WCP_91026

The Westchester County Press Post Office Box 152, White Plains, NY 10602

County Press

97

The Westchester

YEARS

VOL. XCVII NO. 37

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHITE PLANS, NY PERMIT # 5069

“Documenting Our History for the Future.”

ISSN 0043-3373

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

MEMBER OF NNPA

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins joins the Lowey family and Former President Bill Clinton at the tribute to U.S. Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey.

Westchester County Dedicates a Lasting Tribute to U.S. Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (VALHALLA, NY) – Westchester County honored the extraordinary life, leadership and legacy of Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey with the dedication of the United States Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey Community Green at Kensico Dam Plaza.

For more than three decades, Lowey served the people of Westchester County in the United States House of Representatives, earning a reputation as a tireless advocate for the communities she represented and a powerful voice on behalf of families, children, environmental protec-

tion, health care, education and critical federal investments.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Nita Lowey dedicated her life to public service and to making life better for the people she represented. Her impact can be

seen and felt throughout Westchester County, not only in the investments and initiatives she championed, but in the example she set as a leader of integrity, compassion and determination. It is fitting that this beautiful public space at Kensico Dam Plaza

TRIBUTE, Cont’d. on page 2

Digital Copy: www.westchestercountypress.com

2 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

New York Blood Center Calls on New Yorkers to Honor 9/11 Victims for 25th Anniversary Through Day of Service NYBC encourages New Yorkers to donate blood or volunteer at a local community blood drive in memory of those who lost their lives 25 years ago

NEW YORK – As New York marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, New York Blood Center (NYBC) is calling on New Yorkers to honor the lives lost through acts of service, including donating blood, volunteering at a blood drive, or signing up to host a blood drive in their community.

September 11 is recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, and each year, communities across New York pay tribute to the victims of the attacks by giving back to others. In the week immediately following 9/11 in 2001, more than 23,000 people came forward to donate blood through New York Blood Center, an extraordinary outpouring of service that was nearly

three times the number of donations NYBC sees in a typical week today.

“The need for blood in our region is constant, and this September 11, we invite New Yorkers to roll up their sleeves or give their time in remembrance of those we lost 25 years ago,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Operations at New York Blood Center. “The extraordinary response we saw in the aftermath of 9/11 demonstrated the compassion and generosity of this community.

Twenty-five years later, donating blood remains a meaningful way to carry that spirit of service forward while helping patients who depend on a stable blood supply every day.”

“Following the September 11 attacks, New Yorkers responded with

an extraordinary outpouring of generosity, lining up for hours to give blood. Twenty-five years later, as thousands of survivors and first responders continue to battle illnesses tied to the attacks, that same spirit of service is needed once again,” said New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin. “As someone whose own family was deeply affected by 9/11, this is profoundly personal to me. I join New York Blood Center in encouraging New Yorkers to give blood and help save lives. The survivors and first responders who helped our city recover deserve a city that continues to show up for them.”

In recognition of the 25th anniversary, NYBC will host the following blood drives throughout New

York and New Jersey on Thursday, September 10, and Friday, September 11: • Westchester County Center: September 10, 2026 from 12:00PM 6:00PM. 198 N Central Ave, White Plains, NY 10606 • City of New Rochelle: September 10, 2026 from 10:00AM 4:00PM. 515 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY, 10801 Blood donors can donate every 56 days, and platelet donors can give up to twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, donors can call 1-800933-2566 or visit nybc.org.

Westchester County Dedicates a Lasting Tribute to U. S. Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey

now carries her name and will serve as a lasting reminder of an extraordinary public servant and an extraordinary Westchester resident.”

United States Senator Chuck Schumer said: “Nita Lowey was a happy warrior for the people of Westchester. A history-maker as the first woman to chair the powerful Appropriations Committee, she delivered billions to support education, affordable healthcare, women’s rights, and better roads, bridges, and water systems. She was passionate and compassionate and worked across the aisle to get things done for the people of the Hudson Valley and beyond – from the Violence Against Women Act to expanding access to Head Start for millions. I was extremely fortunate to call Congresswoman Lowey a colleague and, above all, a dear friend. Establishing the Rep. Nita Lowey Community Green in Valhalla is a fitting tribute to an amazing person.”

United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “Nita was not only my colleague for many years, but she was also a close friend who exemplified persistence and compassion. She loved our nation and had a passion for public service that never wavered throughout her 32 years in office. Throughout her career, Nita broke barriers that changed the course of our state and improved her community. As the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, her decisions and leadership helped get critical infrastructure projects completed and money into the pockets of New Yorkers. This community green, dedicated in her honor, will help ensure Nita’s service to our country will never be forgotten.”

