Ernest D. Davis Triumphantly Re-Elected Mayor of Mt. Vernon

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

First of all kudos and congratulations to Ernest D. Davis upon his victory as Mayor of Mount Vernon. Talk about a come back! To have been re-elected as Mayor of Mount Vernon, after having lost the election in 2007, following a succession of successful service for three terms, shows not only fortitude and determination, but a love for his city and its residents!

It also bespeaks the fact that that love is equally returned by the constituents, who returned him to his rightful place as mayor -- a role which suits him to a T!!

If it sounds like I'm a fan and a supporter of Mayor Ernest ("Ernie") Davis, you are absolutely, 100% correct. And have been for quite some time. I had the great fortune of having covered his initial campaign for mayor while I was a feature writer for the Daily Challenge. Though his predecessor was an African American, Davis came up against some formidable foes who spent a great deal of time and money trying to split the community, divide supporters against each other, and undermine his election. I actually spent so much time in Mt. Vernon covering the campaign, that many thought I lived there. Needless to say Mayor Davis' election was a victory of sorts for the Daily Challenge, as well, because they totally endorsed his candidacy from the onset.

Over the 12 years that followed, Davis as mayor proved to be one of the best things Mount Vernon could have done for itself. And as of Sunday, January 1, 2012, when Ernest D. Davis becomes the 21st Mayor of Mount Vernon, they can once again breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that he is once again at the helm.

According to Friends of Ernie Davis and the Ernie Davis Inaugural Committee, the official Swearing In Ceremony on Sunday, January 1, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. thru 6:00 p.m. at the Macedonia Baptist Church, 141 South Ninth Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York. A reception will immediately follow in the Rotunda of Mount Vernon City Hall located at One Roosevelt Square.

On Saturday, January 14, 2012, Davis will host a formal Inaugural Ball at the Surf Club, 280 Davenport Avenue in New Rochelle, New York. Tickets are $200 per person and reserved tables for ten are priced at $2,000.
Tix can be purchased online:
www.inaugural2012.com
by calling 914.363.7869, or
by mail with checks payable to:
Friends of Ernie Davis
Post Office Box 2197
Mount Vernon, New York 10550-2197

Proceeds of this event will help defray costs associated with the Ernie Davis for Mayor Campaign.

Now, I could easily end this article right here, and everyone would agree that this is one great accolade. But you know me better than that. There are so many important things to glean from this major coup, and I'm not about to leave it to someone else to point out:

First of all, Ernest Davis has always been a visionary. With his cool, soft spoken manner, and his way with words he has accomplished more than all the bombastic activists put together.

Second, his vision for Mount Vernon has been crystal clear and forward moving from day one, and he's never faltered in trying to bring them to fruition. Mayor Davis' philosophy is based on the philosophy and understanding that if Mount Vernon fails, then all will fail.

Third, he has always been integrally tied in with the community, establishing both his family and his business there. Though he started his career as an architect, he began to observe severe discrepancies in the way things were done in Mount Vernon, as compared to the rest of Westchester County. Rather than gripe about it, he decided to be a part of the process for change instead of being on the sidelines.

I first met him when I served as Minority Business Liaison for Nissho Iwai American Corporation (a big four Japanese Trading firm) that was looking to contract with minority contractors in conjunction with a subway fabrication plant that was being constructed in Yonkers at a former Otis Elevator Plant. The Westchester Minority Contractors Association was an organization with many highly skilled African American and Latino businesses that banded together to bid for major construction projects. He was a member of the organization, and had recently been elected as Westchester County Leader. He was making strides in bringing about much needed change in Westchester. He had a distinguished easy going style that put the different factions at ease, making it possible to make headway in providing contract opportunities to heretofore overlooked African American and minority businesses in the area.

He initially served twelve years (six consecutive two-year terms) as Westchester County Legislator, and made a great deal of headway in bringing about quality of life changes that were implemented throughout the county. During his past tenure as County Legislator, Davis understood the problems facing the Mount Vernon community and fought for solutions, including recycling to help maintain the environment, cutting the cost of garbage disposal; pushed for the registration of hand guns; led the fight against the legalization of assault weapons; helped to create the legislation that established the African-American Advisory Board, and supported funding for day care and health centers.

