Home Blog Page 82

TRUMP’S TARIFFS EXPLAINED: Impact on Your Wallet, Opportunities, Recession Warning & Market Crash [Earn Your Leisure]

AJ Woodson
-
1
TRUMP’S TARIFFS EXPLAINED: Impact on Your Wallet, Opportunities, Recession Warning & Market Crash [Earn Your Leisure]

Thursday night on a special episode of Earn Your Leisure, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings were joined by CNBC’s Frank Holland and Investopedia’s Editor-in-Chief Caleb Silver to break down one of the most significant economic moves of the year: Trump’s tariffs. With new tariffs set to take effect and talk of a “State of Emergency” on trade, they explore what this means for the U.S. economy, small businesses, manufacturers, the stock market, global supply chains, and you—the everyday consumer. They unpacked the real impact of these tariffs, how they could drive inflation, shift jobs, and affect the price of everything from cars to electronics. Are these moves really about protecting American jobs, or is America entering a costly trade war? What opportunities and risks lie ahead, and how should investors and entrepreneurs prepare?

Earn Your Leisure is a revolutionary media platform that gives rise to emerging and established content creators from the world of business, finance, and entrepreneurship whose perspective, expertise, and in-depth insight have been undervalued and overlooked. At its core, Earn Your Leisure’s ultimate purpose is to build, as we climb as a community, by highlighting collaboration over competition.

Watch the Earn Your Leisure podcast on their YouTube channel and follow on IG, Twitter (X) & Facebook.

Case Closed: Mayor Adams Vindicated and Taking Aim at the Deep State

DAMON K JONES
-
1
Case Closed: Mayor Adams Vindicated and Taking Aim at the Deep State

In a resolute and heartfelt address, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the dismissal of the legal case against him, emphasizing that justice has prevailed and the city’s focus can now return to progress and unity.​

Before a supportive audience, Adams expressed profound gratitude to his legal team, particularly lead counsel Alex Spiro. He acknowledged Spiro’s reputation as a trusted defender, noting, “Now I clearly understand why those from Jay-Z to Baldwin call on him during difficult times.”​

The mayor reiterated his longstanding position on the case: “This case should have never been brought. I did nothing wrong.” He emphasized that the court’s decision to dismiss the case with prejudice ensures it cannot be refiled, allowing the city to “finally close the book on this and focus solely on the future.”​

Adams apologized to New Yorkers for the ordeal, condemning the “false leaks” and “sensational headlines” surrounding the case. He assured residents that his dedication remained unwavering throughout: “I never stopped working for you—not for one day, not for one hour, not for one minute.”​

Highlighting the administration’s achievements during this challenging period, Adams noted reductions in crime to record lows, the creation of a record number of jobs, and the development of affordable housing for everyday New Yorkers. He emphasized, “We did not let the noise stop our progress.”​

In a notable moment, Adams referenced the book Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy by Kash Patel, the current FBI Director appointed by President Donald Trump. Holding up the book, Adams shared, “Many of you stop me on the street trying to understand what really happened. Why did this happen? I found the answer in this book.” He encouraged all New Yorkers to read it, suggesting it offers insight into the forces that targeted him and poses a broader warning: “We must never allow this to happen to another innocent American.”​

Patel’s book delves into the concept of a “Deep State,” describing a clandestine network of government officials allegedly working against elected leaders. His appointment as FBI Director has been met with both support and controversy, reflecting the polarized views on his perspectives and past actions. ​

Concluding his address, Adams anchored his remarks in faith, stating, “When all that came at me, Jesus stepped in.” He expressed gratitude for the resilience and unity of New Yorkers and looked ahead with optimism: “Today, we turn the page. We move forward together. Because the real story of New York City isn’t about me or this case. It’s about you—and the bright future we’re building together.”​

With determination, he ended, “God bless you, New York City. God bless what we’ve accomplished. And you know what? I’m going to win.”​

Saying Farewell To A Westchester Arts Icon – Paul Kwame Johnson

AJ Woodson
-
0
Saying Farewell To A Westchester Arts Icon – Paul Kwame Johnson

On February 15th, friends and family gathered at Sarah Lawrence College to celebrate Black History Month and pay tribute to actor, director, and Westchester Arts icon, Paul Kwame Johnson, who passed away on January 19, 2025. Johnson, an SLC graduate (BA’74 MFA’77) and William H. Danforth Scholar, leaves behind a 50-year legacy of creating youth theatre programs that elevated Black voices and empowered youth of color to express themselves through the arts. The event included a performance from the Little Blue Room Theater Company, of which he was founder and director, and the Theodore D. Young Community Center’s Falcons Dance Team. At the show’s conclusion, Johnson’s students shared their memories and appreciation for his outstanding leadership and paid recognition to the passion and vision that inspired generations of youth to embrace the arts, foster empathy and understanding, and pursue positive change in their communities.

