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Harlem Lit the Night and the Message Was Clear

Larnez Kinsey
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Harlem Lit the Night and the Message Was Clear

All Photos courtesy of Living Redemption Community Development Corporation

[HARLEM, Manhattan] — On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, if joy had a ZIP code, it would’ve been stamped right on 125th Street and Broadway.

The holiday spirit returned in full color, sound, and soul as the Harlem Holiday Lights Parade 2025 illuminated 125th Street beginning at 6:00 p.m., transforming the corridor into a moving celebration of memory, culture, and collective pride. Families lined the sidewalks. Music bounced off storefronts. Lights reflected in young eyes wide enough to believe in magic and old enough to recognize tradition.

The annual parade kicked off Tuesday evening with a theme that felt less like a slogan and more like a truth Harlem lives by: “Culture, Community, Connections.” From the very first float, it was clear, this wasn’t just a parade. It was a reminder of who Harlem is and how it keeps showing up for itself.

Children didn’t hesitate to offer their reviews.

“It was really fun. I liked the lights and the music,” one girl said, bundled up and smiling.

Another boy chimed in, “I liked the cars, and when I saw Mario and Luigi.”

From glowing floats to familiar characters rolling through the neighborhood, joy moved freely through the crowd. Adults felt it too. One paradegoer, fresh off a work shift, summed up the night simply: people got the message. Love was present. The vibes were undeniable.

More than 20 magically lit-up floats made their way down the route, each one carrying pieces of Harlem’s past, present, and future. Community activations lined the street, including toy giveaways for youth, a canned food drive, and live entertainment and performances that turned the parade into a shared experience rather than something to simply watch from the sidelines.

This year’s celebration also highlighted the work and growth of the 125th Street Business Improvement District, showcasing how the corridor has evolved into a place to work, live, visit, and learn, while still honoring the generations that laid its foundation. Harlem’s evolution was on display, not as erasure, but as expansion.

The choice of grand marshals reflected that legacy. Actor Malik Yoba, born in the Bronx and raised in Harlem, represented storytelling rooted in lived experience. The legendary Apollo Theater served as a grand marshal as well, standing as a living symbol of Harlem’s global influence in arts, music, and culture.

The parade also honored Michael A. Walrond Jr., senior pastor of First Corinthian Baptist Church, as the 2025 Legacy Award recipient, recognizing leadership grounded in faith, service, and unwavering commitment to community uplift.

Among the floats rolling down 125th Street was one that carried more than lights; it carried testimony. The Living Redemption float stood as a visible reminder that redemption is not theoretical in Harlem; it’s practiced. Their presence reflected the power of second chances, healing, and restoration, as well as the belief that transformation is possible when communities invest in individuals rather than dwelling on past mistakes.

As spectators cheered and waved, the Living Redemption float underscored a deeper truth of the evening: celebration and responsibility can coexist. Joy and justice can share the same street.

Performers elevated the energy, literally. Stilt dancer Isaiah Young, standing more than 12 feet tall, towered over the crowd with ease and grace, laughing as he explained that it was “as easy as riding a bicycle.”

What began more than three decades ago as simple street decorations has grown into a community-wide tradition drawing thousands from across the region. According to Barbara Askins, president and CEO of the 125th Street BID, the parade is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the corridor, not only as a destination, but as a thriving economic and cultural engine powered by small businesses and community institutions.

The Harlem Holiday Lights Parade was free and open to the public, reinforcing that access matters. No tickets. No barriers. Just a neighborhood gathering itself in warmth, generosity, and shared purpose.

Proudly sponsored by WABC-TV, the event amplified a message Harlem didn’t need help delivering: when this community comes together, it doesn’t just mark the start of the holiday season, it sets the tone for what together looks like.

As the lights dimmed and the floats passed on, one thing lingered in the air along 125th Street on November 18, 2025, Harlem doesn’t just celebrate the holidays.

It illuminates what community can be.

Mount Vernon NewsCenter Receives Letter Demanding Retraction of Inaccurate & Misleading Statements About Comrie Ent. LLC

AJ Woodson
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Mount Vernon NewsCenter Receives Letter Demanding Retraction of Inaccurate & Misleading Statements About Comrie Ent. LLC

Mount Vernon NewsCenter (MVNC) received a demand letter from Christian DiPalermo, Esq., the Attorney representing Comrie Enterprises, LLC, on Tuesday, November 18th, demanding a retraction of several misleading and inaccurate statements on the MVNC Facebook page regarding the property formerly operated as a YMCA facility, located at 20 South 2nd Avenue in Mount Vernon.

“Your post makes several inaccurate allegations based on misconceptions… In your post, you make several allegations that my clients are allegedly not fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, specifically listing issues involving exterior maintenance and cleanliness, as well as securing the Property from unauthorized access. You also note that there  “may” be mandated vacant property registration and recovery plans; then—having established that you are not clear whether such mandates exist—you nonetheless assert our client is not fulfilling those responsibilities either.” (See full letter below)


Comrie Demand Letter FINAL by BLACK WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE


So, how did we get here for those not keeping score with everything going on in the city? Here is a brief rundown.

