Welcome to the Sunday, June 6, 2025 episode of Black Westchester presents the People Before Politics Radio Show with Damon K. Jones & AJ Woodson bringing the heat this week with a powerful episode you don’t want to miss!
Hosted by Damon K. Jones and AJ Woodson, we dig into the political, legal, and cultural headlines shaking up Black America with 🎤 Special Guest: Jonathan Newton, Founder of the National Association Against Police Brutality, joins the discussion to unpack police accountability, political distraction, and the urgent need for independent Black advocacy.
🗳️ The Black Vote in NYC — How rank-choice voting, progressive policies, and political misdirection are diluting the power of the Black electorate.
⚖️ The Puffy Trial — What Diddy’s legal downfall reveals about the culture, accountability, and the dangerous silence in the Hip Hop community.
📜 The “New Big Beautiful Bill” — What this sweeping legislation means for small businesses, tax relief, and economic opportunity in the Black community.
🔥 This episode is a masterclass in political clarity, legal insight, and cultural honesty. Whether you’re a voter, business owner, activist, or concerned citizen — this conversation is for you. 📡 Subscribe. Share. Engage. Because when we change the conversation, we change the conditions.
People Before Politics Radio, Giving You Real Talk For The Community Since 2014!
Black Westchester presents the People Before Politics Radio Show every Sunday night, 6-8 PM, simulcasting live on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, and archived on BlackWestchester.com. Giving you that Real Talk For The Community since 2014.
To support the Black Westchester and the People Before Politics Radio Show, which provides the News With The Black Point Of view and gives you the real talk for the community for free, make a donation via PayPal. In the words of Ray Charles, “One of these days, and it [might not be] long, You’re gonna look for [us], and [we’ll] be gone.” Support independent, Black-owned, Free Media!
Subscribe, hit the notification bell, and join the conversation this Sunday. At Black Westchester, we always put People Before Politics!
In a time when headlines too often highlight the struggles, stereotypes, and systemic barriers faced by Black youth, it becomes even more important to celebrate those who are rising above the noise and making their mark. For every negative story in the news, there are countless young Black men and women who are excelling—in academics, the arts, sports, entrepreneurship, activism, and beyond. Their stories, though less frequently told, are powerful reminders of resilience, brilliance, and boundless potential.
These young people are not just overcoming obstacles; they are redefining narratives, challenging expectations, and setting new standards of excellence. Whether they are earning scholarships, launching businesses, leading community initiatives, or making history in their own right, they deserve to be seen, heard, and uplifted. Celebrating their accomplishments isn’t just an act of recognition—it’s an affirmation of their value, their dreams, and their rightful place in the future we are all building together.
At a time when representation and inspiration matter more than ever, we must be intentional about highlighting these bright lights in our communities. Their achievements remind us that, despite the challenges, greatness is not the exception—it’s the expectation. Today, Black Westchester proudly and loudly celebrates just such a young Black lady, whose name is Ashley Robinson.
After making a presentation focusing on the need for young adults to register to vote at a Greenburgh Town Board meeting, Alexander Hamilton High School Senior Ashley Robinson impressed Town Supervisor Paul Feiner so much that he invited her to host a cable TV news show. Ashley accepted the invitation and created Teen Times, a show for teens by a teen, which she hosts and produces. On Teen Times, Ashley highlights the accomplishments, achievements, and initiatives of youth in her local community.
“She got great experience planning the shows, getting guests for the shows, and conducting interviews with interesting guests. I first met Ashley in October 2024 when Ashley spoke at the Greenburgh Town Board meeting- focusing on the need for young adults to register to vote,” Feiner shared with Black Westchester. “I was very impressed with Ashley’s presentation. She is very articulate, and her presentation made me think of how Obama would have spoken to a Town Board when he was in High School.”
The Elmsford native has produced and hosted 5 episodes so far. In her premier episode of Teen Times, Ashley interviews and features three local teen entrepreneurs: Jason Ramirez, a senior at Alexander Hamilton High School and owner of Westchester Car Detailing; Deondra Gentles, a junior at White Plains High School and owner of Hair By Dede; and Xavier Tula, a senior at Alexander Hamilton High School and owner of XTRA Sweets.
She tackled topics like youth voter registration and the importance of getting youth and teens out to vote (episode 2) interviewing members of The League of Women Voters of White Plains, the instrumental role the Theodore D. Young Community Center (TDYCC) plays in the community (episode 3), spotlighted three members of the local Girl Scoot Troop, who shared their mission and the history of the Girl Scoots (episode 4), and on episode 5 she highlight two juniors from Archbishop Stepinac High School who started a program entitled Better Relations offered by the TDYCC.
Ashley graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in Elmsford, June 2025 with a 4.0 GPA. She was a National Honor Society Recipient – 2022, 2023, 2024, and a High Honor Roll Recipient – 2022, 2023, 2024. With Advanced Coursework in AP Language & Composition, AP European History, AP US History, AP English Literature and Composition, AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP Biology, AP Psychology, and 3 years of French Language. Just saying she was a highly motivated and committed high school senior with exceptional leadership and collaborative skills seems like an understatement.
