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The S&P 500 Rebound After Tariff Shock: What It Means for the Economy and Black America

DAMON K JONES
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The S&P 500 Rebound After Tariff Shock: What It Means for the Economy and Black America

When President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on foreign goods in early April 2025, markets didn’t flinch—they panicked. The S&P 500 plummeted over 15% in just two trading sessions, sending shockwaves through Wall Street and raising fears of a repeat of 2018’s trade war instability. But in a twist emblematic of today’s volatile economy, the market didn’t collapse—it rebounded. And fast.

Within days of the announcement, a White House pivot paused the tariffs for most countries except China. The damage was partially contained, and by the end of April, the S&P 500 began one of its longest winning streaks in decades. Strong corporate earnings, solid job numbers, and investor relief turned panic into profit. Wall Street celebrated.

But while the S&P 500’s recovery is a green light for institutional investors, the economic signal it sends is more complex for Main Street—and especially for Black America.

What the Rebound Really Means

The stock market’s recovery tells us that corporate America still believes in the long-term health of the U.S. economy. Investors see the tariff policy as more of a negotiating tactic than a fundamental shift in economic direction. With interest rates stable and tech companies continuing to deliver strong returns, big capital is still optimistic.

However, this optimism does not always trickle down. While Wall Street thrives on anticipation, the working-class economy runs on outcomes. The S&P bounce doesn’t lower grocery bills, create apprenticeships, or ensure that minority-owned businesses can access capital. In fact, the very tariffs that sparked the market’s initial drop still loom large for small and mid-sized enterprises—particularly in the import-reliant retail and manufacturing sectors where many Black entrepreneurs operate.

The Black Economy: Still on the Margins

The rebound of the S&P 500 reveals a stark truth: economic resilience is not distributed evenly. Black Americans own just 1.5% of the nation’s business equity and are underrepresented in stock ownership, with fewer than 40% of Black households owning any shares at all, compared to over 60% of white households. That means most Black families do not directly benefit from stock rallies.

Worse, if tariffs re-ignite inflation on goods and commodities—like clothing, electronics, or building materials—Black consumers and business owners will feel the impact first and hardest. Many Black-owned construction firms, salons, and corner stores depend on affordable imports. Rising costs can strangle already-thin profit margins and slow job creation in Black neighborhoods.

What could be a moment of national economic reflection has instead reinforced an old pattern: market recovery masks systemic exclusion. While capital markets rebound, there’s little talk in mainstream policy circles about insulating Black communities from the ripple effects of tariffs or trade shocks.

This is where political and economic leadership must shift. If the federal government and state leaders do not proactively invest in Black entrepreneurship, workforce training, and trade participation, Black America will remain on the economic sidelines. The irony is that while tariffs were intended to bring manufacturing and production back to the U.S., there’s little infrastructure in place to ensure Black workers and business owners are at the table.

The market rebound after the tariff shock is a reminder that capitalism resets quickly—but without a plan, marginalized communities do not. Black America needs more than representation in the boardroom—we need stakeholding in the supply chain. That means training Black youth for trade jobs, funding Black-owned import-export firms, supporting Black agriculture and manufacturing, and using group economics to move beyond consumerism.

The S&P 500’s resilience isn’t irrelevant to Black communities—it’s a signal. But unless we use that signal to demand inclusion in trade policy, ownership in industry, and protection against inflationary fallout, we will remain in reaction mode rather than building mode.

The bounce-back was real. But unless Black America repositions itself for economic independence—not just survival—our communities won’t feel the benefit. The market rebounded. Now it’s time we do too—but through a strategy rooted in self-determination, ownership, and Black independence.

Mount Vernon Needs Strong, Fair, and Experienced Leadership in the Courts — Statement from Black Law Enforcement Support of Judge Peter Davis

Black Westchester
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Mount Vernon Needs Strong, Fair, and Experienced Leadership in the Courts — Statement from Black Law Enforcement Support of Judge Peter Davis

As members of Blacks in Law Enforcement of America, a national organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers, we are committed to justice, fairness, and the integrity of public institutions that serve our community. Mount Vernon is facing a defining test—not just of leadership, but of values. Will we choose competence or cronyism? Will we honor experience or reward loyalty? Our courts are not just another branch of government; they are where life-altering decisions are made. That’s why the people of Mount Vernon deserve strong, fair, and experienced leadership on the bench, not political appointees learning on the job.

