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The Westchester County Press

Two Links Chapters Join Together for the Sake of Community

By Barbara L. Edwards, Esq. (Barry Mason Photography)

WHITE PLAINS, NY -- The Westchester County and Greater Hudson Valley Chapters of the Links, Incorporated, successfully launched “A Community Wellness Expo” at the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (BGCNR) on Saturday March 21,2026. This event was a local manifestation of the national Black Family Wellness Expo initiative of The Links, Incorporated, which saw over 235 out of 303 chapters hosting similar Wellness Expos across the country and in the Bahamas throughout March, including 160 events held on the National Day of Impact, March 21st.

The Expo, live-streamed from the BGCNR’s Remington site, drew 357 community members and offered a rich array of services and activities for multigenerational families. Attendees benefited from 14 educational workshops, four health screening stations, and 18 community booths highlighting various services. Event highlights included engaging healthy cooking demonstrations, a DJ entertainment stage featuring praise and line dancers, and mobile units providing dental and ambulance services.

THE LINKS, Cont’d. on page 6

Westchester County Department of Correction Hosts Women’s History Month Celebration

WHITE PLAINS -- The Westchester County Department of Correction (WCDOC) hosted its annual Women’s History Month celebration at its Valhalla complex, recognizing the contributions of women leaders while providing incarcerated residents with an opportunity to engage in programming focused on growth, education and rehabilitation.

The event brought together 40 residents for a program centered on this year’s national theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” The celebration highlighted the role women play in advancing progress across environmental, educational and social areas while encouraging participants to reflect on their own paths forward.

Cont’d. on page 11

Lincoln School Principal Selected for Legacy of Leadership Award by Empire State Supervisors and Administrators Association

MOUNT VERNON, NY -- Lincoln School Principal Rebecca Jones, a longtime educational leader known for her unwavering commitment to students and staff, has received the prestigious Legacy of Leadership Award from the Empire State Supervisors and Administrators Association (ESSAA).

Mrs. Jones was selected from a distinguished pool of nominees across New York State, an honor that recognizes a veteran leader whose sustained excellence, service and mentorship have made a lasting impact on their school community and the field of public education.

“I’m extremely honored and grateful to receive the Legacy of Leadership Award from the Empire State Supervisors and Administrators Association,” she said. “It’s a powerful reminder that the years I’ve dedicated to this work truly matter, and that despite the many challenges in education today, we still have the

Mrs. Rebecca Jones

ability to make a real and lasting impact on students’ lives.”

Mrs. Jones, who has served as principal of Lincoln School for 16 years, has led the building through years of strong academic achievement and a

continued focus on the whole child.

Under her leadership, the school was recognized by New York State in 2019 as a Recognition School, a designation awarded for significant academic gains. Lincoln students not only met but exceeded district and state standards, a trend that has continued.

“Even today, I’m proud to share that Lincoln continues to earn top scores in both ELA and math, consistently surpassing district and state benchmarks,” the principal said. “It speaks to our teachers’ steadfast dedication to our students and the way they motivate them each and every day to work hard and reach their full potential.”

Mrs. Jones attributes much of the school’s success to a deeply collaborative culture and a shared sense of purpose among all members of the

PRINCIPAL, Cont’d. on page 11

Jack and Jill Westchester Hosts Free Community Heart Health Fair, Welcoming Over 125 Attendees

MOUNT VERNON, NY -- The Westchester County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. successfully hosted its inaugural free, community-wide Heart Health Fair at Grace Baptist Church, whose partnership helped make the event possible, bringing together more than 125 community members for a day of wellness, education, and community engagement.

The event featured strong community support, including Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn PattersonHoward and Dr. Diana E. Lake of Memorial Sloan Kettering, highlighting the importance of advancing heart health awareness.

