The Westchester County Press Post Office Box 152, White Plains, NY 10602
County Press
97
The Westchester
YEARS
VOL. XCVII NO. 38
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHITE PLANS, NY PERMIT # 5069
“Documenting Our History for the Future.”
ISSN 0043-3373
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
MEMBER OF NNPA
Opening Statement at Hearing by Rep. Jasmine Crockett WASHINGTON, D.C. -- September 15, 2026 -- Thank you so very much, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses for being here. Thank you to our tireless elected official who decided to travel to D.C. for this hearing. You know, it seems like we continue to have hearings that are offering solutions in search of a problem. And today, I want to make sure that we focus on real problems, not these that are kind of somewhere swarming around in the theoretical world. In 49 days, you, the American people, can end this country’s toxic, narcissistic relationship with unified Republican control of government. Now that they’re back from their creepy cult convention that took place in my district, right there in Dallas, the Republican love bombing is in
U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX)
Opening Statement at Hearing on Trump and Republicans’ Attacks on American Elections
full effect. They’re offering y’all $5,000. Yes, $5,000. If you just put the Republicans back in control like they are right now, make sure that they continue to maintain control of the House, make sure they continue to maintain control of the Senate, and make sure that they still are sitting in the White House. And unfortunately,
we will never have enough spines in this building or the other to make sure that we can evict the person who never should have been reelected. But that’s a whole other issue. But let’s talk about the conversation around $5,000 being offered by the President of the United States at this midterm convention. Some who know the law may say that,
well, it’s against the law. Some that don’t know the law would actually say it as well. It sounds like a bribe because it is a bribe. In fact, we call it vote buying or vote bribing. That is what the President of the United States decided to do. Yet our conversation is going to be, or at least my good friend, the
Chairman, wants it to be, about the “problem with the illegals.” And I’m doing quotes for a reason, y’all. They want to blame the Biden Administration for Trump’s cost-of-living crisis, telling you that immigrants or trans people are the reason for all your problems and how only they can help improve your life. Y’all, if
OPENING STATEMENT, Cont’d. on page 11
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2 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Dr. Alexandria Connally to Serve on the Board of NYS Alliance of Black School Educators “Rooted in excellence. Connected in purpose. Growing in greatness. Together, we bring the vision to life.”
DR. ALEXANDRIA CONNALLY
YONKERS, NY— September 16, 2026 — Dr. Alexandria Connally has been selected to serve on the Board of the New York State Alliance of Black School Educators (NYSABSE), a statewide organization committed to advanc-
ing educational equity, promoting excellence, and supporting the academic and social success of students across New York State. NYSABSE brings together a broad and diverse community of education professionals and advocates who are often working in separate spaces—including classroom teachers, principals, assistant principals, superintendents, higher education professionals, support staff, parents, and retired educators whose leadership and service have helped pave the way for today’s generation of educators. Together, these stakeholders work to strengthen educational opportunities and outcomes for New York’s children and communities, from pre-kindergarten through higher education.
Dr. Connally said she accepted the opportunity to serve on the NYSABSE Board because she sees it as an opportunity to lead, advocate, and help create meaningful change in education across New York State. “I said yes to serving with the New York State Alliance of Black School Educators because I saw an opportunity to lead, advocate, and create meaningful change in education across New York State,” said Dr. Connally. “This work is about advancing educational equity, promoting excellence, and helping ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.” Her appointment reflects a commitment to strengthening the educational experiences of students, particularly those from historically
underserved communities, while supporting the educators and communities that help students thrive. NYSABSE’s work is grounded in the belief that meaningful educational progress is achieved through collaboration, advocacy, professional leadership, and a shared commitment to student success. “Rooted in excellence. Connected in purpose. Growing in greatness. Together, we bring the vision to life.” Dr. Connally looks forward to working alongside educators, families, community leaders, and education advocates throughout New York State to advance the mission of NYSABSE and contribute to a stronger, more equitable educational system for all students.
