Author: DAMON K JONES

Peekskill, New York’s lifelong civil rights activist Darrel Davis recently made headlines for a significant decision supporting Republican Congressman Mike Lawler over Democrat Mondaire Jones in the latest congressional race. Congressman Lawler’s campaign shared this endorsement via a YouTube video, which has sparked significant conversation, especially given Davis’s well-established background in civil rights advocacy. Davis, known for his unwavering dedication to justice and equality, has spent decades championing racial equality, voting rights, and economic justice issues. His work within Peekskill and beyond has left a lasting impact, solidifying his role as a respected figure in local and national civil rights…

MOUNT VERNON, NY – In a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, Cupcake Cutie Boutique, a local favorite in Mount Vernon, is set to celebrate its ninth anniversary this Saturday. The celebration marks nearly a decade of serving up smiles and sweet treats to the Westchester community. Founded by the unlikely duo of Montika Jones, a Mount Vernon Detective, and her daughter Miesha Stokely, a Nurse Practitioner, Cupcake Cutie Boutique has transformed from a part-time hobby into a thriving full-time business. The pair’s journey from public service to pastry perfection is as unique as their cupcake flavors. “We…

The recent killing of Yahya Sinwar, a key Hamas leader, by Israeli forces marks a significant moment in the ongoing Gaza conflict. Sinwar, a mastermind behind Hamas’ military operations, played a crucial role in the October 7 attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis and led to numerous hostage captures. But does his death truly alter the course of this war? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Sinwar’s demise as “the beginning of the end” for Hamas in Gaza. Some Israeli officials hope this event might facilitate hostage negotiations, though Hamas has responded with threats of further retaliation. However, the international…

As the 2024 presidential race heats up, we’re witnessing a troubling trend in how liberal media and political figures portray Black men. Across the political landscape, Black men are increasingly criticized, scrutinized, and even belittled for their political choices—particularly when those choices don’t align with the Democratic Party. This election has underscored a long-standing tendency among the left to scapegoat Black men, questioning their political judgment and diminishing their autonomy in ways that are both emasculating and dismissive. A recent example on The View exemplifies this pattern. When discussing Trump’s support among Black men, Sunny Hostin referred to those who back him…

As the Democratic Party seeks to maintain its historical support among Black voters, it faces a growing challenge: the disillusionment of Black men. This trend reflects a perception that the party—and some Black leaders within it—are not adequately addressing issues that uniquely affect Black men. While Black men’s votes are vigorously courted, their specific concerns are often met with surface-level attention or unfulfilled promises, leading to feelings of disenchantment and mistrust. For many Black men, critical issues like economic inequality, police brutality, mental health access, and veteran support are not just priorities; they are urgent crises that demand immediate attention.…

As the upcoming election approaches, the Democratic Party faces a pivotal question: Will they effectively address Black men’s unique needs and priorities in America? Vice President Kamala Harris’s recently announced Opportunity Agenda for Black Men aims to answer this question, presenting a comprehensive plan centered on wealth-building, healthcare, employment, and criminal justice reform. However, while the plan is ambitious, Black men have heard similar promises and are still waiting for real change. Considering the issues Black men have voiced for years, Harris’s plan offers some valuable steps forward yet still leaves critical gaps. The potential impact of this plan on…

In recent years, a narrative has emerged suggesting that Black male voters are abandoning the Democratic Party in favor of the GOP. This storyline, fueled by selective polling data and a few high-profile endorsements, paints a picture of a mass exodus that doesn’t exist. While there has been a slight uptick in Republican support, this perspective ignores a broader truth: most Black male voters continue to align with the Democratic Party, motivated by enduring issues of civil rights, social justice, and economic fairness. Black men have historically supported Democratic candidates, as demonstrated in recent elections. In 2012, more than 90%…

As a Black man, I’m deeply troubled by former President Obama’s recent comments suggesting that Black men lack enthusiasm for Vice President Kamala Harris because we may not want to see a woman in leadership. He stated, “My understanding, based on reports I’m getting from campaigns and communities, is that we have not yet seen the same kinds of energy and turnout in all quarters of our neighborhoods and communities as we saw when I was running.” President Obama then went on to lecture Black men about their lack of support for Harris. “Part of it makes me think—and I’m…

The recent interview between Ta-Nehisi Coates and CBS Mornings anchor Tony Dokoupil has sparked an essential conversation about whether Black voices have the right to speak out on issues of global injustice, particularly in Palestine. For many Black Americans, witnessing oppression abroad feels deeply personal, resonating with the painful historical struggles we’ve endured in our own country. Coates’ reflections on Palestine—and his choice to share the voices of Palestinians—echo a long-standing tradition of solidarity between the Black American experience and the Palestinian fight for justice. The Black struggle in America and the Palestinian struggle have a shared history. In the…

The Urgent Need for Police Reform In the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death in May 2020, the nation erupted in calls for justice and comprehensive police reform. His death became a symbol of the systemic issues in policing, particularly the disproportionate use of violence against Black Americans. However, since George Floyd’s death, many other Black men across the country have been killed by police, reigniting outrage and reinforcing the urgent need for meaningful reform. These tragic incidents have only added to the collective demand for real solutions—solutions that hold law enforcement accountable and protect communities from excessive force and extrajudicial…