We must ask the uncomfortable but necessary question: would you get on a train with someone who has never conducted one? Would you fly in a plane with someone who’s never logged a single hour in the cockpit? Of course not. Then why would the Democratic Party of Mount Vernon—and parts of the Black political class—support a judicial candidate with no courtroom experience, no criminal justice record, and no demonstrated readiness to preside over life-and-death legal decisions?

It’s not even logical. It’s political.

Part of the problem we face as a community is that too many within the Black political structure have stopped supporting Black excellence. They don’t champion the most qualified, most proven, or most respected Black professionals for leadership roles. Instead, they promote those most loyal to the party—regardless of whether they’re qualified to serve the people. It’s the kind of small-minded gatekeeping that keeps communities stagnant. Instead of empowering leaders who have earned their position through decades of work and results, they choose allies who will play along. That’s not leadership. That’s maintenance of the status quo.

That’s why we proudly support Judge Peter Davis, a man whose entire career has been about justice—not politics. Since 1993, Judge Davis has served on both sides of the courtroom—as a Westchester County Assistant District Attorney and later as a respected 18-B Indigent Defense Attorney in Mount Vernon, representing thousands of low-income defendants. He’s not new to the community. He’s been fighting for it his entire career.

Judge Davis earned national respect for representing the family of Sean Bell in the wake of their son’s tragic death, giving voice to their pain and bringing attention to unjust policing practices. He has made legal history, securing acquittals in high-stakes homicide cases—including the county’s first double jury trial and a double homicide acquittal after five years of pretrial detention at Rikers Island. These aren’t talking points; they’re outcomes. They represent lives defended, justice upheld, and experience you can’t fake.

Even while serving part-time on the bench between 2022 and 2024, Judge Davis continued to deliver favorable results in complex legal matters. He is currently a member of the Legal Aid Society’s Homicide Defense Task Force, entrusted with the toughest cases in the city. His record is unmatched. His commitment is unquestioned.

The fact that some are willing to overlook this record in favor of an unqualified candidate is not just troubling—it’s insulting. It suggests that for some political insiders, loyalty to the party is more important than loyalty to the people.

Mount Vernon deserves more. It deserves a judge who understands the law, respects the people, and can lead from experience, not ambition. Judge Davis has spent over 30 years earning that trust—case by case, client by client, verdict by verdict. We stand with him not because of politics, but because of results.

If we truly believe in Black excellence, we must support it when it’s in front of us. Otherwise, we are complicit in our own marginalization. Judge Peter Davis represents excellence, integrity, and justice. That is the leadership Mount Vernon needs now more than ever

Judge Peter Davis Announces Candidacy for Mount Vernon City Court Judge

DAMON K JONES
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Judge Peter Davis Announces Candidacy for Mount Vernon City Court Judge

Mount Vernon, NY – Judge Peter Davis today announced his candidacy for Mount Vernon City Court Judge in the Ninth Judicial District, bringing more than 30 years of legal experience and a deep commitment to justice, equity, and public service to the race.

Judge Davis was first appointed as an Associate Judge of the Mount Vernon City Court in 2022, where he presided over a wide-ranging docket that included criminal and civil cases, small claims, landlord-tenant matters, city code violations, traffic infractions, and parking tickets. Following the retirement of Judge Lyndon Williams in January 2025, Judge Davis was elevated to a full-time judgeship.

A lifelong public servant, Judge Davis began his legal career in 1993 as an Assistant District Attorney in Westchester County, prosecuting cases across the region, including right here in Mount Vernon. He later dedicated over two decades to criminal defense as an 18-B Indigent Defense Attorney in Mount Vernon City Court, where he represented thousands of clients—many of them low-income residents—helping to ensure fair treatment and access to justice for all.

Nationally recognized for his advocacy, Judge Davis gained prominence for representing the parents of Sean Bell in the wake of their son’s tragic death—a high-profile case that drew national media coverage and appearances on Court TV, ABC 7, and other outlets. He also made legal history in Westchester County by successfully defending the county’s first double jury homicide trial, securing an acquittal on the homicide. In 2018, he won a full acquittal in a double homicide case after his client had spent five years detained on Rikers Island awaiting trial.

