Kylie Jewelz Robinson was in the room when everything changed. She watched her mom experience a frightening episode during a prenatal appointment — a complication that could affect a woman’s pregnancy condition. Kylie was not yet a teenager. But in that moment, something crystallized. She would become a doctor. She would make sure no woman in her community faced that kind of fear without someone fighting alongside her.
That clarity of purpose has carried Kylie, now 15 and a rising junior at the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, all the way to Rochester, Minnesota — where she will spend two weeks this summer as one of just 100 high school students in the nation selected for the inaugural PreCollege Healthcare Academy, a new program hosted by the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science at the University of Minnesota Rochester. She earned her spot on a full scholarship with the support of her parents, who researched programs that supported Kylie’s dream.
The Westchester County Press
proper care is during pregnancy. It inspired me to become a doctor to understand better why it happened.”
She continued: “I am aware of the disparities in healthcare. Many women in my community lack proper healthcare support. I am determined to help change this by providing equitable care. In the future, I hope to open a birthing center where women feel safe and respected throughout their pregnancy journey.”
The vision is precise and personal: a birthing center rooted in her own community, where the women who look like her mother are never an afterthought in their own care.
What makes Kylie’s profile especially striking is that she is not pursuing medicine alone. This year, she enrolled in the Advanced Computer Program offered by Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC), a Westchester County-based environmental justice nonprofit dedicated to fostering diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. ELOC focuses on empowering young people to become leaders and change-makers
From Mount Vernon to Mayo Clinic:
How One Teen’s Family Crisis Became Her Life’s Mission
It is, by any measure, an extraordinary achievement. Mayo Clinic is consistently ranked the No. 1 hospital in the world. The Pre-College Healthcare Academy is the first of its kind. And Kylie Robinson — the second of four children born to Jamal Robinson and Stephanie Clarke, a Mount Vernon native who attended Pennington Elementary School and
By Dr. Diana Williams and Marvin Church
now carries honor roll status at the STEAM Academy — is one of the young people who made the cut.
In her application essay to the Academy, Kylie described her motivation with a directness that belies her age:
“My goal is to become an OBGYN and reproductive scientist to support women who are expecting
or trying to have children. I have always been passionate about medicine and helping others, especially women. My interest in this field began when my mother developed preeclampsia while pregnant with my youngest sister. During a medical appointment, she experienced an episode that frightened me. That moment showed me how important
in their communities by providing access to quality education and professional development.
Kylie is enrolled in the AI Machine Learning and AI Infrastructure track, which places her at the frontier of how artificial intelligence is
KYLIE ROBINSON
The Women’s Leadership Institute Recognizes and Celebrates Juneteenth
BARBARA L. EDWARDS, Esq.
On June 19th, the Women’s Leadership Institute proudly joins communities across the nation in recognizing and celebrating Juneteenth—an important day that commemorates the end of slavery in the
OP-ED:
United States and honors the enduring strength, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans.
Juneteenth marks the historic day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved African Americans were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. This delayed arrival of freedom underscores a powerful truth: justice often requires persistence, and the realization of liberty has not always been immediate or equal.
Honoring a Defining Moment in History
Juneteenth is widely recognized as a defining milestone in American history, symbolizing the effective end of slavery and the beginning of a new chapter of hope and possibility. Often referred to as “Freedom Day” or “America’s second Independence Day,” it represents a moment when the promise of freedom became a reality for those who had been denied it for generations.
The Women’s Leadership Institute recognizes that acknowledging this history is essential to fostering a deeper understanding of the nation’s past and its continued impact on the present.
A Commitment to Reflection, Education, and Progress
As an organization dedicated to empowering women and strengthening communities, the Women’s Leadership Institute embraces Juneteenth as a time for reflec-
tion, learning, and purposeful action.
Juneteenth is more than a historical observance, it is a call to recognize the importance of equity, opportunity, and inclusion in every aspect of society. It invites all of us to examine the progress that has been made and to recommit ourselves to the work that remains.
Organizations and community leaders across the country emphasize that Juneteenth serves as both a celebration of freedom and a moment to reflect on the “unfinished business” of achieving justice and equality for all.
Celebrating Strength, Culture, and Community
Juneteenth is also a vibrant celebration of Black culture, heritage, and achievement. For generations, families and communities have honored this day through gatherings, storytelling, music, and shared traditions that reflect both joy and remembrance.
These celebrations highlight the resilience and perseverance of those who overcame unimaginable challenges and built lasting legacies that continue to shape our nation today.
The Women’s Leadership Institute celebrates these contributions and recognizes the vital role that Black women and communities have played in advancing leadership, innovation, and social progress.
