White Plains, NY — The Westchester County Board of Legislators paid tribute one of its own Monday night, February 26, honoring pioneering former Chairwoman Lois Broz with a special memorial tribute that drew an unprecedented crowd of 19 former legislators from across the political spectrum, including six former Board Chairs.

County Legislator Christopher Johnson along with Board President of YCAP Justin Tolbert, coordinated sponsorship for 200 Yonkers students to see the highly anticipated film, Black Panther. With donations from community organizations such as the YMCA, Project Inspire Yonkers, The Yonkers Guardians and more, students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to see this film, were able to enjoy it for free Saturday morning at Showcase De Lux Cinema at Ridge Hill in Yonkers. After the movie, students talked about how much they enjoyed it and how it inspired them. “Black Panther”, is a film based on a comic book character of the same name. The movie is a depiction of black power and strength. It is being released during a time when Blacks are living in a nation that has seen a public resurgence of hatred and racism. This film allows People of Color to see themselves in a light often dominated by Caucasian actors and actresses. It is extremely important that we expose our youth to films like this, so our students know they are powerful beyond measure, and they too are heroic.

White Plains, NY — Last night at the February 5, 2018 meeting of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, the Board voted 12 to 5 along party lines to ban gun shows on County-owned property, with all twelve Democratic legislators voting affirmatively.

On February 3, Bedford2020 hosted their Climate Action Summit at Fox Lane High School.  More than 700 citizens attended this full day event, including over 110 government officials from the town, county and state levels. Topics included: renewable energy, electric vehicles, soil and forestry and the carbon tax.  A special breakout session for government officials presented a unique opportunity for representatives to discuss the critical issues each of their communities are currently facing, including the paths they are taking to get to their community’s renewable energy goals.  Participants from the Board of Legislators included Chairman Benjamin Boykin, as well as Legislators Nancy Barr, Kitley Covill and MaryJane Shimsky.