In 2019, he joined the Legal Aid Society’s Homicide Defense Task Force, representing clients in complex, high-stakes cases across New York City. Even while serving part-time on the bench between 2022 and 2024, he continued to deliver strong legal outcomes for his clients, earning acquittals and favorable verdicts in difficult cases.

Judge Davis’s legal background is as diverse as it is deep—spanning criminal and civil law, personal injury, traffic violations, and city ordinance enforcement. He has appeared and tried a Federal Jury Trial in Manhattan.  He remains in good standing with the New York State Bar and is widely respected for his integrity, legal acumen, and unwavering sense of fairness.

Equally committed to community service, Judge Davis has served as an Auxiliary Police Officer, has had peace officer training, volunteered in the Pre-Release Program at Sing Sing Prison, and mentored at-risk youth. He holds a degree in Criminal Justice and has dedicated his life to public safety and community empowerment.

As a full-time judge, he is now leading the rollout of a Gun Violence Prevention Panel, designed to educate local youth about the risks and consequences of illegal gun possession. He is also spearheading efforts to establish a Mental Health Court in Mount Vernon, with the goal of providing more effective and compassionate support for individuals with behavioral health challenges involved in the criminal justice system.

Judge Davis brings unmatched courtroom experience, a distinguished record of legal advocacy, and a forward-thinking vision for justice in Mount Vernon. He is ready to continue serving the city with fairness, compassion, and a deep respect for the law. Judge Davis is the ONLY candidate running with Judicial Experience in this upcoming June 24th City of Mount Vernon Democratic Primary Election.

Mental Health Month: Recognizing Black Minds Must Matter

DAMON K JONES
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Mental Health Month: Recognizing Black Minds Must Matter

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time when we’re urged to talk openly about emotional well-being. But in Black America, talk isn’t enough. Too many of our people are suffering in silence. For us, mental health isn’t just an individual concern—it’s a collective crisis. It’s a generational wound wrapped in silence, misdiagnosis, cultural stigma, and systemic neglect. That’s why we say: Black Minds Must Matter—because they haven’t mattered enough for far too long.

Let’s start with the numbers. Black children are disproportionately exposed to trauma before they even reach adolescence. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Black youth are more likely to be exposed to violence, parental incarceration, community instability, and systemic poverty—yet less likely to receive mental health services. A study by the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that suicide attempts among Black adolescents rose by nearly 80% from 1991 to 2019, even as rates declined among white youth. This is a national emergency masked as a trend.

Black men, meanwhile, are often praised for their strength and resilience but punished for vulnerability. Socialized to suppress pain and discouraged from seeking help, many internalize stress until it explodes—in addiction, violence, or silence. The American Psychological Association notes that while Black men are less likely to be diagnosed with depression, they are more likely to express it through physical symptoms or aggression. This isn’t because Black men are less affected—it’s because the system doesn’t know how to read our pain, and we’ve been taught not to show it.

Black women are often called the backbone of the community, but even the strongest structures crack under pressure. Data from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that while Black women experience higher levels of psychological distress compared to white women, they are far less likely to receive care. Too often, the mental health of Black women is dismissed as moodiness, anger, or just being “strong.” But behind the strength is often undiagnosed anxiety, depression, or PTSD—from carrying the weight of households, children, jobs, and trauma with no outlet and no support.

What connects all these realities is the breakdown—or absence—of healing spaces within family and community. In past generations, the church, the extended family, and even the neighborhood barber shop or beauty salon served as informal counseling hubs. But as communities have been hollowed out by economic displacement, mass incarceration, and cultural disconnection, many of these safe spaces have vanished. Families are more fractured, neighborhoods more transient, and trust in institutions—medical, legal, or spiritual—is fading.

Healing begins with family. It begins with fathers talking to their sons not just about toughness but about feelings. It begins with mothers reminding daughters that perfection is not a requirement. It begins with elders and youth sitting at the same table to talk about what’s hurting them and what’s helping them. The stigma around mental health in the Black community must be dismantled within the family unit first—because if we don’t talk about it at home, we won’t seek help outside of it.