In partnership with the American Heart Association, attendees received hands-only CPR training and connected with leading health organizations including Feeding Westchester, Montefiore, Westchester Medical Center, White Plains Hospital, and Fidelis Care, among others, who provided screenings, resources, and well

interactive cooking demonstration led by Feeding Westchester, session reflected the organization’s mission to develop youth leaders through service, with participants actively engaged and inspired to make healthier choices.

The event also featured wellness activities including fitness sessions, line dancing, and a motivational talk by wellness speaker Jessica Sinclair, all contributing to an energetic and uplifting atmosphere.

The event was further enriched by the contributions of Jack and Jill mothers who shared their clinical expertise and supported the event through generous donations.

“Events like our Heart Health Fair reflect the power of community-centered partnerships and our responsibility to serve beyond our membership,” said Mitzi Ambrose Washington, Chapter Vice President of the Westchester County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. “We know that heart health remains one of the leading causes of death in African American communities, and we wanted to create a free, accessible space where fam-

ilies across Westchester could come together, learn practical skills, and access resources that support healthier lives. By bringing together leading health organizations, local leaders, and our own members, we are able to make meaningful, community-wide impact.”

Led by Community Service CoChairs Dori Boone and Yolanda Harris-Ayo, and supported by sponsor Red Rabbit LLC, the free event welcomed families from across the community and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees and partners. The Heart Health Fair reinforced a powerful message: small, intentional steps can lead to lasting health outcomes.

The Heart Health Fair is one example of the chapter’s ongoing commitment to advancing the health and well-being of children and families through intentional programming, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. Through initiatives like this, the chapter continues to expand access, build connections, and demonstrate its commitment to being an active and inclusive community partner.

New Rochelle Public Library Launches Ambitious Plan to Revitalize the Building with a $55 Million Bond

NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The New Rochelle Public Library Board received unanimous approval from the New Rochelle School District to place a $55 million bond before voters. The measure will appear on the ballot as part of the May 19 school and library board and budget vote.

The bond is part of a bold, multi-year plan to update and renew every part of the Library— the most active in the Westchester system. A cultural and civic hub for the city, the Library has not undergone any renovation since it was built in 1979. The funding will support critical revitalization of the library, fully modernizing all aspects—from its infrastructure to meeting spaces—and include welcoming, functional areas for reading, learning and gathering.

Lucille Renwick, President of

The

Westchester County Press

(ISSN 0043-3373) is published weekly on Thursday in White Plains, New York. Copies: 40¢. Yearly Subscription: $25.00, two years: $45.00. National Advertising representative: National Newspaper Publishers Association. Local and national advertising rates on request. Paper founded August 1, 1928 to serve the County of Westchester, New York.

Sandra T. Blackwell President, Publisher & Editor

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the Library Board, said, “First, we are grateful to the New Rochelle School District Board for their support. They understand both the urgency of the need for a more modern library to serve our community. A modernized library with community spaces, improved infrastructure and overall building is so needed for all of New Rochelle. Now, we will work to ensure that New Rochelleans see that vision as well when they go to vote on May 19.”

This investment represents a first step toward ensuring the Library can serve the community for generations to come,” said the Library’s executive director, Eugenia Schatoff. She went further to say, “I have worked in libraries my entire career because I believe in what they stand for: that knowledge should be free, that opportunity shouldn’t depend on where you come from, and that every person in a community deserves a welcoming place to learn and grow.”

The New Rochelle Public Library holds a special place in the life of the community so much so that the Library’s board listened when the community expressed its desire to preserve the building several years ago.

Today, New Rochelle is experiencing a period of significant growth, with new development rising throughout the area. The Library remains centrally located along the Huguenot Corridor, within walking distance to the Metro-North train station and bus depot, restaurants, and shopping, and is adjacent to Ruby Dee Park—reinforcing its role as a central and accessible gathering place.

Two information sessions will be held at the New Rochelle Public Library to present the plans and answer questions. These will take place on April 16 and April 28. The sessions are free and open to the public. For more information, call (914) 632-7878 or visit www.nrpl. org.