DR. CONNALLY, Cont’d. on page 3
DiNapoli: Better Oversight and Monitoring Needed to Address Teacher Shortages The State Education Department (SED) is not fully utilizing state funding meant to help address New York’s teacher shortages, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. New York is expected to need 180,000 new teachers in the next decade, with shortages already affecting school districts across the state. Large urban and rural districts report severe shortages in multiple high-need subject areas such as science, special education and career and technical education, which could lead to larger class sizes and challenges meeting students’ needs. “The State Education Department needs to more effectively use the funds available to help address New York’s shortage of teachers and improve program outcomes,” Di-
Napoli said. “The Department must strengthen its oversight, communication and monitoring, and increase the use of the programs that support teacher recruitment, retention, certification and workforce diversity.” Auditors found SED did not award about $36 million in funding for four major grant programs meant to address the state’s teacher shortage from July 2019 through August 2025. Of the $191 million allocated, only $155 million was awarded to grantees, and just about $118.9 million (62%) was actually spent. One major factor behind the underspending appears to be a lack of awareness among school districts. Only a small percentage of eligible districts applied for available grants. For example, in the 2022-26 Teachers of Tomorrow grant cycle, only
27 of 609 eligible school districts (4%) submitted applications, even though the program is aimed at helping districts find teachers for hard-tofill subject areas. Auditors surveyed 692 school districts, excluding New York City, and 86% of the 244 respondents said they had not participated in the grant programs reviewed. Among the 210 non-participating districts, 190 (90%) said they were unaware of the grant programs, and 164 said they wanted more information. The audit also found many rural districts struggling with teacher recruitment cited lower salaries and limited housing, but most were unaware of the grant opportunities that could support their recruitment efforts. DiNapoli’s audit also found that
THOMAS P. DiNAPOLI NYS Comptroller
TEACHER SHORTAGES, Cont’d. on page 11
The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, ,2026 • 3
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins Urges All Residents to Get Their Flu and COVID-19 Shots Early NEW ROCHELLE, NY -- September 15, 2026 -- Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins received both his flu and COVID-19 immunization from Stop & Shop Parmacists at the New Rochelle Stop & Shop. He called on residents of the county to get their flu and COVID 19 shots as early as possible this fall. The flu vaccine helps reduce serious respiratory illnesses and can help protect a person throughout the entire year. Stop & Shop pharmacies have been providing more immunizations year after year to protect our community. Flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines are available for a fee from many area pharmacists and medical offices. To find a vaccine near you, go to www.vaccines.gov. Flu vaccines are also available for uninsured and underinsured adults and children covered through the Vaccines for Adults and Vaccines for Children programs at Westchester County Department of Health clinics by appointment. Call (914) 995-5800 weekdays before 4:30 p.m. to discuss eligibility.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins getting his flu shot and COVID-19 at Stop & Shop in New Rochelle.
Stop & Shop Pharmacists and others join County Executive Ken Jenkins in urging residents to get immunize early.
DR. CONNALLY, Cont’d. from page 2
WBWPC Candidates Forum
The New York State Alliance of Black School Educators is dedicated to advancing educational equity, promoting excellence, and supporting the academic and social success of students, particularly those from historically underserved communities. The organization brings together educators, education professionals, families, and advocates to address issues affecting students and communities throughout New York State.
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. Tiffany S.W. Hamilton will moderate the forum. (See flyer on page 9)
About the New York State Alliance of Black School Educators
4 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Every Vote From Us Is A Vote For Us
PUBLISHER
1986-2009
By Derrick Johnson, Esq. President & CEO, NAACP
Sandra, Every vote from our community is a vote for our community. From economic equity and reproductive rights to immigration policy and educational opportunity, everything that impacts our daily lives as Americans is on the ballot every time we cast our votes. This week we mark two important dates: • Today, September 15 is National Voter Registration Day, a day dedicated to ensuring every eligible voter has the information and resources needed to register and make their voice heard. • And this Friday, September 18 is National Black Voter Day, a chance for us to empower Black voters to stay informed and turn out to the ballot box in record numbers that reflect our community’s true voting power. Are You Registered To Vote? Voting is our voice, sword, and sheild
The Westchester
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Telephone:(914) 953-2620 Member: National Newspaper Publishers Association
M. Paul Tells All
By M. Paul Redd, Sr. August 11, 1928 - January 9, 2009
Board Closes Loophole in Flavored Vape Ban
DERRICK JOHNSON, Esq.
As we mark these two key civic holidays this week, we do so knowing that our vote is our power. Every year is an election year, and every one of our votes counts. Whether you’re registering for the first time or confirming your information is up to date, now is the moment to act. Protecting our democracy requires us to show up, stand up, and speak up at the ballot box. And let us be clear: This is bigger than any single election. This is about building the future we deserve, and
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.
WHITE PLAINS, NY—Last night the Westchester County Board of Legislators unanimously approved an amendment to County law strengthening enforcement of New York State’s ban on certain vaping devices. The measure closes a loophole that some vendors have used to claim flavored and deceptively designed vapes found in their possession were not intended for sale in New York. It is the latest step in the Board’s ongoing efforts to reduce and prevent nicotine use among young people and protect the health and safety of all Westchester residents. Under the new County law, if a Westchester retailer is found with four or more flavored vapes banned by state law, or four or more ecigarettes disguised as everyday items such as highlighter pens or smartphone cases, the products are presumed to be intended for illegal sale. It is then up to the vendor to prove otherwise by showing the items were meant only for lawful online sales to customers in other states or jurisdictions where they can legally be sold. New York prohibited the sale of most flavored vaping devices in 2020 to reduce youth access. Since then, some retailers have argued the products were being held only for shipment to customers in states where those sales remain legal. Retailers claiming that exception must now back it up with evidence. This gives the Westchester County Department of Health a stronger enforcement tool: inspectors can act without having to prove an illegal sale took place. Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “Westchester
HON. JEWEL WILLIAMS JOHNSON Westchester County Legislator (District 8)
has taken important steps to protect young people from the dangers of vaping. No one should be able to sidestep the law. This measure closes an enforcement gap and gives our public health officials another tool to hold retailers accountable. I’m proud the full Board came together to support this effort.” Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson (D–Elmsford, Greenburgh, Tarrytown, White Plains), Chair of the Board’s Health Committee, said, “Since becoming a County Legislator, one of my steadfast goals has been to make harmful vaping products less accessible to our young people. This legislation closes a loophole that some retailers have exploited by claiming flavored products are merely being stored for internet sales while still making them accessible to youth. That kind of end-run around the law is unacceptable. Retailers have a responsibility, too: profit can never come before the health and well-being of our young people. We owe them an environment that supports healthier choices, stronger development, and a better future.”