New York State Attorney General Letitia James said: “Congresswoman Nita Lowey was a trailblazer. She fought tirelessly to protect and advance the rights of New Yorkers and paved the way for women in political office serving in leadership positions. The dedication of this beautiful green space

will stand as a testament to her service to the state and country in fighting for women’s rights, affordable housing, childcare, and the environment. I am proud to honor her incredible legacy, and hope that she will continue to inspire every visitor to Kensico Dam Plaza.”

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said: “Congresswoman Lowey passionately fought for New Yorkers and her district for more than 30 years. Her deep understanding of government, finances, foreign policy and so much more is reflected in her extraordinary record of achievements.

Her commitment to public service was truly exceptional, and her fierce advocacy and strong voice are missed. I am so happy that she is receiving this recognition and we can celebrate her legacy.”

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said: “Congresswoman Nita Lowey dedicated her life to serving the people of Westchester and making our community, our state, and our nation stronger.

She was a role model, a mentor, and a friend, and her legacy continues to inspire all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her. It is especially meaningful to see her honored in a space where families, neighbors, and community members can come together. The Nita M. Lowey Community Green is a tribute to her extraordinary life, and a reminder of the generations of people she touched through her service.”

New York State Senator Pete Harckham said: “Congresswoman Nita Lowey was a trailblazer and a champion for Hudson Valley communities throughout her three decades of service in Congress, giving a voice to the voiceless and helping uplift and empower people in their lives. She was a friend and mentor to me and countless others and exemplified what it meant to be a public servant. Thank you to Westchester County and County Executive Ken Jenkins for this fitting dedication to honor the life and legacy of a

TRIBUTE, Cont’d. on page 11

The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, ,2026 • 3

Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins Distributes More Than 600 Backpacks to Support Students Across Westchester

(Westchester, NY) - As students and families begin the new school year, New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins helped distribute more than 600 backpacks across her district.

Backpacks were distributed to students and families in Yonkers, Greenburgh, and Mount Pleasant through local organizations and community partners, including the Yonkers YWCA, Westchester EOC, Family Service Society of Yonkers, Family Ties, Theodore D. Young Community Center, St. Teresa of Avila Church, and other community groups.

The backpack donations support local back-to-school events and resource fairs throughout the district, helping connect families with school supplies and other resources as the new academic year begins.

“Every child deserves to begin the school year with the tools they need to feel prepared and confident. I’m grateful to the community organizations and volunteers who work throughout the year to support our young people and their families. My thanks to MSG Entertainment, the Hispanic Federation, and Melissa Hillard for their partnership on this initiative,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

“I wish all of our students a successful and exciting school year ahead.”

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins represents a significant portion of Yonkers, the Town of Greenburgh, and the Town of Mount Pleasant in the 35th NYS Senate District. To learn more about her legislative and community efforts,

4 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

Voting Rights = Civil Rights

PUBLISHER

1986-2009

By Derrick Johnson, Esq. President & CEO, NAACP Sixty-nine years ago, the Civil Rights Act of 1957 became law, a victory that didn’t come easily. Among its core mandates was empowering the U.S. Attorney General to seek federal court injunctions to protect people denied their right to vote.

Our predecessors fought hard to demand that this nation live up to its promise, and they did everything in their power to move us forward. Today, we honor their courage, and we carry their legacy.

Right now, our right to vote is under attack. Across the country, we see new barriers popping up: cuts to polling places in places like Tarrant County, Texas, gerrymandered maps designed to dilute our power across the South, and attempts by the Trump administration to undermine mail-in voting. These are not accidents. They are deliberate efforts to turn back the clock on progress that generations fought and bled to achieve.

We will not let that happen.

The NAACP is on the front lines, just as we have been for over a century. We are challenging unjust laws in the courts. We are registering voters

The Westchester

County Press

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Paper founded August 1, 1928 to serve the County of Westchester, New York.

Sandra T. Blackwell President, Publisher & Editor Carolyn B. Coleman Vice President Alyce T. Coleman Executive Editor Bruce L. Bozeman, Esq. Legal Counsel Celeste Coleman-Housey, Ed.D. Art Director/Managing Editor Editorial & Advertising Offices P.O. Box 152 White Plains, NY 10602

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M. Paul Tells All

By M. Paul Redd, Sr. August 11, 1928 - January 9, 2009

Politics, The Vote And The Black Church

By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper Chairman of the Board of Directors, NNPA DERRICK JOHNSON, Esq.

in communities too often overlooked.

We are training the next generation of leaders to protect and expand access to the ballot. And we are holding the powerful accountable, because this democracy belongs to all of us.

This is the throughline. From 1957 to today, the mission is the same: every citizen, every vote, every voice. Protected. Counted. Respected.

We, the people, are in this together.

