In the Facebook post, Helene Njegna is making baseless accusations, questioning why a black online publication has not reported the accomplishments of her mom, Senator Thompson. In the rant Njegna is questioning the blackness of the publication and uses for example, an article about Janice Duarte, who is running on the Independence Party line for a seat on the Mt. Vernon City Council and has a chance to be the first elected official of Westchester of Portuguese decent.
It is our belief to use Ms. Duarte’s article because she is Portuguese is, offensive, reprehensible and inexcusable to Ms. Duarte and the Portuguese community of Mt. Vernon and Westchester County. It is also a clear case of reverse racism.
Had the family member of a white politician posted this about an African-American women who was attempting to make history, it would be looked at as an uncivil act, to say the least, by the black community. How much more revolting should it be when it comes from an African-American woman, who should know better.
This is not what we would expect from Thompson, a sitting Senator representing the 36th District of New York, who in her many years has achieved numerous goals and accolades as an African-American and a woman.
It is insulting and shameful that woman of another ethnic group, would be attack when trying to achieve the accomplishments that she has, by a female member of her family and gone unchecked by her. In the spirit of ‘One Mount Vernon,’ the catch-phrase of this election, one would think Thompson and her daughter would embrace and even encourage, Ms. Duarte.
Is this truly who the voters of Mount Vernon should select as the leader of their city.
The Mount Vernon Independence Club is demanding a denouncement from Senator Thompson as well as Democratic City Committee Chair, Reginald A. Lafayette, to denounce his District Leaders actions, that they do not support this distasteful action.
We are also calling on the Working Families Party Chair, Pat Welsh to denounce these action of those associated with their candidate’s campaign.
In the words of Malcolm X (which were ironically also posted on Njegna’s Facebook page), “You’re not to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.”
The residents of Mount Vernon, not just the Portuguese community, but everyone should stand up and speak up against negative attacks like those of the senator’s daughter and send a clear message, come election day, that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in the City of Mount Vernon, no matter who it comes from or who they are related to.
Damon K. Jones
Damon K. Jones is an Activist, Author, and Publisher of Black Westchester Magazine, a Black-owned and operated newspaper based in Westchester County, New York.
Mr. Jones is a Spiritual Life Coach, Couples and Family Therapy Coach, Holistic Health Practitioner, First Aid in Mental Health Practioner, Diet and Nutrition Advisor, and Vegan, Vegetarian Nutrition Life Coach.
Mr. Jones is a 32-year Law Enforcement Practioner New York Representative of Blacks in Law Enforcement of America.
Mr. Jones has been a guest commentator on New York radio stations WBLS (107.5 FM), WLIB (1190 am), WRKS (98.7 FM), WBAI (99.5 FM), and Westchester's WVOX (1460 am). Mr. Jones has appeared on local television broadcasts, including Westchester News 12 "News Makers" and Public Television "Winbrook Pride. You can now hear Damon every Wednesday at 830 AM on WFAS at 1230 AM, Morning with Bob Marone Show.