LOOPHOLE, Cont’d. on page 6
The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, ,2026 • 5
Subcommittee Ranking Member Raskin’s Opening Statement At Hearing On Trump and Republicans’ Attacks on American Elections WASHINGTON, D.C. -- September 15, 2026 --Thank you kindly, Mr. Chairman. Welcome to all of our witnesses today. I’m still waiting for my $5,000 check, Ms. Crockett, and the $2,000 tariff check… Look, the President clearly wants to determine the results of this election by engaging in anything other than just persuasion that he’s got a program and he’s got policies that will benefit the American people. So they’re trying mid-decade gerrymandering, extreme gerrymandering—even that seems to be boomeranging against them in Texas, as a number of the districts that the President thought were going to be custom-made for him to take back Congress now are rejecting that ploy against democracy—voter suppression laws and of course, extraordinary efforts at executive branch interference with the administration of elections in the states. But the Supreme Court yesterday rejected, in a 7-to-2 decision, the President’s key gambit of trying to block mail-in balloting in the states, finding that he had no likelihood of success on the merits because, of course, the President simply has no constitutional role in the administration of elections, much less does the Post Office, other than just to deliver the mail. There’s no power to compel the states of the United States to submit their voter lists, with all of the private information included, to the federal government for the federal government’s inspection. And there would be severe and irreparable harm caused by throwing 50 different monkey wrenches into the administration of elections in the last eight weeks. So he could not even get it through what he thought was his safely stacked and packed Supreme Court, so pro-Trump extreme that they dealt him, for the first time in American history, immunity for violent or for any felony crimes committed under the auspices of his office.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D) Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, delivered opening remarks at a Subcommittee on Oversight hearing
So, in some sense, this is over. I’m afraid this hearing is in ideological service of a scheme that was repudiated yesterday in the Supreme Court. It was defeated. My colleagues, to me, appear a little bit like those Confederate soldiers who were off in the forests when the surrender at Appomattox took place. And they just kept fighting for weeks and months. They wanted to convince us that our electoral system is riddled with fraud, and we should turn it over to the 34-count convicted felon fraudster to run our elections instead. That’s what’s going to work. But it’s not working. They have tried to compel dozens and dozens of states to turn over their state voter rolls. The states have rejected it. Both blue states and red states and purple states have rejected it, and the Administration has been repudiated in two dozen different courts in this effort. All right. But here we are. What is our last subcommittee hearing in the infamously unproductive 119th Congress about today? It’s about a clerical error by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, a clerical error that was caught not by the U.S. Post Office, not by President Trump and his team of crack prosecutors at the Department of Justice, who’ve had no fewer than a dozen of their vindictive and selective Trump-ordered political prosecutions and investigations thrown out of court or quashed for people like James Comey, Letitia James, Adam Schiff, Mark Kelly, Maggie Goodlander,
Jason Crow, Elissa Slotkin. Or take, for example, my constituent David Hearn, the three-time Olympian, canoeist and beloved teacher in Montgomery County, Maryland, who was set up on completely bogus, trumped-up charges of felony destruction of federal property because he put his hand in the Reflecting Pool, and they were looking for someone else to blame for the toxic algae that has spread through the pool because of all of the mismanagement and incompetence of Donald Trump’s pool guy from Mar-aLago, who got the $16 million insider, no-bid contract to work on that. So it was not any of those prosecutors who determined that there was a problem in New Jersey. No. They were working on more important things. No, the clerical error that we convene to discuss today was discovered and announced publicly by the New Jersey state government itself. Federalism in action. And this mistake did not affect the outcome of a single election in New Jersey, from borough councilor or township committee person to governor. Some 6,600 New Jersey non-citizen residents were improperly registered to vote for one year because of a software computer error made by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. These non-citizens had not done anything wrong. The software erroneously placed them on the voter rolls.
RASKIN’S REMARKS, Cont’d. from page 6
6 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Subcommittee Ranking Member Raskin’s Opening Statement At Hearing On Trump and Republicans’ Attacks on American Elections Four hundred of them, or 1 in 17, actually voted. There’s no evidence that the outcome of any race was swayed by these votes, which constituted less than 100th of 1% of the over 4 million votes cast in New Jersey in 2024. It’s obviously unacceptable and egregious that even this small mistake occurred. It is federal law that U.S. citizens and only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections, and the previous New Jersey governor and administration should have informed the public of this blunder sooner, even if mathematically it had no impact or could have had no impact on the outcome of any race. But no matter how much our colleagues seek to inflate it, a clerical error is not structural corruption, much less is it a criminal conspiracy. It does not rise to the level of, say, a violent insurrection deliberately incited and organized to overthrow a completed presidential election, or a coercive effort to get the Vice President of the United States to reject the Electoral College votes cast by millions of people in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and other states. It is not an act of attempted criminal fraud in the voting system, like telling the Secretary of State of Georgia, “Just find me 11,780 votes.” That’s not an attempt to block voter fraud. That’s an attempt to commit voter fraud. Governor Sherrill, our former colleague here in the House, has been commendably forthcoming about how the mistake occurred. And she is demanding precise answers about the whole snafu. After announcing its existence publicly, her administration has taken aggressive remediation efforts. She’s not doubling down on trying to promote voter fraud. She is coming clean about what happened in the past and is taking aggressive efforts to rectify to ensure that all voter rolls are accurate today and will be accurate in the future. The state continues to investigate how it happened, contracting with a private law firm to lead an outside investigation headed up by a Republican former U.S. Attorney, Jeffrey Chiesa, and it is committed to sharing the results of that investigation with all of the people of New Jersey.