Johnson’s unwavering dedication to community work began during his undergraduate days at Sarah Lawrence College, where he was taught and inspired by faculty member Emerita Shirley Kaplan and the Theatre Outreach Program, one of the first community arts programs of its kind in the nation. He began teaching mime to teens on a basketball court in Yonkers and, in 1971, established Youth Theatre Interactions, an institution that has enriched Yonkers’ cultural landscape by providing after-school performing arts education for the youth. Today, fifty years later, ‘YTI’  is widely recognized as a cultural institution that continues to thrive. Most recently, Johnson shared his passion for creativity and theatre with the Theodore D. Young Community Center Adult Acting Workshop, where he founded the Little Blue Room Theatre Company in Greenburgh, NY, recognized as the signature multi-cultural theatre ensemble in Westchester County. 

“Paul Kwame Johnson brought a creative vision to our Arts, Dance, and Culture programs that captured the hearts and minds of any audience. His work had a tremendous impact on all who had the opportunity to learn from him, from Elementary School children to Senior Citizens. We are honored that he chose to be a part of TDYCC, and that we are a part of his 50-year legacy in performance arts.” – Terrance V. Jackson, Town of Greenburgh, Commissioner Department of Community Resources.

Colleague and SLC Director of Theater Outreach & Civic Engagement Allen Lang, dubbed Johnson “a beacon of excellence”…

“With an illustrious career spanning over fifty years, Paul Kwame Johnson was a beacon of excellence in teaching, acting, directing, and playwriting in Yonkers and throughout Westchester County and beyond. Deeply committed to social justice, Kwame believed passionately that the arts belong to everyone, and his work embodied this conviction. He committed his life to creating transformative theatre that changed lives and enriched communities. He championed the arts as a tool for expression, personal growth, and social change with an extraordinary gift for recognizing and nurturing the hidden talents within others, empowering them to awaken and share their stories. His contributions, spirit, and love for the community and the arts will be dearly missed.”

A 50-Year Legacy and Commitment to Excellence in Theatre.

Johnson co-founded Youth Theater Interactions, Inc., with James P. Hill and Turhan von Brandon in December of 1973 and served as its founding artistic director until 2003. He was a five-time Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts director including directing productions at Alice Tully Hall and Lincoln Center Out of Doors all of which were productions presented by Youth Theatre Interactions, Inc. Mr. Johnson was the Head Scriptwriter for “Scoops Place” a segment of the PBS and NBC television series “Infinity Factory”. He has also been published in “Ebony Jr.” magazine.

Mr. Johnson has been awarded the Keys to the City of Detroit and a High Commendation from the city of Los Angeles for his work in theater in those cities. Founder and artistic director of The YTI Mime Time Players (1976-1992), Mr. Johnson’s company was the first professional mime company composed entirely of African-American and Latino mime artists ever to perform in concert at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and conduct national tours.

In 1988, the YTI Mime Time Players were admitted into the Mid-Atlantic States Touring Consortium of the National Endowment for the Arts, becoming the first African-American Mime company to be so honored. Mr. Johnson has taught theater and mime in South Africa, the Caribbean (Jamaica and Barbados), and in Hong Kong.

In 1989, he founded the “Intimate Realities” Teen Touring Drama Company of YTI, which has produced touring presentations for the past thirty years. In 2015 he directed the New York premier of “American Moor” written and performed by Keith Hamilton Cobb who won the 2015 Audelco award for “outstanding solo performance” for his role in this production. In 2016, the City of Peekskill’s board of education inducted Mr. Johnson as “A Living Legend in the Arts” for his work in drama with the city’s student population.