By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher

Diego

Chairman,

June 2nd is the date for the California Primary and for many of us, it’s more important or just as important as the November General Election. Why? With the number of Democratic Candidates running, some people will opt out of voting altogether. Too many of us as Black people, vote for those our friends suggest on every basis except asking if the candidates stand for anything we believe in. Too many of us as Black people will vote “slates,” that is, predetermined groups of people running together, as if they all believe in and are committed to what we personally want and need in a candidate. This means that some people who clearly should not be elected or re-elected, will get into office on the strength of other people.

Let’s look at a good example of what we mean. Dr. Shirley Weber is rightfully running unopposed for another term as California Secretary of State. We could not have a better person in that position during this time when Trump is trying to intimidate every Secretary of State and get the Electoral Process changed to suit his purpose. Many of us will probably get campaign literature with Dr. Weber’s name and a host of other people

the mailers of those materials would like to see elected. By tying those other candidates to Dr. Weber’s goodwill and reputation, they hope the others will automatically get elected with her.

We must not elect people who have not shown or proven they should be elected, just because of who their names appear with on campaign materials. Now is the time to ask questions. Here is an early indicator and this applies across the nation. Do candidates seeking your support seek to reach you through your community newspapers instead of showing up at your church the Sunday before Election Day with a smile and no substance? Are you seeking to make a decision by how many times a candidate appears on television as opposed to seeking to reach you directly. What their budget happens to be is not your problem and should not be an excuse. We know from experience that where the dollars go, the heart follows. Finally, some political experts have already determined that our community of Black and African American voters is so small percentage-wise that they really don’t have to spend any dollars to get our votes. What’s important is that you don’t buy that idea. In the 1964 Supreme Court Decision, Reynolds vs. Sims, the Court established the “One Man, One Vote” principle based on the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The bottom line is that your individual vote does count and elections have been won or lost by a single vote. We must reestablish the importance of our vote. “We” are the people responsible for the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act that so many benefit from today.

So, let us be reminded of the importance of our vote and let us prepare to vote, not friendship and smiles, but substance and integrity. We have already seen by the Trump supporters who hold public office that their loyalty is not to the Constitution and therefore could not be for us.

The Honorable Thomasina Laidley Brown “The Chair Behind the Bench”

OSSINING, NY -- During Women’s History Month, Ossining resident Thomasina Laidley Brown took time to reflect on a major change in the judiciary in the Village and Town of Ossining.

Serving first as a District Leader for the Ossining Democratic Committee, she was elected as Chair of the Committee, a position which she held for about 20 years, before retiring in 2024. She is now Chair Emerita. During her tenure as Chair, she played a significant role in the election of three powerful women to serve as judges in the Ossining Village Court.

In 2006, the Honorable Francesca Connolly was elected as Ossining Town Justice and is the first woman to serve in that position. She then became the Acting Judge of the Mount Vernon and Yonkers City Courts. Judge Connolly’s career has continued to climb since that first election. She is an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Second Judicial Department, having been appointed to this position in February 2016, by Governor Andrew Cuomo.. In 2022, Governor Hochul appointed her to serve as a member of the Second Department Constitutional Bench, and in 2024, Justice Connolly served as an Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, by designation.

In November 2009, Nancy Quinn Koba was elected as the Ossining Town Judge and served for ten years in this position. During that period, she and her

Story by Yvonne B. Bert

The

Honorable Thomasina Laidley Brown

co-judges implemented the consolidation of the Ossining Village and Ossining Town Justice Courts, adjudicating criminal, landlord/tenant, civil, parking and traffic matters. In 2019, the Honorable Nancy Koba was elected as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. She is currently the Supervising Judge of the Supreme Court (Civil) for the Ninth Judicial District.