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP, Cont’d. on page 11
Why I’m Supporting Barry McGoey for Greenburgh Town Supervisor
As a County Legislator representing communities in Greenburgh, I know how deeply residents care about the future of this town. Greenburgh is diverse, vibrant, proud, and full of possibility— but it is also facing real challenges that require strategic leadership, professional management, collaboration, and the ability to deliver meaningful results.
That is why I am proud to endorse Barry McGoey for Greenburgh Town Supervisor.
The most urgent concern I hear from residents is affordability. Families are stretched. Seniors on fixed incomes are worried. Longtime residents are wondering whether they can continue to remain in the communities they helped build. Rising costs—from housing and utilities to taxes, insurance, and everyday essentials—are placing real pressure on household budgets.
Barry understands that affordability is not an abstract policy issue. It is the difference between stability and anxiety for many families. As Supervisor, he will bring a disciplined and responsible
approach to town government, focused on financial accountability, operational efficiency, and decisions that help keep Greenburgh affordable for working families, seniors, and future generations.
Flooding is another critical issue affecting neighborhoods throughout the town and my district. Too many residents have endured repeated flooding that threatens homes, damages property, disrupts lives, and diminishes quality of life. This is not a problem that can be studied indefinitely or pushed off for another day.
Barry recognizes that flooding requires sustained attention, serious coordination, and long-term infrastructure planning. He is prepared to work with Westchester County, state partners, local officials, and affected residents to pursue resources, improve infrastructure, and advance practical solutions that better protect our neighborhoods. Greenburgh needs leadership that treats flooding with the urgency it deserves.
I also support Barry because he recognizes the importance of strengthening community resources, especially those that serve young people, families, and older adults. The Theodore D. Young Community Center has long been one of Greenburgh’s most important community anchors. It provides recreation, youth development, educational programming, senior activities, and a sense of connection across generations.
Barry understands that places like TDYCC are not simply buildings. They are investments in people. He is committed to working collaboratively with county and local partners to help ensure that the Center has the support, planning, and resources it needs to continue serving residents well into the future.
Equally important, Barry believes in partnership. Effective government does not happen in isolation. It requires respectful working relationships among town officials, county leaders, community organizations, civic associations, faith leaders, and residents. Barry has the temperament, professionalism, and
focus to build those relationships and move Greenburgh forward in a constructive way.
After 34 years of the same leadership, Greenburgh has an opportunity to choose a new direction—one rooted in accountability, collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and responsive government.
Barry McGoey is not running for a title. He is running because he believes Greenburgh can work better for the people who call it home. He brings energy, experience, and a serious commitment to addressing the issues residents care about most.
I encourage Democrats across Greenburgh to join me on June 23rd in supporting Barry McGoey for Town Supervisor.
Together, we can build a more affordable, resilient, professionally managed, and stronger Greenburgh for everyone.
By Jewel Williams Johnson, Westchester County Legislator, District 8
County Human Rights Commission Observes Juneteenth with Screening of “The Hidden History of Slavery in New York”
WHITE PLAINS, NY – In observance of Juneteenth, the Westchester County Human Right Commission, in partnership with the Larchmont/ Mamaroneck Human Rights Committee, hosted a standing room only screening and panel discussion of “The Hidden History of Slavery in New York,” a ground-breaking film that dispels accepted truths about the role of the North in the Transatlantic slave trade.
The Emmy Award-winning, 30-minute documentary produced by journalist, Larry Epstein, and hosted by Rye high school student, Richard French IV, reveals New Amsterdam as a major epicenter of enslavement and explains how Wall Street operated as the largest slave market in the United States during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Following the film was a lively discussion and Q & A fielded by a diverse panel of experts including Westchester County Human Rights Commission Executive Director, Tejash Sanchala; Village of Ossining historian, author and genealogical researcher, Joyce Sharrock Cole; the film’s producer, Larry Epstein and Historic Hudson Valley Vice President of Programs and Engagement, Betsy Bradley, Ph.D. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Tonight’s recognition of Juneteenth is more than a celebration; it is a sobering reckoning of the relationship between slavery and New York – the place we call home. We think of slavery as something that happened ‘down south,’ and of New York as a place of refuge and humanity. When a film like ‘The
Hidden History of Slavery in New York’ comes along, exposing the disturbing truth that New York played a major role in the slave trade, it turns that narrative upside down in a truly painful way. But here is the upside – this film wasn’t made by film makers whose ancestors suffered from the atrocities of slavery, it was made by Westchester residents who were interested in the world beyond their bubble. And that’s what makes Westchester so special – people from all different backgrounds wanting to learn, to know and to understand each other’s experiences.”
Sanchala said: “Educational events like this are so important for understanding where we were and where we are now. Westchester was both a place where people were enslaved and a place where people fought slavery. The same County that housed major slaveholding estates later became home to Underground Railroad routes, abolitionist churches, Quaker activists and the birthplace of a pioneering Human Rights Law.”
