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Democrats Hold a Massive Generic Ballot Lead — And It’s No Accident

DAMON K JONES
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Democrats Hold a Massive Generic Ballot Lead — And It’s No Accident

Democrats’ latest surge in the generic ballot — their biggest lead since 2017 — didn’t come out of nowhere. It is the result of narrative discipline, message consistency, and political strategy that has gone unmatched by Republicans all year. And the proof of their strategy’s success was visible in the most recent election: a blue wave, from school boards to statehouses, where Democrats ran the board in race after race — often in places where Republicans should have been competitive.

The win wasn’t driven by Democratic policy achievements. It was driven by their mastery of the storyline. Democrats controlled the narrative of the government shutdown even after it was publicly documented that they voted 15 times to keep the government closed. It didn’t matter. They repeated one message: Republicans were holding the country hostage. Meanwhile, Republicans had no unified message at all. They were too busy arguing among themselves to communicate with the public.

The Republican brand became chaos; the Democratic brand became consistency. And voters responded exactly as you would expect.

Then the Epstein files entered the national spotlight, offering an opportunity to expose elite misconduct across both parties. But instead of using the moment to bring clarity, Republicans delivered confusion. Infighting, scattered messaging, and contradictory statements turned a story of bipartisan corruption into yet another example of Republican dysfunction.

The Marjorie Taylor Greene–Trump fallout made matters worse. Greene went on progressive platforms like The Viewand publicly questioned Trump’s innocence — even though the attorney representing many of the Epstein victims explicitly cleared Trump of any wrongdoing. That contradiction was a gift to Democrats. It didn’t matter that Trump was exonerated. Greene’s comments validated the left’s narrative that he must have been involved. Republicans handed Democrats the ammunition.

And beneath all of this was a deeper ideological fracture: the war inside the GOP between America First and Israel First. This split isn’t theoretical. It showed up in voter behavior. A large number of young conservatives — especially those aligned with Turning Point USA — simply sat out the election. Not because they’re unmotivated or apolitical, but because they’re disillusioned. They are no longer sure whether the Republican Party’s priorities line up with their own. When the base feels the party is fighting harder for foreign interests than for American interests, enthusiasm collapses.

Democrats capitalized on that confusion. They unified around one message: stability. Republicans, meanwhile, couldn’t tell the public what they stood for — or who they stood with.

This is how Democrats engineered the blue wave. Not by inspiring voters, but by convincing them Republicans were too fractured to govern. And Republicans helped them do it by fighting each other on camera, contradicting their own leadership, and failing to present even a basic message of unity.

This generic-ballot lead is not an ideological shift. It’s the result of a disciplined political machine running against a party that can’t agree on a sentence, much less a platform. Democrats stayed on message. Republicans didn’t have one.

In politics, consistency beats chaos every time. A false narrative, repeated long enough and loud enough, becomes accepted as truth. Democrats understood that. Republicans ignored it. Today’s polling is not a reflection of what voters believe — it’s a reflection of what they hear.

America’s Convenient Compassion: Nicki Minaj at the UN: What New Yorkers See That America Won’t Say By Larnez Kinsey

Larnez Kinsey
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America’s Convenient Compassion: Nicki Minaj at the UN: What New Yorkers See That America Won’t Say By Larnez Kinsey

New York has an instinct for truth.

It’s something in the air, something in the architecture, something in the lived experience of people who have seen too much to fall for political theater dressed up as humanitarian concern.

So when America suddenly becomes deeply invested in protecting Christians in Nigeria, New Yorkers notice the shift immediately. We raise an eyebrow, the same way we do when someone on the train loudly performs generosity right before asking for “just one more dollar.”

We understand sincerity.

And we understand strategy.

And this moment has strategy written all over it.

Let me be clear:

The violence impacting Christian communities in Nigeria is real and devastating.

Nicki Minaj using her platform to speak on that is powerful and meaningful.

But the timing, the political coordination, and the foreign policy choreography behind it require deeper examination. Because New Yorkers have always known how to look past headlines and focus on intention.

Here’s what the culture of this city understands better than most places on Earth:

America often prioritizes crises abroad while ignoring the crises happening at home.

Let’s talk about Christians right here in the United States.

Across New York City and Westchester, Black and Latino Christians fill pews from Brooklyn storefront sanctuaries to Bronx Pentecostal churches to Harlem’s historic congregations, and from Mount Vernon to Yonkers to Peekskill’s long-standing faith communities. 

These congregations have long faced:

  • rising hate incidents
  • vandalism
  • violence
  • Gentrification pushing churches out
  • delayed or inadequate police responses
  • community trauma that remains unaddressed

Where were the national emergency briefings?

Where were the high-level government statements?

Where was the collective outrage when OUR churches suffered?

New York remembers Charleston.

New York remembers Buffalo.

New York remembers every Black congregation that rebuilt after being burned, burglarized, or threatened without national intervention.

So when the federal government suddenly demonstrates heartfelt concern for Christian life, but only when the Christians are thousands of miles away, it raises legitimate questions.

Now, let’s talk about Nigeria and why America suddenly cares.

Nigeria is a global cultural powerhouse and one of the most resource-rich nations in Africa. It holds tremendous political influence on the continent.

And New Yorkers,  especially those raised alongside West African, Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, and immigrant communities,  know a pattern when we see one:

When the United States expresses sudden humanitarian urgency toward a resource-rich Black nation…

There is always more beneath the surface.

Nicki amplifying Nigerian suffering is important.

Her voice commands global attention.

But we must not overlook the geopolitical interests that have magically aligned with this moment, including Nigeria’s oil reserves, minerals, rare earth elements, and strategic military value.