Fourth, Davis was a master at multitasking, without spreading himself too thin. In addition to serving as County Legislator, Davis also served as Commissioner of Assessment, Chairman of the Real Estate Board, Chairman of the Planning Board and Commissioner of Buildings in the City of Mount Vernon, New York. Indeed, he has always maintained an integral involvement in programs that were of importance to Mount Vernon.

As former principle architect of the E. Daniel Davis Architects, he designed many residential housing, churches, day care centers and government projects. Many residents and businesses point with pride at the buildings that have benefited from his creativity and expertise.

Fifth, Mayor Davis' continued involvement in community and civic organizations included being a Life Member of the NAACP; member of Progressive Lodge #64; The Westchester Arts Council; The Institute for Student Achievement. Davis is also a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, where he was voted Omega Man of the Year (we Deltas are most proud of him as well). In addition, he is a member of the African-American Men of Westchester and a lifetime member of the National Council of Negro Women. He is also the recipient of more than sixty awards, including the Nelson Mandela High School "Man of the Year" award, and the Westchester Philharmonic "Lifetime Achievement Award."

Sixth, Mount Vernon, also known as "Money Earnin' Mount Vernon" is home to many greats, including the late rap artist Heavy D., Denzel Washington, State Senator Ruth Thompson, among other. It is a predominantly Black Westchester County Community, directly north of New York City, and shares borders with the Bronx. The community has consistently elected African American mayors for nearly 20 years, something New York City has not managed to accomplish (that's conversation for another article, though). With that comes a great deal of responsibility and opportunity, and Davis, who graduated from North Carolina A&T, an HBCU, in 1960 (in Greensboro, North Carolina, where the first sit-ins took place) with a B.S. in Architectural Engineering, is keenly aware of what that means. His re-election was endorsed by all sectors of Mount Vernon, but is an example to the up and coming Black youth that no defeat is ever final; that when you operate with quality, care and concern, people are not willing to settle for less. But what many may have overlooked was this: while Ernest Davis may have changed his role, in becoming mayor, he is perhaps one of the few to have taken office and maintained his Afrocentricity - his locks were intact, his style was intact, and his consciousness is intact. A lot greyer than when he started out, he maintains that quiet dignity, laced with the right amount of colloquialism to put you at ease.

Seven, the four year hiatus he endured between 2007 and 2011 was, perhaps, just the contrast Mt. Vernon needed to really drive home the point that Davis' administration represented integrity and prosperity. Mount Vernon had been hit (like so many others) with the economic down turn, and then had the problem exacerbated by an administration that further reduced the surplus, undoing a great deal that had been accomplished under Davis' tenure. Clearly, there will be a great deal for him to undertake as he steps back into the leadership role. However, he can be confident that he will have plenty of hands on support and assistance from the residents themselves, who have been known to roll up their sleeves and pull together under the right leader.

Eighth, as he rebuilds his transition team, he is also maintaining communication with the incumbent (who is trying to sneak in as many of his cronies as possible - not going to work though). Davis rolled his sleeves up the day after the election, and pulled out the proverbial drawing board to chart a new course for Mount Vernon. He has called for the City Council, the Comptroller, as well as the lame duck mayor to put the people of Mount Vernon first in their future proceedings, and discontinue practices that will likely do more harm than good to the community.

Now, as in the beginning, his vision for Mount Vernon remains crystal clear and focused. With so much to do to reverse the reversals, look for the news to be filled with innovative concepts and actions over the coming weeks, months and days.

Like President Barack Obama, Davis has a "Yes We Can" spirit that will be instrumental in establishing Mount Vernon's primacy in New York State.

Congratulations also to Mt. Vernon's First Lady Bettye Davis, and first daughters, Rene and Lisa. Ernie Davis is proof positive that you can't keep a good man down.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
KWANZAA KIZURI AND HAPPY NEW YEAR from GDW!!