Cole said: “I’m honored to be part of this conversation. As we approach Juneteenth and New York State’s Abolition Commemoration Day next month, this is a timely opportunity to reflect on a history that shaped our state and nation. As a historian and a descendant of those impacted by enslavement, I am grateful for the opportunity to help highlight and share these important stories.”
Epstein said: “I’m so excited to have
HIDDEN HISTORY, Cont’d. on page 11
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and members of the panel.
HUD Makes $193 Million Available to Address Youth Homelessness
Washington, D.C. - The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is making $193 million in funding available to communities nationwide to prevent and address youth homelessness.
“Every American should grow up in a safe and loving home. HUD is pleased to announce this funding opportunity as we focus on partnering with communities to provide stability, resources, and healing to vulnerable youth. The Trump administration is committed to supporting youth with housing resources to help them reunite with family or gain independence to pursue the American Dream,” said Secretary Turner.
This funding will be utilized for developing and implementing projects to increase the efficiency of youth homelessness response systems as well as creating Transitional Housing and Supportive Services projects focused on providing housing with wraparound services to help youth become self-sufficient.
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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.
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Combining these two funding opportunities into one Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) emphasizes the comprehensive approach that is needed to dramatically reduce youth homelessness.
The Trump administration has demonstrated extraordinary collaboration to uplift America’s youth. First Lady Melania Trump recently announced 10 Achievements Transforming Outcomes for Foster Youth since the signing of the Executive Order on Fostering the Future for American Children and Families. This Spring, Secretary Turner hosted roundtable conversations to hear from youth in Denver, Pittsburgh, and San Antonio about their experience with HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program and how HUD can better coordinate with our partners across America to prevent homelessness among foster youth transitioning to adulthood. Today’s announcement continues to build on HUD’s ongoing commitment to help vulnerable youth lead successful lives.
This funding opportunity is open to state and local governments; Federally-recognized Native American Tribal governments and Native American Tribal Organizations; and non-profit organizations. Faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply. Applications for this funding opportunity are due on August 10, 2026.
What We Should Do Post Primaries
By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher
San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper Chairman of the Board
As many states work through their Primary Elections, now is a good time to do some real assessments as to who will be on ballots in November’s General Election. The first priority of all people of color and Blacks in particular should be the election of Democrats at all levels. This is not because the Democrats worked for all our votes, but because voting for Democrats represents the only means of taking back control of our government at all levels from Donald Trump and his supporters.
We must send Democrats to Congress to retake control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This is the only way to return to the separation of pow-
of Directors, NNPA
ers that the Constitution intended. It represents the only way to stop wasteful use of our tax dollars on Trump projects designed to put his name on as many things as possible.
Next, we must control state and local offices which directly impact our lives when the wrong people are elected to office. Such elections would bring the President’s agenda closer than the federal government is allowed to do. For example, if a Republican is elected Governor of California, who has already promised to cut programs that so many of us depend on, his actions would reflect the endorsement that he has received from President Trump.
Bottom line, we must now look at each candidate in the November election in terms of their potential impact on the quality of our lives. Now is the time to get serious, to do our homework in terms of what people stand for and who among us still needs to be registered to vote. Now is the time for group discussions and Town Hall meetings to get educated to the issues and not to assume we know everything. Our declarations of ignorance will allow for growth and forward planning. We must not repeat the low voter turnout of this Primary election.
Please let us hear from you, the voter.
DR. JOHN E. WARREN
New CFPB rule turns its back on fair housing Housing advocates sue to preserve enforcement
By Charlene Crowell
For more than 50 years, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) has been an effective federal safeguard to ensure that Black, Latino, Native Americans and other economically marginalized people have fair access to safe and affordable credit. Enacted with bipartisan support in Congress and signed into law by President Gerald Ford in 1974, ECOA has been a legal backbone in the fight against financial discrimination for literally millions of qualified borrowers.
But this April, the agency created to be the nation’s consumer financial cop on the beat issued a new rule to roll back enforcement of anti-discrimination efforts. The bureau’s proposal will end disparate impact standard for enforcement actions, allow lenders to discourage applicants by race, and limit the use of special purpose credit programs to expand access to credit for women, Blacks, Latinos, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Native-Americans, older Americans, and other economically vulnerable families.
“The amendments represent one of the most consequential shifts in federal fair-lending policy in decades and are likely to prompt litigation challenging key aspects of the rule,” predicted a recent legal blog.
That prediction proved correct.
On May 27, a federal lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by the National Fair Housing Alliance and four other housing organizations that are suing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and its Acting Director Russell Vought.
“The statute did not change. The legal decisions did not change. Washington’s commit-
ment did,” said Lisa Rice, NFHA President and CEO. “This reversal by the CFPB is a continuation of this Administration’s efforts to gut fair housing and lending protections.”