Compassion alone does not explain this level of political mobilization.

Meanwhile, Christian communities across NYC continue to struggle without national support.

In this city:

  • Black pastors continue conducting funerals for young people lost to systemic neglect.
  • Latino congregations still worry about worship being interrupted or surveilled.
  • Immigrant churches face displacement due to rising costs and shrinking neighborhood space.
  • Black worship communities remain marked as “high risk,” yet receive minimal structural protection.

Where is the United Nations podium for them?

Where is the emergency response?

Where is the federal rallying cry?

New York sees the contradiction.

And New York names it plainly.

New Yorkers respect authenticity, not performance.

This city was shaped by people whose faith carried them through hardship:

  • Caribbean elders who brought prayer into every room
  • West African families who preserved tradition through worship
  • Dominican and Puerto Rican congregations navigating language barriers and systemic bias
  • Black Southern families who migrated north with church as their anchor

We know what Christian struggle looks like, locally, historically, and personally.

And we also know when the government is using Christianity as political leverage rather than human compassion.

FINAL WORD 

We can wholeheartedly support Nicki Minaj stepping into a critical conversation.

We can advocate for Nigerian lives.

We can acknowledge the tragedies abroad that deserve global attention.

But we cannot ignore this truth:

The United States cannot claim to defend Christian life internationally while neglecting the Christians suffering and dying within its own borders.

Two truths can coexist:

Nicki’s advocacy is powerful.

America’s motives require scrutiny.

New Yorkers understand nuance.

We understand contradictions.

And we always read the fine print.

BARB-SAFE DISCLAIMER:

I love Nicki Minaj.

I respect Nicki Minaj.

I am genuinely excited to see her speak on this issue.

Barbs, please do not activate your stingers on me. This is not about your Queen. 💗😂💅🏽

This critique is directed at the political system, not the artist.

The Entertainment Game Has Changed: How the $38 Billion OpenAI–Amazon Deal Rewires Music, Media, and Power

DAMON K JONES
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The Entertainment Game Has Changed: How the $38 Billion OpenAI–Amazon Deal Rewires Music, Media, and Power

The entertainment industry is undergoing a transformation far more profound than most observers realize. The recent $38 billion agreement between OpenAI and Amazon Web Services was described as a cloud-computing deal, but that characterization understates its significance. What is happening is not merely a technical upgrade. It is a restructuring of power in entertainment, music, and media that will force a long-overdue reckoning with how creative industries operate.

To understand this shift, you have to understand what the old entertainment order relied on: centralized control. Record labels controlled artists, streaming platforms controlled distribution, Hollywood controlled production, and everyone else simply adapted to the rules those institutions created. For decades, technology disrupted distribution but never truly disrupted ownership. This partnership changes that equation.

AI-generated music and audiovisual content sit at the center of the next media revolution. Until now, the companies pursuing AI creativity have been small enough for the major labels and publishers to intimidate. Lawsuits were a deterrent. Legal threats were a strategy. If a startup couldn’t afford to fight, it simply stopped innovating. OpenAI entering the creative space under the protection of Amazon alters that balance. Labels can threaten a small company; they cannot threaten Amazon. Amazon Music already negotiates with the largest labels, publishers, and rights organizations. Those same legal and commercial pathways now serve as OpenAI’s protective shield.

This is the part most analysts miss. While OpenAI supplies the intelligence, Amazon supplies the infrastructure, the legal insulation, and the distribution ecosystem. Amazon controls Amazon Music, Audible, Twitch, Prime Video’s audio pipelines, Amazon Studios, and extensive licensing relationships. When paired with OpenAI’s generative technology, Amazon no longer has to wait for labels to supply music to its platforms. It can generate content, distribute it, and monetize it internally. The old gatekeepers—labels, studios, and traditional publishers—are no longer the only sources of creative supply.

The entertainment business has always depended on scarcity. Studio time was scarce. Distribution was scarce. Catalogs were scarce. That scarcity justified high costs and strict control. AI eliminates scarcity. A company with enough computing power can create infinite content at marginal cost. This is where the $38 billion matters. It is not just a price tag. It is the creation of a new form of economic scale. OpenAI now has guaranteed access to massive compute—backed by a corporation that can absorb legal, financial, and regulatory pressure. No label, no publisher, and no studio can match that combination.

Predictably, this will trigger resistance. Lawsuits will come. Politicians will be pressed to “protect artists.” Yet, the same institutions crying foul are the ones that historically underpaid, exploited, and controlled the very artists they now claim to defend. In typical fashion, they prefer regulation when it protects their dominance, not when it fosters innovation or expands opportunity. The irony is that the AI revolution exposes how fragile their business model has always been.

For Black artists and Black creative communities, this shift presents both opportunity and danger. Historically, innovation in music—from jazz to hip-hop—began with Black creators, while ownership resided elsewhere. AI tools lower the cost of creation but do not automatically guarantee ownership. The same systemic dynamics that extracted value from Black culture for generations can repeat themselves unless creators adapt quickly. The question is whether we will participate as owners or simply become the training data that fuels someone else’s wealth.

We are witnessing the formation of a new entertainment order—one built not on controlling artists but on controlling computing, models, rights infrastructure, and global distribution. The companies positioned to dominate are no longer the traditional entertainment giants but the AI-and-cloud empires. The OpenAI–Amazon partnership is the clearest signal yet that the old entertainment monopoly is entering its final chapter.

The real shift is simple: the power that used to belong to labels, studios, and media conglomerates now sits with those who can generate content, not merely distribute it. The entertainment game has changed, and those who fail to understand the economics behind that shift will soon find themselves debating rules for a game they no longer control.

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.

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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.

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