If only the Trump Administration were as willing to identify and admit its mistakes and try to fix them, rather than doubling down on its errors and its voter suppression schemes with comical lies and bravado. They’re still denying that Joe Biden won the election in 2020, where he beat Donald Trump by more than 7 million votes, 306 to 232 in the Electoral College. And they continue to lie about that to this day. When the Iran war sent inflationary shockwaves through our economy, driving up gasoline prices by more than a dollar a gallon, Donald Trump never admitted his colossal blunder in going around congressional authority to declare war. It’s only the power of Congress to declare war. So he got us into a stupid, self-defeating, counterproductive, costly, inflationary war. Have they admitted it? No. They’ve denied it. They’ve claimed victory, I don’t know, a dozen times. They’re all over the map with it. When their ICE agents shot dead two American citizens in cold blood on the streets of Minneapolis, did they admit the mistake and come clean and say, we’re going to do a thorough, complete investigation and open up to the public? Not for one second. His DHS Secretary, Kristi Noem, who spent hundreds of millions of our dollars on customized jets with bedrooms and full baths and PR stunts like photo shoots of her riding horseback in Mount Rushmore, called the victims of government violence domestic terrorists. And they have never apologized, either for the original act or for defaming the people they killed. You get the point. When over 100 of the January 6th rioters, pardoned en masse by Donald Trump, went out and criminally reoffended, including by sexually assaulting and exploiting 12-year-old children, robbing houses with domestic invasions, strangling people, threatening to kill FBI agents, Donald Trump never once confessed his dangerous error or did anything to rectify it. He didn’t apologize to anybody. Governor Sherrill is showing how real leaders take responsibility for the mistakes of gov-
LOOPHOLE, Cont’d. from page 4
Legislator Colin Smith (D–Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown), Chair of the Board’s Legislation Committee, said, “Retailers have tried to hide behind vague claims that these products were meant for out-of-state sale and use that excuse to frustrate enforcement. This law puts an end to that. If we’re serious about keeping flavored and deceptively designed vapes away from young people, our public health officials need the tools to hold violators accountable.”
ernment, even if it wasn’t her mistake. She takes responsibility for what the government of New Jersey did. That’s what we can trust. But we can’t trust somebody who just covers it all up. Some people may want to use this isolated mistake in New Jersey to restrict and blockade the voting rights of millions of Americans. But the facts are clear: non-citizen voting is exceedingly rare. It’s an accident if it does take place, overwhelmingly, and it is resulted in the places where it’s happened with just as many votes for Donald Trump as for somebody not voting for Donald Trump. But the majority is determined to force through an unnecessary solution to a nonexistent problem. They promoted the SAVE Act as the only way to address this imaginary crisis, despite every independent analysis not only confirming that non-citizen voting is remarkably rare, but the SAVE Act would lead to millions of Americans being thrown off of the voter rolls. This drive is not about ensuring the integrity of elections. If it were, Trump would not have gutted the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. He would not have disbanded the DOJ and FBI Foreign Influence Threats Task Force. He would not have fired the head of the U.S. Cyber Command. Donald Trump has hollowed out the structural safeguards in our electoral process and will point to the damage he’s caused as further proof that the elections cannot be trusted. So this is not about election integrity. This is about his continuing but fortunately foiled plan to try and disrupt and undermine our electoral process before we vote on November 3rd. We encourage all fellow Americans, whatever your politics, whatever your party, to make sure that you exercise your right to vote, including by taking advantage of early voting and mail-in balloting, as Donald Trump himself did in Florida, and do not buy all of the last-minute propaganda and distortion and offensives against American political democracy. I yield back, Mr. Chairman.
Day of Action, Education & Recognition Sister to Sister International, Inc. (STSI) will bring together families, 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.
