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A Decade of Impact: New Rochelle’s My Brother’s Keeper Celebrates 10 Years and Earns National Certification

AJ Woodson
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A Decade of Impact: New Rochelle’s My Brother’s Keeper Celebrates 10 Years and Earns National Certification

Ten years of commitment to New Rochelle’s youth culminated on May 12 as the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative celebrated its 10th anniversary and the prestigious certification from the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance of the Obama Foundation. The celebration, held at New Rochelle High School’s Whitney M. Young Auditorium – the program’s birthplace – underscored a decade of community-led efforts transforming lives and fostering opportunities. 

Superintendent Dr. Corey W. Reynolds opened the program, recalling the vision articulated by then-President Barack H. Obama in 2015: the need for targeted support for young men, especially young Black and Brown men, grounded in universal tenets for success. These core principles, which guide MBK’s work, include: entering school ready to learn; reading at grade level by 3rd grade; graduating from high school on time; completing post-secondary education or vocational training; employing all youth; and keeping youth safe from violent crimes and granting a second chance. 

Founding member and City Court Judge Jared Rice reflected on the program’s origins. “This was a labor of love. We did a local action summit 10 years ago, bringing together different groups of stakeholders and figuring out what we wanted to do with these milestones. From there, we came up with multiple action plans. A lot of people really wanted to do this challenge.” 

New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert attended the event with City Council member David Peters, another founding member, and City Council colleagues Shane Osinloye and Matt Stern. 

Mayor Ramos-Herbert noted the program’s resolve through challenging times. “The spirit of New Rochelle remains unbroken. We are here today, as living proof of our collective resilience, strength, and determination, because we are One New Rochelle. We extend our deepest and most sincere gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers, community stakeholders, non-profits, businesses, and community members who have poured their time and passion into the mission of MBK.”

The celebration also highlighted the success of the My Sister’s Keeper (MSK) initiative, an important offshoot supporting girls and young women. “We are all branches in the tree of life. Branches are leaders and pillars in our community, whose reach extends far and wide to impact the lives of others, said CSDNR Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Dr. Gail Joyner. “To our Queens, and our Kings, as you continue to extend your reach, know that you are smart, you are unique, you are loved, and you are enough.” 

The evening was a vibrant display of school and community pride, with leaders presenting graduating seniors with MBK and MSK stoles, and attendees were treated to the Trifecta Steppers dance team, student vocal and musical performances, and a reading by Poet Laureate Harmony Hopwood. The evening was festive and joyous for all. In the end, MBK Program Coordinator Nate Adams inspired the group with closing words. 

“Someone knows the story of your very first step. All of our first steps were very different. But the goal was to walk. Everyone’s pathway to success is going to look very different. But what makes the difference is the support we had around us. Some of us might have fallen and bumped our heads. Some of us might have fallen but got caught because we had so much support around us that they wouldn’t allow us to hit the ground. But the truth is that all of us eventually took our steps,” said Adams. “So what we need today in our community is a little more support for some of our students taking their steps toward the journey of life. It’s going to look different for all of us. But most importantly, we as a community must all stand up.”

The NewRO MBK program is one of just 15 of the more than 250 communities nationwide that took up the MBK challenge to earn certification from the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance of the Obama Foundation. Congratulations, NewRo MBK! We look forward to the next 10 years and more! 

About MBK NewRO: My Brother’s Keeper New Rochelle (MBKNewRo) is a unique partnership between the City of New Rochelle and the City School District of New Rochelle and is supported by more than 80 community partners and 120 volunteers. The City School District of New Rochelle oversees the initiative. In April 2015, New Rochelle became the first community in Westchester to implement President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative, which is designed to lift all children and young adults, particularly boys and young men of color. Today, more than 250 cities and towns across the country have joined the My Brother’s Keeper initiative, with the hope of closing opportunity gaps for children and young adults of color from birth to age 24. 

The Clock and the Culture: What Did Mount Vernon’s Leadership Know, and When Did They Know It?”