Community matters just as much. We need to re-establish networks of emotional support that are rooted in cultural understanding. That means more Black therapists, counselors, and social workers who understand our history and don’t pathologize our pain. It means integrating mental health education into schools, churches, and grassroots organizations. It means funding mobile crisis units, peer counseling programs, and mental wellness centers in underserved neighborhoods—not just in white suburbs.

Black minds must matter not just in May, not just in moments of crisis, but every single day. Because when we heal the mind, we unlock the power of the soul. And until Black mental health is taken seriously at every level—from public policy to the kitchen table—we will continue to carry burdens that were never ours alone to bear.

This is not just about health—it’s about survival, legacy, and the future of Black America. Black minds must matter, because they always have—and because the future depends on it.

Tony Holden Freed After 902 Days in Kuwaiti Prison: A Battle for Justice and American Accountability

DAMON K JONES
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Tony Holden Freed After 902 Days in Kuwaiti Prison: A Battle for Justice and American Accountability

Tony Holden, a Tennessee-based American defense contractor, is finally back on U.S. soil after spending 902 days in a Kuwaiti prison on what supporters describe as baseless and politically entangled drug charges. His release on April 30, 2025, is being hailed as a major victory for diplomacy, persistence, and advocacy.

Holden had been working at Camp Arifjan, a major U.S. military base in Kuwait, under contract with a U.S. defense firm when he was arrested in November 2022. According to his family, Holden was violently detained, coerced into signing a confession in Arabic—a language he does not speak—and charged with drug possession and trafficking. Despite testing negative and having no criminal background, he was sentenced to five years in prison.

Behind the scenes, his case triggered a growing movement to bring him home. His family alleges that Holden endured harsh conditions, physical abuse, and psychological pressure while imprisoned. Advocacy groups and elected officials rallied behind the campaign to raise awareness and push for U.S. intervention. One such group, Global Reach, supported the family’s efforts throughout the ordeal.

The website FreeTonyHolden.com became a central hub for updates, donations, and public pressure, detailing the injustices surrounding his case and chronicling every step of the campaign to bring him home. The site also shared disturbing details of how Holden’s confession was discredited by Kuwaiti authorities themselves, who later admitted it had been obtained through coercion.

The White House played a key role in Holden’s release, with his team—led by envoy Adam Boehler—spearheading negotiations with Kuwaiti officials. Since March 2025, this diplomatic push has secured the release of over 20 Americans from Kuwait, many of whom were veterans or contractors entangled in similar legal situations.

Holden’s homecoming at Washington Dulles International Airport was emotional. Greeted by Boehler and his family, Holden later released a heartfelt video thanking Trump directly. “You didn’t just help me—you saved my family. You gave us our life back,” Holden said. The video was later shared widely, including on social media platforms like Instagram.

Congressman Steve Cohen of Tennessee, who had also lobbied for Holden’s freedom, praised the outcome as a testament to the power of advocacy and diplomacy. “Tony Holden never should have been behind bars. His return is a triumph over a grave injustice,” Cohen stated.

Stacia George of Global Reach echoed the sentiment: “Tony was wrongfully imprisoned, but through relentless efforts, he’s finally home. Now begins the process of healing and rebuilding.”

Holden’s ordeal is a sobering reminder of how quickly Americans can become ensnared in foreign legal systems—and how critical it is to maintain strong diplomatic channels and public advocacy. His story, now immortalized on FreeTonyHolden.com, serves as both a warning and a call to action: never stay silent when an American’s freedom is unjustly stripped away.

Americas Cardroom’s Ebony Kenney, Black, Queer, and One of Poker’s Winningest Women By Matilda Sims

Black Westchester
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Americas Cardroom’s Ebony Kenney, Black, Queer, and One of Poker’s Winningest Women By Matilda Sims

The year is 2022, and Ebony Kenney sits at a star-studded poker table surrounded by well-known personalities, from Seth Davies and British pro Sam Grafton to Finnish player Elias Talvitie. Kenney is one of the few women in the tournament, and the only woman at the final table.