The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, ,2026 • 7
OP-ED: If AI Is the New Language of Power, Then NAN Wants Black Communities Fluent By Rev. Al Sharpton
Through a new National Action Network initiative, artificial intelligence is framed as a practical tool for industry preparedness. We are at the forefront of a fundamental shift of access and opportunity. When new technology emerges, marginalized communities are often told to catch up to systems we did not design, and adjust to landscapes that would sooner leave us behind than include us in their architecture. Often during these shifts, our communities become the least resourced, and must navigate industries whose rate of change outpaces their rate of exposure. To combat this, these communities must develop emerging systems of knowledge through internal networks of education, skillexchange, and entrepreneurship. This is a civil rights issue. Now, at the dawn of the artificial intelligence era, the same systems our communities have always built for ourselves must rise again. We have had to teach one another how to navigate every new language of power, often because nobody was coming to teach us. AI cannot be different. If Black and Brown communities are going to compete at the highest levels of industry, then practical AI training cannot be reserved for Silicon Valley boardrooms, elite universities, or people who already have a seat at the table. It has to reach our residents, our clergy, our organizers, our entrepreneurs, our young people, and our families. For this reason, National Action Network is putting AI education directly in the hands of the community with a new initiative led by AI fluency strategist Susan Hearn. The AI Fluency Initiative’s premise com-
Rev. Al Sharpton
bines the doctrines of racial equity with technology and culture, elevating how access makes AI such a consequential force in determining who gets to shape the next era of American life. Too often, our communities are spoken for as populations that technology is happening to, rather than working for. We hear about the jobs AI might eliminate, the algorithms that discriminate, and the industries being disrupted. Those concerns are real, but that cannot be where the conversation ends. We must proactively shift this narrative. We are not just workers to be displaced and demographics to be reached after AI has already disrupted the landscape. We are purveyors and engineers of this technology and should be considered active participants in its use. Our initiative seeks to interrupt that sequence, refusing to let us become passive figures in a shift that should be empowering us. For over three-decades, NAN
has understood that civil rights advocacy must be practiced wherever inequality shows up. Technology education is included in this conversation because of what it bestows on the communities it reaches. It is one component of a broader commitment, ensuring that communities historically excluded from emerging industries have the tools to participate fully in the economic and cultural shifts of our future. Economic self-determination is just as much a pillar of equity as it is a part of voting rights and equal legal protections. For us, access is not meaningful if it arrives after everyone else has already learned the rules. So, we start with the fundamentals. The AI Fluency Initiative is designed as a repeated working session to meet people where they are. Students are introduced to the technology across various use cases, then sent home with usable skills based on the work produced during the session. NAN has always fought to ensure that no community is locked
out of the economy. From the fight for fair employment and access to capital to the push for equity in education and homeownership, we have consistently been at the forefront of keeping the doors of opportunity open to all. This fight is no different. AI is the next gate through which the mechanisms of opportunity will pass through. It is quickly becoming part of how people apply for jobs, build businesses, and articulate themselves. The use cases are vast and the adoption has been swift. If these tools are becoming part of everyday life, then access to understanding them must become an element of everyday empowerment. It is paramount to us that Black communities are not only exposed, but at the helm. We know that progress does not always distribute evenly. Communities have to demand access and request inclusion in the infrastructure of change. This self-advocacy is often the only way to ensure that hegemony does not continue to inflict exclusion and disenfranchisement on those who could most benefit from seismic shifts in industry. We must refuse to be told to wait our turn, and instead harness the tools of self-education and empowerment. To be serious about the wealth gap means confronting the technologies reshaping work culture. Amending the academic achievement gap requires us to refuse a literacy discrepancy from arising in the first place. Equity requires preparation, and we are in the unique position to harness these emerging tools so that it is our voices that are heard, our perspectives that are amplified, and our communities that are enfranchised. The AI Fluency Initiative is an access measure addressing an economic gap.
8 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Westchester County Marks 25th Anniversary of September 11th Annual Memorial Events County Honors Victims, First Responders and Families With Two Days of Remembrance
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins VALHALLA, NY) – Westchester County marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with its annual Interfaith Prayer Vigil on September 10 and September 11 Memorial Ceremony, bringing together families, first responders, elected officials, faith leaders and residents to honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and those who have since died from 9/11-related illnesses. This year’s observance served as a solemn reminder that, 25 years later, the impact of September11 continues to be felt throughout Westchester and across the nation. During the ceremonies, eight additional names were unveiled on the County’s 9/11 First Responders Memorial, recognizing those whose lives were claimed by illnesses related to their service following the attacks. Every individual honored on the memorial either lived in Westchester, worked in the County or volunteered. As part of the 25th anniversary commemoration, Westchester County also released a new short documentary featuring reflections from every County Executive who has served since September 11, 2001. The documentary captures their memories of that day, the
