle of the Coronavirus health crisis.  

GHA has also decided to do the same to approximately 100 more families living in federal HUD housing.

The nation’s most vulnerable population was relocated during a global health epidemic so that a three-story, 70-unit tower could be built.

There is absolutely no planned return for the seniors and disabled outside of a ‘potential’ section 8 voucher.

This project was not well managed.  The seniors were removed between the months of September 2020  through December 2020, during a global pandemic. 

They were relocated throughout Westchester to places with no heat, some are on floors in buildings with no elevator, and have limited mobility, others are living in substandard living conditions during a harsh winter.

The relocation team that was hired did not do their due diligence.

The housing authority did not tell the truth to the residents. 

The seniors were told that:

1. The rent would be the same as they were paying

(A heating subsidy was being applied to their rent on Manhattan Ave, but once they relocated, it was no longer applicable, thus increasing their rent anywhere from $65-$100. The seniors have a fixed income, and because of this increase in adult protective services was called to help ensure food provisions.)

2. Rent would be paid as usual to the GHA

(The invoice for rent payment is to be made payable to Greenburgh Development Corp.)

3. They would receive Section 8 vouchers

(They did not, and some actually received another bill for $2050. These vouchers are not widely accepted in Westchester County in any event.

The Manhattan Ave seniors in a July 2020 meeting made it clear to the chairperson of the board that they no longer want the present board or the executive director in place because of how they were being treated. They actually issued a petition ( to the GHA and the Greenburgh Town Board) requesting that everything be put in writing, but to no avail.

I stated in a public meeting that the executive director should send a letter to the seniors explaining the rent increase.

He agreed, but didn’t comply and would not enter my oral statement in the monthly minutes, even after several requests to correct the minutes. The GHA board has not made him do so.

Now, the board and a consultant want to relocate the rest of the residents to federal housing.  

5 federal sites are remaining.

They are located in Elmsford, Hartsdale, Tarrytown, Ardsley, and Greenburgh (Greenvale Circle).

The GHA board initially selected one resident from each site last year to meet with the consultant, who was to explain the Rad relocation process.

Last year, a company was hired to inspect the residents’ units, and they even took pictures of their homes.

The summary was that the structure wasn’t that bad, and they could renovate the homes with the residents being displaced for two weeks at the most. 

Now, a year later, there is a whole new agenda.

Inspections were done against our protest (some residents were ill or quarantined).

It was determined we would be displaced for two months to a year.

GHA personnel dropped recertification papers at our doors( they are normally mailed) and only gave us a two-week notice in which to comply with an interview ( a date normally assigned within a two-month period.

The interviews were conducted by an outside company (normally done by the GHA Federal personnel), and if you did not comply with any of their new procedures, threatening letters of eviction were given.

All this during a Pandemic!!!!

The consultant who did the senior Manhattan site has also been commissioned to oversee the other 5 sites. He is getting paid very dearly.

Why weren’t bids sought under the procurement process?

Why have we gone from a two-week displacement to a year-long displacement?

Rad went to section 18 and then to section 22.

What does this entail? And why weren’t the tenants apprised of this change?

What are the pros and cons of getting us away from HUD?

These questions have been asked of GHA and the consultant, but they will not answer.

The GHA board members have been in place for so long that they are unresponsive to the tenants’ needs.

Only one member speaks out against the injustice being done to Greenburgh and its residents.

I have apprised the town board of this ongoing situation.

Help to save us, please!!!!!
Renee Robinson
914-625-6847

The Frank Figliuzzi Interview

AJ Woodson
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The Frank Figliuzzi Interview

Former FBI Assistant Director for Counterintelligence and MSNBC’s National Security Analyst Frank Figliuzzi joins the People Before Politics Radio Crew on Sunday, February 21, 2021, to discuss The FBI and the Black Panthers—Then and Now, Judas & The Black Messiah, his new book THE FBI WAY: Inside the Bureau’s Code of Excellence, and much more.

#FrankFigliuzzi #BlackWestchester #FBI #BlackPanthers

Yonkers Councilwoman Shanae Williams Announces Candidacy for County Clerk

AJ Woodson
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Yonkers Councilwoman Shanae Williams Announces Candidacy for County Clerk

Yonkers City Councilwoman Shanae Williams announced her candidacy for Westchester County Clerk at a meeting of the Yonkers Democratic Party Executive Committee held Thursday, December 17, 2020. Councilwoman Williams has served on the Yonkers City Council since her appointment by Mayor Mike Spano in 2018, and won a full term in 2019.