In November 2024, Vanessa Pairis was elected to serve as Ossining Town Justice. She is an experienced attorney with over 15 years of judiciary service, primarily dedicated to public service within the New York State Court System. For more than a decade, she served in the Appellate Division which is recognized as one of the nation’s busiest appellate courts. Judge Pairis also served as Principal Law Clerk for the Honorable Gina C. Capone, a Justice of the Supreme Court in Putnam County. She has been actively participating in the

Ossining community with the Ossining Children’s Center and as a Girl Scout Troop Leader.

Mrs. Laidley Brown and Justices Connolly, Koba and Pairisi have remained close friends since these historic changes occurred in the Village and Town of Ossining. She continues to stay tied to the community through her direct involvement with the local, county and state political parties.

Kudos to Mrs. Laidley Brown for her contributions in making a positive impact in the Ossining community for more than three decades. In addition to serving as a political leader, she is a member of the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Ossining and has been active in the Pastor’s Aide Ministry and the church’s soup kitchen. She is also a Trustee with the Cooperative Scholarship Fund of Ossining, which provides scholarships to African American high school graduates who are pursuing college degrees.

After the tragic loss of her grandson, Bryan Johnson, in a boating accident, she worked tirelessly to advocate for strengthening boating safety laws in New York State. In 2013, New York State signed a bill requiring boat operators to complete training courses and to meet boating safety requirements before obtaining a boating license. Mrs. Laidley Brown was named a Women of Distinction by Senator David Carlucci in May 2016.

Hats off to these four outstanding and dedicated women who have made a difference in the Ossining community and beyond!

The Links, Incorporated: Westchester County & Greater Hudson Valley Chapters Host Community Wellness Expo

By Barbara L. Edwards (Barry Mason Photography)

The Westchester County and Greater Hudson Valley Chapters of The Links, Incorporated, successfully launched “A Community Wellness Expo” at the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (BGCNR) on Saturday March 21,2026. This event was a local manifestation of the national Black Family Wellness Expo initiative of The Links, Incorporated, which saw over 235 out of 303 chapters hosting similar Wellness Expos across the country and in the Bahamas throughout

March, including 160 events held on the National Day of Impact, March 21st.

The Expo, live-streamed from the BGCNR’s Remington site, drew 357 community members and offered a rich array of services and activities for multigenerational families. Attendees benefited from 14 educational workshops, four health screening stations, and 18 community booths highlighting various services. Event highlights included engaging healthy cooking demonstrations,

a DJ entertainment stage featuring praise and line dancers, and mobile units providing dental and ambulance services.

Led by Links leadership present included Lisa Stenson Haggray, President of the Westchester County (NY) Links Chapter, and Laurie CollinsThomas, President of the Greater Hudson Valley (NY) Links Chapter the event received important remarks from several esteemed political and religious leaders, including greetings from:

The Links, Incorporated: Westchester County & Greater Hudson Valley Chapters Host Community Wellness Expo

By Barbara L. Edwards (Barry Mason Photography)

• Hon. Yadira Ramos-Herbert, Mayor of the City of New Rochelle

• Hon. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, NYS Senate Majority Leader

• Hon. Kenneth Jenkins, Westchester County Executive

• Rev. Horace Sanders, Jr., Pastor of Bethesda Baptist Church Hon. Terry Clements, Vice Chair, Westchester County Legislators

• Hon. Natalia Fernandez, NYS State Senator

• Hon. Shelly Mayer, NYS Senato Sponsors and Exhibitors

• The Community Wellness Expo was made possible through the generous support of:

• Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures

• Black K.A.R.E.

• Montefiore New Rochelle

• Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle

• Grow! Eat

Health screenings and information were provided by Montefiore New Rochelle.

Exhibitors represented a wide range of community and health organizations, including:

• The Caregiver’s Coach

• Alzheimer’s Association

• AARP

• Hudson Valley & Westchester National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)

THE LINKS, Cont’d. on page 13

CORRECTION, Cont’d. from page 2

As part of the program, residents researched influential women who contributed to a more sustainable future, reinforcing the initiative’s educational and rehabilitative focus.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “It is an honor and privilege to formally recognize three remarkable women who, through their dedication and tireless work, continue to bring support, hope and healing to the residents at WCDOC.”