On November 5, 2025, the Mount Vernon NewsCenter (MVNC), owned and operated by Atif Khalil Coleman, posted on their Facebook page that Comrie Enterprises, the developer of the Library Square project, is neglectful in maintaining the former YMCA building at 20 South 2nd Avenue property they own.

“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! The YMCA building at 20 S. 2nd Ave. remains vacant, attracting trash and illegal dumping. Over the summer, weeds and trees have overgrown half the building and the entire playground area. Last time we checked, the city entered into a land agreement with Comrie Enterprise LLC, owned by Mr. #MarvinChurch and #DianaWilliams, who are responsible for maintaining the property, but it seems they have not fulfilled this duty. As property owners in New York State, they are required to keep the vacant building secure, safe, and sanitary. This includes maintaining the exterior, securing the property from unauthorized access, and keeping the grounds clean. Local laws may also mandate vacant property registration and recovery plans. Sadly, these responsibilities are not being met, leading to ongoing complaints from residents. Jeffrey Sha Holiday and Tyrone, who haven’t been active on Facebook due to technical issues, have taken it upon themselves to clean the site. It is unclear why DPW staff are involved in cleaning private property. We strongly urge the owners to address this issue immediately and properly maintain their property. We are exhausted from receiving complaints, and it is their obligation to resolve this matter,” Coleman wrote on the Mount Vernon NewsCenter Facebook page.

Several individuals, including BW Publisher Damon K. Jones, warned Coleman – who started as a writer for Black Westchester – that the information was incorrect. Jones left a comment on the post explaining that a land agreement (land contract) does not mean you own the property immediately; the seller retains legal title until the final payment is made. Therefore, the statement posted incorrectly accuses Comrie Ent. of neglecting the property, and that not removing or correcting the post could expose MVNC to a defamation lawsuit. Jones’ comment, which was shared by a friend and, as a professional courtesy, was then deleted by MVNC, and the post remained.

Five days later, on November 10th, MVNC interviewed MV Comptroller Dr. Darren M. Morton, during which Dr. Morton said at 21:33 that the city was counting on the $1.5 million sale of the YMCA. Still, the deal didn’t go through yet, further disproving the statement made by MVNC five days earlier about Comrie’s neglect of the property. The city still owns the property.

On Thursday, November 13th, at the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) or (MVIDA) regularly scheduled monthly meeting, Comrie made a presentation before the IDA. When the attorney for the IDA, Darius P. Chafizadeh of Harris Beach Murtha Attorneys At Law, introduced Comrie as the owner of the property at the beginning of the meeting, Corporation Counsel Brian G. Johnson corrected him and stated, “the city still owns the property,” and Comptroller Morton added, “and is responsible for its maintenance,” further proving MVNC’s post was incorrect and not factually reported.

The MVNC post led some Mount Vernon residents who read MVNC to leave comments on apps like Next Door, saying “Shawyn (Patterson-Howard) has city employees cleaning her campaign donor, Comrie Enterprises LLC’s private property…” This is not only incorrect but could be potentially damaging to Comrie’s reputation; it’s a misrepresentation of the Mayor. Especially since the city itself has on more than one occasion explained that Mount Vernon owns the property, not Comrie.

MVNC who claims to be “the definitive source for local and national news, sports, and entertainment information,” has repeatedly accused Comrie Enterprises of neglect, falsely claiming the developer is the owner of the former YMCA. Back on Friday, July 11, 2025, Coleman wrote, “Sources tell us that Comrie can’t move forward with this project without a PILOT agreement. Since the sale in 2021, the building has remained vacant, and there have been no updates regarding the timeline for the construction of the proposed apartment building. We’ve received numerous inquiries about the future of the YMCA building through messenger and comments, and we are actively seeking answers from the owner of Comrie Enterprise.”

And again on two days later on July 13th, during an interview with BW’s Damon K. Jones, Coleman says, “then comes Comrie and they brought the building from the city…” (22:16), when he was interupted by Jones who corrected him and let him know that, “they don’t own the building, they put in an offer for the building…” Despite being told by Black Westchester, the Comptroller, and several others, Coleman continued to falsely report that Comrie owns the building and is neglectful in maintaining it.

The letter goes on to threaten MVNC with legal action for defamation if they do not remove or correct the malicious, inaccurate statements.

“While our clients remain committed to resolving this matter amicably and hope that this letter will help to correct any misconceptions regarding their involvement with the Property, they  reserve all rights and remedies available under the law, including the pursuit of claims for defamation and injunctive relief should corrective action not be taken immediately.” 

As of the publishing of this article, the Mount Vernon NewCenter posts were still on their Facebook page.