County’s response in the aftermath of the attacks, the lasting impact on Westchester and the importance of preserving those stories for future generations. The documentary premiered in advance of the annual remembrance events and is available for the public to view online. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Twenty-five years have passed since one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, but the memories remain as vivid as ever for so many families here in Westchester. While time has moved forward, the impact of September 11 has not faded. We continue to lose brave men and women who answered the call that day, and we continue to stand beside the families who carry that loss with them. As we unveiled eight new names on our First Responders Memorial, we renewed our promise that every life and every sacrifice will forever be remembered.” Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi said: “Twenty-five years later, September 11 remains deeply personal in Westchester. As we read the names of our neighbors who were taken from us that day and those we have lost since
to 9/11-related illnesses, we remember each life, each family and each sacrifice. We also honor the survivors and first responders whose courage and service are part of the legacy of September 11. Our responsibility is to keep their stories alive, stand by those who continue to bear the consequences of that day, and carry forward the compassion and sense of community that brought people together in its aftermath.” Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald said: “The 25th anniversary of September 11 reminds us that remembrance is not limited to one day or one generation. It is our responsibility to preserve the stories of those we lost, honor the courage of those who responded and support the families whose lives were forever changed. These ceremonies bring our community together to reflect on the past while ensuring that the legacy of service and resilience lives on.” The Interfaith Prayer Vigil featured Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim faith leaders offering prayers of remembrance, followed by the presentation of colors by the Westchester County Department of Public Safety Color Guard, a ceremonial wreath-laying at
the World Trade Center steel beam and remarks from County officials. The September 11 Memorial Ceremony honored every Westchester County resident memorialized at The Rising and the 9/11 First Responders Memorial. The ceremony included the reading of the names of those remembered and reflections marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks. Master of Ceremonies for the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony and Former WCBS 880 Radio Reporter Sean Adams said: “Serving as master of ceremonies on the 25th anniversary of September 11 is a tremendous responsibility. I was at the World Trade Center on September 11. I have become close to several families over the years. We are not merely reciting names etched in stone; we are remembering people. I urge everyone to read the biographies, learn the personal stories and keep their families in your prayers.” 9/11 First Responders Memorial Committee Co-Chair Georgia Asciutto said: “As unfathomable as it may seem, and 25 years later, the 9/11 attacks continue to take lives and sicken those who responded. While we cannot change these outcomes, we can support heartbroken families by honoring their heroes, remembering their sacrifices and never forgetting their humanity. I hope family members can find some comfort by coming together for the Memorial Service of the 25th anniversary of 9/11.” 9/11 First Responders Memorial Committee Co-Chair Matthew J. McCauley said: “On this 25th Commemoration of the September 11th attacks, we celebrate the lives of those we lost that day as well as those we have lost since due to 9/11 their related illnesses. It is in important that we “celebrate” them for all the good they brought to the world and the legacy that is part of all our lives today. When their names are read it is another opportunity to ensure this continues. Unfortunately, we continue to lose 9/11 First Responders to illness they contracted during the rescue and recovery effort and we thank County Executive Jenkins and his team for continuing to fulfill their promise to never forget those that we have lost and the sacrifices their families have made.”
The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, ,2026 • 9
SAVE THE DATE! Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, Inc. Greater Peekskill Area Chapter and Its Community Partners (Candidates Forum Partners Committee in Formation)
Invite the public to
A Candidates Forum Saturday October 24, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Peekskill Presbyterian Church 705 South Street • Peekskill, NY CAIT CONLEY (D) CONFIRMED
PETE HARCKHAM (D)* CONFIRMED
REP. MIKE LAWLER (R-17th CD)* CONFIRMED
SERGIO ESPOSITO (R) CONFIRMED
LAURIE RYAN (R) CONFIRMED
DANA LEVENBERG (D)* CONFIRMED
Featuring Candidates for: U.S. NY CD-17 NYS Senate 40 NYS Assembly 95 County Legislature 1 Key: * Incumbent
Moderator: Tiffany S.W. Hamilton COLIN SMITH, Esq. (D)* CONFIRMED
ELENA MUNIZ-WALKER (R) CONFIRMED
TIFFANY S.W. HAMILTON
10 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, ,2026 • 11
CROCKETT STATEMENT, Cont’d. from page1
they wanted to do that, they would. They would need you to vote them back into office. They could actually effectuate real change. But let’s go through the record because I want to tell you about some of the problems they’ve caused, right? The fact that they actually are in control of every level of government has led to not only American citizens being killed on the streets by ICE, but also so many immigrants. In fact, we are at a historic high as it relates to immigrant deaths. We could talk about the unconstitutional, illegal war that’s taking place in Iran. That has only happened, again, because they control every level of government. And frankly, it is costing us American lives, as well as plenty of our tax dollars. We could talk about the Big Ugly Bill that, for a number of people, has made them be put into a position in which they can’t afford health care, and if they can’t afford the health care, it’s only gone through the roof. Or we can talk about some of their other failed promises. We can talk about the fact that they offered a DOGE check. I know that you may not remember DOGE, but DOGE was the thing that Elon was going to do to save us all kinds of money. But if I run you back to our actual debt, let me tell you, it ain’t going down. It’s going up a lot, and you still didn’t get your DOGE check. Or we can talk about the tariffs because the tariffs were illegal as well. Actually, not were—they are. They’re illegal, and they made the cost of everything go up. So that’s probably why he’s offering the $5,000, because you’ve been out of way more than $5,000. But nevertheless, it’s