She entered the tournament after receiving an invitation from online poker site Americas Cardroom’s CEO, Phil Nagy. By the night’s end, Kenney won a $1.7 million prize after finishing fifth place in the Coin Rivet Invitational at the Triton Super High Roller Series in Northern Cyprus. Nagy himself was eliminated early in the tournament. This big score was Kenney’s largest win of her poker career, and the fifth-largest cash win for a woman in poker history, placing her 16th on the Women’s All-Time Money list.

Kenney joined the Americas Cardroom Pro team two years before this big win after years of playing high-stakes poker. The leading online poker site is a flagship of the Winning Poker Network group, and has led way for online poker in New York by providing a safe and secure experience while the state is yet to support in-state operators. Offering huge tournaments and cash games, Americas Cardroom aims to make online poker more accessible for players across the US and around the world.

Kenney’s work with the online poker site also involves live streaming on the biggest streaming platform, Twitch, under the username CinnamonPardy. Viewers who tune into Kenney’s streams regularly enjoy the poker pro’s insights into her top strategies, unforgettable poker moments, and a mix of competition, fun, and community.

Ebony Kenney and her poker journey

Ebony Kenney’s poker career is headlined by over $2.4 million in tournament winnings. She had started her poker career in 2007, but it was a decade later that her career met its much-deserved big break. In 2017, Kenney bagged a $34,637 first-place victory at the Rio Deepstack event in Las Vegas.

Still, Kenney maintains that high-stakes poker is just one of her life’s many facets. In her 2021 appearance on the Heart of Poker podcast, Kenney highlights her entrepreneurship, her job as a women’s advocate and life coach, and her role as a single mother to her three children, all of whom she considers her biggest teachers and supporters. In our “5 Reasons Why Women Should Be Selfish… Financially” post, we highlighted the importance of financial well-being, especially for women with many dependents. Practicing financial wellness helps boost self-reliance while reducing stress, and Kenney upholds this belief to support her children.

Kenney has been distinctly aware of her position in professional poker throughout her career. In an interview with Poker.org, Kenney acknowledges that she was the first woman professional player invited to a huge buy-in event like the Coin Rivet Invitational and, more importantly, the first Black woman. The potential influence of her place in the poker industry as a queer Black woman is not lost on Kenney. Speaking on her experience at the Invitational, she states she wants “four women at the final table next time.”

Charity and philanthropic work with Americas Cardroom

Aside from bringing in winnings, Ebony Kenney’s work with Americas Cardroom also involves charity and philanthropic work. In 2020, Kenney came in first place in the All-In for America Charity tournament, which boasted a star-studded lineup of Hollywood A-listers. The tournament was hosted virtually in partnership with Americas Cardroom to raise money for Feeding America. Kenney beat out a top three consisting of comedian Andy Milonakis and actor Kevin Pollak to get the win.

Participants were required to donate $10,000 to secure their spot at the poker table. Hosted by professional poker commentators Justin Kelly and Michael Loncar, the tournament raised over $1.2 million, thanks to participants like Kenney and familiar Hollywood names like Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Jon Hamm.

Tobey Maguire, notorious for being great at the card game, and celebrities like Adam Sandler, Jason Bateman, Sarah Silverman, and Tom Brady were also present. Breaking Bad lead Bryan Cranston was among the high-stakes players and managed a deep run in the tournament. He came in fifth place and was part of the final two tables. 

Given the level of play (and fame) Kenney experienced here and across other tournaments, fans are eager to see her career propel her to new heights.

SSA Closing Hearing Office In White Plains CE Jenkins & Rep. Latimer Push Back

AJ Woodson
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SSA Closing Hearing Office In White Plains CE Jenkins & Rep. Latimer Push Back

JENKINS AND LATIMER AGAIN PUSH BACK ON SSA DECISION TO CLOSE WESTCHESTER HEARING OFFICE

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is permanently closing the White Plains Office of Hearings Operations located at 75 South Broadway in White Plains at the end of May. The closure is due to the landlord not renewing the lease, and the Trump administration has no plans to open a new hearing office. This office served as the only hearing office in the Hudson Valley region (which comprises Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties), impacting residents who may now have to travel further for hearings. Residents who rely on this hearing office will now have to travel further to access in-person services, potentially to offices in the Bronx, lower Manhattan, Albany, New Jersey, or New Haven, Connecticut. 