Councilwoman Williams holds a Bachelors in Sociology and a Masters in Business Administration, with
a focus in Leadership.

“Westchester residents deserve a County Clerk who will view the office through the lens of affirmative
access and equity,” said Councilwoman Williams. “My campaign is about breaking down barriers and
bringing new energy, new ideas, and a new voice to county-wide government. As your next County
Clerk, I will deliver new levels of transparency and access to county government, ensure equitable access
to government services, and promote commerce and entrepreneurship throughout the county.”

“During my tenure on the Yonkers City Council, I have fought for increased affordable housing options,
improved services and resources for the homeless population, and created dialogue and action on police
and criminal justice reform,” continued Councilwoman Williams. “I am proud that I have never backed
down from tough, under-addressed issues during my time on the City Council and will bring that same
commitment and energy to the Clerk’s Office. I am well qualified to manage and optimize the County
Clerk’s Office having worked in both the public and private sector. However, I will use my unique
background and commitment to efficient, transparent government to re-imagine the work of the Clerk’s
Office, optimize procedures and practices, and make the Clerk’s Office user-friendly for all residents and
businesses.”

“The County Clerk’s office is a large and important component of county government and deserves
energetic and forward thinking leadership. My opponent promised voters four years ago that he would not
run for a fifth term, yet plans to run for re-election to pad his pension after receiving a huge political pay
raise. We deserve elected officials who are in government for the right reasons, stick to their word, and
deliver for taxpayers, not just themselves.”

“I am a young, educated, immigrant, woman of color who is experienced, innovative and observant. My
campaign for Westchester County Clerk is an opportunity to bring true representation and diversity to

county government. Westchester residents have shown in recent years that they are ready for change, and
a new generation of leadership in government. Together, we can bring this change, and build a Clerk’s
Office that truly represents and works for our community.”

Rev W. Franklyn Richardson Interview

AJ Woodson
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Rev W. Franklyn Richardson Interview

Black Westchester Power Hour presents the Rev. W. Franklyn Richardson Interview

Hosts: Damon K. Jones and AJ Woodson

Topic: His new book, Witness To Grace – A Testimony Of Faith

Protect Our Black Women By Ayanna Armstrong

Ayanna Armstrong
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Protect Our Black Women By Ayanna Armstrong

No one could have predicted what the year 2020 could have brought us. Seven months in, we have been dealing with a global pandemic, the 2020 election, and fighting for human rights through the Black Lives Matter Movement.

For years, the black community has not been getting the justice they deserve in regards to the police officers, the very people who wear a badge sworn to protect us, get away with murder. Yes, I said murder.

National outrage sparked concerning police brutality towards black people igniting protests starting in Minneapolis, Minnesota due to the unfortunate death of George Floyd.

Not only did every state in America participate in the ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests, but several other countries joined the movement as well.

To me, that was powerful. When have you ever seen all 50 states do something together?

As someone who is a Black Woman, and a Criminal Justice Activist I need to say this: black women need to be protected.

As Malcolm X once said, “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.”

Let’s talk about the death of 28-year-old African American Sandra Bland.

On July 10, 2015, Bland was pulled over for failure to use a turn signal by State Trooper Brian T. Encinia, which is apparently an arrestable offense in the state of Texas.

Enicinia orders her to “get out of the car” and, when she repeatedly refuses to exit, he tells her she is under arrest. According to the released video footage from Enicinia’s dashboard camera, Enicinia is heard threatening her, shouting ““I will light you up! Get out! Now!” with a taser pointed directly at Bland. Sandra Bland was arrested and taken to a jail in Waller County, Texas. However, three days later Sandra Bland was found hanged in a jail cell and her death was ruled a suicide.

A more recent example would be the murder of 26-year-old African-American Breonna Taylor.
On March 13, 2020 Breonna Taylor and her boyfriend Kenneth Walker were asleep in their bedroom.

Around 12 am, the couple got up from bed when they heard loud banging at their door. Walker did not hear anyone announce that they were the police so according to his arrest citation, he fired a shot because he thought intruders were trying to break in.