The people who won that first fight didn’t wait for permission. Neither can we. Stand with the NAACP today. Volunteer. Register to vote. Donate. Share this message with someone who needs

NAACP, Cont’d. on page 11

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.

DR. JOHN E. WARREN

As we move toward the critical November 3rd General Election, it seems like a good time to remind the Black Church of its history, role and responsibility in our current struggle.

First, let’s be clear of the rights and the freedoms of the church as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. It specifically says: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble.”

Black people, the church has always been that safe space where we exercised these freedoms. It was in the church that the Civil Rights struggle was planned and executed; it was in the Church where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., gave his final speech before being assassinated. The church not only allowed freedom of worship as guaranteed; the church allowed us to keep God at the center of our

struggles, and it played a major role in developing and achieving the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Today, the Black Church is a key stop on the agenda of every political candidate seeking a sure vote. This is why so many of them race to the church to be seen and smiled at, the Sunday before every election.

Now is a good time for all Black and people of color to not only remember our freedom of religion and speech, but to organize and plan voter participation without the usual fear of losing one’s nonprofit tax status.

Churches are made up of individuals. Individuals have the guaranteed right to freedom of assembly where discussions can be freely had about our living conditions. We can individually agree to help get each other to the polls; we can freely agree to vote. We can freely discuss who to vote for. None of these actions violate a church’s IRS Tax Exempt status. The church, once again, must not be afraid to get involved as a collection of individuals.

Let’s put aside fear and apathy and get involved in saving our hard fought for and earned right to vote, to be free of attempts to place us under an authoritarian form of government because of racism and greed. How do we get involved? Each One Reach One. Each One Teach One. Each One get at least one person registered and to the polls or, where possible, make every effort to vote early.

Now you can participate and make your voice heard and your vote known. Let’s get started right now as if the election were this week.

The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, ,2026 • 5

COMMENTARY: America’s Reading Crisis Demands More Than Concern. It Demands Action.

Marc H. Morial, President & CEO, National Urban League

New York City’s troubling decline in reading scores, despite one of the most ambitious literacy reform efforts in the nation, is a wakeup call for the entire nation.

Across the country, reading achievement continues to decline.

Nearly 40 percent of fourth graders read below the basic level, and roughly a third of eighth graders are reading below basic, the highest share ever recorded.

Taken together, these numbers reveal a national literacy crisis that threatens economic opportunity, educational equity, and our nation’s future competitiveness.

Reading is not merely another subject in school. Reading is the foundation upon which all learning rests. A child who struggles to read struggles to learn history, science, mathematics, and civics. A young person who cannot effectively read and analyze complex information faces barriers to college completion, workforce success, and informed participation in our democracy.

That is why the growing literacy crisis is fundamentally an opportunity crisis. Behind every percentage point is a child whose future opportunities hang in the balance. Persistent achievement gaps mean that Black and Latino students continue to bear a disproportionate share of the consequences when reading instruction falls short. If we are serious about economic mobility and educational justice, literacy must be at the center of the conversation.

For more than two decades, many schools embraced Balanced Literacy approaches that sought to cultivate a love of reading by putting books in students’ hands and encouraging independent reading. The approach was well-intentioned, but too often foundational skills instruction, particularly phonics and decoding, suffered.

The evidence is increasingly clear that explicit, systematic instruction helps more children become successful readers. States and school districts that are embracing

MARC H. Morial

these principles deserve credit for moving in the right direction. But millions of students are already in middle school, high school, and even college struggling to read complicated texts, analyze difficult arguments, and complete entire books.

What is our plan for them?

Too many students arrive in high school lacking the reading stamina necessary to engage deeply with literature, history, or complex informational texts. College professors increasingly describe students who struggle with lengthy assignments that previous generations navigated more comfortably.

To be clear, Balanced Literacy alone cannot explain these trends.

Increased screen time, constant digital distractions, shortened attention spans, and the dominance of algorithm-driven content all influence students’ reading habits and learning experiences.

Yet recognizing these factors cannot become an excuse for inaction.

Instead, it should compel us to think more broadly about literacy.

The challenge before us is not simply helping children sound out words. It is helping them develop the capacity to wrestle with complex

ideas, sustain attention, evaluate evidence, and build knowledge through reading. It is helping them become informed citizens and lifelong learners.

And that requires a comprehensive, systemic strategy.

We need high-quality literacy instruction beginning in early childhood settings and extending throughout elementary school. We need to strengthen early intervention so that struggling readers receive support before learning gaps become entrenched. We must carefully examine the quality and effectiveness of programs serving our youngest learners, including Head Start and other early childhood initiatives.