She excelled in academics, exemplifying a strong emphasis and passion for communications, writing, and literacy, with a fun-loving team spirit and interpersonal skills displayed in numerous extracurricular and sports activities. She is a conscientious humanitarian, illustrating service-oriented pursuits through community projects and volunteer efforts. She is also an aspiring journalist who seeks to align her communication strengths at Penn State University with a major in journalism.
She has several accomplishments including YOUTH LEGACY AWARD (2024) where she was selected as the first youth recipient of Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus Legacy Award for outstanding community service involvement, BOOK REVIEW WEBSITE (2024) (ASHLEYSTAR.COM) – she launched website to foster a love of reading by reviewing and recommending books across several genres, HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE (2023) where she was featured on her school website and newsletter for successful holiday food drive at high school, resulting in 288 lbs of food for 240 meals for families in the local community, TEEN MAGAZINE RELEASE (2023) where she researched, interviewed, photographed, and wrote articles for the Journalism Program resulting in the premier of The Greenburgh Sheen Magazine, YOUNG ASPIRING LITERARY SCHOLARS PROGRAM (2022 & 2023) where she participated in a literary program for high school students interested in poetry, writing, and journalism and VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP (2022) where she helped lead the team to the Section 1, Class D volleyball championship.
“If you review Ashley’s resume, you’ll agree—she seems to excel in everything she tries—a terrific student, active in sports, charitable causes, and music. Her cable TV teen show is interesting, and the quality is fantastic,” Feiner adds.
Other affiliations include • GREENBURGH SHEEN JOURNALISM PROGRAM – Girls Journalism Training Program 2023-24 • NABJ – National Association of Black Journalists Member 2024 • SEN. ANDREA STEWART-COUSINS YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL – Political Advisory Program 2023 • DELTA GEMS – High School Girls Mentoring Program 2022-24 • DELTA ACADEMY – Middle School Girls Mentoring Program 2021 • NAACP – National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, White Plains/Greenburgh Youth Division President 2024; Secretary 2022 & 2023; Member 2021 • CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH – Youth Ministry Youth- Present
Who knows? One day, Ashley might be the winner of a Pulitzer Prize. I would be very surprised if Ashley, one day, doesn’t either win a Pulitzer in journalism or get elected to high elective office,” Feiner shared with pride and great excitement.
We also like to thank Paul Feiner for bringing her to our attention. Feiner says Ashley is not the only student who has produced and hosted a news show this year. Blake Feinstein, a student from Edgemont, has produced a series of fascinating news stories this past year. He wanted me to let students interested in participating in the Student News Network or hosting their own cable news or interview show are welcome to email him at pfeiner@greenburghny.com or call him on my cell: 914-438-1343.
We salute and proudly celebrate Ashley Robinson, a true Black Westchester legend in the making. Remember the name because we believe you will be hearing great things about her in the near future and for a long time!
On the second anniversary of New Rochelle Detective Steven Conn shooting Jerrel Garris, his family is starting a petition demanding the termination of Conn. Garris was shot on July 3, 2025, and died from his injuries a week later on July 10th. A funeral was held for Garris on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at St. Catherine A.M.E. Church, the church where he was both shot in front of and baptized as a child.
A report released by the Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation in September of 2024 noted that “Mr. Garris’s reported offense was petty and nonviolent,” and that his noncompliance with police efforts to speak with him was “not violent or physical.” The AG’s Office recommended that New Rochelle instruct officers to consider “objective criteria” for using force, rather than relying on officers to use their subjective discretion. But the report announced that no charges will be filed against a New Rochelle police officer involved in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Garris.
Weeks after the AG’s report was released, the family of Garris sued Conn and the city of New Rochelle in state court, saying Garris was having a “mental health crisis” during the incident and that his death was preventable. “Conn should have followed the lead of the officers already at the scene who determined it was prudent to engage Jarrel verbally and not physically because he was visibly in mental crisis,” the lawsuit said.
Left with no justice from the AG’s office or the New Rochelle Police Department, the family started the petition demanding the termination of Conn.
“Demanding truth, accountability, and justice has never been more crucial. The body-worn camera (BWC) footage from Detective Steven Conn presents a disturbing and undeniable sequence of events that must be laid bare for public scrutiny. On reviewing the footage, it is clear that there has been gross misconduct and abuse of power, and therefore, we are calling for the termination of Detective Conn,” the petition states.
“This incident highlights a critical breakdown in trust between the New Rochelle Police Department and the community it is meant to serve and protect. There is an urgent need to address this misconduct decisively to restore public confidence and ensure that justice prevails. Injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere, and silence is not an option. We cannot stand by while those tasked with upholding the law misuse their power. It is imperative that authorities act swiftly to terminate Detective Conn and send a clear message that police misconduct will not be tolerated in New Rochelle.”
