The Westchester County Press Post Office Box 152, White Plains, NY 10602
County Press
97
The Westchester
YEARS
VOL. XCVII NO. 39
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHITE PLANS, NY PERMIT # 5069
“Documenting Our History for the Future.”
ISSN 0043-3373
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
MEMBER OF NNPA
WALTER WHITE
Passing for White, Fighting for Black America: The Courage of Walter White By Tamara Shiloh
Walter Francis White was one of the most important civil rights leaders of the first half of the 20th century. For more than three decades, he helped transform the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) into one of the nation’s most powerful organizations fighting racial discrimination, segregation, and violence against
African Americans. Walter White was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1893 and grew up in a middle-class African American family. His parents, George and Madeline White, had been born into slavery. Although Walter had blond hair, blue eyes, very light skin and could easily have passed as white, he firmly identified as Black. As a
teenager, he witnessed the Atlanta Race Massacre of 1906, when white mobs attacked African Americans throughout the city. The experience strengthened his determination to fight racial hatred and injustice. After graduating from Atlanta University in 1916, White worked in insurance and became active in
the Atlanta branch of the NAACP. His abilities caught the attention of NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson, who recruited him to the organization’s national staff in 1918. He soon became known for his extraordinarily dangerous investigations of lynchings. Because many white Southerners assumed he was
WALTER WHITE, Cont’d. on page 11
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2 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
NYS Announces $1.8 Million to Establish Specialized Crisis Line Serving LGBTQIA+ Youth & Young Adults Initiative Aimed at Filling the Gap Left After 988’s ‘Press 3’ Option was Suspended by the Federal Government
ALBANY, NY -- The New York State Office of Mental Health recently announced the availability of $1.8 million to establish a dedicated crisis lifeline to support New York’s LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults and to train crisis counselors to be responsive to the needs of individuals in this community. The funding includes $1.2 million to operate the specialized line to serve young people in the LGBTQIA+ community and replace the ‘press 3’ option that the federal government eliminated from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline last year. “The LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults in crisis deserve access to a crisis lifeline that meets their immediate and specific needs, ensuring they do not face barriers
to critical support,” OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “Establishing this specialized line demonstrates Governor Hochul’s commitment to improving the mental health of all New Yorkers, particularly our young people.” “My priority will always be to invest in the safety and wellbeing of our youngest New Yorkers,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “We’re leading the nation in protecting our children’s mental health and through this funding we’re expanding on that promise, making sure our kids have access to care and the necessary support in their communities.” Funded by an investment Governor Hochul secured in the FY 2027 Budget, the proposed crisis line will fill a critical gap for young
people in New York’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning, intersex, and asexual community, after the federal government removed the ‘press 3’ option for 988 in July 2025. Prior to being shuttered, this specialized service had been used by between 50,000 and 60,000 young people per month nationwide. Commissioner Sullivan discussed the funding for the specialized line and crisis counselor training during the 2026 LGBTQIA+ Convening at the Empire State Plaza Concourse in Albany this week. This was the fifth anniversary of the annual one-day event, which brings together policymakers and government officials from across state agencies to hear directly from advocates about the most pressing
needs for this community and efforts to build support. OMH is providing $1.2 million annually over five years for an existing qualified organization that operates a 24/7 crisis service for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults, allowing the state to expand access to specialized services while benefiting from established clinical expertise. The funding will create a specialized line that will connect LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults with trained crisis counselors who provide culturally informed and humble crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, referrals, and follow-up services. The funding opportunity also includes a one-time award of $600,000 to train hundreds of local