At the same time, we need a national commitment to literacy recovery for older students. Districts and states should develop evidencebased strategies to help adolescents strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, knowledge building, and engagement with complex texts. Students who fell behind during the pandemic and those who continue to struggle deserve intensive support, not lowered expectations.

We should also have serious conversations about the role of technology in children’s lives. Restricting

unnecessary screen exposure, particularly in the early grades, should be part of a broader effort to rebuild reading habits and attention spans that support learning.

More concerning than the decline in reading scores is the absence of a clear, large-scale strategy to address the growing crisis. Every year that a struggling reader falls further behind increases the likelihood that they will face lifelong educational and economic disadvantages.

The recent reading results from New York City are a warning. The national NAEP results are an even louder one. Together, they tell us that incremental change is not enough.

We know more about how children learn to read than ever before.

We know that literacy is the gateway to opportunity. What remains to be seen is whether we have the collective will to act with the urgency this moment demands.

Our children cannot afford for us to wait.

Based on reporting by Seattle Medium.

Originally published by Black Press USA Wire — https://seattlemedium.com/americas-reading-crisisdemands-action/

6 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

CALENDAR, Cont’d. from page 15 positions, priorities, and vision for our communities. Candidates running for the following positions have been invited to participate: Westchester County Legislative District 1, NYS Assembly District 95, NYS Senate District 40, and U.S. Congressional District 17.

The Reverend Valerie Paul-Greenaway is president of the WBWPC Greater Peekskill Area Chapter.

For additional information, please call (914) 427-3822.

vember 7, featuring a concert by Grammy®-nominated, classicalmeets-hip-hop duo Black Violin.

It’ll be a full evening with fabulous dinner stations, an open bar, live and silent auctions, a worldclass music performance and a dessert after-party -- all in the company of people who love the arts as much as you do. Don’t miss this special evening to ensure the vibrancy and accessibility of the arts in the greater Westchester region. A Benefit for ArtsWestchesSaturday, Nov. 7 Join us for our biggest celebration ter Featuring a Concert by Black of the year, the 2026 Benefit for Violin Saturday, Nov. 7, VIP DinArtsWestchester, on Saturday, No- ner & Reception 5:00PM | Concert 7:30PM.

County Press The Westchester

CONVERSATIONS TO CONTRACTS MWBE SEMINAR/NETWORKING EVENT Saturday, October 3, 2026 • 11am-2pm Riverfront Library • One Larkin Center, Yonkers NY

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Ka-wana Jefferson Co-Owner Lost Borough Ice Cream, Yonkers

Kimberley Sevilla CEO

Shelter Air -HVAC Company, Beacon

Queen Jacene Founder & Executive Producer Multi Dimensional Media Yonkers

SPEAKERS Process by Windell Gray, President/CEO and Lloyd Dickerson, Vice President with Landon & Rian Finance by Erika Fermin with Citizens Bank Contracts by Miguel Martinez with the City of Yonkers

REGISTER AT: YONKERSNY.GOV/MWBE

The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, ,2026 • 7

U.S. Sole Nation to Oppose U.N. Resolution Correcting Africa’s Size on World Maps

By BlackPressUSA Newswire

Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA.

The United States stood alone Friday as the only country to vote against a United Nations resolution encouraging the use of world maps that more accurately depict the size of Africa and other regions near the equator.

The U.N. General Assembly adopted the “Correct the Map” resolution Sept. 4 by a vote of 164-1, with six countries abstaining, according to reports from The Independent, BBC and The Hill. The non-binding measure, led by Togo and backed by African Union members, calls for wider use of the Equal Earth projection and other equal-area maps when the comparative size of continents matters.

landmasses farther from the equator, making Supporters say the issue extends beyond northern regions appear substantially larger geography, arguing that distorted maps can while areas near the equator appear smaller, influence how people perceive Africa’s size, BBC reported. importance and potential.

Africa provides one of the most striking examples. The Mercator projection can make Africa and Greenland appear similar in size, although Africa is actually about 14 times larger than Greenland, according to BBC and The Independent.

“A map is never neutral,” Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said during a U.N. briefing, according to The Independent.

“It shapes perceptions, influences how the place of peoples and continents in the world is understood.”

The Equal Earth projection was created Dussey said African nations are not seekby a team of cartographers in 2018 to more ing special treatment, but a more accurate repaccurately preserve the relative sizes of land resentation of the continent. areas. The African Union’s 54 member states adopted the projection earlier this year, acThe United States was the only nation to The resolution does not ban the traditional cording to BBC. oppose the resolution. U.S. officials characMercator projection, which has been widely terized the initiative as promoting an ideologiused for centuries.

The resolution encourages governments, cal agenda and distracting from more pressing schools, international organizations and tech- international issues.