DAMON K JONES
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The Clock and the Culture: What Did Mount Vernon’s Leadership Know, and When Did They Know It?”

I’ve watched administration after administration in Mount Vernon mishandle crisis after crisis — not with honesty or urgency, but with political spin, silence, and self-preservation. The safety of the people, the integrity of leadership, and the moral compass of this city have too often taken a back seat to ambition. And now, with the arrest of Coach Dwayne Murray, it feels like history is repeating itself — again. What’s so sad is that many people in Mount Vernon have become so numb to the dysfunction that it’s just another day, business as usual. The political chaos, cover-ups, and evasions are no longer shocking; they’ve become expected.

As a retired law enforcement officer, a grandfather of two young girls, and someone who spent decades protecting children and communities, I was deeply disturbed by the charges against Mr. Murray — Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree, a Class B felony in New York. But what’s even more troubling is the behavior of our city’s leadership before and after the arrest — and the timeline that no one seems willing to clarify.

Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard issued a statement saying she received a “vague, anonymous, and suspicious” message about sexual misconduct and, acting as a mandated reporter, she immediately contacted the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.

But that account is now in direct conflict with a public statement made by Mr. Murray himself.

In Murray’s own words, he said that the Mayor personally contacted him on Monday, April 28 — the very same day political figure Greg Bonaparte says he sent the Mayor a detailed message at 8:12 a.m., outlining serious allegations of sexual misconduct and theft involving someone close to her. That means the Mayor contacted the alleged suspect on the same day the tip came in. The only question is — and it’s a critical one — who did she contact first? The District Attorney or the suspect?

Because in 33 years of law enforcement, I have never seen — and would never recommend — contacting the suspect in a child sex abuse allegation before or during communication with the DA’s office. Doing so could interfere with the investigation, compromise evidence, and raise questions about the intent of the contact.

This isn’t a matter of political rivalry or personality conflict. It’s about the public’s right to know whether mandated reporting was done correctly, without favoritism, personal interference, or political hesitation.

WHAT DID THE MAYOR KNOW AND WHEN DID SHE KNOW IT?

The Mayor’s official statement claims the allegations were vague, anonymous, and possibly politically motivated. But the timeline tells a different story. If the accusations were serious enough to report to the District Attorney, why did the Mayor also contact Murray about the allegations on the very same day? And that leads to an even more troubling question: How did the Mayor know it was Murray? His name was not explicitly mentioned in the text — so did she already know about the alleged relationship? If not, what led her to call him directly? These are not minor details. If the Mayor acted with prior knowledge, the public deserves to know when she learned of the allegations and from whom. And if she had no prior knowledge, then her decision to call Murray raises even more red flags. Only the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office can answer these questions — and they must.

If the Mayor had reached out to the DA first, she would have followed the law. If she had reached out to Mr. Murray first, she would have compromised the integrity of the process. Either way, this confusion can only be cleared up by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. The public deserves to know exactly when they were contacted, and what was reported to them.

In her public statement, Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard identified herself as both a minister and a New York State mandated reporter—a role that carries legal responsibility under Social Services Law § 413 to report any suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the appropriate authorities immediately and without interference. However, by contacting Dwayne Murray—the alleged subject of the complaint—on the same day she claims to have reported the matter to the District Attorney, Mayor Patterson-Howard violated the core principles of the mandated reporting process. New York State law is clear: mandated reporters are not to investigate, notify, or alert the person named in the allegation. Doing so not only risks compromising the investigation, but may also constitute a breach of legal duty or even obstruction, depending on the circumstances. Her actions raise serious ethical and legal concerns that demand further scrutiny.

Let’s also be honest about another uncomfortable truth: the people of Mount Vernon are not immune to the broader problem of county and state officials disregarding misconduct when it involves their political allies. We’ve seen this before. Former Westchester District Attorney Anthony Scarpino consistently failed to hold influential figures in Mount Vernon accountable, even when wrongdoing was in plain sight. New York State Attorney General Letitia James has likewise shown a pattern of political selectivity — even when it involves the alleged theft of hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, as long as the misconduct is tied to fellow Democrats. This culture of protection has allowed corruption and incompetence to survive for far too long.