Westchester County Elected Leaders Visit Israel 

AJ Woodson
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Westchester County Elected Leaders Visit Israel 

Fresh off the election, Westchester County elected leaders, including NYS Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow and wife Donna, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, County Legislators Shanae Williams (District 16), Judah Holstein (District 10), and Emilana Ulaj (District 9), CE Staffers, Crystal Collins – Director of Faith-Based Initiatives and Urban Affairs, and Martha Lopez – Director of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development, and Steve Bass – Director of Intergovernmental Relations, Peekskill Mayor Vivian Mackenzie, Mamaroneck Town Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney, Yorktown Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman, Port Chester Mayor Luis Marino, Peekskill Councilmember Patrick Jenkins, and Greenburgh Town Councilwoman Gina Jackson, arrived in Israel on Sunday, November 9th, for a week of connection, learning, and partnership.

CE Jenkins led the Westchester County delegation on a study trip to Israel to gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues affecting the region. The visit was Jenkins’s fourth trip to the country and was designed to strengthen cultural understanding, explore opportunities for collaboration, and deepen connections between Westchester County and communities throughout Israel. The delegation met with Israeli leaders, community organizations, and residents, gaining firsthand insight into the region’s history, religion, economy, and diverse cultural and social landscape.

“I was honored to be asked to lead the Westchester delegation of elected and public officials on the study trip to Israel. Our journey to Israel offered a meaningful chance to build connections — both with the people who live there, and with each other. We now have a deeper understanding of the cultural, political, and economic dynamics in the region, while also strengthening our relationships as colleagues committed to serving the people of Westchester. Experiences like this one help us to lead with greater awareness, compassion, and connection with others. To witness firsthand the work being done to find a way to co-exist in peace by the people experiencing it sends a powerful message of hope that can be carried back here in Westchester,” CE Jenkins shared with Black Westchester.

The educational retreat sponsored every 2 years by the Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) for freshman legislators, newly elected officials, and those in government around the county to connect and learn from the Jewish community. It included trips to key historical sites such as

  • Meetings with Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Adir Schwartz and members of the US Embassy
  • A trip to Sderot to learn about the October 7 attack, and a visit to Tel Aviv to reflect on Israelis’ resilience in communities along the Gaza border
  • A walking tour through Jerusalem’s Old City featuring Jewish, Christian, and Muslim quarters
  • A visit to the Max Rayne Yad B’Yad (Hand in Hand) K-12 Jerusalem School, where Jewish and Muslim children learn in a bilingual Hebrew and Arabic program together
  • A tour of Yad Vashem, Israel’s largest national memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust 

On Monday, November 10th, of the elected officials’ trip with UJA-Federation of New York — the largest local Jewish philanthropy in the world — they visited the Western Wall, cooked pita and rice, and took in the beauty and history of the city!

“In just 24 hours, this group has accomplished so much — from walking thousands of steps through the Old City and visiting Yad Vashem, to spending time at the Hand in Hand School, exploring the shuk and downtown Jerusalem, and even preparing their own Israeli dinner. It’s inspiring to watch our Westchester elected officials explore, learn, question, and reflect on all these experiences. #westchesterproud,” Tali Ruderman Strom, Director, Community Mobilizers at UJA-Federation of New York, shared on Facebook.

Director of Intergovernmental Relations Steve Bass said: “This trip offered an invaluable opportunity to observe the complex, resilient and above all, inspiring experience of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities that make up the State of Israel. Hearing directly from local leaders and residents gave us a more grounded perspective on the challenges they navigate every day, and the solutions they are creating to integrate and live peacefully together.  I am grateful for the chance to help strengthen ties with our closest international ally, and promote greater understanding about the special relationship between our country and Israel.”

Director of Policy and Programs for the Faith Community, Crystal Collins, said: “As a Black Christian woman visiting Israel, I am deeply moved by the rich tapestry of history and faith that intertwines in this land. This journey has opened my eyes to the unique challenges faced by the diverse communities coexisting in this vibrant country, especially amid ongoing conflict. I believe that through dialogue and understanding, we can build connections that honor both our differences and our shared humanity. I hope to share the insights I gained and continue engaging in meaningful conversations that advocate for peace.”

See the Westchester Delegation’s full itinerary below:

Day 1: Saturday, November 8, 2025: THE STUDY TRIP BEGINS

* Westchester Delegation departs JFK on an overnight flight to Israel.

Day 2: Sunday, November 9, 2025: WELCOME TO ISRAEL!