Walker’s bullet struck Sergeant Jonathan Mattingly. In return, Mattingly, and officers Brett Hankison and Myles Cosgrove returned fire, shooting at least 22 rounds. Breonna Taylor was shot multiple times and died in the hallway of her apartment.

Protests for Breonna Taylor have been ongoing for 49 days.

However, as the killers still roam free, 435 protesters have been arrested.

And it’s not just the police killing our people.

It’s white citizens being able to kill us on the street while it takes years for us to get our justice or more than often not even at all.

There are white doctors killing us as well.

According to the CDC, pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births also known as the pregnancy-related mortality ratio (PRMR), they found that for Blacks and women older than 30, it was four to five times as high as it was for white women.

The entirety of the system that needs to be abolished.

We want our reparations.

Renaming street names after the black lives that are lost is not enough. Saying that you will not play black characters in adult animation is not enough.
Realtors saying they will stop using ‘master’ to describe bedrooms or bathrooms is insufficient.

“The white man will try to satisfy us with symbolic victories rather than
economic equity and real justice,” said Malcolm X.

We want justice.

We want equal rights.

All Black Lives Matter.

Pelham Democratic Committee Writes Letter To Pelham Elected Officials Calling For Racial Justice In Pelham

AJ Woodson
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Pelham Democratic Committee Writes Letter To Pelham Elected Officials Calling For Racial Justice In Pelham

PELHAM, NY – In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of the Minneapolis police, and the protests that have come in its wake, the Pelham Democratic Committee, write to Pelham Elected Officials calling for revolutionary racial justice in Pelham after hearing, stories of differential, racist treatment of persons of color in Pelham at the hands of Pelham police officers, teachers, school administrators, and fellow Pelham residents.

In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of the Minneapolis police and the protests that have come in its wake, the Pelham Democratic Committee, write to Pelham Elected Officials calling for
revolutionary racial justice in Pelham after hearing, stories of differential, racist treatment of persons of color in Pelham at the hands of Pelham police officers, teachers, school administrators, and fellow Pelham residents.

In the letter – dated June 25, 2020 – the Pelham Democratic Committee urged Village of Pelham Chance Mullen Mayor, Village of Pelham Manor Mayor Jennifer Monachino Lapey Mayor, Town of Pelham Supervisor Daniel McLaughlin Supervisor, Board of Education President Jessica DeDomenico President, and Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Champ to push the envelope further than you think is possible and to outline our internal action items to further the cause of racial equality. As elected or appointed leaders in Pelham, the burden falls on all of us to fight for a drastic overhaul in Pelham’s policing and schools and to increase diversity in hiring, on local boards and governing bodies, including our own Committee.

The committee states, Pelhamites have been sharing stories on social media, with neighbors and friends, at recent rallies, and in a remarkable exhibit at the Pelham Art Center, “that should break all our hearts,” such as learning that North Pelham is referred to as Parlem; that school children have suffered slights and taunts from their peers that were dismissed by teachers and administrators; that some Pelham youth think nothing of using the N word in casual conversation; that Pelham police officers have referred to Pelham youth as thugs; that black and other minority students are disproportionately subject to school residency checks by police; that black and brown Pelhamites suffer slights, or worse, on a daily basis; that their black and brown neighbors in Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, and the Bronx, expect to be targeted by the police in Pelham, consider Pelham a racist town.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed an executive order that will require every police agency in New York to evaluate its policies on the use of force, crowd management, bias training, and citizens’ complaints, among other issues. To redesign the state’s more than 500 police forces by April 2021 or risk losing state funding.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Saturday, June 13th, told protesters demanding racial justice in the wake of George Floyd’s death that “you won,” and pressed the state’s police and local governments to formulate a plan for “systemic reform” by April 1, 2021 — or else.

“If you don’t do it, local government, you won’t get any state funding. Period,” Cuomo said. “You have to pass a law with your redesigned police force.”

He said each community had to come up with its own reforms. The Pelham Democratic Committee cites Cuomo’s executive order as one of the inspirations for this letter to Pelham elected officials.

The Children March in Mount Vernon

Cynthia Turnquest-Jones
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The Children March in Mount Vernon

Beyond the Classroom…

During the height of the Civil Rights Movement many children were interested in activism. Classes were held by advisors and individuals who were able to guide. The goal was to interrupt the horrible Jim Crow Laws and prepare the children what to expect while (1) sitting at the counters trying to be served (2) standing in line trying to obtain a library card and (3) silent protesting while trying to sit in a “Whites Only” park. 