Raymond Fowler, father of Jarrel Garris, addresses friends, family & supporters on the steps of the New Rochelle PD demanding justice [Black Westchester]
Jerrel’s father Raymond Fowler also wrote a, OPEN LETTER TO THE CITY OF NEW ROCHELLE LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY
“Two years since my son, Jarrel Garris, was shot and killed on July 3, 2023, by Detective Steven Conn of the New Rochelle Police Department.
In August 2023, my family and I met with the Mayor of New Rochelle, the City Manager, members of the City Council, and the Police Commissioner via: Zoom. During that meeting, we raised serious, urgent questions—questions that deserved honest, transparent answers from those in power.
To this day, those questions remain unanswered.
We asked:
1. What race relations and community engagement training, if any, do New Rochelle police officers receive?
2. What training exists for officers when they encounter citizens facing a mental health crisis or a drug-related crisis?
3. How often do officers undergo psychiatric evaluations once they are active in the field—and specifically, when was Detective Conn last evaluated before the shooting?
4 . Why were no disciplinary actions ever taken against Detective Conn, especially since he was promoted just a month before the killing of my son?
The lack of answers from City leadership, even after two years, speaks volumes.
This silence shows a complete failure in transparency, accountability, and integrity—values these elected and appointed officials swore to uphold. It also shows a lack of respect not just for my family’s pain, but for the community’s right to know the truth.
Let this letter serve as a public notice: The Mayor, the City Manager, the City Council, and the Police Commissioner of New Rochelle have chosen silence over accountability. Their failure to communicate directly contradicts their duty to act with honesty, fairness, and integrity—without favoritism and without fear. 🚨 Justice for Jarrel Garris! New Rochelle PD’s body camera footage reveals a chilling timeline: • Detective Conn’s BWC starts after he handcuffs Jarrel—but shows him punching him. • Within 15 seconds, Conn yells “gun” & fires the fatal shot.
Why wasn’t the camera on before? Why no footage of the lead-up? This is erasure of truth.
We demand:
Fire & charge, Detective Conn.
Release ALL unedited footage.
Federal investigation NOW.
Jarrel’s life mattered (PBUH – Peace Be Upon Him).
My family continues to seek the truth. And I know we are not alone.”
Signed, Mr. Fowler Father of Jarrel Garris Raleigh, NC
The family is asking that you join them in taking a stand against injustice. Sign this petition to demand accountability and advocate for a community that is safe and just for all.
In the summer of 2020, the U.S. commemorated Independence Day amid nationwide protests for racial justice and systemic reforms in the wake of George Floyd’s death. That June, NPR asked five young descendants of Frederick Douglass to read and respond to excerpts of his famous speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”. It’s a powerful, historical text that reminds us of the ongoing work of liberation.
FEATURING (alphabetically) 20-year-old Douglass Washington Morris II, 15-year-old Isidore Dharma Douglass Skinner, 12-year-old Zoë Douglass Skinner, 19-year-old Alexa Anne Watson, and 17-year-old Haley Rose Watson
They’re targeting 43 countries, and this time, it’s not just about who’s trying to come into the U.S.
It’s about who’s already here and suddenly afraid to leave.
Green card holders. Permanent residents. Elders who’ve lived in this country longer than some politicians have been alive. Nurses, cab drivers, deli owners, teachers, and aunties.
People who make Westchester work.
And now, they’re being forced to live small.
To cancel flights.
To miss funerals.
To skip weddings.
To hold grief and joy over the phone because they’re afraid the country they call home won’t let them back in.
Let’s be clear, that’s not immigration reform.
That’s emotional warfare.
That’s spiritual harm.
And that’s personal.
Westchester Is the World
Westchester isn’t just suburbs and storefronts. It’s Yonkers to New Rochelle, Mount Vernon to Ossining, full of immigrant families, legacy elders, and second-generation kids who walk with two languages in their mouths and five generations in their bones.
You go to South 4th Ave in Mount Vernon, you’re hearing Kreyòl, Amharic, and Spanish before you get to the corner. You pass bodegas owned by Yemenis, barbershops run by Ghanaians, and churches filled with Dominicans, Nigerians, and Haitians every Sunday.
So when they talk about banning people from Afghanistan, Haiti, Venezuela, Somalia, Cuba, Sudan, Pakistan, Liberia, Syria, they’re talking about our neighbors. Our elders. Our home health aides. Our cousins.
And what makes this even worse? They’re going after folks with permanent residency.
People who’ve lived, worked, and paid taxes here for years are now being told:
“If you leave, don’t count on coming back.”
What the Colors Really Mean
This ban draft is divided into three levels, and each one comes with a different kind of impact. Don’t let the color-coded system fool you: this is about ranking lives and controlling who gets to belong.
Red List “You’re Locked Out”
What it means: If you’re from one of these 11 countries, you’re completely banned from entering the U.S.
Impact: No entry. No exceptions. You can’t come visit family, go to school, attend funerals nothing. You’re shut out. This hits home for Westchester’s Yemeni, Afghan, Sudanese, and Venezuelan families.