Developed by Flemish cartographer Ge- nology companies to use Equal Earth or other rardus Mercator in 1569, the Mercator pro- equal-area projections in appropriate settings, Based on reporting by Tennessee Tribune. jection was designed to aid navigation. How- The Independent reported. ever, the map increasingly distorts the size of

8 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

COMMENTARY: An Informed Vote Is a Powerful Vote

By BlackPressUSANewswire

Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA

For African Americans, voting has always represented more than simply choosing a name on a ballot. It is an opportunity to participate in decisions that can shape education, employment, public safety, housing, health care, economic opportunity, and the future of our communities.

cerns facing our communities?

That requires looking beyond campaign slogans and political labels. Voters can examine positions on issues such as protecting voting rights, strengthening public education, supporting small businesses, expanding economic opportunities, improving neighborhoods, addressing discrimination, and ensuring equal treatment under the law. Candidates should also be held accountable for their records—not simply their campaign speeches.

Voting is also about local elections. City councils, school boards, county officials, judges, and state legislators make decisions that can have an immediate impact on families and neighborhoods. Those races deserve the same attention as presidential elections.

Ultimately, the responsibility belongs to every voter. Study the candidates. Compare their platforms. Examine their records. Question campaign promises. Discuss the issues with others. Then cast a ballot based on your values, priorities and judgment.

Being politically liberal, conservative, independent, or somewhere in between should not mean automatically supporting every candidate associated with a particular political party. Voters should examine what candidates actually stand for, what policies they have African American communities are not supported, and whether their records match politically monolithic, and no party should asThe strongest political voice is an inthe promises they make during election sea- sume that Black voters automatically owe it formed and engaged community that holds son. their support. Political leaders earn votes by every party accountable. listening to constituents, addressing their conThe most important question should be: cerns and demonstrating a commitment to the Based on reporting by African-American Which candidates and policies will create principles they claim to support.

News and Issues – Dallas. meaningful opportunities and address the con-

The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, ,2026 • 9

Gloria Steinem’s Legacy: Honoring a Champion Who Recognized Black Women’s Leadership

By Barbara L. Edwards, Esq.

The passing of Gloria Steinem at the age of 92 marks the end of an era in American activism.

For more than half a century, she stood as one of the most recognizable voices of the modern women’s movement, advocating for equality, justice, and opportunities for women across society.

Steinem died on September 2, 2026, at her home in New York City, leaving behind a legacy that transformed public discourse and inspired generations of advocates.

While history often remembers Steinem as a central figure in second-wave feminism, one of her most important contributions was her willingness to acknowledge that the struggle for women’s equality did not begin with her generation, nor was it led exclusively by white women. Throughout her life, she frequently credited Black women activists, organizers, and intellectuals whose leadership laid the foundation upon which the broader feminist movement was built.

Steinem understood that the pursuit of gender equality could not be separated from the pursuit of racial justice. She recognized the influence of leaders such as Fannie Lou Hamer, Shirley Chisholm, Pauli Murray, Florynce Kennedy, and Dorothy Pitman Hughes, women who challenged America to confront both racism and sexism simultaneously.

Rather than seeking personal recognition, Steinem often redirected attention to the women whose voices had been overlooked by mainstream history.

For Black women, that acknowledgment mattered. In a society where the contributions

Gloria Steinem, Dorothy Pitman Hughes.

PHOTO CREDIT: Monica Schipper/Getty

of African American women have too often been minimized or erased, Steinem’s public recognition of their leadership helped broaden understanding of the true history of social change. She understood that Black women had long been organizing communities, advancing civil rights, defending families, fighting for voting rights, and advocating for economic justice long before feminism became a mainstream movement. Those efforts were not separate from feminism; they were foundational to it.

Her relationship with Dorothy Pitman Hughes reflects this understanding. Together, they co-founded Ms. magazine, creating a platform that challenged traditional narratives and opened doors for conversations about gender, race, and equality. Their partnership symbolized the possibility of coalitionbuilding between women of different backgrounds committed to a common purpose.

Steinem’s legacy also serves as a reminder that effective leadership is rooted in listening. Colleagues and admirers consistently noted her ability to make others feel seen, heard, and valued. Her approach to leadership was not about standing above others but about standing beside them. According to tributes following her death, her greatest gift was her capacity to listen and help others recognize their own power to create change.

As African American communities reflect on her life, there is value in remembering not only what Gloria Steinem accomplished, but also what she acknowledged. She understood that movements grow stronger when they tell the whole truth about their origins. She used her influence to highlight the contributions of Black women whose courage, intelligence, and persistence helped shape the fight for equality in America.

GLORIA STEINEM, Cont’d on p. 11

10 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

NAACP, Cont’d. from page 4 to hear it. Every action moves us closer to the future we deserve.

Volunteer The story of voting rights is still being written. Let’s write the next chapter together.