his fault. And so he said y’all were going to get a tariff check. Now listen, my bank account works a little different. Maybe y’all got it and I didn’t, but last time I checked, I don’t know anybody that got a DOGE check nor a tariff check. So I really would not fall for this new scheme of offering $5,000. Not to mention, it is illegal. So I think we should have a hearing, Mr. Chairman, about whether or not we are going to enforce the law on people that attempt to do vote buying. But I will continue on. Gas is more than $4 nationally. Diesel fuel is the highest it’s ever been. We’re still at war. The DOJ is still protecting pedophiles and hiding at least half of the Epstein files, again in violation of federal law. Trump is still trading stocks while in office. Republican-led states are removing hundreds of thousands of people from their voter rolls, including in a state like mine, where in Texas, they put over a million people in suspense. In Texas, let me tell you what else they did in Texas, because this is what Republicans do when they have control. They decided in Tarrant County, our third-largest county, our county that is trending the right way in Texas, they decided between the primary and the general election, because Republicans were behind Democrats by approximately 40,000 votes, which means that they were now going to be knocked out of power, they said, let’s cut one-third of the voting centers. Let’s make it more difficult for people to vote. That sounds like a problem to me, but I guess the Republicans will continue to remain silent about those things. The Republicans, in fact, want you to ignore it all. They want you to believe that there are thousands of non-citizens voting in elections. Over the past 44 years, only 100 of the more than 1 billion votes cast in presidential elections have been potential voter fraud. Let me repeat that: 100 of the more than 1 billion, with a “B”, votes cast in presidential elections have been potential voter fraud. And in states that have conducted audits of their state elections, only 700 of the more than 140 million votes have been associated with non-citizens. Let me just say Trump is mentioned in the Epstein files 38,000 times. That’s more than 53 times the amount of alleged non-citizen votes in state elections and more than 300 times the amount of potential voter fraud in presidential elections. I’m just saying, if your name is mentioned 38,000 times alongside sexual predators, you’re probably guilty of something. But I digress. Trump has already made more than 21,000 stock trades in just one year in office, more than 30 times the amount of non-citizens in state elections,
and more than 200 times more than non-citizen votes in presidential elections over the past 44 years. Yet Republicans still haven’t held a single hearing on that topic. Look, we all know that the President is the biggest threat to democracy. He’s trying to use ICE and the military police so that they can be at polling sites and intimidate people. He’s tried to overturn birthright citizenship. He tried to have the Postal Service disrupt voting by mail. He dismantled the Election Assistance Commission. He’s making federal agents investigate elections instead of terrorism and human trafficking. Not to mention, he’s the one that started this fight with the mid-decade redistricting so that he could steal more power. And he literally tried to steal the 2020 election. Some people forgot because, well, he ain’t being prosecuted right now. But that’s a very real thing. He’s not just a threat to democracy. He’s also the biggest threat to Americans’ financial security. The only reason Americans would need the $5,000 bribe, because that’s what it is, is because of his failed policies. The average American family is paying an additional $3,500 per year for basic necessities. Under Republicans, more than 4 million Americans have lost their SNAP benefits in just the first year of the big, ugly bill. Eight million Americans lost their Affordable Care Act health care. Farmer bankruptcies are up almost 50%, and nearly every Republican supported the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. So check your voter registration and check it often, and make a plan to vote. Don’t let them scare you away from the polls over the next 49 days. Also, don’t fall for the lies and distractions.
TEACHER SHORTAGES, Cont’d. from page 2
SED needed stronger oversight to ensure its grant programs are achieving their intended results. Without meaningful assessment of performance metrics, policymakers cannot determine whether grant funding is improving teacher recruitment, retention and certification or whether changes are needed to improve programs. DiNapoli’s audit recommended that SED: • Strengthen monitoring of teacher-shortage grants, including better tracking of grant spending and school district participation. • Improve communication with school districts to raise awareness of grant opportunities. • Share grant outcomes with decision-makers and recommend changes to improve the effective use of funding. • Develop and implement performance metrics to measure the effectiveness of the grant programs. SED generally disagreed with the audit’s findings and recommendations, stating that it did not fully account for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages, statutory limitations and procurement rules on grant administration. The department maintained it monitored the grant programs through annual and interim reports, compliance reviews and performance tracking, while agreeing to strengthen performance metrics, expand workforce dashboards, increase outreach and formalize monitoring procedures. The agency’s full response is available in the audit.
NAACP, Cont’d. from page 4
that future depends on every one of us registering, and bringing our people with us. Register yourself. Register your family. Register your friends. Our power is only as strong as our numbers. Register To Vote Check Your Registration Status On November 3, let’s vote like it’s our job, because it is. In Solidarity, Derrick Johnson, Esq. NAACP President & CEO
12 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
THE BOZEMAN LAW FIRM, PLLC Attorneys & Counselors at Law 200 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 500 White Plains, New York 10601 (914) 668-4600 • (914) 669-6371
www.bozemanlawfirm.com Serving Metro-New York and Westchester County PRACTICE AREAS REAL ESTATE (Residential and Commercial)
WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATES (Guardianship and Elderlaw)
FAMILY (Adoption)
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Appointments Preferred.
The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, ,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 17, 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.