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins is calling out Acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek for his total disregard of the people of Westchester County, after Dudek rejected a second offer from the County and US Congressman George Latimer to use County space for the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) White Plains Hearing Office.

“It’s clear that no matter how reasonable the offer, the Social Security Administration simply doesn’t want a hearing office here in Westchester County. This isn’t about politics or party lines — this is about our parents, grandparents, and most vulnerable friends and neighbors being left with no access to Social Security services when there is a problem,” County Executive Ken Jenkins emphatically stated. “The reality is that traveling to another hearing office an hour or more away, to another county or even another state, is a privilege. For those who find travel difficult or impossible, they are being completely shut out by the Social Security Administration.  Westchester is the largest County in the Hudson Valley and should have a hearing office.”

Some members of Congress, including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Mike Lawler (CD-17), and Congressman George Latimer (CD-16), have expressed concerns about the closure and have asked the SSA to reconsider its decision or find an alternative location. 

“I am deeply disappointed by the response I received from Acting Commissioner Dudek. I am frustrated on behalf of my elderly and disabled constituents. It is clear that this administration has no intention of helping Americans receive benefits they have earned. When the Hearing Office closes on May 31st, Westchester residents will have to travel to New Haven, CT or downtown Manhattan to fight for their rights,” Rep Latimer said in a statement. “Using county space would have saved the federal government money and maintained services here in White Plains. This really is unconscionable and shows how little regard President Trump and his administration have for everyday Americans; we deserve better.”

Judges and staff from the White Plains office have been reassigned to other local hearing offices. The White Plains, N.Y., Office of Hearing Operations clears more than 2,000 disability benefits cases each year and currently has a backlog of 2,000 pending cases. The current hearing office is set to close on May 31st.

In related news, Congressman Latimer (NY-16) will be joined by CE Ken Jenkins, local and state officials, and veterans’ advocates for a press conference Friday, May 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The press conference will bring attention to the proposed cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) staff and how the cuts will affect the healthcare and benefits veterans receive. The event will be held at the Tibbits Park extension between S Broadway and Main Street in White Plains.

More than 2,000 VA employees have already been fired, some of whom provided support for the Veterans Crisis Line. The Trump Administration has proposed cutting an additional 83,000 staff, or about 1/5 of VA staff, by August. These cuts could affect wait times for healthcare appointments and delay when veterans receive the benefits they have earned.

U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal Draws Praise, Criticism, and Geopolitical Questions

DAMON K JONES
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U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal Draws Praise, Criticism, and Geopolitical Questions

The United States and Ukraine have officially signed a landmark economic agreement granting U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical mineral resources in exchange for continued American investment and strategic backing. Framed by the Trump administration as a move toward peace and reconstruction, the deal comes after the U.S. has poured over $175 billion in taxpayer money into Ukraine since the war with Russia began in 2022. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the agreement, calling it a “historic economic partnership,” and a clear message to Russia that the U.S. stands behind a “free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine.”

At the center of the deal is the creation of the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which enables direct American investment into Ukraine’s infrastructure, energy systems, and most importantly—its mineral wealth. Bessent emphasized that the fund will “unlock Ukraine’s growth assets” while introducing American capital, corporate governance standards, and management expertise into the Ukrainian economy. The U.S. Development Finance Corporation will help operationalize the fund in collaboration with Kyiv.

Supporters hail the agreement as a smart way to recoup investments made during the war and to deepen U.S. strategic influence in the region. Rare earth elements and other strategic minerals critical for technology, defense, and renewable energy are at the heart of the plan. For Washington, it’s a chance to reduce reliance on Chinese minerals while securing future supply chains.

But many critics view the deal as a slick rebranding of war-time profiteering.

Across social media and independent news platforms, the backlash was immediate. Detractors accused the U.S. of exploiting Ukraine’s desperation. Comments labeled the deal “extortion,” “resource extraction,” and a “shameful moment” where America cashes in while Ukraine remains bombed-out and broken. The optics of investing in minerals while roads, hospitals, and homes remain in ruin has fueled accusations that this deal prioritizes profit over people.

Critics also pointed out that the American public has never been given a clear, transparent breakdown of how the $175 billion in aid has been used—or what percentage of it will be offset, if at all, by profits from these new mineral ventures. Meanwhile, inflation at home and concerns about Social Security solvency have left many questioning why there’s endless money for foreign wars and reconstruction, but not for domestic priorities.