For the last thirty years, Johnson served as the Elementary, Adult, and Teen Theatre Director for The Theodore D. Young Community Center in Greenburgh, New York, where he oversaw the TDYCC Adult Acting Company and the TDYCC Teen Acting Company, The New York State Council of the Arts Independent Review biography states of Mr. Johnson, “… Mr. Johnson is One of the most highly sought-after teachers of theater in the Hudson Valley region of New York State.” (https://ytiyonkers.org/)

It is with sadness that Kwame’s life was cut short after an extended illness on January 18, 2025. He will be missed. Black Westchester proudly celebrates the life and legacy of Paul Kwame Johnson – a true Black Westchester Legend!

Thomas P. Brook Became First Black Officer in Yonkers PD, April 1, 1925

AJ Woodson
-
0
Thomas P. Brook Became First Black Officer in Yonkers PD, April 1, 1925

Today, 100 years ago, Wednesday, April 1, 1925, the Yonkers Police Department appointed its first Black Officer, Thomas P. Brooks. He was the first African-American to serve as a police officer in Yonkers and Westchester County.

P.O. Brooks never had the opportunity to retire; he died in May 1959. Even though appointed, he was almost blackballed by the department’s PBA.

In December 1925, he foiled a $10,000.00 fur heist at 10 Main Street, while walking a foot post at 1 AM. Brooks and his backup apprehended one of the four suspects. Allegedly, a shot was fired in the air.

In January of 1928, PO Brooks and Edward Smith, the city’s first Black dog catcher, worked a case at 404 Prescott Street. The killing of 18 chickens.

PO Brooks’ first felony assault case happened in July of 1931. During a footpost assignment at Walnut St. and Ashburton Ave., PO Brooks observed four persons standing near a semi-conscious man bleeding from his head. Upon further investigation and the arrival of backup, the four were arrested and charged with felony assault.

In December of 1947, while walking a footpost, PO Brooks apprehended two suspects at 254 New Main Street. During this incident, one off-duty police officer, Ray Carozza, was seriously wounded, and an off-duty fireman, Anthony Polito, was murdered. 

Back in the day, Thomas P. Brooks symbolized the true Yonkers Guardian and was a true Black Westchester Legend.

On Tuesday, February 26, 2025, Yonkers native and veteran Yonkers Police Detective Ken Davis gave a presentation celebrating the History of African-Americans patrolmen serving the City of Yonkers and the Yonkers Police Department at Yonkers Riverfront Library. The presentation titled ‘Long Rangers” celebrated the first three African-American Thomas P. Brooks, James Martin, the second Black Cop in Yonkers, and Stewart Freeman, the first Black Detective in the YPD.

Forty years after P.O. Brooks broke the color barrier in 1965, Rita Gross Nelson became the first woman of color to serve as a patrol cop in Westchester County. She became the first Black policewoman in Yonkers, blazing a trail for others, including Fredricka Hreyo, the second Black woman to join the force. 

We celebrate these Black Westchester Legends in Law Enforcement!

Unsung Heroes – Kim Knotts

AJ Woodson
-
0
Unsung Heroes – Kim Knotts

From time to time, Black Westchester celebrates unsung heroes in the community. An “unsung hero” is someone who performs heroic acts or makes significant contributions, often quietly and without seeking or receiving recognition or praise for their actions. Unsung heroes often operate behind the scenes, focusing on their work rather than seeking personal glory. They are motivated by a desire to help others or make a positive impact, rather than personal gain or recognition. Despite their lack of recognition, their actions have a meaningful impact on individuals, communities, or society. This month’s unsung hero is Kim Knotts.

Kim Knotts is a native Mount Vernonite, graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1985, and a mother of one daughter. She began her career in the private sector as a Computer/Database Analyst; she embarked on her career with the City of Mount Vernon in 2014. Starting in the Board of Water Supply as a part-time Secretary in 2014; before moving on to become the Executive Secretary in the Mayor’s Office in 2016; then transferred to the Department of Buildings (DOB) as a Building Clerk; she then moved to the Parking Bureau as a Secretary and before finding a home in the Department Of Buildings as a permanent Building Clerk before being promoted to a Housing Inspector in 2019.

As a Housing Inspector for the City of Mount Vernon, she has a thorough knowledge of state laws, guidelines, and the dire needs of the residents. She has led task-force inspections on some of the worst slumlords within the city to improve the overall quality of life for her community. She is dedicated to leaving her community better than she found it.