Orange List “You Can Come, But Barely”
What it means: Travel is sharply restricted. You may only enter on a business visa, and only after strict interviews and security checks.
Includes: Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Turkmenistan
Impact: Most people, especially those seeking family reunification or immigration, will be denied. If you’re not wealthy, your access is cut off. For Westchester, this hits Haitian, Pakistani, Eritrean, and Sierra Leonean communities hard.
Yellow List “Prove Yourself or Get Banned Next”
What it means: These countries have 60 days to comply with U.S. demands or risk getting bumped up to orange or red.
Includes: Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Congo (Republic and Democratic), Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, São Tomé & Príncipe, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe
Impact: This is the warning zone. Many African and Caribbean nations are here and Westchester’s diaspora is full of folks from these places. They’re being told, “You’re not banned yet, but we’re watching you.”
Let Me Tell You Something My Abuela Said
My abuela, born on a sugar plantation in Oriente, Puerto Rico, used to say:
“Mija, they can close borders, but they can’t close the road our spirit walks.
We come from people who made homes where we were never meant to survive.
So don’t ever ask permission to belong.”
That was her truth, spoken while cooking dinner, folding laundry, or sitting with swollen feet after a long shift.
She didn’t need a microphone to speak to power. She was the mic.
And that spirit? That sacred defiance?
It lives here. In Westchester.
In every immigrant household that still sends money home.
In every family navigating two flags and one future.
In every person, whose presence in this country is resistance in itself.
This is not About Safety, It’s About Control
Don’t let them gaslight you with “national security” headlines.
This ain’t about keeping America safe.
This is about keeping America exclusive.
Because let’s be honest, this ban ain’t targeting countries with wealth or political favor.
It’s targeting Black and brown nations, poor nations, and post-colonial nations.
It’s targeting people whose very existence proves that survival is revolutionary.
Westchester, We Know Better
We’ve fought back before.
We’ve organized for housing justice, immigrant protection, and racial equity.
We showed up for DACA, for sanctuary cities, for the families at the border.
So we’re not about to stay quiet now.
Not when our neighbors are being disappeared in legal language.
Not when fear is being packaged as policy.
Not when belonging is being treated like a privilege instead of a right.
This Is Our Line in the Soil
We don’t have to be born here to fight for here.
We don’t have to agree with every policy to protect our people.
And we damn sure don’t have to stay silent to be respectful.
Because in Westchester, we don’t just build homes, we build community. We build legacy. We build power.
So no, we will not let this moment pass without making it plain:
Yonkers Double-Parking Fines Update New Double Parking Regulations
YONKERS, NY – In a move aimed at improving traffic flow and public safety, the City of Yonkers is launching a crackdown on double parking, increasing fines and stepping up enforcement efforts across high-traffic areas.
City officials say the initiative comes in response to growing concerns from residents, businesses, and emergency responders who have long complained that double-parked vehicles create dangerous bottlenecks, block access for first responders, and endanger pedestrians.
“As Yonkers continues to grow, so does the need for safer and more efficient streets,” said Mayor Mike Spano in a statement. “Double parking is not just a nuisance — it’s a serious safety issue, and we’re taking clear steps to address it.”
Under the new measures, fines for double parking will be increased significantly, particularly in commercial and school zones where infractions are most common. Officials confirmed that the penalty will be “substantially higher” than the current base fine of $115.
“The Yonkers City Council has increased the fine for double parking to $150,” Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy shared with Black Westchester. “Double parking blocks traffic and creates safety hazards — so think twice before stopping beside another parked car!”
Local business owners and residents have expressed mixed reactions to the crackdown. While some welcome the effort to ease congestion and improve accessibility, others worry about how stricter enforcement could affect deliveries and short stops in busy areas. Some residents, like Erin from Yonkers, want to make sure the enforcement is carried out equally throughout all of Yonkers.
“Make sure it’s inclusive of all neighborhoods from McLean Avenue in the South to the furthest point north, and from east to west,” Erin Theresa wrote on Facebook.
In addition to higher fines, the Yonkers Police Department and Parking Violations Bureau will be deploying additional patrols and enforcement agents during peak hours. These targeted efforts will focus on busy corridors such as South Broadway, Central Park Avenue, McLean Avenue, and areas around schools and transit hubs.
“We are not looking to punish drivers unnecessarily, but the culture of ignoring parking regulations has to change,” said Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza. “We’re prioritizing public safety and the ability of emergency vehicles to get where they need to go without delay.”
Yonkers City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo added that the Yonkers Police Department’s 2nd Precinct issued 100 additional tickets in this area for double parking in May.
“At times, people will be double parking, and we have emergency vehicles trying to get by or school buses that are trying to get by,” says Rubbo.
He says they plan to enforce this, in part, through new technology such as handheld devices that can scan registration and quickly print a ticket.
City officials say they are reviewing options to expand legal loading zones and improve signage in affected areas to reduce the need for illegal parking. A public awareness campaign is also planned to educate drivers about the dangers and consequences of double parking.