  • B’rukhim Haba’iml- welcome to Israel! Upon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport, an Ayelet Tours representative meets us in the baggage claim area and assists us through customs.
  • They ascend to Jerusalem and stop at the Haas Promenade for a special welcome ceremony as we look out over the City of Gold for the first time together.
  • At Piccoli no, they enjoy a welcome dinner with Jonah Jeremy Bob, The Jerusalem Post’s senior military correspondent and intelligence analyst. He will brief us on Israel today and the political structure of Israeli politics.
    Overnight in Jerusalem (D)

Day 3: Monday, Nov 10, 2025: POLITICAL & CULTURAL RELATIONS

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • We depart our hotel early this morning and begin with a visit to the Temple Mount (security permitting). Next, we set out on a walking tour through Jerusalem’s Old City, featuring the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Quarters.
  • We visit The Max Rayne Vad B’Yad (Hand in Hand) Jerusalem School, Israel’s largest bilingual Hebrew/ Arabic school, and the country’s only integrated Arab/Jewish high school, to engage in a discussion about the school’s current educational challenges and its future goals.
  • After a light lunch, we visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s national memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Here we tour the museum and engage in a thought-provoking discussion with a renowned Jewish educator.
  • This evening, a chef accompanies us through the lively Machane Yehuda market and introduces us to the most characteristic ingredients of the local cuisine as we prepare dinner together.
  • After dinner, we experience how the market transforms from a bustling daytime market to a center of nightlife in the evening, including an outdoor museum of local art and graffiti.

Day 4: Tuesday, November 11, 2025: ISRAEL, THE START-UP NATION

  • Breakfast at our hotel, followed by a meeting with Member of Knesset Shirley Pinto and a formal tour of the Knesset building.
  • Afterward, we embark on a Jerusalem Tech Tour (Made in JLM) to learn about Jerusalem’s fast rise as a world-class tech hub. We explore how connections with Israeli/Jerusalem tech can create growth in tech in your region.
  • We enjoy a packed lunch near Shorashim.
  • Roots in English, Shorashim in Hebrew, Judur in Arabic: Since 2014, this not-for-profit group has facilitated interactions between Israeli Jewish settlers and Palestinians from nearby towns. Though they are neighbors, they often live in
  • parallel universes that rarely intersect. We learn how they build bridges and foster coexistence in this sensitive area.
  • This afternoon, we visit the Jerusalem Municipality and meet with the Deputy Mayor Adir Schwartz, learning about the complexity of managing a city faced with a multitude of challenges further complicated by archeological considerations and religious sensitivities. We’ll touch on city-level services, including policing,
    governance, parking, noise ordinance, trash collection, and more. We will also meet with Ran Yishai, who serves as the head of the research division of JCAP – the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy and is active in the “If I Forget You” project, which deals with research, advocacy, and the promotion of strategic policy for
    Jerusalem.
  • Tonight, dinner is at FeelBeit, where we “immerse in a fresh world of ideas and experiences” and learn how to “use art and culture to break down social and cultural boundaries.”
  • We return to our hotel for a debriefing on today’s visits and plans for tomorrow.

————————–··-·———————–·—-··-··—————·—–·—————·——-
Day 5: Wednesday, November 12, 2025: RESILIENCE ALONG THE GAZA ENVELOPE

  • Breakfast and check out of our hotel.
  • This morning, we drove to Sderot. We learn from representatives of the city about the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, including a visit to a police station attacked that day, and a view into Gaza. We then volunteer in a community-sponsored project and have lunch.
  • We pay our respects at the site of the Nova Music Festival, emphasizing our shared hope for a better tomorrow.
  • On our drive to Tel Aviv, we reflect on the events of October 7th and the Israelis’ resilience in communities along the Gaza border.
  • After checking into our hotel in Tel Aviv, we set out for dinner at an Ethiopian Culture Center, including an introduction to the challenges and successes of the community. Our speaker tonight is Oshra Yosef-Friedman, Deputy Director-General at the Social Equality Ministry.

Overnight in Tel Aviv (B, L, D)

Day 6: Thursday, November 13, 2025: TEL AVIV: A CITY OF MULTITUDES

  • Breakfast and check out of our hotel
  • Meeting with a representative from the US Embassy to learn how the embassy’s Commercial Services team helps expedite and encourage the import of US goods and services into Israel.
  • Continue to the ANU, Museum of the Jewish People, where the story of the Jewish experience across time and place-including the vibrant life of American Jewry and its enduring connection to Israel-comes to life through powerful, interactive exhibits.
  • After lunch, we head to visit Hostages Square and see how this became a center of gathering over the past two years until the final living hostages were finally returned just one month ago.
  • Our last stop will be at Park Ariel Sharon, a conservation-themed park built on a reclaimed and rehabilitated garbage dump. Today, it offers multiple biking and hiking trails and sits adjacent to a waste treatment center- a wonderful example of re-imagining land use.
  • At our farewell dinner, we reflect on our Westchester County Elected Officials study tour to Israel. We also meet with Khaled Abu Toameh, a journalist who covers Palestinian events for the Jerusalem Post and the New York-based Gatestone Institute, where he is a senior distinguished fellow. He has been a producer and consultant for NBC News since 1989. His articles have also appeared in numerous newspapers worldwide.
  • We transfer to Ben Gurion International Airport for our overnight flight to JFK.
    (B, L, 0)
    Day 7: Friday, November 14, 2025: WELCOME HOME
  • We arrive in the USA.