She has always had a passion for community service, as she loves giving and helping others to believe in themselves. It was always important to her to lend a helping hand to guide others, as was done for her in the past. She often taught resume writing, computer skills, and credit repair to those in need, and did midnight runs in NYC to provide toiletries, blankets, and food, as well as helping to feed the homeless.  She was a District Leader with the City of Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee from 2012-2016; a volunteer for MV4U, a non-profit organization that provided food, toys, and coats during the holiday seasons, from 2011-2017; an Auxiliary Police Officer in the City of Mount Vernon from 2014-2019 and a Co-Leader of Girl Scout’s Daisy Troop2983.

Kim is a firm believer in one’s ability to change one’s own circumstances, as one is never too old to learn. She strives hard to be the best that she can be. As her mother would often say, “If you choose to be anything in this world, choose to be amazing.” These are the very words she tries to live by.

This doesn’t begin to describe Kim’s unselflessness and dedication to serving her community, but we wanted to give her her flowers because Ms. Knotts is the epitome of what it means to be an unsung hero!

Elevation Nation With Tasha Young – Monday, March 31, 2025

AJ Woodson
-
0
Elevation Nation With Tasha Young – Monday, March 31, 2025

Welcome to another episode of Black Westchester presents Elevation Nation with Tasha Young. Join Tasha Young every Monday at a new time, now on 6 PM ET, for transformative conversations about elevating our relationships with ourselves and others. Through powerful discussions, expert interviews, and real-world insights, Elevation Nation explores the journey of personal growth and authentic connection. Simulcasting live on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter (X).

The Suffering We Don’t Count: What Black America Deserves to Know About Long COVID, Post-Vaccine Syndrome, and Medical Betrayal

DAMON K JONES
-
0
The Suffering We Don’t Count: What Black America Deserves to Know About Long COVID, Post-Vaccine Syndrome, and Medical Betrayal

They told us to do it for our community. They told us to trust the science. They told us the side effects were rare. But now, millions of people are sick—really sick—but what we don’t know is how many of them are Black. The problem? Most of them aren’t being counted. And if they are, they’re being dismissed.

This is not an anti-vaccine rant. It is a warning. A wake-up call. A demand for honesty about what is happening in the aftermath of the pandemic, particularly in the lives of Black Americans. While the media and institutions have largely moved on, many in our communities are still suffering—silently, invisibly, and without support.

From the outset of the pandemic, Black communities were categorized as “vulnerable” and aggressively targeted for vaccination campaigns. These efforts, framed as care, often came with coercion: mandates, job requirements, and public pressure. Many complied because we wanted to protect our elders, our children, and our future. But now, too many of us are left dealing with chronic symptoms—fatigue, brain fog, nerve pain, irregular heartbeats, dizziness—that doctors can’t or won’t explain. For the poor and uninsured, there are few pathways to understanding what’s happening to their bodies.

In early 2025, Yale University published a groundbreaking study confirming what thousands have reported for years: Post-Vaccination Syndrome is real. The study revealed abnormal immune responses, reactivation of dormant viruses, and even the persistent presence of the spike protein in some individuals more than 700 days after vaccination. These findings mirror what is also being reported in Long COVID sufferers, and the symptoms overlap. Both are linked to chronic health conditions that disrupt lives, families, and economic security.

It is now estimated that over 17 million Americans are suffering from Long COVID. But how many of them are Black? We don’t know. And that’s the problem. We know that in most health crises, the impact on Black people is more severe due to underlying systemic disparities—yet we lack the data, resources, and advocacy to prove and address it. We have been shut out of the research. We don’t have the luxury of high-end clinics or specialists. And too often, when we seek help, we are dismissed.

What makes this even more dangerous is the silence. There are no widespread Black-led initiatives focused on Long COVID and post-vaccine syndromes. Few Black doctors specialize in these emerging illnesses. And most importantly, we don’t have enough Black advocates speaking up for our wellness and our recovery. We need more Black doctors, researchers, and public health experts dedicated to understanding what this disease is doing to us specifically. We need our clinical trials, our research hubs, and our patient support networks. We need culturally competent care and policy that reflects our reality, not just national averages that ignore race and poverty.

This is medical racism playing out in real time. We were first in line for prevention but last in line for healing. Our communities were used as the face of public compliance, and now we are being erased from the conversation about its consequences.