“To start, the CFPB failed to identify any concrete problem with the current regulatory regime,” states the lawsuit. “The CFPB relied on conclusory assertions and speculation, not evidence, to justify its dramatic departure from decades of settled ECOA implementation. The CFPB’s approach is at odds with the available evidence: As commenters to the proposed rule made clear, public data and research—much of it from the CFPB itself—show that the Final Rule is ill-conceived and likely to harm covered entities and consumers alike.”
The lawsuit also raises the question of Vought’s authority as an Acting CFPB Director. The law that created CFPB explicitly awarded rulemaking authority to Senate-confirmed CFPB Directors, which Vought is not.
According to the advocates, during an abbreviated public comment period, an estimated 64,500
industry participants, including a coalition of 78 civil rights organizations, other consumer advocates, state attorneys general, and Members of Congress, registered their opposition to the reversal.
“The CFPB set an unusually short thirty-day public comment period over the Thanksgiving holiday, failed to employ a small business advocacy review panel, and made not a single material change to the rule in response to tens of thousands of comments, the overwhelming majority of which opposed the rule,” said Janell ByrdChichester, National Fair Housing Alliance General Counsel.
Recapping registered opposition comments, the housing plaintiffs found that more than 90 percent opposed dropping disparate impact liability, changes to discouragement protections, and the elimination of Special Purpose Credit Programs that expand credit access for communities that historically face persistent barriers.
“The CFPB needs to follow the law and return to its core mission of protecting consumers and small businesses,” said Paulina
Gonzalez-Brito, CEO of Rise Economy, whose organization is also a plaintiff.
If allowed to stand, CFPB’s new rule will shift the burden of proof in cases of discrimination from the powerful to the vulnerable. It is also a misguided effort to make consumers prove intent instead of analyzing available, fact-based patterns of economic exclusion.
Equity in our nation’s housing finance system cannot be achieved until or unless families of color are afforded equal opportunities to build wealth through homeownership. Disparate impact rightly places the burden in proving marketplace discrimination on lenders and should be preserved.
When the agency built to enforce civil rights and protect consumers walks away from the job, the rule of law remains” added NFHA’s Rice. “That is why we are in court.”
Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.
Photo Credit: National Fair Housing Alliance
DR. JAMAILLA JOSEPH
DR. LISA MARIA NERO
THE REV. DR. JAMES PERRY
2026 World Cup is Here and Atlanta is Ready For It
The largest World Cup in history spreads across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins June 11 and runs through July 19 across host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Atlanta serving as one of 11 American venues. MercedesBenz Stadium will host eight matches, opening with Spain against Cabo Verde on June 15 and closing with a semifinal on July 15.
The tournament is the largest in World Cup history, featuring 48 teams divided into 12 four-team groups. Thirty-two teams will advance to the knockout stage, with the top two finishers from each group joined by the eight best third-place teams. The final will be played July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The format and the bracket
FIFA introduced a structural change for this edition designed to prevent the two highest-ranked teams from meeting before the final if both win their groups. Spain, ranked first in the tournament field, and defending champion Argentina, ranked second, were placed in separate brackets. France and England, ranked third and fourth, were similarly separated. The four top seeds could not meet until the semifinals.
Teams from the same confederation were kept apart in the group draw, with the exception of European nations, who are numerous enough that some share groups.
Atlanta matches at
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
All Atlanta group stage matches begin at noon. • June 15: Spain vs. Cabo Verde June 18: Czechia vs. South Africa June 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia June 24: Morocco vs. Haiti June 27: DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan Knockout round matches in Atlanta:
July 1: Round of 32, noon July 7:
By Gesi Lloyd | Rolling Out
Round of 16, noon July 15: Semifinal, 3 p.m.
All matches in Atlanta air on Fox or FS1. The full schedule across all venues runs from June 11 through July 19, with the United States opening its group stage against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.How to watch
All World Cup matches in the United States air on Fox or FS1. Streaming is available through the Fox Sports app and platforms that carry Fox, including Fubo, DirecTV, and Sling.
Getting to and around Mercedes-Benz Stadium
MARTA is the most practical option for matchdays. Three stations put fans close to the stadium: SEC District, Vine City, and Five Points, which is about a 10-minute walk. The blue and green lines serve all three. Single-ride fare is $2.50, and MARTA recently added a tap-to-pay system through phone wallets. The Breeze and Terminus apps are useful
for tracking trains in real time.
Ride-share surge pricing is likely on matchdays. Fans staying near a MARTA station or within walking distance of the stadium will have the most flexibility.