A Major Win for Yonkers: New $1.5B Subway Car Deal Secures Jobs and Strengthens Local Industry

DAMON K JONES
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A Major Win for Yonkers: New $1.5B Subway Car Deal Secures Jobs and Strengthens Local Industry

Yonkers, NY — The industrial resurgence unfolding in Yonkers under Mayor Mike Spano reached a new milestone with the announcement that Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc. has been awarded a $1.507 billion contract from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The agreement authorizes the construction of 378 new R268 rail cars for the New York City subway system—solidifying Yonkers’ position as one of the region’s most important hubs of advanced manufacturing.

Mayor Mike Spano praised the historic contract, calling it a validation of Yonkers’ skilled workforce and Kawasaki’s long-standing reputation for excellence.

“Kawasaki Rail has long been a cornerstone of Yonkers’ manufacturing strength and innovation, and this new $1.5 billion contract from New York state and the MTA is a testament to their world-class craftsmanship and commitment to excellence,” Spano said. “We are proud that the next generation of New York City subway cars will be built right here in Yonkers — by our talented workforce, supporting good jobs and continuing our city’s proud legacy of industrial leadership.”

The new R268 subway cars will mirror the modern design and advanced specifications of the R211 cars that are already operating in the system. Beyond the rail cars themselves, the contract includes spare parts, specialized tools, diagnostic testing equipment, technical documentation, and training, ensuring that the MTA receives a fully supported and service-ready fleet.

Kawasaki Rail President Yusuke Hirose underscored the significance of the project for both workers and riders.
“The R268 contract will not only secure employment for hundreds of workers in our Yonkers facility, but also delivers state-of-the-art, high-quality subway cars to NYC riders,” Hirose said. “With this milestone, we will surpass over 4,000 cars produced for New York City Transit and we’re excited to continue building for the city’s future.”

Kawasaki’s footprint in the New York transit landscape spans more than four decades. Since receiving its first MTA contract in 1982 to build the R62 subway cars, the company has delivered more than 2,900 subway cars to the system—establishing itself as one of the nation’s premier rail car manufacturers.

The new contract marks one of the largest manufacturing investments in the city in years and further positions Yonkers as a leader in New York’s transportation future.

Local Food Pantries and Distribution Sites

AJ Woodson
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Local Food Pantries and Distribution Sites

Even before the federal government shutdown in November, which threatened to cut off Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP benefits, communities of color and other marginalized groups faced disproportionately high rates of food insecurity due to systemic issues like income inequality, historical discrimination, and residential segregation. These factors create barriers to accessing nutritious and affordable food, leading to significant health and social disparities. Organizations are working to address this through food justice initiatives, policy advocacy, and community-based programs, like food pantries. SNAP benefits for November 2025 were delayed due to the government shutdown, even though they have now been fully restored and should be issued; the need for food panties still exists.

Food pantries serve communities by providing essential food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity. They operate as a vital part of a larger food bank network, distributing food directly to those in need, often supplemented with other resources like clothing, hygiene products, and educational programs. By saving people money and helping to reduce food waste, food pantries play a critical role in local hunger relief efforts. 

With the holiday season approaching, local food pantries, food banks, and organizations set up to support community neighbors facing food insecurities. We compiled a list of Food Pantries and Distribution sites throughout Westchester County, organized by date and time, to find local resources that help ensure every household has access to healthy, nutritious food.

In The City Of Mount Vernon…

The Westchester People’s Pantry is a community-based organization in Mount Vernon, NY, that provides food and other essential resources to individuals and families facing food insecurity. It operates on a philosophy of community well-being, offering nutritious food and supportive services to those in need and relying on donations and volunteers from the local community to continue its work. The Westchester People’s Pantry is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. at 47 South 5th Avenue in Mount Vernon.

The Mount Vernon Fresh Market “Grab & Go” is a community event where residents can get fresh, local produce, often held at 3:00 PM at The Doles Center (250 S. 6th Avenue). Attendees should bring their own bags for the fresh produce. 

Find a Mobile Food Pantry Near You

Feeding Westchester partners with more than 200 food pantries and community agencies across the county, including Yonkers, White Plains, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, Port Chester, Ossining, Tarrytown, and Sleepy Hollow. Wherever you live in Westchester, there are resources nearby to help you and your family.

When you need fresh, wholesome groceries but can’t reach a traditional pantry, Feeding Westchester’s mobile food pantry trucks come to you. Each unit carries fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, and grains, making nutritious food more accessible across the county. With over 500 stops every year, chances are good that a mobile food pantry will be parking in your neighborhood soon. Just check our mobile pantry schedule below. Looking for a fixed location instead? Try the Food Pantry Locator for traditional pantry sites around Westchester. Tip: Arrive 10–15 minutes early and bring sturdy, reusable bags to make loading easier.