Westchester County Department of Correction Commissioner Joseph K. Spano said: “It is truly gratifying to recognize three outstanding women who consistently go above and beyond in service to others. Their dedication exemplifies the kind of work that can make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. Tracy, Lisa and Allison are true agents of positive change, helping to shape a more sustainable future. The work you do while in our care will directly impact your future and that of your families. Take full advantage of the opportunities available to you and commit to overcoming the challenges that brought you here.”

Spano also encouraged residents to remain focused on their personal development, emphasizing the importance of making the most of available resources and opportunities.

Westchester County Legislator Terry Clements said: “This uplifting celebration not only honored the selfless and meaningful efforts of three dynamic women and agents of positive change but also demonstrated WCDOC’s commitment to supporting incarcerated individuals.”

The event featured keynote speaker retired Assistant Warden LaFonda Spaulding, who served more than 33 years with WCDOC, including three years as Warden of the Women’s Unit. Spaulding has long advocated for addressing the unique needs of incarcerated women and supporting their rehabilitation and successful reentry. During her remarks, she encouraged residents to stay committed to personal growth and take advantage of available support systems.

During the event, the Department honored three exceptional women whose dedication and innovation have significantly impacted the lives of those in WCDOC’s care:

Tracy Racicot, Director of the Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Adult and Community Services, was honored for expanding educational opportunities, including high school equivalency programs, English as a New Language instruction and workforce training initiatives. Her work has also helped create employment pathways through programs such as HVACR training.

Lisa Zarkower, Confidential Assistant to the Director of Educational Programs at Southern Westchester BOCES, was recognized for her role in coordinating educational services, ensuring residents are properly assessed and enrolled and supporting daily program operations.

Allison Turcan, Founder and Executive Director of D.I.G. Farm and facilitator of the Seeds for Change Gardening Program, was honored for providing hands-on agricultural education that incorporates nutrition, sustainability and wellness while supporting continued engagement after release.

The Westchester County Department of Correction continues to be recognized as a leader in rehabilitation, offering programming that supports education, workforce development and successful reentry. The Department maintains accreditations from the American Correctional Association, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care and the Prison Rape Elimination Act.

PRINCIPAL,

Cont’d. from page 2

school community.

“I have such great respect and admiration for my teaching staff and the pupil support staff and really, everyone in the building,” she said. “I don’t think anyone is more important than anyone else, from the lead teacher to the school nurse to the administrative assistants to the safety monitors and custodial team. I believe that we’re a family and each of us plays an important role in shaping our students’ daily lives.”

That philosophy has helped shape Lincoln into what Mrs. Jones describes as a “home away from home” for students, a place where academic success is paired with strong social and emotional support.

“It’s a safe haven where students can turn to teachers and feel comfortable talking with them,” she said. “They know we’re here not only to support their academic needs, but also to help them grow socially and emotionally.”

Mrs. Jones also emphasizes empowering her staff through trust, resources, and an open-door leadership style.

“I encourage teachers to use their creative license, to challenge their students and to think outside of the box,” she said.

“Whatever I can do to help a teacher—whether they want a particular book, a poster or a rug for their classroom, or an online program or resource-whatever it is, I’m happy to give them so that they can shine,” she added.

Her approach is rooted in listening and shared leadership.

“I believe in distributive leadership,” Mrs. Jones said. “Teachers, after many years in the classroom, have a great deal of experience and expertise, and I glean from them. I listen to their concerns and what it is they would like to do, and I think we work together very nicely as a team.”

Mrs. Jones was nominated for the award by her colleagues, a gesture she views with humility.

““I think for one, I’ve been around a long time and have a wealth of experience,” she said. “I also strive to be kind, fair-minded, and reasonable in all that I do. Above all, people know that I genuinely care about children and have a deep passion for teaching and learning. As an educator, my mission has always been to ensure that every child has access to an exceptional education so that they not only achieve their dreams, but in the words of Marian Wright Edelman, leave this world better than they found it.”