Some observers worry that the deal risks inflaming tensions with Russia further while undermining Ukraine’s autonomy. Others argue that it mirrors past U.S. behavior in the Global South, where “rebuilding” meant opening up resource markets for Western corporate interests, often leaving local populations with little say—or benefit.

Even the tone of Secretary Bessent’s remarks raised eyebrows. The term “operationalizing”—used to describe the launch of the fund—was ridiculed for its corporate coldness. Critics said it masked the human cost of war behind sanitized language better suited for a boardroom than a battlefield.

Ultimately, the deal exposes the uneasy intersection between foreign policy and economic opportunism. While branded as support for democracy and sovereignty, the structure of the agreement—and the speed at which U.S. interests moved in—raise valid questions about who this really helps.

Ukraine may be fighting for its independence with weapons funded by American taxpayers, but it now faces a second front: protecting its economic sovereignty from the very allies who claim to support its freedom.

The success—or failure—of this minerals deal won’t be measured in press releases or political rhetoric. It will be seen in whether everyday Ukrainians gain from it, whether the U.S. taxpayer ever sees a return on their investment, and whether peace comes with partnership—or just a new kind of ownership

CE Jenkins Recognizes Month Of May As “Mental Health Awareness Month” In Westchester

AJ Woodson
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CE Jenkins Recognizes Month Of May As “Mental Health Awareness Month” In Westchester

Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health to Spearhead Initiatives Throughout The Month of May

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States since 1949, increasing awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in people’s lives. County Executive Ken Jenkins is officially recognizing the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Westchester.

The annual recognition will appear in digital form outside the Westchester County Center for the month of May. In addition, a series of other initiatives will be spearheaded by the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH). This year’s theme is “Turn Awareness into Action,” encouraging individuals and communities to go beyond recognizing the importance of mental health, to taking steps to improve mental well-being and bring positive change.

“Each year, we proudly declare the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Westchester, because promoting good mental health is more relevant today than ever,” CE Jenkins said. “It is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues, and help reduce the stigma that so many experience. Our Department of Community Mental Health has made this a priority not only in May, but throughout the year. Whether it is the Soul Shop training that connects mental health and faith-based leaders, creating initiatives to increase behavioral workforce development, the Fall Forum on Co-Occurring System of Care, or the recent Youth Summit, our DCMH staff is making a considerable impact on the everyday lives of our residents.”

“The mental health of all Westchester County residents is a top priority. We thank County Executive Ken Jenkins for declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month and promoting educational opportunities and services available here,” Commissioner of DCMH Michael Orth said. “His consistent support and unwavering devotion to recognizing the struggle of those with mental health conditions is why we are close to opening our new safety net clinic, expanding our Employee Assistance Program offices, and continuing to develop new and innovative programs across the County.”

The 988 Lifeline, St. Vincent’s Enhanced Behavioral Health Crisis Line, which is funded by Westchester County, is a free 24/7 hotline that provides confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for individuals in need and their loved ones. The Lifeline received over 18,000 calls in the year 2024. The County Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT) handled another 2,000 responses for unique individuals across the County.

As part of the County’s efforts to promote May as Mental Health Awareness Month, DCMH is launching a “Tweet a Day for May” campaign, sharing information about events, ideas, and resources. Posts will be accessible by following DCMH on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

For additional information on resources and training programs, contact the Department of Community Mental Health at (914) 995-5220.

Pharaoh Has Let Us Go: Trump’s First 100 Days and the Black American Pivot

DAMON K JONES
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Pharaoh Has Let Us Go: Trump’s First 100 Days and the Black American Pivot

Donald Trump’s first 100 days back in office didn’t bring disaster or deliverance for Black America — they brought clarity. The federal government has made its position known: it’s stepping back. That’s not a betrayal. That’s a release.

This administration is governing by executive order — 142 signed in just over three months. But instead of building national systems of support, Trump is returning power to the states. That shift comes with consequences. If Black communities are not engaged in local elections, school boards, budget hearings, and state legislatures, we will not be ignored — we will be irrelevant. The federal government is no longer managing the weight. If we don’t carry it locally, we will be crushed by our own political absence.

