It was one of those days when the sky was thick with clouds and the rain came down like it had something to say. But the weather couldn’t drown the moment. On Saturday, June 14, 2025, at The Greentree Country Club located at 538 Davenport Ave in New Rochelle, the NAACP Mount Vernon Branch gathered community leaders, elders, and youth to pay tribute to the past elected Mayors of Mount Vernon, NY.
And listen, if you weren’t there, you missed more than a program.
You missed a pulse. One made possible with the support of dedicated partners like Zonzini Pipeline Service Inc, WORLDGROUP914, Ridgeway Garden Center, Stonewell Management, and others who believe in investing in Black legacy.
Lois Campbell Opened the Gates
Before any music dropped or mics got warm, Lois Campbell stepped forward and laid the foundation. Her words didn’t just welcome us, they rooted us. She brought grace, depth, and truth, reminding us that community doesn’t start with applause. It starts with intention. Lois didn’t just open a ceremony. She opened a space for reverence.
Legacy in the Air, Even in the Rain
Inside the Greenntree Country Club, there was a stillness that felt powerful. Elders embraced. Students stood tall, eyes wide. You could feel it, the culture. The history. The love. The rain outside wasn’t a nuisance. It was a symbol. It felt like ancestral tears, watering the soil of the legacy we were there to celebrate. This wasn’t a staged event. It was a living, breathing archive of who we are.
The Ceremony Had Heat from the Jump
Kathie Brewington, president of the NAACP Mount Vernon Branch, brought the presence that only comes from years of service. Then Kay Starr, our Mistress of Ceremonies, guided the energy like a master storyteller, flowing effortlessly between moments with rhythm and grace.
And then, Matthew Samuels, a student from Denzel Washington School, stepped up to sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Whew. He didn’t sing to us. He sang for us. He sang through us. His voice wasn’t just beautiful, it was powerful. Transcendent. The whole room froze, then filled with something you can’t name but you know when you feel it.
From the Pulpit to the Past
Pastor Michael Basedo, Senior Pastor and Founder of Christ Tabernacle Church, brought a prayer that didn’t just bless the event; it charged us. His words reminded everyone in the room that public service is a sacred calling. That leadership is more than policy; it’s people. And this city? Deserves leaders who show up even when the lights are off.
Then came the students of Denzel Washington School, led by Jahelyn Jacobs, delivering a history of the NAACP with clarity, pride, and purpose. They didn’t just speak it, they lived it. You could see it in their posture, their tone, and their fire. Our future? In excellent hands.
Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard Brought the Truth
When current Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard took the mic, the room leaned in. She spoke with the weight of responsibility and the clarity of purpose. She honored her predecessors but didn’t sugarcoat the truth. “Legacy is not a statue you walk past, it’s a standard you live by.” Bars. Absolute bars.
She reminded us that real leadership isn’t about being liked, it’s about being loyal. Not to power. But to people.
Chapter of Black Brilliance
Mayor Ernie Davis. Mayor Richard Thomas. Each brought their truths, their scars, and their wisdom. This wasn’t a victory lap; it was testimony. They spoke on budgets, barriers, and the weight of leadership when the spotlight fades but the challenges remain.
Mayor Ronald Blackwood, the first Black mayor of Mount Vernon, was honored posthumously. His name was spoken with reverence. A reminder of the doors he opened and the path he paved.
Mayor Clinton I. Young Jr. was not in attendance, but his legacy was acknowledged with deep respect. Keisha Skipper, President of NAACP Yonkers, presented in his honor, recognizing his lasting contributions to Mount Vernon’s civic life.
These weren’t just officials. They were community architects. And hearing them reflect?
It hit differently.
We Weren’t Just Celebrating, We Were Healing.
Every nod in the crowd. Every hand on a heart. Every teary eye. It wasn’t performative. It was personal. Mount Vernon came together not just to applaud, but to affirm. To say “We see you. We thank you. We remember.”
This was healing in real time.
Legacy Is a Living Thing
That’s what stayed with me most. The truth is that legacy isn’t a look back, it’s a leap forward. This wasn’t a commemoration. It was a call to action. The baton didn’t just get passed; it got placed in the hands of a new generation. Quietly. Clearly.
Mount Vernon reminded us that history doesn’t belong to the past. It belongs to the people brave enough to carry it forward.
And if you missed this moment? You still have time. Time to listen. Time to act. Time to show up.
Because Mount Vernon isn’t just history.
It’s happening.
All photos by Orville Wright of Coche Productions
I loved this article. You made me feel like I was in the room experiencing this. We need your voice and energy Larnez!! Keep speaking, writing and being there for us!
Nichola, thank you so much your words mean more than you know. It means everything to hear that the article made you feel like you were in the room. That’s the power of our shared stories, and I’m honored to help carry them.
I receive your encouragement with deep gratitude. I’m here writing, speaking, and standing with us every step of the way. Let’s keep building, lifting, and making space for our voices to rise.
Larnez! Larnez! Larnez!
I cannot say her name once, I cannot say her name twice, I truly have to say her name at least 3 times. Why? You ask? If you had gotten a chance to read this article, among many others that she had written, in addition to meeting her in person, you would know exactly why. She is beautiful; she is kind; detailed; she gives you your roses while you can still smell them. She announces your accolades 🙌 👏 👌, make sure everyone knows your truth. These are but a few of may things that I can honestly say about Larnez. I am blessed and highly favored to share spaces with you. Continue to shine and do what you love Larnez! Blissful 😊!
Lois! Lois! Lois!
You already know I’m over here tearing up and smiling at the same time. To be seen and spoken about with that kind of love, depth, and spirit. I don’t take it lightly. Your words are a bouquet I’ll carry with me always.
I’m beyond grateful to share space, purpose, and sisterhood with you. Thank you for lifting me as I lift others, that’s the kind of community I pray to always be a part of. Let’s keep doing this sacred work, rooted in truth, joy, and legacy. You are a light, and I’m honored to reflect it back.
With so much love and gratitude✨🥰
Yes it was healing in real time.. thank you for sharing 🥰
A great event and a fantastic article.