She added that Lincoln’s culture of high expectations and intrinsic motivation sets it apart.

“At Lincoln, everyone here holds themselves to the highest expectations,” she said. “They’re not influenced by anything else except their own internal desire to do the right thing by children.”

Mrs. Jones will be formally honored at ESSAA’s Annual Meeting and Gala Celebration of School Leadership on April 17 at the Pearl River Hilton, where she will join a select group of educational leaders from across the state.

Reflecting on her career, the principal expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve generations of students and families.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served this district for the past 37 years and to have touched the lives of so many children and their families,” she said. It’s just a wonderful, wonderful recognition. I’m deeply humbled and sincerely appreciative.”

THE LINKS, Cont’d

from page 7

Community Housing Innovations

Beta Psi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Sister to Sister International

Bilal Group LLC

TRA - Transportation Resources Access

3D Care Solutions LLC

UBC Thrivers Cancer Support

ELOC (Environmental Leaders Of Color)

My Sister’s Place

HSBC Mobile Crisis Unit

Westchester Health Care Center

Creative Fingers Hair Salon

Medicare Experts

Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI)

African American Advisory Board of Westchester County The Guidance Center

J Puppets

Subomi Children’s Corporation

Empress Ambulance

Black Kare - Kidney Awareness

mmigration Rights

Westchester County Chapter and Greater Hudson Valley Chapter of The Links, Inc.

Planet Fitness

Entertainment throughout the day was provided by Legendary DJ Chris Wallace, Millenium Praiser Dancers, J Puppets, The African Story TellerMumba The Lion, Dance Ministry Institute (DMI) Praise Dancers, and Fun Line Dancing.

About The Links, Incorporated

The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of more than 17,500 professional women of African descent in 300 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. Learn More about the The Westchester County (NY) Chapter of The Links Incorporated at www.westchestercountylinks. com or The Greater Hudson Valley (NY) Chapter at https://www.ghvnylinksinc.org/

Community Calendar

CALENDAR SUBMISSION: Please use a brief paragraph to describe your event. The paragraph should include event name, date(s), time, location and contact information. Send calendar information via email to westchestercountypress@yahoo.com. Please type “CALENDAR EVENT” in the subject bar

Tuesday, March 31

thru

Friday, April 3

We’re excited to share that Girls Inc. of Westchester County is now accepting registrations for our upcoming Spring Break Program — and we’d love your help spreading the word! This free four-day program will take place March 31–April 3 at Yonkers Arts and is open to girls in grades 5–8. Throughout the week, girls will enjoy a fun and engaging mix of leadership activities, games, creative projects, movement, teambuilding, and hands-on experiences designed to help them build confidence, explore their strengths, and connect with peers in a positive and supportive space. Program Detail: Cost: Free. Dates: March 31–April 3 • Time: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM. Location: Yonkers Arts, 216 Lake Ave, Yonkers, NY. Registration Link: https://forms.gle/gUfJQ7Wi3wjHEHuE7 We would be so grateful if you could share this opportunity with girls and families in your network. It’s a great chance for girls to spend part of their spring break in a space that is fun, empowering, creative, and community-centered. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support.

Thursday, April 9

Westchester County Fair Housing Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 9 at 6 p.m., in the Human Rights Commission Conference Room, 112 East Post Road, 3rd Floor, White Plains, NY 10601. Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestercountyny.gov