CRISIS LINE, Cont’d. on page 5
Unity Walk: A Fundraiser for Proyecto Faro’s Immigrant Justice Programs STONY POINT, NY — Proyecto Faro (PF) will host its 4th Annual Unity Walk on Sunday, September 27 (Rain date October 17, from 12–4 p.m. at Stony Point Center, bringing Rockland residents together in solidarity with immigrant families at a moment of unprecedented urgency. All are welcome. The stakes for immigrant families have never been higher. With $70 billion in new funding for the Department of Homeland Security fueling expanded immigration enforcement, families across the country are facing intensified arrests, detention, deportation, and the constant fear that a parent, spouse, or loved one may not come home. Proyecto Faro is seeing the consequences directly in Rockland County. Families are being torn
apart, and many people are living with profound uncertainty about what may happen next. PF is helping families to try to prevent possible detention or deportation, including through emergency family planning and guardianship preparation, Know Your Rights and Rapid Response trainings, legal consultations and accompaniment, and assistance filing critical immigration applications and other legal documents. For some families, this also means helping them understand their options when they are considering leaving the United States, including what is sometimes referred to as “selfdeportation.” People are living with fear every day, and they are coming to us because they need to know how to protect their children, how to protect
their families, and what they can do to preserve their options,” said Nelcy Garcia, Board Chair of Proyecto Faro. “This is not an abstract crisis. We are seeing families struggle to navigate an increasingly hostile immigration system, and we are working every day to make sure people are not facing it alone.” The Unity Walk will raise $35,000 to support PF’s immigrant justice and community support programs, including its immigration Legal Empowerment Program, community defense work, food relief program, free store, and grassroots organizing for educational justice in East Ramapo and a safe and welcoming community for immigrants. Proyecto Faro invites Rockland residents to walk in solidarity with
immigrant families and with the generations of immigrants who have built their lives and communities in the county. The event will take place in ½-mile loops around the beautiful Stony Point Center campus and will include a collectively constructed timeline of Rockland’s immigration history, family-friendly activities, prizes, and more. Walkers can register for $30 at go.rallyup.com/unitywalk2026 and participate individually or create a team and raise funds through their personal networks. PF is also seeking sponsors at a variety of levels, with sponsors recognized in promotional materials and on social media and invited to table at the event. Founded in 2017, Proyecto Faro is an immigrant-led community or-
IMMIGRANT JUSTICE, Cont’d. on page 11
The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24, ,2026 • 3
Delta Sigma Theta Serve Up More Than Breakfast: Chapter Joins Community Partners in Fight Against Food Insecurity WHITE PLAINS, NY — More than 100 White Plains residents gathered at the Thomas L. Slater Center on Saturday, September 12, for more than a hot breakfast. They were welcomed with good food, music, fellowship and a strong demonstration of community support as members of the Westchester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. joined community partners in their ongoing effort to address food insecurity. The monthly collaboration brought together volunteers determined to make sure their neighbors had access to a nutritious meal in a warm and welcoming environment. Delta members prepared a hearty, scratch-made breakfast featuring fresh eggs, bacon, sausage and warm pancakes, along with hot and cold beverages. The morning took on an added civic dimension with visits from U.S. Congressman George Latimer and White Plains Common Councilman Nicholas “Nick” Wolff, who stopped by to greet residents, speak with volunteers and share in the fellowship. For members of the Westchester Alumnae Chapter, the event was a reminder that addressing food insecurity is about more than providing
Members of the Westchester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. pose with U.S. Congressman George Latimer and White Plains Common Councilman Nick Wolff at the Slater Center. (Photo Credit: DSTWAC)
a meal. It is also about creating connections, strengthening community partnerships and showing up for those who need support. “True community care means showing up, breaking bread, and working hand-in-hand with our leaders to ensure our neighbors are nourished and supported,” chapter members said. The breakfast was made possible through the combined efforts of volunteers and community partners who donated