Use the Food Pantry Locator to search by ZIP code and find a food pantry near you. Many sites offer weekly distributions, and hours vary by location. All services are free, and no ID is required unless noted by a partner site. If you need immediate assistance, call 914-923-1100. Please call ahead of your visit to ensure service availability. FP = Food Pantry | SK = Soup Kitchen

Home Delivery Options: Select partners provide delivery for homebound neighbors. Call 914-923-1100 for details

List of Local Westchester Food Pantries and Distribution Sites

The Westchester Community Health Center (WCHC)

WCHC offers several free food programs with the help of community organizations and our staff. They have partnered with Feeding Westchester, a local food bank, to distribute free, nutritious food to our site locations on select days. They also have food pantries at several of our sites open to patients during business hours. Please consult below to see our locations’ food pick-up schedule, location address, and hours.

WCHC Greenburgh – 295 Knollwood Road, White Plains, NY 10607 – WCHC Greenburgh operates a food distribution program with Feeding Westchester for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes called Food is Medicine twice a month on a Thursday. Please contact Semone Walker at (914) 920-0083 to register. We have a food pantry at the Greenburgh location in the back of the building that is open on Thursdays 10 am – 2 pm.  We provide emergency pickup on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10am – 2 pm. However, this is entirely dependent on whether we have food to distribute. Please contact Semone Walker at (914) 920-0083 for food availability on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The food pantry is staffed entirely by employees and volunteers. Food is donated by Feeding Westchester.

WCHC Mount Vernon – 107 West Fourth Street, Mount Vernon, NY 10550 – Mount Vernon maintains an on-site food pantry with Feeding Westchester for anyone facing food insecurity. Food distribution at WCHC Mount Vernon is held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 10 am to 2 pm. If you have an emergency food need, please contact one of the WCHC Mount Vernon Patient Advocates to be screened to receive an emergency supply.

WCHC Yonkers – 30 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701 – In partnership with Feeding Westchester, WCHC Yonkers operates a Food is Medicine Food Distribution Program for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. Food is distributed every first and third Wednesday of the month, holidays permitting. For more information or to enroll, please contact the Yonkers Community Health Center Patient Advocate at (914) 968-4898, ext. 3050.

Our community is stronger when everyone has what they need. Please share this information with anyone who may benefit.

PBP Radio November 16, 2025 – Introduction To New Co-Host Larnez Kinsey

AJ Woodson
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PBP Radio November 16, 2025 – Introduction To New Co-Host Larnez Kinsey

Black Westchester presents the People Before Politics Radio Show with ya hosts Damon K. Jones, AJ Woodson, and introducing our new co-host Larnez Kinsey. Join us for another Blacktastic episode of the Sunday Rundown, bringing you real talk, real facts, and real independent Black media.

Tonight’s topics cut straight to the issues impacting our community:

• The ACA Debate – What’s true, what’s political, and what it means for your family.

• Are the CDC’s New Rules Making Us Sick?

• Israeli Spyware on Your Phone? What researchers are revealing right now.

• The Mamdani Factor – and how it’s shaking up New York State’s budget.

and much more Real Talk For The Community!!!

Independent Black media starts HERE.

“Tonight I officially stepped into the People Before Politics Radio family, and let me tell you, this is the kind of space where the truth don’t tiptoe. Damon K. Jones and AJ Woodson been holding it down, and now I’m here to add my voice, my vibe, and my unapologetically Black-woman lens to the mix. As a mama, a New Yorker, and somebody who has seen the impact of these policies up close, I’m ready to talk about what’s REALLY going on, not the spin, not the shade, but the facts that hit our community first and hardest. So thank you for the welcome. I’m here, I’m locked in, and I’m ready to help keep this independent Black media loud, clear, and unbought,” Larnez shared after her debut on PBP Radio.

As always, you can follow Black Westchester on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn 

Follow People Before Politics Radio on Instagram and Twitter

If you want to support Black Westchester Magazine and People Before Politics Radio you can always donate https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=9DT5P8R82NAHW

THE MAMDANI EFFECT: HOCHUL’S TAX CONFUSION AND THE MIDDLE CLASS THAT WILL PAY FOR IT

DAMON K JONES
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THE MAMDANI EFFECT: HOCHUL’S TAX CONFUSION AND THE MIDDLE CLASS THAT WILL PAY FOR IT

Governor Kathy Hochul is caught in a political storm of her own making. In just forty-eight hours, her administration managed to send two completely opposite messages on the future of taxes in New York. First came the leak: Hochul is considering raising corporate taxes to address a massive $34.3 billion budget deficit. That news sent New York progressives into celebration mode. Then the celebration ended abruptly. Hochul’s own budget director announced that raising taxes on the wealthy was “the last thing on my mind.”

Two positions. One administration. Zero clarity.

This confusion isn’t random — it is the direct result of what many are now calling The Mamdani Effect, the political pressure created by Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s aggressive tax-the-rich agenda. His movement wants Albany to use taxes as a weapon to reshape the economy, and Hochul is trying to satisfy them without triggering a deeper economic crisis. The result is political inconsistency masquerading as leadership.