Peace and Power, Derrick Johnson @DerrickNAACP President and CEO NAACP

TRIBUTE, Cont’d. from page 2

remarkable woman.”

New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said: “Congresswoman Nita Lowey was an extraordinary public servant and a true role model for all of us in public life. I always admired her intelligence and integrity, as well as her ability to work across the aisle to get things done. She was always available and accessible to me and the people who needed her, which was truly appreciated. She was deeply committed to the ideals of public service and to making a difference in the lives of the people she represented, which are values I’ve always tried to embrace in my own work. Nita was a role model for women in politics, and really for all elected officials. It is wonderful to see her legacy honored with the Nita M. Lowey Community Green, a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman.”

New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez said: “Congresswoman Nita Lowey was a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and someone I was fortunate to know and work with. As a woman who broke barriers throughout her career, she helped open doors for generations of women who followed her into public service. I am grateful to see her memory honored here in Westchester, and I hope the Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey Community Green serves as a lasting reminder of her leadership, her love for this community, and the importance of ensuring every voice is represented at the table of governance.”

Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi said: “Nita Lowey was an extraordinary public servant who genuinely connected with the people and communities she served. I was fortunate to know Nita for many years and deeply appreciated her encouragement and support. No matter how busy she was or who approached her, Nita was warm, down-toearth and accessible. It is especially fitting that her name will now grace a beautiful public space that is open and welcoming to everyone, just as she was.”

New York State Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg said: “Nancy Pelosi once said of Nita Lowey that she sought to find common ground where she could and stood her ground when she could not. The dedication of these grounds - shared space where local residents can relax and reconnect - is in keeping with her legacy. Nita Lowey spent decades pursuing legislation to improve the health and quality of life of all Americans, but especially those of us who were lucky enough to be represented by her. This community green will also help promote the health and well-being of our community, in her honor.”

New York State Assemblyman Steve Otis said: “For those of us Nita represented, she served with determination and dedication, fighting for critical funding for New York State and successfully bringing in resources regardless of who held the majority in the House. To the nation, Nita will always be remembered as a trailblazing leader whose skill and effective service brought breakthrough after breakthrough to benefit the environment, women’s rights, education, childcare, and public health. We honor Nita and recognize her special place in American history with this dedication today.”

Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey’s District Director Patricia Keegan said: “Thank you to Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Westchester County Board of Legislators for dedicating this beautiful site as the Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey Community Green. Throughout her 32 years in the House of Representatives, Nita set a high standard for public service. She listened to her constituents’ concerns, helped solved their prob-

The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, ,2026 • 11

lems and partnered with them to make our communities even better places to live, work and play. May the Community Green - a free, accessible park for celebrations of our country’s democracy and our residents’ cultures as well as quiet walks at every season of the year - inspire all of us to carry on her work of helping our neighbors and protecting our democracy.”

New York State Assemblyman Chris Burdick said: “Our sincere tributes to Nita Lowey can only pale in comparison to her monumental accomplishments. Decades ahead of her time, she successfully advanced women’s rights and healthcare, medical research, education, and environmental protection—and became the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee. Her extraordinary legacy is an inspiration to us all.”

Lowey represented parts of Westchester County in Congress from 1989 through her retirement in 2021. During her 32 years in the House of Representatives, she rose to become Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, becoming the first woman in congressional history to hold the position. She died March 15, 2025.

Throughout her career, Lowey fought to bring federal resources home to Westchester and the region while championing issues of national and international significance. Her leadership helped strengthen local communities, protect the environment, support public transportation, expand access to health care and education, and improve the lives of children and families.

The newly dedicated United States Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey Community Green created a permanent tribute at one of Westchester County’s most recognizable and beloved public spaces. The Community Green will ensure that Lowey’s contributions to Westchester, and the example she set through a lifetime devoted to public service, will be remembered for generations to come.

GLORIA STEINEM Cont’d.from page 9

Today, that lesson remains as important as ever. Progress requires honesty about who built the road before us and humility from those who walk upon it. Gloria Steinem’s willingness to recognize Black women’s leadership stands as one of the most meaningful aspects of her legacy.

As we honor her passing, we also celebrate the generations of Black women leaders she helped bring into the national conversation. Their work continues. Their voices endure. And because Gloria Steinem insisted they be heard, history is richer, more complete, and more just.

Rest in Power, Gloria Steinem. May her legacy continue to inspire collaboration, courage, and recognition of the indispensable leadership of Black women in the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.

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 wwwtcfiswli.com or contact us at 914-664-0430.