their time and energy to prepare, serve and welcome residents. Their work reflected the sorority’s long-standing commitment to public service and community engagement. As the morning came to a close, the message was clear: Sometimes strengthening a community starts with something as simple — and as meaningful — as sitting down together for a good meal. Tiffany S.W. Hamilton is president of the Westchester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
9/11 Day of Service: Community Helps Minister Tuesday McDonald Distribute Swag Bags to Youth
4 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
Bishop Dr. Wilbert Preston Celebrates Anniversary and Retirement
PUBLISHER
1986-2009
M. Paul Tells All
By M. Paul Redd, Sr. August 11, 1928 - January 9, 2009
By Yvonne B. Bert
GREENBURGH, NY -- The 31st Pastoral Anniversary of Bishop Dr. Wilbert Preston and First Lady Elder Florence Preston will be celebrated by Christ Temple GIPHC of Greenburgh, commencing on September 25 through September 27, 2026, with several special events. This will also be a Retirement Celebration of Bishop Preston’s service to the church and the community. On Friday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m., the Ministers’ Fellowship of White Plains and Vicinity will sponsor a service of gratitude and farewell for Bishop Preston’s 31 years of faithful ministry as a shepherd, community leader and advocate. Guest preacher will be Rev. Erwin Lee Trollinger, President of the Council and Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in White Plains. A special invitation is extended to all clergy and fellow Bishops. On Saturday, September 26, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m., a Luncheon Celebration will be Held Eastwood Manor, 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY. Tickets for the event are $125 for adults, $75 for youth 12 years and under. To purchase tickets, please contact the church office at (914) 948-4596. The culmination of the Anniversary/Retirement Celebration will be held on Sunday, September 27 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Temple, located at 25 Oak Street, White Plains (Greenburgh), NY. Guest speaker will be Pastor John Savage of Covenant Life Christian Kingdom Embassy. The community is invited to join with Christ Temple on these glorious occasions to celebrate and honor Pastor Bishop Dr. Preston and First Lady Elder Florence Preston for their many years of dedicated service.
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(ISSN 0043-3373) is published weekly on Thursday in White Plains, New York. Copies: 40¢. Yearly Subscription: $25.00, two years: $45.00. National Advertising representative: National Newspaper Publishers Association. Local and national advertising rates on request. Paper founded August 1, 1928 to serve the County of Westchester, New York.
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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.
County Youth Bureau and Youth Board Open Nominations for the 2026 Youth Service Awards WHITE PLAINS, NY - The Westchester County Youth Bureau and Youth Board are seeking nominations for the annual Youth Service Awards, which recognizes 11th and 12th grade students living in Westchester County who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to their community. Full details regarding the award criteria and nomination process are available on the Youth Bureau website. The completed form must be submitted through the website by Friday, October 9, 2026 at 5 p.m. The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2026 at 5 p.m. at the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “The annual Youth Service Awards is a wonderful opportunity to honor young leaders in our community who are dedicated to serving others, in spite of some having overcome significant personal obstacles. Their commitment and resilience inspire and remind us that people of all ages can rise above their circumstances with purpose and set a powerful example for their peers and beyond.” Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden said: “Each year, we are so pleased to collaborate with the Youth Board to find students from across the County whose accomplishments should be recognized with a Youth Service Award. It is
ERNEST McFADDEN
a gratifying process that culminates in a heartwarming ceremony to celebrate young people who serve with humility, kindness and selflessness on behalf of others.” Westchester County Youth Board Chairperson Dr. Alexandria Connally said: “The Westchester County Youth Service Awards are an opportunity to celebrate young people who recognize that service is not simply something we do—it is a commitment to making our communities stronger. As Chair of the Youth Board, I am proud to help select honorees who demonstrate leadership, compassion and a willingness to step forward and make a difference.” For further information, contact the Westchester County Youth Bureau at (914) 995-2745 or email YouthAwards@westchestercountyny.gov.