The executive order repositioning the HBCU Initiative under the Executive Office of the President signaled symbolic respect — but provided no guaranteed funding. It opened a door to private-sector partnerships, but not a single dollar of direct federal investment. In this new model, access is not equity — it’s competition. And in a competitive environment, Black institutions are forced to do more with less, again.

Read: Promises vs. Outcomes: What Trump’s Executive Order for HBCUs Mean for Black America

Trump’s AI education order promises to prepare youth for the future economy, but implementation is left to the states. It is now up to school boards and governors to decide who receives AI training, updated infrastructure, and vocational pathways. If we are not organizing at the local level, the future will be programmed — and our children won’t be in the code.

DEI is gone, but the data says it never delivered structural economic power anyway. It filled panels, not pipelines. The dismantling of DEI didn’t reverse our progress — it exposed how little measurable progress had been made. What we build now must be rooted in ownership, not optics.

Read: Where Are Black Leaders as America Rebuilds Its Workforce

Trump’s tax agenda adds another layer of urgency. His administration is proposing the elimination of the IRS and a 28% national consumption tax to replace income taxes. That means your spending — not your earnings — will be taxed. For a community deeply entrenched in consumer behavior and luxury branding, that’s a financial trap. The more we spend, the more we bleed. In this model, the poor subsidize the rich, and the undisciplined subsidize the producers. If Black America doesn’t learn financial control and long-term asset management, we will fall behind — not because of oppression, but because of undisciplined habits.

These tariffs have also exposed a painful truth: the luxury goods so many in our community idolize — the high-end brands we associate with wealth and success — are not made in Paris or Italy. They’re made in China. The same supply chains used for fast fashion are producing the status symbols we overpay for, driven by marketing, not quality. We’re not buying culture — we’re funding corporations. We’re not investing — we’re impersonating wealth while owning nothing.

Read: China’s Tariff Suspension: Why It Means Little for Black America

In the midst of these shifts, one executive action stands out with long-term implications: the new national health initiative announced by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. The administration has launched a sweeping review of chronic illness, nutrition, pharmaceutical conflicts of interest, and vaccine safety. The initiative seeks to investigate the causes behind America’s skyrocketing rates of diabetes, obesity, infertility, and autoimmune diseases — and how food systems, corporate lobbying, and health policy failures contribute to it.

This is where Black America must pay close attention. We lead the country in preventable chronic illnesses, yet we are often the last to receive clean food access, preventive care, or medical autonomy. If RFK Jr. follows through on this initiative, it will challenge industries that have profited off our poor health. But it won’t matter if we’re not demanding better food in our schools, challenging local health board policies, and building our own wellness ecosystems. Just like education and the economy, health freedom is now decentralized — and our outcomes will depend on whether we organize around it.

Trump’s first 100 days didn’t destroy Black America — but they ended the illusion that federal power will be used to protect us. That burden — and opportunity — has shifted. Power is going local. And if we don’t respond with precision, we’ll fall not because we were targeted, but because we were unprepared.

Pharaoh has let us go. But we can’t keep worshiping the institutions of Egypt — institutions that sold us junk food, fake luxury, broken promises, and slogans in place of substance. We need a complete pivot.

Read: Black Dollars, White Wealth: Why Our Spending Power Isn’t Building Our Future

We must become producers: of goods, services, education, food, health, and leadership. I know it’s hard for some to imagine Black people farming again or returning to work with our hands. We’ve become so educated, so elite-minded, that we’ve disconnected ourselves from the very labor and skills that build real institutions. But ownership doesn’t begin in the boardroom — it starts in the field, in the shop, in the classroom, and in the voting booth. That means owning the farms, teaching the trades, writing the curriculum, and controlling the distribution. It means running for office where decisions are made — not just protesting after they’re made. Real power isn’t just spoken — it’s produced.

We don’t need inclusion. We need infrastructure. We don’t need to be seen. We need to be sovereign. And we don’t need to wait. We need to build — now.

Let the record show: Pharaoh has let us go.

The only question is whether we will walk forward into power — or keep marching in circles, carrying the burdens of a culture we never owned, in a system that’s moved on without us.

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