Advertise Your Business Call (914) 953-2620

12 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

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Email us: westchestercountypress@yahoo.com

County Press The Westchester

The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, ,2026 • 13

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (“LLC”) J & S FAMILY LEGACY LLC DBA LEGACY SOUL KITCHEN Notice of formation of J & S FAMILY LEGACY LLC, DBA LEGACY SOUL KITCHEN. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 5/20/2026. Office Location: Westchester County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: LEGACY SOUL KITCHEN, 455 Tarrytown Road, Suite 1255, White Plains, NY 10607.. PURPOSE: Any lawful purpose.

Advertise Your Business Call (914) 953-2620

County Press The Westchester

14 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

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.

Thru Friday September 11

To honor the lives lost and forever changed by the events of September 11, 2001, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Volunteer New York! will host the 16th annual 9/11 Days of Service across Westchester County from Sept. 8-11.

Thursday & Friday, September 10 & 11

Westchester County will host two commemorative events to honor the memory of those who perished in the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and those who later died from 9/11-related illnesses. The events will feature an Interfaith Prayer Vigil on September 10, and a September 11th Memorial Service on September 11.

INTERFAITH PRAYER VIGIL Thursday, September 10 | 5 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 11th MEMORIAL SERVICE Friday, September 11 | 2 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 12

9th Annual Wakanda Celebration “One World, One People.” Come out to enjoy a day of family fun and children’s activities. This cultural arts festival will bring together African art, fashions, music and information, as well as storytelling, ethnic cuisine, exhibitions, vendors and community from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m., rain or shine. The Wakanda Cultural Campus, 374 Hawthorne Terrace, Mt. Vernon, NY. RSVP requested: wakandacelebration. org.

Saturday, Sept. 12

Come out to celebrate COMMUNITY DAY with the Thomas H. Slater Community Center, starting with Breakfast: 9:00 a.m.11:00 a.m., and then get ready for the Community Day festivities:

12:00 Noon-3:00 p.m. The theme is “Unity in Our Community” where outstanding members of the community will be honored.

Honorees include Ms. Heather Miller, former esteemed Executive Director of the Slater Center; Hon. Nicholas Wolff, former Board Member and Chairman of the Slater Center Board of Directors and White Plains Common Council Member; and the phenomenal Volunteers of the Thomas H. Slater Center Food Pantry. The event will be held at the Thomas Slater Center, 2 Fisher Court, White Plains, NY

program brings together music, storytelling, history, youth voices, and community performers in an afternoon rooted in history and alive with the energy of the present. Featured performers include Resistance Revival Chorus, Cole Quest and the City Pickers, AMAUTA, Bria The Artist, and the Peekskill City Singers. Together, they will create an afternoon that is rooted in history, alive with the energy of the present, and designed to invite audiences of all ages to reflect, connect, and sing.

Tickets are available at tinyurl. com/SWSTIX. Admission is $35 regular; $25 seniors 65+; $15 stuSunday, Sept. 13 Rev. Deborah Williamson, First dents; $5 kids 12 and under acLady of Bethel Baptist Church companied by an adult. in White Plains, will be host- Thursday, Sept. 17 ing a book signing at 11:30 a.m.. Westchester County Board of “Looking Back, I See God” is a Health Meeting will be held on book you will want to add to your Thursday, September 17 at 8:30 spiritual collection for inspira- a.m. in the Westchester Countion. Copies may be obtained at ty Health Department Office, the Church.

11 Martine Avenue, 12th Floor, White Plains, NY 10606. MemSunday, Sept. 13 Join with Foster Memorial AME bers of the public may view this Zio Church in Tarrytown at 3:00 meeting online at: meetings.westp.m. as they welcome their new chestercountyny.gov

and accessories, home décor, fine art, specialty foods, and much more. Show hours are Friday, from 10am-5pm, Saturday, from 10am-6pm, and Sunday, from 10am-5pm. Advanced online ticket purchase available and strongly encouraged. Tickets available at www.artrider.com. Group rates are available and tour buses are welcome. Mansion tours are an additional fee and best reserved in advance via Lyndhurst’s website.

Crafts at Lyndhurst is held at Lyndhurst, located at 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY. Parking is free and the show is outdoors, rain or shine. While we love our furry friends, no pets, with the exception of service animals, are allowed within the show site. More details are available at www.artrider.com.

Artrider Productions is excited to welcome visitors back for Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst, one of the Hudson Valley’s premier fall shopping events, returning September 18–20, 2026. Set against the spectacular autumn landscape of the historic Lyndhurst estate overlooking the Hudson River, this annual event offers an unforgettable weekend of shopping, fine craftsmanship, delicious food, family activities, and the beauty of the season. Visitors can shop from 200 accomplished artists and makers from across the country, featuring an extraordinary selection of original handmade jewelry, ceramics, clothing

JazzFest White Plains Sept. 23-27, 2026 | White Plains, NY JazzFest White Plains returns this fall with a bold, artist-driven lineup that reflects the vitality of jazz today.