Community Activist in Mount Vernon, New York, reenactment of The Children’s March created a buzz. Children were invited to Brush Park for lessons on: (1) making a poster (2) how to chant (3) selecting healthy foods (4) moments with historical figures in the movement.  

Social distancing was adhered to as several stations were spread throughout the field with signs guiding them where to go next. Community parent Anissa Vincent and her children created a welcome table. A release form was completed, temperatures were taken, and a huge welcome was given. The Girls Scouts from Westchester Local Troop 2203 also greeted visitors with face mask for safety. Sharon Burgess-Blades, and Beverly Hutchins mother of Jorden Hutchins who survived Covid19 were present walking the grounds and passing out miniature hand sanitizers for children and adults. 

The Ossining Community Action Program partnered with Alexandra’s Playground to provide our youth with “Summer Fun: JUSTPLAY!” Bags filled with indoor and outdoor play and activities! The bags included: a frisbee, jump rope, grow your own garden kit, puzzle/activity book, playing cards, chalk, soccer ball, resistance band and a step counter watch.

The sibling of slain Ramarley Graham told his story. Chinnor Campbell was six years old at the time of his brother being murdered in front of him by NYPD on February 2, 2012. Many gathered at the story time tree with Chinnor and a representative from State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey who fought with Constance Malcolm mother of Ramarley Graham to pass 50a. The repeal of 50-a into law, the bill that passed the legislature which up until June 12, 2020 has allowed law enforcement to shield police misconduct records from the public. These disciplinary records will now be publicly disclosed, increasing systemic accountability through transparency and taking New York one step forward to addressing police violence in our communities.

King George Snell master mind behind “Solid” t-shirts hung out in the story time section with girls from Let Girls Learn. As a Black father of a Black girl he is aware that certain books must be on his daughter’s shelf. “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers was his choice for the afternoon. 

Trustee of Mount Vernon Community School District Micah McOwen and Mrs. Owen and daughter featured, joined at the story time section with parents and children. Mrs. Owen who is an opera singer, white, and a parent of a Black son emphasized on how disenchanted she has been as a mother. She read aloud as families sat, ate lunches, and snacks. 

Dwayne Brown showed up before the crowd and placed a few balloons around. Reminding the organizers that the heat from the sun is not a perfect match and they will pop. He placed an arch for the “Black Lives Matter” runway. Children decorated with chalk, their own rendition of Black Lives Matter mimicking the streets painted throughout several cities. 

U.S. Senator Charles “Chuck” Ellis Schumer, County Legislature Lyndon Williams, Commisioner Glenn Scott, Father Sabune, Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, founder of The Re-Entry Chronicles Jennifer Lackard and Bishop C. Nathan Edwars took the Children’s Pledge. Reciting “I Love You Black Child” with their right fist in the air. Father Sabune of Sts. John, Paul and Clement Episcopal Church shared, “This weekend two great activists, left us, John Lewis and C.T. Vivian both were living legends. Lewis on the Edmomd Pettus Bridge and Vivian on the steps of the Court House trying to vote. They never gave up, neither shall we. Like them we need to Stand Up! For our children!”

To create equity in our communities, adults must seek to validate and acknowledge children, expose and reveal the unseen, encourage questioning, and facilitate reflection. Mayor of Mount Vernon, Shawyn Patterson-Howard led to the children with chants.  “Black Lives Matter!” She shared with them that she was “Proud, Inspired, and Excited.  You are the generation next.  Next is now.”

The ORGANIZERS: Nesta Felix, Tasha Young, Cynthia Turnquest-Jones, Maria Dautruche, and Anissa Vincent thank all who hung out with our children who are our future. We will continue changing the narrative by building our communities with love and education. 

Thank you to the Director Lori Hrbek and our Community Advocate Myrna Mosqueda for helping to make it happen! Shout out to our school Superintendent Dr. Ray Sanchez for participating! #OssiningCap

Thank You Sylvia Gadson for the bags of food and Colgate bags for healthy teeth, Chelsea Phaire from Chelsea’s Charity for the donations of art supplies, Senator Bailey “Bailey Kids”, Pricilla Echi, and Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. 

#thechildrenarethefuture #childrenmarch #blacklivesmatter #mountvernon #gunsdownlifeup #letgirlslearn #iamramarleygraham #solid 

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