However, with Susan Cacace serving her first term as Westchester County District Attorney, there is hope that we may see a shift — that this office will prioritize the law above loyalty and pursue justice without fear or favor.

Because while the DA has the legal authority to investigate, the public has the moral authority to demand the truth. When it comes to child safety, silence is complicity. Politics cannot be allowed to override legal duty.

We must now ask:

  • What time did Mayor Patterson-Howard contact the DA?
  • What time did she call Mr. Murray?
  • Why haven’t either of those timestamps been disclosed?
  • Who else in City Hall knew and remained silent?

Mount Vernon cannot continue to operate on insider silence and media management. When a child’s safety is at stake, there can be no hesitation, no blurred lines, and no backchannel calls to friends under investigation.

This is about more than one man. This is about the integrity of leadership in the City of Mount Vernon. It’s about whether our elected officials are upholding the law or navigating around it.

Let me be clear for the haters! And there are a lot of them! I’m not writing this for any political purpose — I’m writing this out of a need for truth and transparency, something the people of Mount Vernon rarely see. I did not make the statements — they did. And when children are involved, we must set aside politics and get to the truth. For the children, I demand the truth, even if you won’t say it in public!

And until we get complete transparency from the DA’s office and the Mayor herself, we’ll keep asking the only question that matters:

Where is God in all of this? And how long will Mount Vernon let politics stand in the way of justice?

WCDA Cacace Holds Press Conference on the Arrest and Prosecution of Dwayne Murray

AJ Woodson
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WCDA Cacace Holds Press Conference on the Arrest and Prosecution of Dwayne Murray

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that a prominent youth basketball coach in Mount Vernon was arrested by the DA’s Office Wednesday and charged with one count of the class B violent felony: Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree.

“There is no criminal conduct more reprehensible than sex crimes targeting children,” said Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace.

Cacace held a press conference regarding the arrest of the prominent youth sports coach, Thursday, May 15th at 4 PM at the Office of the Westchester County District Attorney, located at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, regarding the arrest of Mount Vernon Coach Dwayne Murray (see video below).

“The defendant made admissions to his participation in this crime. My office is currently exploring potential additional charges against the defendant, although we’re not prepared to announce any immediate enhancements at this time,” Cacace said at the presser.

In a video he posted to his page on May 5, Murray denied the allegations.

“I want to make it crystal clear, I have never ever done anything inappropriate with the players on my team or any team for that matter. If needed, I’ll gladly talk to the Westchester County District Attorney’s office…” said Dwayne Murray in the video posted on his Facebook page.

The felony complaint alleges, between October 2023 and March 2024, Murray engaged in two or more acts of sexual conduct against a child less than 13 years old.

Murray’s next appearance in Mount Vernon City Court will be Wednesday, June 4th at 10 am.

The case is being investigated by the DA Office’s Hi-Tech Unit and the Special Prosecutions Division.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Charlotte Gudis of the Special Prosecutions Division

Black Westchester would like to remind everyone that a complaint is merely an allegation. Murray is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Stay tuned to Black Westchester on this developing story!

Newark Mayor Baraka Speaks After First Court Hearing

AJ Woodson
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Newark Mayor Baraka Speaks After First Court Hearing

After his first court hearing regarding his arrest last week on charges of trespassing, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka delivered remarks on the steps of the US District Court for the District of New Jersey, Thursday, May 15th. 

“We believe I was targeted in this. I was the only person arrested, I was the only person identified, I was the only person they put in a cell,” said Newark Mayor Baraka. “This is not about specific people. It’s not even about me. This is about systems that were put in place to protect all of us, every last one of us. And there are individuals who want to ignore that.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed it will proceed to trial, with a tentative date expected for mid-July.

At the press conference following the hearing, Mayor Baraka called the charges “unwarranted” and emphasized that the larger issue at stake is the fight to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans.