The city’s new enforcement push is expected to begin immediately and continue through the fall, with the possibility of extending or adjusting the initiative based on community feedback and results.
In August 2024, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced a similar enforcement for vehicles blocking bus stops or double parking in NYC. Letting the public know they will no longer be warned, and they will receive summonses in the mail starting at $50 and scaling up to $250 for repeat violators
Yonkers and Westchester Residents with questions or concerns about the new parking enforcement measures are encouraged to contact the Yonkers Parking Violations Bureau or visit www.yonkersny.gov for more information.
What do you think of the new Double-Parking Fines in the City of Yonkers? Leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments below. We want to hear from all of you.
On July 3, 2025, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping reform of tax policy and social spending that critics immediately labeled a “gift to the rich” and a “war on the poor.” But such rhetoric, though emotionally satisfying, ignores the deeper reality: this bill is a turning point in how America rewards behavior. And whether we like it or not, the real question for Black America is whether we are positioned to compete under the rules this new framework enforces.
This bill doesn’t simply reward wealth—it rewards the creation of wealth. It signals a shift in how the government treats those who produce value. It makes permanent the Trump-era tax cuts, expands the Child Tax Credit, eliminates federal taxes on overtime and tips, ends Biden’s student loan forgiveness program, cuts green energy subsidies, and tightens eligibility requirements for programs like Medicaid and SNAP. For able-bodied adults, continued access to Medicaid now requires 80 hours per month of work, school, or job training. That is not a punishment. It is an incentive to participate in the economy—an economy that is increasingly shifting its rewards toward builders and away from dependents.
Black America has no more excuses. We spend over $1.5 trillion every year—more than the GDP of entire nations like Australia, Mexico, and South Korea. Yet instead of leveraging that power to build, we spend it foolishly on products we don’t own, brands we don’t control, and institutions that give us nothing in return. No oppressed people in modern history have had this level of spending power and still remained economically dependent. That is not just a system problem—it’s a mindset failure. The new tax code is not just a policy shift; it’s a blueprint for wealth builders. We must learn it, master it, and use it to our advantage. With $1.5 trillion at our disposal, we have the capital. What we need now is the courage and discipline to redirect that money from consumption into ownership, investment, and long-term power
The truth is, this bill isn’t designed to hurt the poor—it’s designed to expose who is prepared to take initiative. In this economy, participation matters. You must be earning, producing, hiring, or investing. Those waiting on symbolic gestures or government dependency will find fewer rewards going forward. And that’s not a failure of policy—it’s a reflection of what America now values.
For small businesses—particularly Black-owned enterprises—this bill provides both opportunity and a warning. The benefits are real for those who are prepared to act. Equipment, software, tools, and vehicles can now be fully deducted in the year they’re purchased, allowing small businesses to reinvest and reduce their tax burdens. Pass-through entities like LLCs, sole proprietors, and S-corps continue to benefit from the 20 percent Qualified Business Income deduction, lowering effective tax rates and improving margins. Employers no longer need to withhold federal payroll taxes on tips and overtime, easing payroll burdens and increasing workers’ take-home pay. IRS reporting has been simplified, which reduces administrative costs—an overlooked but important advantage for small operations trying to scale.
In addition, domestic production tax credits and purchase incentives favor American-made goods and services. That means Black-owned manufacturers, local food producers, and logistics firms are well-positioned to benefit—if they are aligned with these incentives. But there are no special protections, no racial carve-outs, no government set-asides. The playing field is open—but you still have to play. That’s the part many in our community are reluctant to confront.
There are also challenges. The bill does nothing to address the lack of access to capital for many Black entrepreneurs. No SBA expansion. No targeted lending programs. If you can’t get startup funding, these tax benefits are out of reach. And if members of your workforce rely on Medicaid or SNAP and lose benefits under the new requirements, you may face pressure to raise wages or offer private benefits. These are real-world trade-offs that demand real-world preparation.
So, what should Black entrepreneurs do now? Form a legal business entity like an LLC or S-Corp to take full advantage of the QBI deduction. Invest in tools, technology, or equipment this year to lower taxable income. Learn the tax code or hire someone who does. Begin recruiting and training skilled workers, especially in trades. And consider entering industries like real estate, logistics, home services, and agriculture—fields that this bill indirectly supports through its economic structure.
The Medicaid work requirement is not just a policy change—it’s a mirror. If members of our community are at risk of losing coverage, the answer is not protest. The answer is preparation. Where are the trade schools? The apprenticeships? The technical programs? There are over 800,000 open jobs in trades like welding, HVAC, electrical, and solar installation—jobs that offer dignity, income, and the potential for ownership. Our schools, however, continue to steer young people toward four-year degrees and student debt, promising status instead of substance. That model has failed. And this bill makes it clear: the marketplace will no longer subsidize it.