This is also a fight against Big Pharma and Big Media. These are the industries that profited from our compliance, shaped the public narrative, and now work overtime to downplay or erase the damage. Pharmaceutical companies raked in billions while giving us liability waivers instead of guarantees. Media outlets that once elevated Black voices during the pandemic are now silent when those same voices report ongoing harm. When money and reputation take priority over public health, especially Black health, it’s up to us to expose the truth and demand justice.

This is not a call for panic—it’s a call for power. We must organize, speak out, and demand a full accounting of how Long COVID and post-vaccination injury are impacting Black lives. We must train and fund Black doctors to lead this fight. And we must build independent institutions that center Black health and wellness, not just in times of crisis, but permanently.

They called us heroes when we rolled up our sleeves. Now, many of us are sick, broke, and forgotten. It’s time to speak the truth. Our lives and our future depend on it.

In Search of the Sweet Spot: Digital Mental Health and Communities of Color By Sonia Banks, Ph.D.

Derek H. Suite, M.D.
-
0
In Search of the Sweet Spot: Digital Mental Health and Communities of Color By Sonia Banks, Ph.D.

Once upon a time, the term “mental illness” did not exist—just madness, lunacy, idiocy, and melancholy.
Public discussions about promoting and protecting mental health did not exist. Words like “depression” and “anxiety” were discouraged. Individuals with mental illness were expected to live in the shadows and in silence. People of color with mental illness were even less visible.

But times have changed.

Today, thanks in part to the explosive impact of digital technology and social media, mental health has
become one of the hottest, openly discussed topics nationwide. Postings about personal mental health
journeys and mental health issues abound. Even within communities of color, which have been
historically distrustful of the mental health system, there has been a notable uptick in digital searches and
queries around mental health-related issues.

Increasingly, mental health providers are faced with mounting pressure to step away from the traditional
setting and office couch and into the new reality of virtual sessions and interactions in the digital space.
But navigating the virtual space comes with its professional challenges around ethics, boundaries, and
confidentiality, which makes many providers cautious and reluctant to enter. Others hesitate to adopt
platforms for fear that they might exclude low-income communities or, worse, surveil them.

Enter pioneering psychiatrist, Dr. Derek Suite, who has been somewhat of an “admiral” on the ever-expanding digital sea.

A clinical professor at Columbia University and the founder of FCC Wellness, a multidisciplinary digital
mental health platform, Dr. Suite regularly incorporates digital, virtual, and AI technologies to increase
overall client engagement and narrow gaps between mental health utilization and difficult-to-engage
communities. As the host of the daily Suite Spot Podcast, he also provides educational information and
daily insights on mental health topics with the goals of destigmatizing and demystifying mental illness.

“People of color have been understandably hesitant to engage with mental health providers.” Suite said.
“The podcast, website, and digital platform give them an opportunity to get to know me and feel my
energy and vibe at their pace and on their terms –be it in the car, the gym, or their homes.”

Synthesizing Science and Soul: Integrative Approach to Content Development

Using motivational wellness podcast weekday titles such as Making Moves Monday, Win it All
Wednesday and Slow Down Sunday, the Suite Spot‘s educational podcast, tackles a wide range of mental
health-related topics daily. Dr. Suite’s conversational approach belies the Suite Spot’s sophisticated
blending of concepts from neuroscience, psychology, biology –even astrophysics– with insights from
various disciplines, including social sciences and spirituality.

“If we were making music, the Suite Spot would be a ‘mash up’ of actionable, accessible insights created
from a fusion of science and the soul,” says Dr. Suite, whose podcast is available on YouTube and a wide
array of popular streaming services. “Synthesizing science and soul is our tag line. It’s what most of our
listeners were asking for. They did not want one at the exclusion of the other.”

The challenge, according to Suite, was to come up with a way to filter the scientific theories and make
them digestible, practical, and applicable to real-life situations and harmonize them with the psychological, cultural, and spiritual dimensions that are important to listeners. “What we learned is that people want to understand themselves and how they, and their situation, fit into a larger, more meaningful narrative,” says Dr. Suite. “Synthesizing the science and the soul dimensions puts us in the sweet spot with our audience.”

Time and Patience: Building a Meaningful Relationship with Social Media.