Where to watch without a ticket
The FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park runs for 18 days beginning June 11 and is free with advance registration, limited to six tickets per person. The festival includes live music, food, and broadcast screenings of matches. Performers include Ludacris, Killer Mike, CeeLo Green, and Summer Walker. Upgraded ticket packages range from $45 to $325.
Decatur WatchFest runs for 34 days at Decatur Square, with free live music and match broadcasts at participating bars. Most shows require no ticket, though Big Boi on June 11, The War and Treaty on June 25, and Indigo Girls on July 19 are exceptions.
The Atlanta Beltline hosts a free two-day festival at Pittsburgh Yards
on June 20 and 21, including a featured watch party for Spain vs. Saudi Arabia on June 21.
Among the most established watch party venues in the city, the Brewhouse Cafe in Little Five Points has been a fixture in Atlanta’s soccer community for close to 30 years. Fado Irish Pub in Midtown and Buckhead will broadcast every match. Cosm, a new 70,000-squarefoot immersive venue in Centennial Yards, will show 40 World Cup matches including all U.S. Men’s National Team games.
Tickets
Single-game tickets through FIFA’s official site start at $650 and reach as high as $8,100 for Atlanta matches. Secondary market options are available through SeatGeek, StubHub, and SeatPick at varying prices. FIFA set aside $60 tickets for national federation supporter groups traveling to multiple cities, but those are allocated through official supporter club channels rather than general sale.
iPhotostock/NNPA
MOUNT VERNON,
Cont’d. fron page 1
reshaping industries, including healthcare. Additionally, ELOC’s board of directors consists of several doctors who graduated from prestigious institutions, including Howard Medical and Dental Schools, Weill Cornell Medical School, the University of Pennsylvania’s dental program, and Columbia University’s postdoctoral program. These board members are dedicated to mentoring ELOC students interested in pursuing careers in medicine and dentistry. Kylie is looking forward to being mentored by ELOC medical professionals.
ELOC serves students across six Westchester municipalities: Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Port Chester, Ossining, and Peekskill. Its curriculum is specifically designed to bring students of color into fields where they have historically been underrepresented — not as passive users of technology, but as architects of it.
“When I received the news that I had been accepted into the Mayo Clinic program, I froze. My dad told me when I got home from school, and I was shocked and
then happy because it confirmed that God heard and agreed with my prayers and what I want to do with my life.”
“I want all the boys and girls of Mount Vernon to know that we can achieve anything that we put our time and heart into with faith.”
“Kylie exemplifies exactly what ELOC’s Advanced Computer Program and other programs were designed to cultivate,” said Dr. Diana K. Williams, DDS/MBA, ELOC’s Executive Director. “She doesn’t separate her interest in health from her interest in technology, and she doesn’t separate either of those from her identity as a young Black woman from Mount Vernon. She understands, at fifteen, that all of it is connected. That kind of thinking is going to change communities.”
The intersection of health and technology is pivotal. AI is already transforming obstetrics and maternal health — from predictive tools that flag high-risk pregnancy cases to data systems that help physicians identify disparate outcomes by
race. A young woman who understands both the clinical and the computational dimensions of that problem is precisely the kind of future physician that medicine needs.
The Mayo Clinic Pre-College Healthcare Academy is poised to offer Kylie invaluable experiences and insights as she navigates her path toward becoming a physician. With her combined passion for healthcare and technology, she represents the future of medicine — where empathy and expertise converge to benefit communities, especially those often overlooked.
By embracing her diverse interests and experiences, Kylie is not only preparing for her own future but is also laying the groundwork for impactful change that extends beyond her personal ambitions. Her journey is a reminder of the profound connection between healthcare and community empowerment, an ethos that ELOC fosters among its students. As Kylie returns to Mount Vernon in the Fall as a junior. The birthing center she described in her application essay is still years away. But the groundwork, laid in a city that is too often overlooked, is already under construction. :
GO KNICKS!!!
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP, Cont’d. from page 2
Standing in Solidarity and Moving Forward
In recognizing Juneteenth, the Women’s Leadership Institute affirms its commitment to standing in solidarity with Black communities and to supporting efforts that promote inclusion, equity, and opportunity for all.
We believe that meaningful recognition goes beyond words—it involves listening, learning, and taking action to create environments where every individual is valued and empowered.
Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is not simply a moment in history, but a continuous journey—one that calls for awareness, compassion, and collective responsibility.
As we observe June 19th, the Women’s Leadership Institute honors the legacy of those who fought for freedom, celebrates the resilience and achievements of Black Americans, and reaffirms its dedication to building a more just and inclusive future.
We encourage all members of our community to take time to reflect, learn, and engage in meaningful ways as we commemorate Juneteenth and continue shaping our nation.
The Women’s Leadership Institute is an organization established to advance and improve the personal, economic, and professional status of women and girls. Activities and programs are designed to promote talented women and girls, seeking leadership, advancement, and opportunities for skills enrichment. We connect women and girls across industries and demographics. Visit our web page at www.tcfiswli. com or contact us at 914-664-0430.