Also check out State of Emergency: The Arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka | State v Federal Power by BW Publisher Damon K. Jones.

Westchester Union Doctors Rally for a Fair Contract, Patient Care

AJ Woodson
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Westchester Union Doctors Rally for a Fair Contract, Patient Care

Overworked Resident Physicians Express Frustration with System Leadership

In contract negotiations with Westchester Medical Center (WMC) since January, about 90 physicians at the Hudson Valley’s only level-1 trauma center came out on Tuesday, May 13th, to voice their frustrations with hospital leadership. Unionized with the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR/SEIU), leaders among the about 480 WMC residents say that their level of work and financial stress is unsustainable, and that this threatens the system’s ability to keep attracting the best doctors. 

“Patients want their doctors focused on their care, not burdened with these other concerns,” said Dr. Garrett Smith. “We did not become physicians to talk about contracts, but for us to be the best residents we can be, we can’t ignore this situation anymore.” 

In a “unity break” action around 12pm on Tuesday, the young physicians noted the ever-climbing cost of living in Westchester, their reliance in some cases on subsidized housing, and their difficulty affording basics like groceries and child care. They say WMC leadership has failed to propose wage increases that even meet inflation, while rejecting proposals for housing stipends and adequate travel reimbursement for physicians who rotate to other sites in the course of their training. Low pay has led some physicians to take on second jobs.

“Enough is enough! About 90 of us were out in front of Westchester Medical Center (WMC) today because we are done putting up with disrespect from leadership at the bargaining table, as our salaries lag behind inflation and our peers in the region. We know what we need to be the best physicians we can be for the Hudson Valley, to care for our families, to stay well ourselves. We need a fair contract, and we won’t stop fighting! Thanks so much to everyone who supported us today, including all our fellow workers, New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), IATSE Local 52, Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW, and elected supporters: Christine Fils-Aimé, Westchester County Legislators Judah Holstein, Emiljana Ulaj, Jewel Williams Johnson, David Tubiolo, James Nolan, and NYS Senator Shelley B. Mayer,” The Committee of Interns & Residents (CIR/SEIU), the nation’s largest and oldest housestaff labor union, posted on their Instagram page.

WMC residents continue to appeal to new CEO Dr. David Lubarsky, who previously led the medical center at the University of California-Davis, to do the right thing and agree to wages on par with the physicians’ peers at other hospitals in the area. Their next bargaining session with WMC is Thursday, May 15. 

“From our perspective, this should be an easy call for management: If similar hospitals in the area can offer competitive contracts for their residents, then so can WMC,” said Dr. Smith. “We aren’t asking for their executive-level salaries, we’re just asking for the support we need to provide the best care we can for our community.”

The doctors were joined at their rally by WMC-NYSNA chapter president Merima Lynch and a number of elected officials, including County Legislators Judah Holstein, Emiljana Ulaj, Jewel Williams Johnson, David J. Tubiolo, and James M. Nolan, and Christine Fils-Aimé, the director of constituent services and community affairs for State Senator Shelley Mayer. 

“We have had a number of productive meetings with our medical residents, most recently on May 5, and remain actively engaged in negotiations with another bargaining session scheduled for this week. We look forward to continuing these conversations and reaching an agreement on a new contract that reflects the respect we have for our residents and the invaluable role they play in patient care,” the Westchester Medical Center Health Network said in a statement sent to Black Westchester.

The Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) is the largest housestaff union in the United States. A local of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing over 40,000 resident physicians and fellows. Our members are dedicated to improving residency training and education, advancing patient care, and expanding healthcare access for our communities.

***Story updated Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 10:21 PM, to include statement from the Westchester Medical Center Health Network. ***

Dr. DaMia Harris Madden Will Receive Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree From Mercy University

AJ Woodson
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Dr. DaMia Harris Madden Will Receive Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree From Mercy University

Double Mercy University alumna Dr. DaMia Harris Madden, MBA, MSHRM, will receive the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and serve as the 2025 Commencement Speaker for the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences on Wednesday, May 21st at Westchester County Center. 