Thursday, April 9

Westchester County Human Rights Commission Board Meeting on Thursday, April 9 at 6:45pm in the Human Rights Commission Conference Room. 112 East Post Road, 3rd Floor in White Plains, NY 10601 Members of the public may view this meeting online at:

meetings.westchestercountyny. gov

Saturday, April 11-

The Laymen’s Auxiliary of the Central Hudson Baptist Association invites you to join in honoring a few “Men of Integrity” from within our Hudson Valley and surrounding communities. The 15th Annual “Men of Integrity Banquet” which celebrates men with a “heart to serve their church and community”, will be held at the Villa Borghese, located at 70 Widmere Place, Wappingers Falls, N. Y. Doors open at 11:30am. Tickets are $75 for adults, $50 for youth (12 and under). For tickets and information please contact Rev. William Wallker at 914-582-2090 or the Event Chairman, Deacon Jermaine Garrant at (914) 439-1795. ALL ARE WELCOME

Sunday, April 12,

From 2:00 - 5:00 PM at the Old Dutch Church, 272 Wall St., Kingston. Screening of “Jenin’s Freedom Theatre,” a film about actors who put their safety at risk in order to envision a future beyond Israeli occupation. Includes live interview with General Manager Mustafa Sheta. Free admission and community reflection/discussion after the film. Sponsored by: Middle East Crisis Response mideastcrisis.org and cosponsored by African Roots Community Center, Columbia County for Palestine, JVP Hudson Valley, Mid Hudson Valley DSA, Muslims4Muslims International, New Paltz Quaker Meeting, Peace Education Center, Rally Middletown, Veterans For Peace, and Women In Black - New Paltz. Contact: mecr@mideastcrisis. org or 845 876-7906

Saturday, April 18

The New Rochelle Royal Ladies Red Hats are hosting a bus and orchestra seating to the Dance Theatre of Harlem at NYC City Center, 7:30PM performance. Join us. Tickets are $150 (use Zelle). Contact Sylvia Reid (914-6205066) or Andra Adamson (914-

267-5841) for details.

Saturday, April 18

The American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health invites teens (ages 14-19) to participate in Beyond the Likes - Social Media, Mental Health & You, a free virtual youth forum on Saturday, April 18, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET. This interactive event will empower young people to navigate the digital world with confidence, engage in meaningful conversations with peers and experts, and gain practical tools for managing their digital lives. Earn a Certificate of Completion and get a chance to win prizes! Clubs and organizations whose members participate in the forum may be eligible for a small stipend; interested groups can contact Marija Hegel at mhegel@aap.org for more information. Register today to take part in this exciting event: https://us06web.zoom.us/ meeting/register/Mgqi6obwT9ibgSA7Ut6-vw#/registration

Thru Sunday, April 26

Protean Core: March 19 - April 26, 2026 | Reception: March 19, 6-8 pm On View at Pelham Art Center, Curated by Neptune in June. Open: Mon - Fri (9am5pm), Sat - Sun (10am - 4pm), 155 5th Avenue, Pelham, NY 10803 Naomi Chambers’ site-specific installations invite healing through play, weaving a ectionately elastic community bonds. She exalts found objects to bring the everyday stories and experiences of Black culture and motherhood into environments of care. Through painting, casting, and bedazzling, Chambers’ spaces tell perennial stories of nourishment and resilience. www.neptuneinjune.com | info@neptuneinjune. com IG: @neptuneinjune.ny.

info@pelhamartcenter.org

Sunday, April 26

2:15pm to 3:45pm on Sunday, April 26th at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY. Connecting Rights of Nature, Leachate and Waste Incineration: Learn, Explore, Join with Three Environmental Groups in Working Towards A Flourishing Hudson River Valley Ecosystem We humans make our homes within ecosystems and depend on water bodies and ecosystems for our own health and survival. Learn and explore with three organizations WASS (Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions), New York River Watch and ROAR (Religious Organizations Along the River) the environmental issues we face, ways to advocate, and how a rights of nature bill in NYS would allow the ecosystems, of which we are apart, to exist and flourish. Come with curiosity and questions. RSVPs are required to attend: https://forms. gle/AfUsYvyDEK7HhosR6