But the real issue is bigger than mixed messaging. It is the economic reality that New York refuses to confront. New York already has one of the highest tax burdens in America. The top state income tax rate is 10.9 percent. In New York City, the combined state and city rate approaches 15 percent. When federal taxes are added, high earners can see more than 40 percent of their income disappear before they touch a dollar.

Yet activists insist the wealthy still “aren’t paying enough,” as if tax policy can be built on slogans rather than math.

What they ignore — and what New Yorkers live with — is the unavoidable truth that the wealthy do not respond to tax increases by paying them. They respond by reorganizing their finances. They shift assets into trusts, restructure income through LLCs, relocate investments, or simply change residency to Florida or Texas. In other words, they move their money faster than New York can chase it.

And when the wealthy move their money, New York looks to replace it. But Albany never reduces spending; it increases fees, tolls, property taxes, utility costs, DMV charges, and payroll taxes. Every one of these lands squarely on the shoulders of the middle class — the only group without tax shelters, high-priced accountants, or the ability to move to another state.

This is the part of the tax debate that politicians never say out loud. New York’s system is dangerously dependent on the top 1 percent of earners, who already supply nearly half of all income tax revenue. If even a small slice of them leave, the impact on the state budget is immediate and severe. And every time New York raises corporate taxes, the cost is quietly passed to consumers through higher prices, fewer jobs, and higher rent.

So when Hochul wavers between raising taxes and backing away from them, she isn’t just revealing mixed priorities — she is exposing a structural flaw in New York’s entire approach to revenue. The Mamdani Effect has created a policy climate where economic reality is treated as an inconvenience, and where ideology is allowed to shape decisions that determine whether families can afford to stay in this state.

And in the end, the bill never arrives at the homes of the wealthy or the corporations being targeted. It always arrives in the mailbox of the middle-class New Yorker — the one group no one in Albany seems willing to protect.

MVCSD To Hold Public Hearing On State Monitor’s Findings Report

AJ Woodson
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MVCSD To Hold Public Hearing On State Monitor’s Findings Report

The Mount Vernon City School District (MVCSD) was appointed an academic monitor by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and will hold a public hearing regarding the Monitor’s Findings Report. The hearing will take place from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in the Board Room at the Education Center, 165 N. Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York, 10553.

You must register to speak in advance, no later than 12 noon on the day of the hearing, by contacting the District Clerk in person (165 N. Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York), by phone (914-665-5235), or by email rjames@mtvernoncsd.org. Anyone who did not submit a request to speak before the hearing can still submit comments to kyoungwilkins@mtvernoncsd.org

Public hearings will be livestreamed on the District website and on their Facebook page.

The NYSED appointed Dr. Kimberly Young Wilkins as state monitor for academic and financial plans for the District through June 30, 2027. The Board approved her appointment. Dr. Young Wilkins will provide oversight, guidance, and technical assistance related to the educational and financial policies, practices, programs, and decisions of the District, Board, and superintendent. Dr. Young Wilkins will work with the Board to develop a five-year financial plan and a five-year academic improvement plan by November 1, 2025. 

Dr. Young Wilkins, MVCSD Superintendent, Dr. Demario A. Strickland, and the Mount Vernon City School District welcome comments related to the monitors’ report.  

If you are unable to appear in person at the public hearing, comments may be submitted to the state monitor via e-mail at kyoungwilkins@mtvernoncsd.org with “State Monitor” in the subject line.

You can view the Mount Vernon City School District Academic Improvement and Financial Plans 2025–2026 through 2029–2030 School Years Draft for the Board of Trustees below.

Draft 1-MountVernonAcademicFiscalPlan2025 by BLACK WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE

The draft states that, “The Mount Vernon Board of Education (“the board”) shall operate in accordance with the ‘Eight Characteristics of Effective School Boards.'” (See Eight Characteristics… below)

Eight Characteristics of Effective School Boards by BLACK WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE

CDC Just Cut Food Safety Surveillance And Now We’re All Playing Dinner Table Russian Roulette By Larnez Kinsey

Larnez Kinsey
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CDC Just Cut Food Safety Surveillance And Now We’re All Playing Dinner Table Russian Roulette By Larnez Kinsey

The Setup: A Quiet Cut With Loud Consequences

While we were out here living life, grilling, brunching, buying them Costco rotisserie chickens the CDC made a quiet little move on July 1, 2025. They took FoodNet, the program that’s been tracking foodborne illnesses for 30 years, and said: “We’ll only officially track two germs now, Salmonella and E. coli. The other six? Optional.”

Yes, Optional.

Like “wearing a seatbelt” is optional. Like “washing your hands after the bathroom” is optional.

That’s not optional. That’s survival.