She is a leading voice in youth and family services. Recently appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul as Commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Harris-Madden now leads a multi-billion-dollar agency dedicated to protecting New York’s most vulnerable children and families. Under the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousin, the New York State Senate confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, of Dr. Harris-Madden.

She brings more than two decades of experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, and human services to this vital statewide leadership role, most recently serving as executive director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau. There, she pioneered mental health services in after-school programs and developed cross-sector partnerships that expanded youth opportunities in health, tech, and prevention. Earlier in her career, she spent 14 years with the City of Mount Vernon, including as executive director of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, where her work significantly expanded services for young people. 

Harris-Madden has led transformative programs across New York, helping thousands of children and families access the resources they need to thrive. She will deliver the commencement address to the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences graduates and receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

For complete details about each of Mercy University’s Commencement ceremonies, including date, time, and location, and to watch the live stream, please visit https://www.mercy.edu/campus-life/commencement-2025.

Trump in the Middle East: A Return to Realpolitik—and a Signal for Black America’s Own Pivot

DAMON K JONES
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Trump in the Middle East: A Return to Realpolitik—and a Signal for Black America’s Own Pivot

Donald Trump’s recent address in Saudi Arabia was more than a diplomatic appearance—it was a declaration of strategic intent. Beneath the applause and formalities, Trump laid out a stark departure from the foreign policy dogma that has guided U.S. relations in the Middle East for nearly a century. The message was clear: it’s time to abandon the idealistic interventions of the past and return to sovereign partnerships grounded in mutual benefit, economic leverage, and unapologetic national interest.

Donald Trump uses Realpolitik because it aligns with his transactional, results-driven worldview that prioritizes national interest, economic gain, and strategic advantage over ideology or moral posturing. As a businessman-turned-president, Trump approached foreign policy and governance like deal-making—favoring direct negotiations, leveraging power, and discarding traditional alliances or humanitarian concerns when they didn’t serve America’s immediate goals. Whether engaging with authoritarian regimes, imposing tariffs, or withdrawing from multilateral agreements, Trump’s use of Realpolitik reflects a belief that strength, leverage, and outcomes matter more than global consensus or moral consistency. In his view, politics is not about virtue-signaling or idealism—it’s about winning.

It is a pivot—away from the failed globalist experiments of regime change and value exporting, toward a doctrine of practical realignment. He didn’t come to lecture Saudi Arabia on democracy or dictate reforms. He came to respect their sovereignty, honor their achievements, and offer economic and security partnerships rooted in shared self-interest. That alone signals a massive shift from the nation-building and “moral authority” mindset that led America into costly and endless entanglements from Kabul to Baghdad.

Trump made that pivot explicit. He called out the so-called “nation builders” and foreign policy elites who spent trillions in Iraq and Afghanistan with nothing to show for it but chaos. He contrasted that with Saudi Arabia’s own modernization efforts—skyscrapers, tech innovation, and economic diversification—that were achieved not through foreign intervention, but by national will. He offered the world a model: sovereignty over submission, strength over symbolism, and results over rhetoric.

This is not a small change. It is a rejection of the old order. Under this new posture, America asserts its interests not by lecturing other nations on how to live—but by building power at home, projecting strength abroad, and letting sovereign nations chart their own course.

And that message shouldn’t just resonate in Riyadh. It should resonate in Black America.

For too long, Black political strategy has mirrored the same flawed ideals that Trump repudiated—looking outward for validation, waiting on government programs, and tying our fate to moral arguments rather than power equations. Like America under past administrations, we have been caught in the illusion that aligning with elite values, symbolic diversity wins, or progressive rhetoric would yield material gains.

It hasn’t. Black America remains at the bottom of nearly every major economic and social index. We’ve traded sovereignty for symbolism. Representation without resources. Loyalty without leverage.