Sunday, April 26

Race Amity of Northern Westchester and Putnam is very pleased to partner with members of the Yorktown/Somers Interfaith Council to offer this special program “Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors” on Sunday, April 26th at 2:00 at the First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown, 2880 Crompond Road in Yorktown. Please RSVP here: tinyurl.com/ yc83eef2. Refreshments will be served Discussion will follow the presentation. We welcome you to come learn with our community! In amity, The Steering Committee of RANWP

Friday, May 1

May 1st - Law Day! The Rule of Law And the American Dream. In the month of May, Courts, Judges,

Civil Rights Leaders and Congressional Black Caucus Unite to Challenge Trump Administration Policies

First printed in the NY Carib

During a recent gathering on Capitol Hill, lawmakers and advocacy leaders sharply criticized a series of policy decisions implemented since Trump’s return to the White House, as well as the president’s rhetoric and governing approach. While participants outlined broad areas of concern, they provided limited specifics regarding immediate tactical responses.

Representative Yvette Clarke of New York, chair of the CBC, accused the administration of pursuing policies that undermine civil rights protections, restrict voting access, weaken social safety programs, and concentrate economic and political power among elite interests at the expense of marginalized communities.

Throughout a series of strategy sessions, activists and legislators coordinated outreach plans and policy priorities spanning education, historical curriculum standards, healthcare access, immigration enforcement, and anti-discrimination protections. Participants described the discussions as both sobering and motivating, emphasizing the urgency of collective action ahead of upcoming elections.

Several meetings focused on safeguarding voter access during the midterm elections, amid growing concerns among activists following a federal law enforcement raid at an elections facility in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Lawmakers also examined potential legislative and legal responses to an anticipated Supreme Court ruling that could weaken a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries signaled that a wide range of responses remains under consideration, including public demonstrations, organized boycotts, and expanded legal challenges. “It’s an all-hands-on-deck moment, and every tool available to the leadership collectively has got to be deployed to get this thing turned around,” Jeffries said following a press conference.

The renewed mobilization comes as the administration continues efforts to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies, higher education institutions, and segments of the private sector. Early in his second term, Trump signed executive orders prohibiting what his administration described as “illegal DEI” programs within government entities and organizations receiving federal support, alongside threats to withhold funding from institutions that fail to comply.

Administration officials have also advanced initiatives aimed at reshaping how American history and national culture are presented in schools, museums, and public institutions. Concurrently, federal agencies have increased scrutiny of civil rights complaints alleging discrimination against white individuals.

In response, civil rights groups and Democratic lawmakers have launched numerous lawsuits challenging anti-DEI measures. Recent legal developments included the administration’s decision to abandon an appeal of a federal court ruling that blocked attempts to deny funding to educational institutions over DEI-related policies.

With Democrats currently lacking majority control in either chamber of Congress, oversight options remain limited, prompting advocacy groups to focus on litigation, state-level action, and grassroots organizing ahead of the midterm elections. Many leaders acknowledged that the rapid pace of policy changes over the past year has forced civil rights organizations into a period of strategic recalibration.

Maya Wiley, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, argued that the administration’s agenda repurposes legal frameworks originally designed to advance equality. “This is about how this administration is using the tools we built as a Black community to ensure that all of our people are protected,” she said.

Parallel efforts are emerging at the state level, where a coalition of civil rights organizations and Democratic attorneys general from fourteen states and the District of Columbia has launched a legal initiative to defend DEI and accessibility policies. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said the campaign aims to ensure that fundamental civil rights protections remain enforceable through coordinated legal action.

The effort unfolds amid an evolving judicial landscape. Federal courts remain divided over race-conscious policies in hiring and workplace protections, while the Supreme Court’s conservative majority has already curtailed the use of race in college admissions and signaled skepticism toward race-based considerations in public policy.

Despite acknowledging the scale of the challenge, civil rights leaders framed the moment as a defining political and legal struggle. Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, underscored the movement’s resolve, declaring: “We commit today to fight and fight and fight until hell freezes over, and then, I can assure you, we will fight on the ice.”