Let’s Talk Numbers (Receipts Don’t Lie)

  • 48 million people in the U.S. get sick from food every single year. That’s 1 in 6 of us. You, me, your auntie, your kids.
  • 128,000 hospitalizations happen annually from foodborne illnesses. That’s whole hospitals filled with people who just wanted to eat dinner.
  • 3,000 deaths every year are gone, because something as simple as spinach, cheese, or undercooked chicken was contaminated.
  • Listeria, one of the germs now “optional,” causes about 260 deaths a year, and it doesn’t play fair. It goes after pregnant people, newborns, and seniors.
  • Vibrio, that raw oyster demon? 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths annually, with a fatality rate of nearly 20% for severe infections.
  • And let’s not forget Campylobacter, the #1 cause of bacterial food poisoning in America. It’s been climbing in recent years, and now it’s… optional.

So the question is: how you gonna fight a war with germs if you stop counting half the enemy?

Why This Is Bigger Than Food Poisoning

See, this isn’t just about a bad night on the toilet. It’s about systems.

When you shrink surveillance, you don’t just risk a few extra tummy aches; you risk delayed outbreak detection. That means:

  • People keep eating contaminated food longer before recalls.
  • Hospitals see spikes in cases with no clear answers.
  • Vulnerable populations, babies, seniors, and immunocompromised folks end up carrying the heaviest burden.

And history shows us what happens when oversight slips. Remember that E. coli outbreak in late 2024? Nearly 90 people were sick, one child died, and the public never even got told the source of contamination. Transparency vanished. And if transparency goes, accountability follows.

The Patchwork Problem

Here’s the kicker: because the CDC made six pathogens “optional,” now it’s up to states to decide. Some, like Minnesota and Maryland, are keeping full coverage. Others are already talking about scaling back. So, depending on your zip code, your food safety net might be full-strength or frayed.

That’s like saying: in some states, your fire alarm works; in others, it might not even be plugged in.

What You Can Do (Because I’m Not Just Gonna Scare You, I’m Gonna Equip You)

Here’s the starter pack for food safety survival when the system’s half-asleep:

In the Kitchen

  • The thermometer is queen. 165°F for chicken, 160°F for ground meats, 145°F for steak and fish. Don’t “eyeball it,” don’t “feel it,” don’t “grandma says it’s fine.” Science.
  • Two boards, two lives. One cutting board for raw meat, another for produce. Cross-contamination is sneaky.
  • The 2-hour rule. Leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours (1 if it’s hot outside). After that, bacteria’s doing the electric slide all over your food.

As a Consumer

  • Sign up for recalls. FDA and USDA send free alerts, text, and email. Be the first to know, not the last to throw up.
  • Follow your state health department. They often post outbreak info before it hits the news.

As a Citizen

  • Apply pressure. Call your reps. Ask your health department: “Are you still tracking all 8 pathogens?” Put them on record.
  • Share knowledge. Post this info, tell your family. Community power is real power.

The Real Talk Wrap-Up

Here’s the bottom line: when the CDC cuts back to just two germs, it’s like checking your gas tank but ignoring the brakes, the oil, and the engine light. You might keep moving for a while, but eventually, disaster.

And this isn’t just about food, it’s about equity. Because the people most likely to suffer when oversight slips? Black and brown communities, working-class families, the elderly, and the medically fragile. The folks with the least margin for error.

So yes, laugh at the absurdity, clown the system for real. But also know this: we can’t afford to shrug it off. Not when it’s our families, our kitchens, our lives on the line.

Because food safety ain’t optional. And neither are we.

Know Your Rights Tenant Forum To Be Held By NAACP-Yonkers Housing Committee

AJ Woodson
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Know Your Rights Tenant Forum To Be Held By NAACP-Yonkers Housing Committee

NAACP-Yonkers Branch Housing Committee will be hosting a Know Your Rights Tenant Forum on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Sarah Lawrence College Center for the Urban River at Beczak located at 35 Alexander Street in Yonkers.

Understanding tenant rights in Westchester County is crucial for protection against illegal evictions, harassment, and unfair rent hikes, especially during challenging economic times. Knowing your rights allows you to access legal resources, defend yourself in court, and advocate for systemic changes. The county’s “Right to Counsel” program, established in 2023, is a key resource, but awareness of other protections—like those against retaliation, discrimination, and illegal rent overcharges—is also vital for preventing housing insecurity and homelessness. 

This Tenants Forum will focus on:

  • Habitability concerns
  • Organizing Tenant Associations
  • Filing complaints with landlords, property management, and the City of Yonkers Department of Housing and Buildings
  • Contacting other appropriate agencies for tenant support

Representatives from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley will be present to answer questions (please note they will not be providing legal advice or representation).

The forum will be both in person and Virtual: ZOOM Meeting ID: 284 368 5805 | Passcode: NAACP

To those who need help, here are some great resources;

Even if you think you Know Your Rights, come out because there is always new caselaw that is often in the tenants’ favor. Share this with family, friends, and neighbors because knowing your rights can help you prevent eviction, which has increased sharply in New York since the end of the moratorium. Legal representation can significantly lower the eviction rate for tenants.

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