Across five days, 19 performances will bring legendary artists, contemporary innovators and emerging voices to downtown White Plains. Featuring five GRAMMY Award winners and nominees, the festival offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience the living evolution of jazz—from its foundational masters to the artists defining its future.

Pastor, Rev. William Campbell, and First Lady Rev. Francis Campbell. The guest preacher will be Rev. Kirkpatrick, Pastor of Park Street AME Zion Church in Peekskill.

Sunday, Sept. 13

From 3–5 p.m, at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Peekskill, N, The Robeson in Peekskill Project presents its third annual commemoration of the Peekskill Riots and celebration of Paul Robeson’s legacy. Hosted and narrated by Shana L. Redmond, award-winning author of Everything Man: The Form and Function of Paul Robeson, with visuals by documentary filmmaker and historian Jon Scott Bennett, the

Friday, Sept. 18

Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20

Antioch Baptist Church of Bedford Hills, NY, will celebrate the 132nd Church Anniversary, with an exciting weekend of events.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 thru Sunday, Sept. 27

Saturday, Sept. 26

Sister to Sister International, Inc. (STSI) will bring together fami-

CALENDAR, Cont’d from page 14 lies, young people, community leaders, elected officials, health professionals, advocates, and community partners for its 2026 Day of Action, Education & Recognition, taking place Saturday, September 26, 2026, at New Rochelle High School. “Building Legacy, Inspiring Change, and Strengthening Community Through Collective Action,” the Day of Action is open to the entire family and community and will offer an engaging day of education, advocacy, resources, recognition, and community connection. Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:45 PM, in the Linda E. Kelly Theatre, New Rochelle High School Clove Road, New Rochelle, New York. Hosted by Sister to Sister International, Inc., under the leadership of Founder and CEO Dr. Cheryl L. Brannan, the Day of Action will bring together children, teens, parents, adults, seniors, educators, health professionals, advocates, elected officials, community organizations, and community leaders from

throughout Westchester County and surrounding communities.

The event is open to the entire family and community.

The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, ,2026 • 15

Merritt-Smith serves as Senior Pastor. Registration for the event is $25.00 and includes lunch. To register, go to https:’’www.eventbrite.com/e/1998926909195?aff= Saturday, Oct. 10 Full Gospel Tabernacle H.E.R. oddtdtcreator.

Women’s Ministry presents the Saturday, Oct. 17 5th Annual Women’s Symposium The 5th Anniversary Concert of – Part II. The event will begin at “The Chain Breaking Experi9:00 a.m. (doors open 8:15 a.m.). ence” will be held at 6:00 p.m. at The Seasons of Grace sympo- First Baptist Church in Elmsford, sium is back by popular demand NY. The community is invited to and is for Single, Divorced, Wid- come out to an amazing worship owed and Married Women under experience and gospel encounthe theme, “Celebrating Every ter. Minister Ashley Blanshaw is Women’s Journey Through the the visionary singer and preacher Lens of God’s Purpose.” What- who has put together an evening ever season you are walking with outstanding gospel artists through, there is a purpose in and preachers to share and inspire it! Workshop facilitators will be all who come. Bishop Nicholas Rev. Lakisha Williams (Antioch O. Soto is Pastor of First Baptist Baptist Church, Harlem); Rev. Church, which is located at 145 Dr. Helen Wingate (Greater Faith North Lawn Avenue, Elmsford, Baptist Church, Bronx); Rev. Dr. NY. Sandra Baker (Shifting Bound- Tuesday, October 20 aries, LLC); and Lady Brenda Join Us at Westchester Children’s Battle (Refuge Church of Christ, Association’s 20th Annual AdPeekskill). The symposium will vocacy Breakfast. Registration be held at Full Gospel Taberna- is now open for the 20th Annual cle, 15 Brandreth Street, Ossin- Kathryn Wasserman Davis Advoing, NY, where Overseer Lisa M.

cacy Breakfast, taking place Tuesday, October 20 at 8:00 a.m. at Harrison Meadows Country Club.

This milestone event will feature keynote speaker Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden and bring together advocates, community leaders, policymakers, and partners from across Westchester to continue building a county where all children and families can thrive.

Saturday, October 24

SAVE THE DATE: In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, Greater Peekskill Area Chapter (GPA), invites the public to the organization’s annual Candidates’ Forum on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Peekskill Presbyterian Church, 705 Washington Street, Peekskill, New York. In partnership with the NAACPPeekskill Area Branch and other community-based organizations, the GPA members seek to provide residents of Congressional District 17 with a nonpartisan opportunity to hear directly from candidates and learn about their

CALENDAR, Cont’d. on page 6

16 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026