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Serving Metro-New York and Westchester County
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REAL ESTATE (Residential and Commercial)
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*Bruce L. Bozeman, Esq., * Carla Lewis-Burnett, Esq. John S. Savage, Esq. ~ of counsel, Leticia Arzu, Esq.
*Principals of the firm serve as seminar speakers, upon request.
Appointments Preferred.
HIDDEN HISTORY, Cont’d. from page 3
had the opportunity present ‘The Hidden History of Slavery in New York’ in Mamaroneck. As we commemorate Juneteenth and celebrate our County’s 250th birthday, I think it’s more important than ever to remember the dark chapters in our shared history, as well as our triumphs and exceptional accomplishments.”
Bradley said: “As we observe Juneteenth, it’s an honor to participate in Westchester County’s panel on the important and often-hidden history of slavery in our region. I’m glad to share Historic Hudson Valley’s more than two decades of work on this subject at my hometown library.”
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
More Than a Competition: My First Bodybuilding Prep
When people see a bodybuilding competitor on stage, they usually see the tan, the muscles, the suit, and the smile. What they don’t see are the months of discipline, sacrifice, consistency, and mental strength that happen long before show day. My journey into bodybuilding taught me more about myself than I ever expected, and it all started because I needed a new challenge.
Growing up, I was always an athlete. I ran track throughout high school and college, competing in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter events. Athletics has always been a major part of my life, and I loved competing. The structure, discipline, and drive to improve were things I thrived on.
After graduating college in 2024, I continued going to the gym and lifting weights. Although I enjoyed it, I eventually started to feel stagnant. I was showing up, doing my workouts, and staying active, but I felt like I was missing something. As someone who has always been competitive, I needed a goal. I needed a reason to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of.
That opportunity came through my friend Jana. She had competed in bodybuilding herself and was looking for clients. I had followed her journey and watched what she accomplished, and the idea of bodybuilding immediately caught my attention. What started as a bucket-list experience quickly became something much bigger.
In September 2025, I began my first official growing season. For several months, I focused on building muscles, improving my physique, and preparing my body for what was ahead. Then, in January 2026, I officially started preparing for my first bodybuilding competition.
At first, prep seemed manageable. I had a plan, I was motivated, and I was excited. But as the weeks went on, I learned that bodybuilding is much more than lifting weights.
Bodybuilding is discipline.
It is waking up every morning and doing fasted cardio before most people are even awake.
By Jalia Williams
MISS JALIA WILLIAMS
It is weighing every gram of food that goes into your meals. It is bringing your meals every-
where you go. It is saying no to temptations when nobody is watching.
It is trusting the process even when results don’t happen overnight.
A typical day during prep looked almost identical every day. I would wake up and complete my fasted incline treadmill cardio. Then I would come home and eat breakfast before finding ways to stay busy throughout the day. Sometimes I would go for walks, read books, or simply find distractions that kept my mind occupied.
Later in the day, I would head to the gym for my workout. Most sessions lasted about an hour and a half, followed by 30 minutes to an hour of posing practice. Posing is an entire skill by itself and takes just as much repetition as lifting weights. After training, I would come home, eat my meals, continue working toward my daily step goal, spend time with family, and then end my night with my favorite prep purchase: a Ninja Creamy protein ice cream. It felt like a dessert while still fitting into my plan.
Then I would wake up and do it all over again.
The hardest part of prep was the gradual loss of energy. As the months went on, my body became more fatigued, but the expectations never changed. I still had to complete my workouts. I still had to do my cardio. I still had to hit my daily step goal. I still had to pose. I still had to follow my nutrition plan perfectly.
There were days when I was exhausted.
There were days when I was hungry.
There were days when I wanted to quit.
I remember questioning whether I could keep going. But every time those thoughts entered my mind, I reminded myself why I started. I reminded myself that hard things are supposed to be hard. If everyone could do it, it wouldn’t be special. Every challenge became an opportunity to prove to myself that I was capable of more than I thought.
One of the most important fac-
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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.
Thursday, June 11
Exhibits on View at ArtsWestchester: May 16- Aug 2, 2026: Forever, Amen is an ongoing photographic study of the oldest Black churches in White Plains. Despite widespread displacement and cultural erasure caused by urban renewal, some of these churches have existed for nearly two centuries. The series examines how these places of worship have anchored Black residents of the city and its surrounding communities.