Thursday, Sept. 17
site. More details are available at York. Hosted by Sister to Sister International, Inc., under the leadWestchester County Board of www.artrider.com. Health Meeting will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19 and ership of Founder and CEO Dr. Cheryl L. Brannan, the Day of AcThursday, September 17 at 8:30 Sunday, Sept. 20 tion will bring together children, a.m. in the Westchester CounAntioch Baptist Church of Bed- teens, parents, adults, seniors, ty Health Department Office, ford Hills, NY, will celebrate the educators, health professionals, 11 Martine Avenue, 12th Floor, 132nd Church Anniversary, with advocates, elected officials, comWhite Plains, NY 10606. Meman exciting weekend of events. munity organizations, and combers of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.west- Wednesday, Sept. 23 munity leaders from throughout County and surchestercountyny.gov thru Sunday, Sept. 27 Westchester rounding communities. The event JazzFest White Plains Sept. 23-27, Friday, Sept. 18 is open to the entire family and Artrider Productions is excited 2026 | White Plains, NY JazzFest community. to welcome visitors back for White Plains returns this fall with Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst, one of a bold, artist-driven lineup that Saturday, Oct. 10 the Hudson Valley’s premier fall reflects the vitality of jazz today. Full Gospel Tabernacle H.E.R. shopping events, returning Sep- Across five days, 19 performances Women’s Ministry presents the tember 18–20, 2026. Set against will bring legendary artists, con- 5th Annual Women’s Symposium the spectacular autumn land- temporary innovators and emerg- – Part II. The event will begin at scape of the historic Lyndhurst ing voices to downtown White 9:00 a.m. (doors open 8:15 a.m.). estate overlooking the Hudson Plains. Featuring five GRAMMY The Seasons of Grace symposium River, this annual event offers an Award winners and nominees, the is back by popular demand and is unforgettable weekend of shop- festival offers audiences a rare for Single, Divorced, Widowed ping, fine craftsmanship, deli- opportunity to experience the liv- and Married Women under the cious food, family activities, and ing evolution of jazz—from its theme, “Celebrating Every Womthe beauty of the season. Visitors foundational masters to the artists en’s Journey Through the Lens of God’s Purpose.” Whatever season can shop from 200 accomplished defining its future. you are walking through, there is artists and makers from across the Saturday, Sept. 26 country, featuring an extraordi- Sister to Sister International, a purpose in it! Workshop facilinary selection of original hand- Inc. (STSI) will bring together tators will be Rev. Lakisha Wilmade jewelry, ceramics, clothing families, young people, com- liams (Antioch Baptist Church, and accessories, home décor, fine munity leaders, elected officials, Harlem); Rev. Dr. Helen Wingate art, specialty foods, and much health professionals, advocates, (Greater Faith Baptist Church, more. Show hours are Friday, and community partners for its Bronx); Rev. Dr. Sandra Bakfrom 10am-5pm, Saturday, from 2026 Day of Action, Education & er (Shifting Boundaries, LLC); 10am-6pm, and Sunday, from Recognition, taking place Satur- and Lady Brenda Battle (Ref10am-5pm. Advanced online tick- day, September 26, 2026, at New uge Church of Christ, Peekskill). et purchase available and strongly Rochelle High School. “Build- The symposium will be held at encouraged. Tickets available at ing Legacy, Inspiring Change, Full Gospel Tabernacle, 15 Branwww.artrider.com. Group rates and Strengthening Community dreth Street, Ossining, NY, where are available and tour buses are Through Collective Action,” the Overseer Lisa M. Merritt-Smith welcome. Mansion tours are an Day of Action is open to the en- serves as Senior Pastor. Registraadditional fee and best reserved in tire family and community and tion for the event is $25.00 and advance via Lyndhurst’s website. will offer an engaging day of includes lunch. To register, go to Crafts at Lyndhurst is held at education, advocacy, resources, https:’’www.eventbrite.com/e/19 Lyndhurst, located at 635 S. recognition, and community con- 98926909195?aff=oddtdtcreator. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY. Park- nection. Saturday, September 26, Saturday, Oct. 17 ing is free and the show is out- 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:45 The 5th Anniversary Concert of doors, rain or shine. While we PM, in the Linda E. Kelly The- “The Chain Breaking Experilove our furry friends, no pets, atre, New Rochelle High School ence” will be held at 6:00 p.m. at with the exception of service ani- Clove Road, New Rochelle, New First Baptist Church in Elmsford, mals, are allowed within the show
NY. The community is invited to come out to an amazing worship experience and gospel encounter. Minister Ashley Blanshaw is the visionary singer and preacher who has put together an evening with outstanding gospel artists and preachers to share and inspire all who come. Bishop Nicholas O. Soto is Pastor of First Baptist Church, which is located at 145 North Lawn Avenue, Elmsford, NY.
Tuesday, October 20
Join Us at Westchester Children’s Association’s 20th Annual Advocacy Breakfast. Registration is now open for the 20th Annual Kathryn Wasserman Davis Advocacy 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 positions, priorities, and vision for our com-
CALENDAR, Cont’d from page 14 munities. 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.
Saturday, Nov. 7
Join us for our biggest celebration of the year, the 2026 Benefit for ArtsWestchester, on Saturday, November 7, featuring a concert
by Grammy®-nominated, classical-meets-hip-hop duo Black Violin. It’ll be a full evening with fabulous dinner stations, an open bar, live and silent auctions, a world-class 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 ArtsWestchester Featuring a Concert by Black Violin Saturday, Nov. 7, VIP Dinner & Reception 5:00PM | Concert 7:30PM.
County Press The Westchester
The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, ,2026 • 15
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
16 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026