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The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24, ,2026 • 5
Statement from the President of the National Association of Black Journalists on Press Ban By Errin Haines, President, National Association of Black Journalists TEXAS METRO NEWS — The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) condemned President Donald Trump’s decision to deny access to MS NOW journalists and his threats against CNN and Politico due to unfavorable coverage. The NABJ stated that journalists hold power accountable for the American people, and government officials cannot grant or withhold access based on reporting they like or dislike. NABJ condemns President Donald Trump’s decision to deny access to MS NOW journalists and his threat to exclude CNN and Politico because of coverage he dislikes. The role of journalists is to hold power accountable on behalf of the American people. Government officials cannot reward reporting they find favorable with access, or withhold access as punishment for journalists who have scrutinized or criticized them. This retaliation is a threat not only to the news organizations being targeted, but to every journalist working to report independently and without fear of government reprisal. The White House belongs to the American people, and they have a
ERRIN HAINES
right to know what their government is doing. Journal- stone to a healthy and functioning democracy. The First ists must be free to ask difficult questions and report the Amendment can never be optional. answers. A free and independent press is not a privilege granted at the discretion of any president. It is a cornerBased on reporting by Texas Metro News.
CRISIS LINE, Cont’d. from page 2
crisis counselors who answer 988 calls to handle the needs and concerns specific to young people in the LGBTQIA+ community. The training will strengthen the knowledge, skills, and competencies of these crisis counselors in New York State to provide culturally responsive and affirming crisis services to youth and young adults. LGBTQIA+ youth experience disproportionately higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, substance use, family rejection, bullying, discrimination, and housing instability. About 36 percent of LGBTQIA+ young people seriously considered suicide in the past year —including 40 percent of transgender and nonbinary young people –with about 10 percent of them following through with an attempt, a recent survey found. At the same time, many LGBTQIA+ youth report having concerns about whether crisis services will understand or affirm their identities, creating barriers to seeking help when it is most needed. About 28 percent of LGBTQIA+ young people who wanted mental health care but were unable to get it cited that they didn’t feel anyone would understand their sexual orientation or gender identity, according to the survey.
WBWPC Candidates Forum
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)
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6 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle Putting Youth at the Center of Public Policy at Leadership Forum
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., Sept. 22, 2026 – Youths and young adults from New Rochelle and across Westchester County will channel their experiences and ideas into recommendations for real-world change when the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle hosts its inaugural Youth Leadership & Policy Forum on Saturday, Oct. 24. Held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club’s Remington Clubhouse, 1 Remington Place in New Rochelle, youths will identify issues affecting their lives and communities, collaborate on solutions and develop actionable policy recommendations to present to elected officials and community leaders. Youths and young adults from ages 14 to 24 are invited to be heard at the forum and can register at this link: https://bit.ly/4dIbHXH “Young people have cogent, strategic ideas about the opportunities and challenges facing their schools, neighborhoods, communities and
future, and those ideas deserve to be heard,” said Becky Mazzanobile, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. “This forum gives them more than a seat at the table; it gives them an opportunity to shape the conversation. We want youths to know that their voices matter, that their ideas can inspire change and that they have the power to frame the future they want to see.” The forum’s theme is “Your Voice. Your Policy. Our Future.” Officials scheduled to attend include Congressman George Latimer; representatives from the New Rochelle and Westchester County youth bureaus; City School District of New Rochelle Superintendent Dr. Corey W. Reynolds; Mamaroneck Schools Superintendent Dr. Charles Sampson; New York State Sens. Shelley Mayer and Nathalia Fernandez; Assemblywoman Amy Paulin; Assemblyman Steve Otis; Westchester County Legislators Terry Clements
and Judah Holstein; New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert; City Council members Martha LopezHanratty and David Peters; and a representative from the Westchester County Executive’s Office. They will be asked to consider legislative or policy action aligned with youths’ recommendations. Policy discussions will focus on issues including civic engagement and youth voice; artificial intelligence, social media and digital citizenship; mental health and student wellness; education and college readiness; workforce development and career pathways; community safety and belonging; environmental sustainability; and financial literacy and economic opportunity. The forum advances the Boys & Girls Club’s broader commitment to helping young people develop the confidence, skills and opportunities to become leaders in their communities. For 96 years, Boys & Girls Club
of New Rochelle has been an integral part of the community, offering quality, achievement-driven programming encompassing academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership and civics. Today, it is one of Westchester County’s largest nonprofits and a leader in youth development, serving over 12,100 youths annually at 12 school sites and two clubhouses. Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s impactful before-school, after-school, elective, and summer offerings empower members to excel in school, become good citizens, and lead healthy, productive lives while effectively bridging the gap between school and home. Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is proud to be affiliated with Boys & Girls Club of America, widely considered as both the leading youth organization and among the top nonprofits in the United States. Learn more at BGCNR. org.