I Celebrate Dr. Muriel Petioni: A Lady of Grace, Elegance and Style

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

I was sad to learn of the passing of a living Legend into the realm of the Ancestors. Dr. Muriel Petioni, whom I considered a friend, and an inspiration, made her transition, recently, at the tender age of 97. And if I had not learned so much from her, and enjoyed being around her so much, I guess I would actually be in mourning.

But I have to admit, I had so many fond memories of Dr. Petioni that I think of her and I smile. Whenever and where ever she was, you knew you were in good company; you were at the right place, and you were definitely walking in high cotton.
Dr. Petioni always gracefully entered a room with that beautiful smile of hers, dressed as though she had just stepped out of Vogue; or had a wardrobe detail that followed her around making sure that she was dressed in the most elegant fashions - tailored for her tiny figure.

Her face was always framed with that beautiful silvery short french cut, and she breezed around the room greeting everyone, having small conversations, or involving in deep political or socially relevant issues.

As with her son Mal (a/k/a Charles), Woolfolk - who no doubt got that faculty from his mom -I could (and would) sit and talk with her for hours. We never covered the same subject twice. And it didn't matter if we hadn't seen each other for weeks or months, we always seemed to be able to pick up right where we left off from the previous conversation.

I totally adored that lady, because she let nothing get her down, and kept her hand in everything relevant; with that sharp mind of hers always turning its attention to something new to benefit the community and mankind. There was nothing that she was not interested in; and a great many programs and protocols she was instrumental in getting off the ground, just because we would not stop half way.

She kept up with the times, and was often very much ahead of them, as well. For example, we had a great ongoing conversation about autologus adult stem cells (self-donated stem cells, not embryonic) and the next wave in curing such ills as arthritic knees, diabetes, kidney disfunctions. Her pet peeve is (oh, I mean, "was") how the Black community tended to always be the last to know about medical breakthroughs; or would be afraid to try new protocols unless it appeared to be approved by whites. We discussed the future of medicine as it pertained to Black doctors, many of whom were also mired in the past; with some continuing to dispense outmoded medical treatments, as opposed to bringing innovations into the Black community.

Then we would move to our favorite ethnic (Black) designers - M-Sin (Marvin Sin) who makes wonderful Africentric designer handbags; or Moshood, the African designer. Dr. Petioni never went in for muted colors. She would show up in burnt orange silk, or electric blue, or deep burgandy reds. She was always elegant. 97??? Most folks think that when you're 97 you have blue hair, have a walking cane, orthotics, false teeth, and are doddering around with the considerable help of several people.

Not Dr. Muriel Petioni. You'd see her at the Schomburg Library one day, at Aaron Davis Hall the next, and at the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building the next. You might catch her at a jazz session, or at a play. Most definitely at a reception or an awards benefit. She was out and about, all the time.

It was invigorating talking to that beautiful lady who had matured, not aged; who had, at 97, continued to make contributions to the world, and make the world sit up and take notice. Who would not be shunted aside into some dark corner as though she had outlived her usefulness; who was just as sharp at 97 as she was at 17. Who proved that age is just a number, life is a mindset, and being that beacon of light and blessing was not an option, but to her mandatory.

Harlem Hospital, people of Harlem, 100 Black Women, Black people of New York, and Black People the world over, have much to thank this beautiful little giant of a woman. She has joined the other goddesses who are now looking at us and saying - what are you going to do to keep this legacy going? Little feet with huge footprints that have been left behind for us to walk in, and we'd better get to stepping, because Dr. Petioni did not allow any half measures (I was going to say no "Half stepping", but that would have been redundant, wouldn't it?)

Anyway, since I want to be like Dr. Petioni when I grow up, I have decided to start now being the me she always thought I was. And that means that I got a lot to do to make that happen. I certainly want to see 97 this side of the earth and making a contribution to my brothers and sisters as well. So I humbly pledge to be a better me so that I can get my big feet on the path of those tiny gigantic foot steps. I really celebrate the fact that I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Muriel Petioni.