Trump’s pivot in foreign policy offers a mirror: if sovereignty-minded partnerships are the new model abroad, why not at home? If other nations are charting their destinies through hard infrastructure, national investment, and internal cohesion—shouldn’t we?

The transformation of Saudi Arabia was praised because it came from within. Black America must do the same—by building businesses, demanding transactional partnerships in politics, and focusing on measurable outcomes, not ideological alignment.

Trump’s emphasis on economic might, trade leverage, and domestic investment should be a wake-up call. He touted $1 trillion in new investment, 464,000 jobs created in weeks, and record military recruitment—not as political points, but as evidence of a nation moving on its own terms. Black America must ask: where is our version of that? Where are our economic zones, our supply chains, our independent institutions?

The old Black political model—march, vote, wait—no longer serves us. Like Trump’s rejection of the neocon playbook, we must reject outdated strategies that rely on pity, protest, or political symbolism. It’s time to pivot. From grievance to governance. From loyalty to leverage. From being a moral accessory to being a sovereign force.

Trump’s speech in Saudi Arabia may have been delivered on foreign soil, but its implications are global. It marks the return of realpolitik in U.S. foreign relations—but it also presents a blueprint for communities who have waited too long for someone else’s plan to save them. The world is moving. Power is shifting. Black America must decide: will we pivot with it?

Westchester DA Announce Arrest Of Mount Vernon Coach Dwayne Murray

AJ Woodson
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Westchester DA Announce Arrest Of Mount Vernon Coach Dwayne Murray

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace will hold a press conference on Thursday announcing the arrest of a prominent member of Westchester’s youth sports community

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace will hold a press conference on Thursday, May 15, announcing the arrest of a prominent member of Westchester’s youth sports community, Coach Dwayne Murray. He was arrested on Wednesday and charged with Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree (NY Penal Law § 130.75), which is a class B Felony.

Murray, who is the Executive Director of The Mount Vernon Junior Knights and assistant coach of Mount Vernon High School Boys Valley Basketball, was arraigned by Judge Peter St. George Davis in Mount Vernon City Court at 9:30 am and was remanded without bail. He is currently being held in the Norwood E. Jackson Correctional Center in Valhalla (Westchester County Correctional facility) pending trial. Based on the charges in the complaint, Murray faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison if convicted.

As alleged in the felony complaint, between Oct. 1, 2023, and March 1, 2024, Murray engaged in two or more acts of sexual conduct against a child less than 13 years old, including at least one instance of oral sexual conduct.

DA Cacace will hold a press conference on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Office of the Westchester County District Attorney, located at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fifth Floor, White Plains.

Murray’s next appearance in Mount Vernon City Court will be Wednesday, June 4th at 10 am.

The case is being investigated by the DA Office’s Hi-Tech Unit and the Special Prosecutions Division.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Charlotte Gudis of the Special Prosecutions Division

Black Westchester would like to remind everyone that a complaint is merely an allegation. Murray is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Stay tuned to Black Westchester on this developing story!

Mount Vernon City School District appoints Dr. Demario A. Strickland as Superintendent of Schools

AJ Woodson
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Mount Vernon City School District appoints Dr. Demario A. Strickland as Superintendent of Schools

The Mount Vernon Board of Education unanimously selected Dr. Demario A. Strickland as Mount Vernon City School District’s new Superintendent of Schools. The appointment, effective July 1, was made during the Board’s special meeting on Wednesday. 

Dr. Strickland is currently serving as the interim superintendent for the Rochester City School District (RCSD). Previously, he had served in the capacities of Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning and Chief of Schools (Innovation and School Reform) for the Rochester school district.

On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Dr. Demario Strickland, as part of the was part of the Conference of Big 5 School Districts, addressed the NYS Assembly Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the Executive Budget Proposal concerning elementary and secondary education in Hearing Room B, 2nd Floor, at 181 State Street in Albany, NY. The joint Senate-Assembly hearings on Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2025-2026 New York State budget included a review of the governor’s proposals for Elementary and Secondary Education.

He holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from D’Youville University, two master’s degrees from Fordham University in Administration & Supervision as well as Curriculum & Teaching, and brings almost 20 years of education experience as both an administrator and teacher. Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in School District Leadership from Canisius University and a certificate in School Business and Human Resource Management from the University at Buffalo.

Dr. Strickland began his career teaching in New York City and considers himself “the teaching and learning superintendent.” He entered the education field primarily to be a teacher, not thinking of administration, but after five years his role as an administrator began when he earned the position of dean of students.

“Teaching and learning are at the forefront of who I am,” said Dr. Strickland. “I’m very much about student outcomes. Are students safe? Are they feeling seen, affirmed, and valued when they come into our schools? Are teachers equipped with a guaranteed and viable curriculum that will help them be able to plan and educate our students to the greatest ability they can? I want to make sure that zip code doesn’t define what our students are capable of.”

His philosophy is that students need to be actively engaged in the classroom to achieve the best outcomes. Active engagement leads to strong relationships, which lead to improved student success. 

“Every child has potential. Our students are precious,” said Dr. Strickland. “The quality of the teaching will improve the quality of the learning, and we will support our teachers as they raise the expectations of students in the classroom.”

Dr. Strickland believes in lifting student voices by interacting and connecting with them regularly on school visits. In Rochester, he listened to students and used their input to help in his decision-making process. He plans to structure his schedule similarly, recognizing the importance of the superintendent regularly spending time in schools to understand what is happening at the ground level and ensure schools have what they need to be successful.

Dr. Strickland said he will also engage with families and teachers in the District to help guide his administration in meeting the needs of students. Throughout the school year, he will work with families as the primary support of the child, engaging them in understanding and learning the practices that are happening in the school buildings so that they are equipped to help their children.

He said transparency has guided his administrative experience. If there is important information that affects the community, he will ensure that it is shared openly – whether it is important initiatives, data, incidents in the District, or other communications.

“Being transparent about what we are going through is going to be of optimal importance to build trusting relationships,” said Dr. Strickland. “I want families and community members to be an important part of the process of education, and that means keeping them up to date with what is happening in the District.” 

“Dr. Strickland’s experience in an urban setting, his emphasis on teaching and learning and connecting with students, staff, and the community, and his ability to create positive outcomes for students makes him uniquely qualified for the Mount Vernon City School District,” said Board of Education President Adriane Saunders. “Through the search process, we learned how much Dr. Strickland will be missed in Rochester, and the Board of Education is excited to welcome him as our new Superintendent of Schools.”

At RCSD, Dr. Strickland successfully stabilized the district after the abrupt departure of the previous superintendent. He has handled similar financial and oversight challenges to what the MVCSD currently faces. He has managed a school reconfiguration, where 11 schools were closed, and he oversaw the transfers of more than 11,000 students to new schools in Rochester. These changes required constant family and community engagement, leading to a successful reconfiguration.

Dr. Strickland has an extensive background in school district finance. At RCSD this year, he balanced a $1.1 billion with zero use of the fund balance. He is leaving RCSD with a $285 million fund balance, setting them up with a healthy reserve for emergencies and potential changes in the federal funding landscape. He believes in starting the work on the next budget as soon as the upcoming budget passes and has a firm commitment to frugality. Through preparation and strategic planning, he aims to develop spending plans that provide students with a large number of opportunities and programs while limiting expenses. 

He has worked with a state monitor for the past three years at the RCSD, reducing the district’s number of recommendations to the state from more than 140 to less than 100. He has led three schools out of NYSED school receivership and into good standing or Local School Improvement status, improving the academic quality at each school.

He has built strong relationships with the State Education Department through this work, including his relationships with New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa and New York State Board of Regents Chancellor Lester Young. He is also well-networked with superintendents across the state and other large school districts, including Yonkers.

“As the end of the school year approaches, I will be doing everything I can to ensure that there is a smooth transition in leadership for Dr. Strickland,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith. “He has the experience and accomplishments to continue doing great work in Mount Vernon, and I am looking forward to collaborating with him to ensure that the District and community are in good hands.” 