Federal Budget Cuts Threaten Healthcare Across the Hudson Valley, Leaving Families Without Access to Care
HAVERSTRAW, NY — Over the weekend, Empire State Voices, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, Meals on Wheels Rockland and other community partners hosted a healthcare fair to connect community members with healthcare information, resources, and support. Recent federal budget cuts from the Republican Tax Law threaten Medicaid and access to affordable healthcare for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. Congressman Lawler has repeatedly supported the Republican Tax Law, even though in NY-17 alone, 79,500 children and 20,600 seniors depend on Medicaid and other public health programs to get the care they need. Over 50% of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic patients use Medicaid as their health insurance. “I am a 22-year breast cancer survivor, and I was diagnosed in my 30s, when I was in my third trimester. My daughter only survived as long as she did because she was able to get the home care she needed because of Medicaid,” said Karen from Yorktown. “In a time when so many New York families are losing access to their Medicaid and healthcare, it is great to see Planned Parenthood and Empire State Voices meeting families like mine where they are, and getting people essential care like cancer screenings and routine
care.” “Everyone deserves to get the healthcare they need, no matter their insurance status or their ability to pay. Even as our community continues to face attacks on access to healthcare, PPHP’s mobile health center is committed to providing highquality, compassionate care and meeting people where they are,” said Tricia Fleming, Vice President, External Affairs, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic “So many New York families that rely on Medicaid to get the care they need are suffering right now. And with more cuts, not only will individuals lose access to care, but there will be longer wait times for patients, fewer providers, and reduced services,” said Courtney Fields, Empire State Voices, Executive Director. “We will continue our work here in Haverstraw and across the Hudson Valley to uplift the voices of New Yorkers who have lost their healthcare access and educate people about the impacts of federal policy.” During the event, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic’s mobile health center was out and offered confidential services on-site, experts were available to provide information on enrollment and understanding new healthcare rules, and local small businesses provided food and family-
friendly activities. To learn more about Empire State Voices, contact press@empirestatevoices.org. Empire State Voices is a multi-year campaign dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday working New Yorkers. We are fighting for economic policies that make life more affordable for constituents and holding members of Congress across the state accountable when they fail to do the same. To learn more about Empire State Voices, contact press@empirestatevoices.org Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic (PPHP) provides sexual and reproductive health care in 10 health centers and two mobile health centers in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and Suffolk counties. In 2025, PPHP provided services to over 31,000 patients in over 55,000 visits. It reached over 8,000 youth and adults in education and training programs and outreach events. PPHP has served the community for over 90 years and is dedicated to educating and empowering individuals to make responsible choices regarding their sexuality and sexual health. PPHP is headquartered in Elmsford, NY. For more information about PPHP services and programs, visit www. pphp.org. Find us on Facebook and Instagram.
The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24, ,2026 • 7
OP-ED: America’s Reading Crisis Demands More Than Concern. It Demands Action. By 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 these principles deserve credit for moving in the right
Marc H. Morial 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 be developing evidence-based strategies that 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.