Dr. Suite, who is on multiple digital platforms, emphasizes the crucial need for abundant patience when
providers engage with social media. He cautions that rapid growth is rare and that listeners, and the
platform’s algorithmics, need time to know how to assess and best use posted content. It can take months if not years to build up a significant following.

Suite advises that providers should presume they have “silent readers” who choose to absorb their
information from a distance, and that it is possible to have different numbers of followers and different
levels of engagement on different platforms. Focusing on the number of likes, downloads, or reposts may
not be an accurate barometer of how many people are watching, according to Suite.

“I have had many people scroll through my online posts and podcasts and say they benefited greatly,
even took notes, but never engaged or liked anything on the platform.” Dr. Suite explains. “We call them
the Invisibles. You don’t see them but, trust me, they’re engaged– and most likely benefitting from what
you post.”

Measuring Success and Impact in the Digital Space

Beyond surface metrics, Dr. Suite advises observing other metrics such as profile views and time
spent on the page to further spot invisible engagement. Suite’s team employs a proprietary analytics system that aggregates and analyzes data from various touchpoints, including emails, phone calls, and digital engagements, to assess trends, patterns, correlations, and the impact on mental health engagement and usage.

“We have seen an 18 % rise in overall usage of Full Circle services coming directly from predominantly
Blacks and Latinos of who have heard the podcast since we started podcasting,” says Dr. Suite.
“Approximately 7 % of the increased users identified as black males, which suggests we have really
improved outreach to this challenging-to-engage population.” Full Circle also fields approximately 15
Inquiries are received monthly from individuals across the country, looking for referrals to local mental health providers. “Though our numbers are comparatively small, we are making a measurable impact on the communities we serve and steadily increasing engagement.” Suite says. “Social media has been a game changer –it gives everyone open access.”

Seizing the Megaphone: Implications for Clinical Practice

The time has come for providers, especially providers of color, to step out and step-up, in the virtual space, according to Dr. Suite. “Our training and cultural sensitivity position us to take an authoritative role in shaping the online messaging to communities of color. If we don’t proactively respond to the moment, the space will be missing an important safeguard,” says Suite.

Dr. Suite adds that increasing access to mental health care for the historically underserved remains a
critical challenge for many communities –a challenge that could be effectively addressed through digital
and virtual engagement. He asserts that providers of color are uniquely qualified to use the digital space to translate scientific advancements, dismantle longstanding healthcare barriers, and build bridges to
engagement with marginalized communities.

“Clinicians of color can also challenge homogenized digital therapy algorithms that overlook racialized
stressors,” says Dr. Suite, “and use things like intersectional matching to align care with clients’ lived
experiences, which is critically needed in the digital space.”

About the Author: Dr. Sonia Banks is a dynamic clinical psychologist and behavioral strategist known for her innovative, play-based personal and professional transformation approach. With a doctorate from George Washington University, she blends psychology with creativity, using interactive methods to help individuals and organizations unlock their “Possible Selves.” Her expertise spans anxiety, life transitions, and stress management, all delivered with her signature vibrancy.

PBP Radio – Sunday, March 30, 2025 With Brenda L . Crump & Marty Dolan

AJ Woodson
-
0
PBP Radio – Sunday, March 30, 2025 With Brenda L . Crump & Marty Dolan

Welcome to another powerful episode of Black Westchester presents The People Before Politics Radio Show, where we bring you important news from a Black perspective that mainstream media won’t cover and give you that Real Talk For The Community.

This week, our guests are Brenda L. Crump, who joined Damon and AJ to talk about elected officials, community leaders, and heads of organizations not offering healthy alternatives at their events in our communities, which is a public health issue. And then Marty Dolan joins the conversation to discuss what he feels is the path forward for the Democratic Party.

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 at www.PayPal.me/BlackWestchesterMag. 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-free media!

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

As always, you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube

Contributions and Donations can be made via PayPal.

Before the Baby’s Born: What Junk Food Is Doing to the Next Generation of Black Families

DAMON K JONES
-
2
Before the Baby’s Born: What Junk Food Is Doing to the Next Generation of Black Families

Black women are the foundation of our communities. But what happens when the food most accessible to us—the kind found in school cafeterias, corner stores, and drive-thrus—is quietly working against our health and our ability to create life? Behind the convenience and low prices of processed food lies a deeper cost: hormonal disruption, reproductive illness, and generational harm.