The expansion of the Child Tax Credit in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is another example of how the legislation rewards working families who are actively contributing to the economy. Rather than offering open-ended welfare, the credit provides direct tax relief to parents who are raising children and earning income. For many Black families, this can result in meaningful savings—money that can be reinvested in education, childcare, or household stability. But as with the rest of the bill, this benefit is structured around participation. It is not a handout; it is a hand up, designed to reinforce the connection between family responsibility and economic reward.
What Black America needs now is not another protest but a blueprint. We must stop talking about representation and start talking about results. Build businesses. Purchase assets. Teach financial literacy and trades. Fund institutions that train and develop talent. Support candidates who understand economics and push for development—not dependency.
This bill will not close the racial wealth gap. That is not its purpose. But it will deepen the divide between those prepared to build and those waiting to be rescued. It will separate producers from petitioners, investors from activists, and builders from bureaucrats. It is not just a tax bill. It is a test of whether we understand how this economy works and whether we’re ready to act accordingly.
Black America now stands at a fork in the road. Either we shift our mindset, realign our institutions, and retool our strategies—or we risk permanent exclusion from the economy this bill is creating. The age of emotional politics has run its course. We are now in the age of structured outcomes. And in this system, only those who build, own, and produce will thrive.
It’s time to make a decision. Shift—or be left behind.
Download the Free eBook: The Black Tax Pivot: How to Survive and Thrive Under the Trump Cuts
In this bold and urgent guide, discover how the latest tax reform can become a turning point for Black America — not a setback. The Black Tax Pivot: How to Survive and Thrive Under the Trump Cuts breaks down the Trump tax cuts in plain language and shows how strategic thinking, entrepreneurship, local control, and financial literacy can transform our communities from consumers to producers. This is not just about taxes — it’s about reclaiming economic power, ending generational poverty, and building a future we control. Whether you’re a working professional, small business owner, pastor, or parent, this free eBook is your blueprint for navigating change with vision and purpose. Download now and learn how to play the game — or get played
Are you ready to break the cycle of emotional loyalty and political disappointment?
Then Emotional Politics — Logical Failure is the book you need.
In this bold and unfiltered work, Damon K. Jones delivers the hard truths many are afraid to say out loud: Black America has been loyal to a system that has failed to deliver. We’ve mastered symbolism but forfeited strategy. We show up to vote, but not to fund. We speak out, but rarely build. And the result? Speeches instead of solutions. Visibility instead of victory.
This book is not about left or right. It’s about logic over emotion. Power over performance. It’s a call to wake up, re-strategize, and use our political currency with purpose.
If you’re tired of being used, overlooked, and sold out—this book is your blueprint for change. Your voice is powerful. Your vote is valuable. But your money, your mindset, and your political clarity are what will make the difference.
Read the book. Share the message. Challenge the tradition. And let’s finally start getting what we pay for.
One of the most dangerous assumptions in politics today is that new processes automatically yield better outcomes. Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) was introduced in New York City as a supposed upgrade to democracy, giving voters more voice and ensuring broader representation. But as with many well-intentioned reforms, what matters is not how it sounds, but how it works. And for Black communities in New York, it is not working.
The recent Democratic mayoral primary produced a clear example: Zohran Mamdani, a candidate backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, won the nomination despite failing to win majority support in historically Black neighborhoods. The very voters most vulnerable to economic instability and crime were effectively bypassed in a system that rewarded coordinated coalitions over concentrated support.
This is not a question of personality. Mamdani may be young, energetic, and symbolic of a new political wave, but symbols do not govern—policies do. His platform, which includes a $30 minimum wage, rent freezes, and defunding police departments, may earn applause in academic circles, but its practical effects on working-class Black families, business owners, and homeowners are either unknown or clearly harmful.
RCV was sold as a way to broaden voter choice. But in practice, it has created a system where outcomes are increasingly driven by those with the most organized political machinery—not those with the most community support. Mamdani’s campaign succeeded not by winning the first-choice votes of Black voters, but by building a coalition of progressive voters across affluent and gentrified districts who were highly engaged, well-funded, and ideologically aligned. His base ranked in unison. Many in the Black community did not rank at all.
This is not empowerment. It is displacement.
The Black vote in New York, long a dominant force in Democratic politics, is being diluted not by suppression in the traditional sense, but by procedural complexity and political substitution. The language of equity is used to advance policies that undermine the very institutions—small businesses, property ownership, and policing—that provide structure and opportunity in Black neighborhoods.
What is perhaps most telling is not just who won, but who supported him. Several prominent Black leaders, including Reverend Al Sharpton, publicly endorsed Mamdani. Their support signals a deeper shift—not in ideology, but in incentives. Too many in the Black political class have begun to align themselves with donor-funded movements that speak the language of progress but produce results that are either neutral or negative for the communities they claim to serve.
This pattern is not new. Throughout history, elites have often aligned with prevailing winds to preserve their own status, even at the cost of the broader group’s advancement. Today’s progressives speak of systemic change, but the systems they are changing often involve replacing functional, if imperfect, structures with ideological experiments—at the expense of those who can least afford the consequences.