8 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
OPINION: The New American Fear – From 9-11 to AI By Emil Amok Guillermo
W I was quiet about 9/11 until this week, when terrorism got an upgrade. Artificial intelligence. I have taken 9/11 seriously every year. Twentyfive years later, I was all “feeled out.” I’ve gone to Ground Zero. I’ve written about the dead, the survivors, the first responders and those who survived that day only to become sick years later. But this isn’t another column about where we were. It’s about what America became. For me, September 11, 2001, marks the beginning of a New America. Not the diverse, multicultural America I hoped was emerging. This is the America that fear built. I was 3,000 miles away in the Bay Area watching CNBC. Then the planes hit. The markets shut down. And something else opened. Fear. At first, fear brought us together. We had a common enemy and, briefly, rediscovered a common good. But fear is a terrible foundation for democracy. The person we feared was initially the terrorist. Then the Muslim. Then the Arab. Then the Sikh mistaken for an Arab. Then the immigrant. The undocumented. The
person at the border. The category continues to expand. Maybe that’s the real 25-year story of 9/11. We went from finding common ground to looking for flaws that prove somebody doesn’t belong. The terrorists didn’t invent American racism, xenophobia or political paranoia. We shouldn’t give 19 hijackers that much credit. But after 9/11, America built an enormous security structure around fear. Surveillance expanded. Wars followed. Congress created the Department of Homeland Security. TSA transformed airports. Immigration enforcement was reorganized and ICE was created. Temporary emergency became permanent infrastructure. Recently, Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon quit his job and warned that people building advanced AI genuinely believe it could kill humanity by the end of this decade. He walked away two months before his Anthropic equity vested. That’s credibility. President Trump has taken a different view. On Sept. 14 he called fears of AI destroying humanity a “HOAX” and declared, “WHOEVER WINS AI, WINS!” He said the only guardrail AI needs is a “STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT.” We have built the threat.
We finance it. We feed it our words, photographs, voices, art and knowledge. We invite it into our homes and carry it in our pockets. Americans are confronting something genuinely frightening. AI could eliminate or transform jobs. And its increasingly powerful systems raise questions even some of their creators say they cannot fully answer. So, the question what do we do with fear without surrendering our common humanity. That requires real leadership and oversight from Congress, if not the president. Trump insists Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon. But on AI, his emphasis is winning the race, especially against China. That’s the trap. Fear of China becomes the argument for going full speed ahead. Twenty-five years after 9/11, we have another chance to get fear right. Be smart enough to know what to be afraid of. And make sure we stay in control of the tech. We’ve got to be smarter than the machines. About the Author Emil Amok Guillermo is an award-winning journalist, commentator and comic monologist. He hosts a micro-talk show on YouTube. See him at Comedy Day at Robin Williams Meadow in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, on Sept. 20, around 2:45 p.m. Free.
The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24, ,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: 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 24, 2026
Advertise Your Business Call (914) 953-2620
Lois Bronz Children’s Center Announces Leadership Transition, Honors Joan Lewis Shepherd and Welcomes Davida Gilchrest WHITE PLAINS, NY -- The Board of Directors of the Lois Bronz Children’s Center announced recently that longtime President and CEO Joan Lewis Shepherd will retire, with Davida Gilchrest assuming leadership of the Center effective September 1, 2026. Shepherd’s retirement marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in the Center’s history. During her tenure, she guided the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, major institutional changes, including the responsible closure of the Stepping Stones program, and periods of substantial financial uncertainty. Under her leadership and in partnership with the Board, the Center emerged financially stronger, operationally stable, and well positioned for the future. “Joan Lewis Shepherd has led this organization through some of the most challenging circumstances an executive could face,” said Dr. Kleckner J. Charles, DSW, Chair of the Board of Directors. “She guided the Center through a once-in-a-generation pandemic, difficult institutional changes, and a precarious financial period, while helping position the organization in the strong financial health we enjoy today. That is an extraordinary legacy, and the Board is deeply grateful for her leadership and service.” Shepherd will continue supporting the organization as an Executive Consultant through November 30, 2026, assisting with leadership transition, institutional knowledge transfer,
stakeholder relationships, and strategic guidance. “Serving the Lois Bronz Children’s Center and the children and families who depend upon it has been one of the great privileges of my professional life,” Shepherd said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that the Center is well positioned for its next chapter.” The Center will hold a special recognition event in the near future, allowing parents, employees, elected and government officials, community partners, and other stakeholders to celebrate Shepherd’s service. Gilchrest brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, fundraising, organizational development, operations, and strategic planning. Her background includes executive leadership, government and philanthropic funding, program oversight, budgeting, and partnership development. “I am honored to join the Lois Bronz Children’s Center and build upon the strong foundation established by Joan, the Board, staff, families, and community,” Gilchrest said. “I look forward to listening, learning, and working collaboratively to strengthen the Center while keeping children and families at the heart of every decision.” The Center enters this transition from a position of strength and remains committed to fiscal responsibility, program quality, accountability, and its longstanding mission of “Developing the Genius in Every Child.”