Many of the foods marketed to and consumed in Black communities are loaded with synthetic chemicals that interfere with the body’s hormone systems. These include artificial additives, preservatives, plastic contaminants, and seed oils. Regular consumption destabilizes critical functions tied to puberty, menstruation, and fertility.

Black girls are entering puberty younger than ever. This early physical development is linked to long-term health consequences, including breast cancer, depression, and chronic reproductive issues. These early signs reveal how compromised the internal environment has become.

By adulthood, many Black women face a cascade of health conditions—fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, and infertility. While these problems are widespread, Black women are more likely to be affected and less likely to receive adequate care. This is not about genetics but systems and environments that have failed us.

This crisis is not only about the absence of healthy food. It’s about the aggressive presence of harmful food. Fast food chains, convenience stores, and processed snack brands dominate our communities. These products are cheap, addictive, and heavily marketed—while real, whole foods are expensive or simply unavailable.

The result is a cycle: generations raised on nutrient-deficient, chemically-altered food that damages the body slowly over time. This is not a coincidence. It’s policy and profit working hand in hand.

When the womb is not well, the community is not well. When the seed is weak, the future is compromised.

We have to ask ourselves: what kind of children are we producing when both the mother and the father are unhealthy—consuming processed foods, drinking regularly, carrying excess weight, and living with chronic internal inflammation? What happens when conception begins in a toxic womb, fertilized by sperm weakened by poor diet and exposure to the same harmful substances?

The answer is sobering. We are passing down more than culture—we are passing down biological vulnerabilities. We’re seeing rising rates of developmental disorders, learning challenges, childhood obesity, and chronic illness among Black children. And much of it begins before birth.

If the conditions of conception are compromised, then the next generation begins life at a disadvantage—physically, emotionally, and neurologically. This is not just a family issue—it’s a communal and political emergency.

Breaking the cycle requires more than surface solutions. We need full-spectrum healing—nutritional, cultural, and political. That means investing in local food systems, building Black-owned co-ops and gardens, and teaching youth how to reconnect with food that sustains life. We need prenatal education rooted in truth, not just pamphlets from clinics.

From our local governments and school boards, we must demand a comprehensive plan to make our communities healthy—mentally and physically. This isn’t about shame. It’s about strategy. Healing begins with knowledge and is sustained through action.

The best food we can offer ourselves and our families is food prepared at home. Home-cooked meals are more than just nourishment—they’re a form of protection, tradition, and power. When we cook our own food, we control the ingredients, the quality, and the care that goes into every bite. We move away from the chemicals, preservatives, and additives that dominate processed and fast foods. Home cooking reconnects us to cultural roots, teaches our children essential life skills, and strengthens family bonds. In a world that profits from our dependence on toxic convenience, preparing meals at home becomes a revolutionary act of self-determination and healing.

Our health is our first defense. Our wombs and seeds are sacred ground. What we feed ourselves today shapes who we bring into the world tomorrow. If the food is toxic, the future will be too.

We must reclaim our food, restore our bodies, and protect our children before they’re even born. Because the most revolutionary act we can take right now is to create life with intention, not under the weight of systems that never intended for us to thrive.

1. Processed Foods and Hormonal Disruption

2. Early Puberty in Black Girls

  • Journal of Adolescent Health: Biro, F. M., et al. (2010). “Pubertal assessment method and baseline characteristics in a mixed longitudinal study of girls.”
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.09.011
    • Found that Black girls begin puberty earlier than other racial groups, raising long-term health concerns.
  • Breast Cancer Fund (Now Breast Cancer Prevention Partners): “The Falling Age of Puberty in U.S. Girls”
    https://www.bcpp.org/resource/falling-age-of-puberty/
    • Discusses the environmental and dietary causes behind the earlier onset of puberty.

3. Reproductive Health and Infertility in Black Women

  • American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology: “Racial and ethnic disparities in reproductive health services and outcomes”
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2008.12.041
    • Highlights disparities in conditions like fibroids and infertility among Black women.
  • Office on Women’s Health (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services): “Fibroids”
    https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids
    • Notes that Black women are more likely to develop fibroids at younger ages and experience more severe symptoms.

4. Food Apartheid and Access in Black Communities

5. Benefits of Home-Cooked Meals

1...818283...173Page 82 of 173