Take Mamdani’s stance on law enforcement. His description of the NYPD as “wicked and corrupt” may play well among anti-police activists, but it ignores the fact that many Black residents in high-crime areas are not demanding abolition—they are demanding competence and accountability. The elimination of police funding without a proven alternative does not make these communities safer; it simply shifts the cost of insecurity onto those with the fewest resources to respond.
The same is true of Mamdani’s economic proposals. A $30 minimum wage might sound like justice to political activists, but it operates on the false assumption that wages can be raised by law without consequences. In the real world, wages are paid out of business revenue—not good intentions. When government mandates drive labor costs beyond what small businesses can afford, the result is fewer jobs, shorter hours, and shuttered storefronts. Most Black-owned businesses in New York—barbershops, childcare centers, delis, salons, food carts—operate on thin margins. They cannot absorb a 50 to 100 percent increase in payroll costs without raising prices, cutting staff, or going under altogether. And when those businesses close, it’s not the Ivy League socialist or nonprofit staffer who loses their job—it’s the entry-level worker, the teenager seeking their first opportunity, or the family trying to keep the lights on. As
Thomas Sowell wrote, “The real minimum wage is zero—that is what people receive when they are unemployed.” Policies that price low-skilled workers out of the labor force don’t fight poverty—they expand it.
What makes Mamdani’s promise even more dishonest is the fact that the Mayor of New York City has no legal authority to change the minimum wage. That power lies entirely with the New York State Legislature. So the $30 wage proposal is not just economically reckless—it’s politically empty. Either Mamdani doesn’t understand how government works, or he does—and he’s gaslighting the public by making promises he knows he has no power to fulfill. That’s not leadership. It’s manipulation.
None of this is accidental. The political left in New York, increasingly led by white liberal activists and advocacy organizations, has effectively hijacked the Democratic Party. Candidates like Mamdani are not anomalies—they are the outcome of a strategic shift away from traditional, neighborhood-based politics toward ideologically driven movements financed by donors who are culturally progressive but economically insulated.
These groups speak often of the “working class,” but their version of the working class does not include the barber with a storefront lease, the grandmother trying to hold on to her home amid rising property taxes, or the young Black man looking for stability in a trade. Their policies are designed for theorists, not for families.
To make matters worse, Black political leaders who endorse such candidates are not planting seeds of Black empowerment—they are reinforcing a structure that treats Black voters as a means to someone else’s end. Influence is being traded for visibility. Endorsements are being given in exchange for relevance. And the results speak for themselves: lower homeownership, fewer business opportunities, and declining neighborhood security.
This is not about left or right. It is about logic and results.
What has been the outcome of progressive dominance in New York City politics? Are Black families better off today than they were five years ago? Are our schools improving? Is crime going down? Is capital more accessible? If the answer to those questions is no, then the logical conclusion is that the current political direction is failing—not rhetorically, but measurably.
Political power is not defined by who gets to speak on TV. It is defined by who gets results. And right now, the policies being championed under the banner of justice are producing outcomes that leave Black communities weaker, not stronger.
It is time for a political realignment—one grounded not in slogans but in structure. We need leadership that prioritizes ownership over programs, accountability over popularity, and long-term prosperity over short-term applause.
Until that happens, Ranked Choice Voting and the progressive coalitions that exploit it will continue to sideline the very communities they claim to uplift. And Black voters will continue to be used for legitimacy rather than empowered for leadership.
The only way to change that is to stop judging candidates by their identities or affiliations—and start judging them by their outcomes.
Are you ready to break the cycle of emotional loyalty and political disappointment?
Then Emotional Politics — Logical Failure is the book you need.
In this bold and unfiltered work, Damon K. Jones delivers the hard truths many are afraid to say out loud: Black America has been loyal to a system that has failed to deliver. We’ve mastered symbolism but forfeited strategy. We show up to vote, but not to fund. We speak out, but rarely build. And the result? Speeches instead of solutions. Visibility instead of victory.
This book is not about left or right. It’s about logic over emotion. Power over performance. It’s a call to wake up, re-strategize, and use our political currency with purpose.
If you’re tired of being used, overlooked, and sold out—this book is your blueprint for change. Your voice is powerful. Your vote is valuable. But your money, your mindset, and your political clarity are what will make the difference.
Read the book. Share the message. Challenge the tradition. And let’s finally start getting what we pay for.
Exploring Independence Day through the Lens of Courage & Liberation
The Fourth of July, celebrated as Independence Day in the United States, is a day marked by fireworks, parades, and festivities. This national holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a pivotal moment when the thirteen American colonies declared their separation from British rule. Yet, while the Declaration proclaimed the ideals of liberty and equality, the path toward achieving those ideals has been complex and paved with the sacrifices of countless individuals. Among these figures is Harriet Tubman, whose profound contributions to the liberation of enslaved people resonate deeply with the spirit of independence.
Independence Day: A Celebration of Freedom
The Fourth of July serves as a reminder of the founding principles of the United States—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a time to reflect on the nation’s history, its struggles for self-determination, and the ongoing journey toward a more perfect union. The ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence have been the foundation for movements for justice and equality throughout American history, extending far beyond the colonial era.