Thursday, June 11
Join us on Thursday, June 11 at 8:15 a.m. at the Greenburgh Public Library for this free community event, where you’ll hear directly from the Westchester County Commissioners whose departments play a critical role in the lives of children and families across our county. This year’s event will also feature the release of WCA’s 2026 Children by the Numbers Report, our biennial report that provides a comprehensive look at how children are faring in Westchester and highlights key trends impacting their health, education, safety, and future opportunities. �� Space is filling up quickly. If you plan to attend, we encourage you to reserve your seat as soon as possible.�� Light breakfast refreshments will be provided as attendees connect with community leaders, advocates, and partners from across Westchester County.We are grateful to our event sponsors, WMCHealth Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and Hudson Valley Credit Union, for helping make this important community conversation possible.�� Register today: https://tinyurl. com/WCACommConvo2026
Saturday, June 13
The White Plains Juneteenth Her-
itage Committee will celebrate its 22nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The annual event is not only a family celebration but a community-wide event featuring a parade, festival, music, art, educational exhibits, informational displays, children’s activities, food, and entertainment for all ages. For additional information, please contact Frank Williams, Jr. at (914) 422-1378 or by email at fwilliams@whiteplainsny.gov. Jonette Mines, Juneteenth Committee Chairperson.
Sunday, June 14
Race Amity of Northern Westchester & Putnam (RANWP) is proud to present this year’s annual Race Amity Day Festival this Sunday, June 14th. We’ll start at 1:00 for our potluck picnic and our program will begin at 2:00. Come join us at Reis Park, 82 Primrose Street, Somers, NY. (In case of inclement weather, we will meet inside the library - same address.) The theme this year is “Toward E Pluribus Unum” - Out of Many, One. Come enjoy a potluck picnic, music, presentations, and discussions. Entertainment provided by Aimee Schneider and Gamaliel “Gammy” Moses. This is a wonderful opportunity to renew old friendships and make new ones! We invite you to join us for this fun and educational event! For more information please contact raceamitynwp@gmail.com or Judyth Stavans at 914-5880958. We look forward to seeing you there! (Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer a Zoom link for this program.) In amity, Race Amity of Northern Westchester & Putnam
Monday, June 15
Women’s Advisory Board Meeting will be held on Monday, June
15 at 5:30 p.m.Virtual Meeting via Zoom https://us06web.zoom. us/j/86133658147?pwd=AH3pt jdawFK4ayHFa1sIh0bTWvJsp
3.1Meeting ID: 861 3365 8147 Passcode: 883392 Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestercountyny.gov
Monday, June 15
Jewel Williams Johnson, the incumbent county legislator for District 8, is cordially inviting the public to BE IN THE ROOM for a very important conversation with NYS Attoney General Letitia “Tish” James, NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea StewartCousins, and NYS Lt. Governor candidate and former NYC Council Speeaker Adrienne Adams. This event will be held on Monday, June 15th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 183 S. Central Avenue, Suite C, in Hartsdale, NY. District Leaders: $99; Friends: $150. Sponsored by the Friends of Jewel Williams Johnson.
Friday, June 19
The Town of Cortlandt will celebrate Juneteenth at Cortlandt Town Hall, Heady Street, Cortlandt, NY. Come out to enjoy the festival, entertainment, food and shopping with the vendors from 11:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Friday,
June 19
The City of Peekskill and the Peekskill Juneteenth Committee invite you to join them as they celebrate Freedom with “Gospel in the Park.” The program will start at 1:00 p.m. at Pugsley Park, 1038 Main Street, Peekskill. Bring your lawn chairs and sit back to enjoy an inspiring afternoon.
Saturday, June 20
The Peekskill Juneteenth Celebration will begin at 12:00 noon, starting with a parade kicking off from Park Street AME Zion
Church, 1220 Park Street, Peekskill. Festivities will follow with live entertainment, a kids zone with face painting, food trucks, and vendors. For additional information, contact D. Francis@ cityofpeekskillny.gov.
Wednesday, June 24
WOMEN’S MARCH!!! 4 years since the fall of Roe.! June 24 marks four years since the Supreme Court took Roe, ripping away nearly fifty years of our right to control our own bodies. We know exactly who did it, and we have made them fight for every inch since. On June 24, we’re answering back where they can all see it. We will make ourselves impossible to ignore. Women’s March is calling for banner drops across the country: over highways, off balconies, and on the sides of buildings. Our bodies, our futures, our abortions. Get the Toolkit Grab the toolkit, gather people you trust, and claim your overpass. Send us the photos so we can lift up everyone. –Women’s March
Thursday, June 25
Westchester County Fair Housing Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 25 at 6 pm 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, June 25
Westchester County Human Rights Commission Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 25 at 6:45 pm in the Human Rights Commission Conference Room, 112 East Post Road, 3rd Floor, White Plains, NY 10601. Members of the public may view
tors in my success was the support system around me. My family was incredible throughout the entire process.