His first step in the Mount Vernon City School District will be preparing all schools and students, including those changing schools and entering a new environment, to be ready for the 2025-2026 school year on September 3. 

He also intends to meet with and listen to all stakeholders in the District; analyze student data to inform decision-making; identify priorities, areas for growth that align with District goals; and begin implementing strategies that lead to measurable, sustainable improvements in student achievement and the overall success of the District. His plan serves to meet his three goals of building trusting relationships with stakeholders, conducting a comprehensive assessment of District operations, and establishing clear communication systems.

He plans to build connections within the community for the betterment of students. He will connect with faith-based organizations, neighborhood associations, higher education institutions, local government, and organizations to ensure that students have a wide variety of opportunities available to them. 

Dr. Strickland also believes that people should be able to laugh at work and strives for a welcoming work environment. He knows he is in Jets and Giants territory but he is an avid Buffalo Bills fan, and visitors to his office will be greeted by a Bills logo as soon as they enter. He also loves travel, bowling, and karaoke in his free time.

He is looking forward to starting in the Mount Vernon City School District and working to shape the District into one where students are prioritized and all stakeholders feel valued. 

“I know the District has a necessary 3.3% increase in the tax levy to maintain our programs for students and a $272.2 million budget on the ballot May 20,” said Dr. Strickland. “As the new superintendent, I would like to encourage everyone to come out to vote.”

Environmental Leaders of Color Shine During Earth Month with Award-Winning Initiatives

DAMON K JONES
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Environmental Leaders of Color Shine During Earth Month with Award-Winning Initiatives

The Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) student teams made a powerful and uplifting impact throughout Earth Month this April, bringing fresh energy and innovation to environmental advocacy in Westchester County and beyond. Their commitment to sustainability, community action, and creative problem-solving continues to set an inspiring example for youth leadership.

One of the standout moments of the month was the recognition of the “Don’t Strain Your Drain” team at the Westchester County Environmental Facilities’ Annual Awards Ceremony. Held at the scenic Boat House in Tibbetts Brook Park, Yonkers, on April 25, 2025, the team was honored with the prestigious 2025 ECO Award for their outstanding efforts in environmental education and advocacy. This well-earned achievement celebrates the students’ hard work in launching a campaign that encourages homes, businesses, and municipalities to properly recycle cooking oil—protecting plumbing systems and preventing pollution in local rivers and streams.

Earlier this year, the team had the unique opportunity to present their initiative to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) in Albany. This milestone presentation was made possible by an invitation from Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, alongside other Westchester-based legislators. Adding to their growing list of accomplishments, the team was also honored during Black History Month with a Certificate of Merit from the Westchester County Board of Legislators, recognizing the impact of their environmental work.

On April 27, 2025, two ELOC student teams participated in the Bedford 2030 Greenlight Award competition, an exciting event that challenges high school students to create community-centered environmental solutions. Competing against students from schools across the region—including Rye Country Day, John Jay, Hastings, and Mamaroneck—the “Don’t Strain Your Drain” team once again impressed the judges, earning a strong third-place finish for the second year in a row. Their thoughtful presentation and steady support from family and community members highlighted their commitment to lasting change.

Joining them in the competition was the forward-thinking “Green Goose Solutions” team, who tackled the lesser-known yet impactful problem of excessive goose waste near New Rochelle High School and other public spaces. Their project explored sustainable solutions for repurposing the waste—transforming a challenge into a potential resource. Although they did not place this year, the team remains enthusiastic and is already planning to return with an even stronger proposal next year.

Together, these young leaders embody the spirit of environmental responsibility and grassroots activism. Their creativity, determination, and heart are proof that meaningful change often begins with youth.

Looking ahead, ELOC is excited to launch its Student Summer Energy & Environmental Program, a six-week initiative focused on Weather and Climate. The program will take place at various locations throughout Westchester County and is open to teens passionate about environmental justice and science. For program registration and information on cooking oil recycling drop-off, please visit www.eloc.earth.

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