Yet, when the Declaration was signed, these principles were not universally applied. Slavery remained a pervasive institution, and millions of African Americans were denied their fundamental rights. For many, the Fourth of July represented a paradox—a celebration of freedom in a land where freedom was not equally granted.
Harriet Tubman: A Symbol of True Independence
Harriet Tubman, born into slavery in the early 1820s, is one of the most iconic figures in American history. Her life exemplifies the true meaning of independence—a relentless pursuit of freedom not only for herself but for others. Tubman escaped slavery in 1849, embarking on a perilous journey to the North. However, her escape was not the end of her mission; it was the beginning. She became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved individuals find freedom.
Tubman risked her life repeatedly, returning to the South to guide others to safety. Over the course of her efforts, she is believed to have led more than 70 people to freedom, earning the nickname “Moses” for her role in delivering her people from bondage. Her courage and determination are a testament to the values celebrated on the Fourth of July—liberty, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.
The Intersection of Independence and Liberation
The story of Harriet Tubman enriches the narrative of the Fourth of July by highlighting the multifaceted nature of freedom. While Independence Day traditionally marks the nation’s liberation from British rule, Tubman’s life reminds us that the struggle for independence is ongoing and often personal. Her contributions extend beyond the abolition of slavery; they also reflect the broader fight for equality and human dignity.
During the Civil War, Tubman continued her fight for freedom by serving as a spy, nurse, and scout for the Union Army. Her intelligence-gathering missions were instrumental in weakening Confederate forces and advancing the cause of emancipation. In 1863, she became the first woman to lead an armed expedition during the Combahee River Raid, which liberated more than 700 enslaved people in South Carolina. Her actions not only affirmed her commitment to freedom but also underscored the interconnectedness of personal courage and national ideals.
Reimagining the Fourth of July
As we celebrate the Fourth of July, it is essential to recognize the contributions of individuals like Harriet Tubman, who expanded the meaning of independence. Her life encourages us to reflect on the progress made and the work that remains in achieving true freedom for all. The fireworks and festivities of Independence Day should not only commemorate the past but also inspire a commitment to justice and equality in the present and future.
In honoring Harriet Tubman’s legacy, we at Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) are reminded that Independence Day is not only a historical event but also a continuous effort that requires courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. Her story calls us to celebrate the Fourth of July not just as a day of national pride, but as an opportunity to renew our dedication to the ideals of liberty and justice for all. We at WLI are committed to strengthening opportunities for women and girls through a variety of impactful programs. WLI also collaborates with policymakers to advocate for systemic changes that break down barriers to equality and create a more inclusive future.
By continuing these efforts and expanding our reach, WLI aims to ensure that independence and opportunity are not just ideals but realities for every woman and girl. Together, through collective action and unwavering dedication, we aim to shape a brighter and more equitable world for the generations to come.
The Women’s Leadership Institute is an organization established to advance and improve the personal, economic, and professional status of women and girls. Activities and programs are designed to promote talented women and girls seeking leadership, advancement, and opportunities for skills enrichment. We connect women and girls across industries and demographics. Visit their webpage or contact us at (914) 664-0430.
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) celebrated the graduation of student participants from its Student Environmental Ambassador Program, hosted at the Westchester Community College annex in Mount Vernon. This event marked a significant milestone in the innovative “Don’t Strain Your Drain” campaign—a youth-led initiative aimed at reducing water pollution and sewer issues through the proper disposal of used cooking oil.
The program originated in 2023 through ELOC’sStudent Summer Energy and Environmental Program for Teens (SSEPT), when a team representing Mount Vernon’s YCOP proposed the “Don’t Strain Your Drain” concept. Since then, the ELOC Student Environmental Ambassador Program has empowered students from across Mount Vernon, Port Chester, and New Rochelle to become advocates for environmental action in their communities.
In recognition of their efforts:
Students presented to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) in January 2025, supported by NYS Assemblyman Gary Pretlow.
The team received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Westchester County Board of Legislators in February.
They won Third Prize at the Bedford 2030 Greenlight Award in April.
In May, they were awarded the Westchester County ECO Award by the Environmental Facilities Department.
Through local outreach and two collection sites in Mount Vernon, the students helped divert 200 gallons—nearly 1,400 pounds—of used cooking oil from businesses and residents, promoting cleaner water systems and environmental sustainability.
During the graduation ceremony, monetary awards were announced for students who collected the most significant amounts of oil in their communities, honoring their hands-on contributions to environmental protection.
“We are incredibly proud of what these young leaders have achieved,” said Marvin Church, Associate Program Director at ELOC. “This initiative shows how education, advocacy, and local action can come together to make a real environmental impact.”
ELOC also announced the opening of its new office at the Westchester Community College annex in Mount Vernon, made possible through the generous support of the college administration and the Westchester County Legislators.
For more information about the Don’t Strain Your Drain initiative or how to get involved, visit www.eloc.earth or contact info@eloc.earth.