My dad helped me with meal preparation, whether that meant grilling chicken outside or helping cook when I was too tired. My mom was always bringing home little surprises, such as sugar-free sauces, gum, or anything she thought might make prep a little easier. My older sister would find different flavors of zero-calorie syrups and bring them home for me to try.
Their support reminded me that although bodybuilding can feel like an individual sport, nobody succeeds entirely alone.
My friends were also incredibly supportive. Many of them told me they couldn’t believe the level of commitment required and were inspired by the journey. Their encouragement helped reinforce the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your goals and want to see you succeed.
Finally, after five months of preparation, show day arrived.
Most people think show day begins when you walk on stage, but in reality, it starts long before that.
There was the shaving.
The tanning.
The hair and makeup.
The check-ins.
The excitement.
The nerves.
The final meals.
The backstage environment filled with competitors who had all worked for months to reach the same moment.
Then came the stage.
Although I had some experience performing from dance when I was younger, I never expected to enjoy the stage as much as I did. Standing under those bright lights felt completely natural. Instead of worrying about placements, I focused on having fun and showcasing all the hard work that got me there.
I smiled the entire time.
I felt confident.
I felt proud.
Several people even told me afterward that they couldn’t believe it was my first show because of my stage presence and how comfortable I looked.
The results exceeded my expectations. At my first competition, the NPC Rhode Island Championships on May 30, 2026, I placed FIRST in Ju-
niors, SECOND in True Novice Class B, THIRD in Novice Class B, and THIRD in Open Class D.
But the trophies weren’t the most important thing I gained.
The greatest reward was discovering what I was capable of.
Bodybuilding taught me that discipline is showing up when motivation is gone. It taught me that consistency matters more than perfection. It taught me that success comes from repeatedly doing the small things right, even when nobody is watching.
Most importantly, bodybuilding taught me that I am stronger than I thought.
If I can spend five months following the same routine, showing up exhausted, hungry, tired, happy, frustrated, motivated, and unmotivated, and continue pushing forward, then there is very little I cannot accomplish.
What started as a bucket-list experience has become something much bigger. My next competition is on June 13, and I’m excited to continue improving. What began as a challenge has turned into a passion, a lifestyle, and a part of who I am.
Bodybuilding is no longer just something I do. It is something that has changed me.
And this is only the beginning.
Community Calendar
this meeting online at: meetings. westchestercounty.gov.
Friday, June 26
Join us as we honor and celebrate Heather Miller on her retirement as Executive Director of the Thomas H. Slater Center in White Plains. After 40+ years of service to the Center and the community, Heather is ready to sit back and relax for a minute (?). The Retirement Party will be held 7:0011:00 p.m. at the VIP Country Club, 600 Davenport Avenue, New Rochelle, NY. Tickets are $175 individuals; $1700 table of 10. For additional information, contact HeathersRetireMent@ gmail.com.
If you or your family need food today, help is available. Use Feeding Westchester’s pantry locator to search by ZIP code and find a food pantry near you. Many sites offer weekly food distribu-
tion, and hours vary by location. All services are free, and no ID is required unless noted by a partner site. Please call the location you choose ahead of your visit to ensure service availability. (FP = Food Pantry; SK = Soup Kitchen.) If you need immediate assistance, call 914-923-1100. Meals On Main Street is another excellent organization, offering a food pantry, mobile food pantry trucks, meal delivery, and a friendly fridge network. Contact them at 914-451-7140 or info@mealsonmainst.org.
July 15 thru 19
The National ACT-SO Competition this year takes place July 15-19, where talented high school students from across the country showcase their achievements in science, technology, the arts, entrepreneurship, and more.
July 18 thru July 22
In just a few weeks, thousands
of advocates, organizers, leaders, students, creators, and community members will gather for the 117th NAACP National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Across Convention week, attendees will experience:• Powerful plenary sessions and national conversations • Advocacy forums focused on the issues shaping our communities • THE HUB activations, engagement spaces, and live experiences • Networking events bringing together changemakers from across the country • The energy and heartbeat of Chicago. Updates on speakers, programming announcements, and more are still to come.
September 16-20
The wait is over—registration is now open for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF)’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC)! September 16–20, 2026, Walter E. Washing-
ton Convention Center, Washington, D.C. Join us for five days of impactful conversations, thoughtprovoking policy discussions, networking opportunities, and celebrations that bring together leaders, advocates, professionals, students, and changemakers from across the nation. This year’s ALC is especially significant as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of CBCF—a milestone that honors five decades of cultivating leaders, advancing equity, and creating pathways for future generations. Together, we’ll reflect on our legacy, celebrate our progress, and look ahead to the future of Black leadership and civic engagement. For more information about the Annual Legislative Conference, please email our team. Registration: eventsupport@cbcfinc.org ALC Sponsorship Opportunities: rd@cbcfinc. org