IMMIGRANT JUSTICE, Cont’d. from page 2 ganizing and empowerment organization working with low-income Black and Brown immigrant communities throughout Rockland County. PF works alongside immigrants and allies to build knowledge, leadership, relationships, and collective power while providing concrete support to families navigating immigration enforcement, poverty, educational injustice, and unmet basic needs. The Unity Walk is both a fundraiser and an opportunity for the broader Rockland community to show up for immigrant families at a critical moment. After nearly 10 years of building programs, relationships, and community power, Proyecto Faro is asking Rockland residents to walk together and help ensure that immigrant families have the support they need to face this moment with greater safety, dignity, and collective strength. For more information or to register, visit go.rallyup.com/unitywalk2026/ Campaign/Details, visit proyectofarorockland.org, email info@proyectofarorockland.org, or call (845) 262-9586.
The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24, ,2026 • 11
WALTER WHITE, Cont’d. from page1
white, he was able to enter communities where Black investigators would have faced immediate danger. He spoke with witnesses, law enforcement officials, and even members of lynch mobs, often pretending to share their racial attitudes so they would reveal information. White personally investigated 41 lynchings and eight race riots. On several occasions, his identity was discovered, forcing him to flee for his life. The evidence he collected helped the NAACP expose the brutality of lynching to Americans and strengthen its campaign for federal anti-lynching legislation. His experiences also influenced his 1929 book, “Rope and Faggot: A Biography of Judge Lynch.” By the early 1930s, Walter had risen to the NAACP’s top administrative position. As executive secretary, he helped build the organization into a major national political and legal force. Under his leadership, the NAACP challenged discrimination in voting, employment, education, transportation, the military, and other areas of American life. White also recruited attorney Charles Hamilton Houston to lead the NAACP’s legal strategy. Houston and his protégé, Thurgood Marshall, developed the courtroom campaign that eventually helped produce the Supreme Court’s historic 1954 decision in Brown v. Board of Education, declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. White used his relationships with national political leaders as another weapon against discrimination. He worked with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and President Harry S. Truman. He supported efforts to end employment discrimination and encouraged Truman to establish the President’s Committee on Civil Rights. Walter White remained an NAACP leader until his death in 1955. His courage, political skill, investigative work, and relentless commitment to equality helped establish the foundation upon which the modern Civil Rights Movement would build.
12 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
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The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24, ,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
14 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24, 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.
Wednesday, Sept. 23 nection. Saturday, September 26, ments, and community reflection. Harlem); Rev. Dr. Helen Wingate 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:45 Cosponsored by: Middle East (Greater Faith Baptist Church, thru Sunday, Sept. 27 PM, in the Linda E. Kelly The- Crisis Response, African Roots Bronx); Rev. Dr. Sandra BakJazzFest 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.