My Blessings to Mal, Carol, and the rest of the family; as well as my condolences and love.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Amb. Dr. Dudley Thompson, Lawyer of Legendary Jomo Kenyatta on "StraightTalk with Chika Onyeani WPAT-AM 930 AllAfricaRadio."

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson


Tune in to history in the making this Friday, December 2, as African Sun Times publisher, Dr. Chika Onyeani interviews Ambassador Dr. Dudley Thompson, QC., No.1 Pan-Africanist in the world. He defended late (great) President Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya during the Mau-Mau trials, and is President of the World African Diaspora Union (WADU). The interview is going to be live on "StraightTalk with Chika Onyeani on AllAfricaRadio," WPAT-AM 930, Friday night, December 2 at 12 midnight.

Kenya achieved her independence from British mis-rule on December 12, 1963, and will be celebrating their big 5-0 in 2013. For those of you who may not be totally aware, Kenya actively fought for her independence, by forming a fierce group of warriors called the MauMaus. Just the very word struck fear and a yellow streak down the back of many a British colonial monster. They had guns, weapons and a knowledge of guerilla warfare that put many a Viet Cong to shame. And they KICKED BUTT big time. Jomo Kenyatta, also called "Flaming Spear" was their leader, but truth be told, as with the Japanese, everyone was a leader unto themselves. Treachery met with death, especially if a Black person was caught fraternizing with the enemy (i.e. white, european settlers). They wanted them off their land and they meant to take Kenya back by any means necessary. And that's just what they did. they fought so hard and so consistently, that even when the Brits had arrested and imprisoned Jomo Kenyatta, they did not stop fighting, but became more and more intense and determined. For the MauMau, freedom was a non-negotiable item.

These are very exciting times for those of us in the 6th Diasporan Region of Africa, because we are in somewhat similar situations now. We have to make our reparations and our independence within this country a non-negotiable item. Not fighting, per se, a battle for the hearts, minds, spirits and well being of every Black man, woman and child in this country, and anywhere else we reside.

And what greater way of hearing about how it was affected first hand, than to listen in on the discourse between Drs. Onyeani and Thompson. So regardless of where you are, or how hard you're partying, if you are an ECLECTICALLY BLACK MAN OR WOMAN of CONSCIOUSNESS, you will definitely want to tune in to WPAT-AM 930, or log-on to www.wpat930am.com and listen live from anywhere throughout the world.

"StraightTalk with Chika Onyeani on AllAfriucaRadio," the most powerful voice for Africa in America, comes on every Friday night at 12 midnight. Call-in numbers: 212-219-9620, 212-219-9629 and 212-219-9634.

Kenyatta was definitely one of my personal heroes. As a kid we heard a great deal about his exploits. He was an African Superhero. And I have always had a great deal of admiration for my Kenyan brothers and sisters because they stood up and fought against european oppression. Kenyatta went on to be Kenya's first president.

The upcoming interview should be very interesting indeed.

One of the key sponsors is the African Sun Times, Africa's No.1 weekly newspaper in America, and acclaimed by the African Union (OAU 2001) as "Champion of the African Agenda in America." However, I'm sure they'd welcome more sponsors of color to help expand the programming. You can reach them to find out how to be a part of this great communication source at the following numbers: Tel.: 973-675-9919
Fax: 973-675-5704 or Cell: 917-279-4038. You can also get more information about the publications or the broadcasts via the following: African Sun Times: www.africansuntimes.com; All Africa Radio: www.allafricaradio.com

Per Chika A. Onyeani, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: "It is not what you call me, but what I answer to, that matters most" - Capitalist Nigger: The Road to Success, Onyeani's internationally acclaimed No. 1 bestselling book.

Also if you haven't read either of Dr. Onyeani's publications, you must make it your business to do so:"The Broederbond Conspiracy," www.thebroederbondconspiracy.com or www.theblackjamesbond.com, or "The Capitalist Nigger" you really should. They have so much pivotal information of importance for us all.

Did I mention that I wrote for the African Sun Times for 12 years, and it's the best paper on Africa for Africans in America, ever!! I still do special features for them from time to time, but whether you're African from Africa or African American, there is something for everyone.

Stay Blessed &
Eclectically Black