Friday, Sept. 25
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Veterans Service Agency Director Joshua Gaccione will remember the fallen and pay respect to the mothers and families who have lost a child in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces at the County’s annual Gold Star Mothers and Families Memorial Tribute Ceremony. The event will take place at the Kensico Dam Plaza Walk of Honor on Friday, September 25 beginning at 3 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26
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. “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 con-
atre, 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.
er (Shifting Boundaries, LLC); and Lady Brenda Battle (Refuge Church of Christ, Peekskill). The symposium will be held at Full Gospel Tabernacle, 15 Brandreth Street, Ossining, NY, where Overseer Lisa M. 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/19 Tuesday, October 6 Westchester County Department 98926909195?aff=oddtdtcreator. of Planning Board Meeting will Tuesday, October 13 be held on Tuesday, October 6 at Housing Opportunity Commis9 a.m. Cassella Conference Room sion will be held on Tuesday, Oc420, 148 Martine Avenue, White tober 13 at 4 p.m.Virtual Meeting Monday, Sept. 28 Plains, New York 10601 Mem- Members of the public may view RESCHEDULED: Women’s Ad- bers of the public may view this this meeting online at: meetings. visory Board Meeting will be held meeting online at: meetings.west- westchestercountyny.gov on Monday, September 28th from chestercountyny.gov Thursday, Oct. 15 5:30 to 7 p.m. Virtual Meeting via Tuesday, October 6 Westchester County Board of Zoom Please use this link to join: RESCHEDULED: Agriculture Health Meeting will be held onhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/8613 & Farmland Protection Board Thursday, October 15 at 8:30 a.m. 3658147?pwd=AH3ptjdawFK4 Meeting has been rescheduled Westchester County Health DeayHFa1sIh0bTWvJsp3.1 Meet- for Tuesday, October 6 at 4 p.m. partment Office, 11 Martine Aving ID: 861 3365 8147Passcode: in the Cassella Conference Room enue, 12th Floor, White Plains, 883392 Members of the public 420, 148 Martine Avenue, White NY 10606. Members of the public may view this meeting online at: Plains, New York 10601. Mem- may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestercountyny. bers of the public may view this meetings.westchestercountyny. gov meeting online at: meetings.west- gov
Tuesday, Sept. 29
Westchester County Youth Board Meeting will meet on Tuesday, September 29 at 6 p.m., 112 East Post Road, 3rd floor Conf. Rm. White Plains, NY 10601. Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestercountyny.gov
Sunday, October 4
From 2:00 - 5:00 PM at the Old Dutch Church, 272 Wall St., Kingston. Screening of “Gaza: Doctors Under Attack,” an awardwinning documentary that investigates Israeli military assaults on hospitals, doctors and healthcare workers. Free admission, refresh-
Community Center, Columbia County for Palestine, JVP Hudson Valley, Mid Hudson Valley DSA, New Paltz Quaker Meeting, Peace Education Center, Rally Middletown, Mid-Hudson Valley Veterans For Peace, and Women In Black - New Paltz. Contact: mecr@mideastcrisis.org or 845 876-7906
chestercountyny.gov
Saturday, Oct. 10
Full Gospel Tabernacle H.E.R. Women’s Ministry presents the 5th Annual Women’s Symposium – Part II. The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. (doors open 8:15 a.m.). The Seasons of Grace symposium is back by popular demand and is for Single, Divorced, Widowed and Married Women under the theme, “Celebrating Every Women’s Journey Through the Lens of God’s Purpose.” Whatever season you are walking through, there is a purpose in it! Workshop facilitators will be Rev. Lakisha Williams (Antioch Baptist Church,
Saturday, Oct. 17
The 5th Anniversary Concert of “The Chain Breaking Experience” will be held at 6:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Elmsford, 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.
CALENDAR, Cont’d from page 14 and learn about their positions, 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
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.
The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24, ,2026 • 15
CONVERSATIONS TO CONTRACTS MWBE SEMINAR/NETWORKING EVENT Saturday, October 3, 2026 • 11am-2pm Riverfront Library • One Larkin Center, Yonkers NY
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
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.
Get your DIGITAL COPY of the Westchester County Press sent to your email today! Email and let us know how you like our new format: westchestercountypress@yahoo.com
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 24, 2026