Our History
Our Founders
May Morgan Robinson distinguished woman, Westchester and National Civil Rights Advocate, was born in New York City on May 6, 1904. When she was just one month old the family moved to Yonkers, New York where her father, the Late John Alexander Morgan MD, established his medical practice. Yonkers would become her beloved home for more than eight decades.
May Morgan Robinson, a leader in civil rights and in the Democratic Party in Westchester served as vice chairwoman of the Westchester County Democratic Committee. She founded the Westchester Citizens for Justice, a civil-rights group, and headed it for many years. She was also a founder of the Nepperhan Community Center in Yonkers.
M. Paul Redd was as much an advocate as he was a publisher. He was a Gold Life Member of the NAACP; board member of the Girl Scouts, the Urban League, the United Way, the American Red Cross; founder of the Black Democrats of Westchester; and president of the Westchester/Putnam Affirmative Action Program, which provided job training and placement for approximately 4,000 women and African Americans over a seven-year span.
Most notably, Redd and his wife, Orial Banks Redd, filed and won a housing discrimination case against New York State when they were denied an apartment in Rye, N.Y. This victory spurred a flurry of housing anti-discrimination legislation in New York, one of which became commonly known as the Redd Bill.
Harry O. Bright JR. , a resident of White Plains, has been a constant champion of civil rights and social justice for all Westchester residents. He served as executive director of the White Plains Commission on Human Rights from 1985-2003. He was also chair of the board of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam, past president of the New York State Association of Human Rights Commissions, co-founder of the White Plains Coalition for Cultural and Racial Harmony and co-founder of Embracing Diversity and Ending Racism.
H. Hawthorne Harris, a former Family Court judge of Westchester County, was an Attorney and Counselor who specialized in family law, elder law and estate practice. With expertise in litigating estate and surrogate law, he managed wills and oversaw guardianship and adoption issues for over 60 years.
Judge Harris was a major influence and mentor in the African American legal community in Westchester County for many decades and a founding member of the Westchester Association of Black Lawyers. Mr. Harris was a member of the American Bar Association, Westchester County Bar Association, and the NAACP. He is a former judicial conduct referee for the Appellate Division of the Second Judicial Department of New York State Supreme Court and a former hearing examiner for the Family Court, Westchester County appointed by the Appellate Division of the Second Judicial Department of New York Supreme Court. Additionally, Mr. Harris is a former Board of Directors member of the Westchester County Legal Aid Society and a former Special Deputy Attorney General for the State of New York.
What we expert at
Why Choose Us?
What we do
The Black Democratic of Westchester represent the political interests and views of Black democrats in Westchester County, NY.
Educate
We serve as a forum to educate elected officials and the general public on matters affecting and impacting Blacks in Westchester County and New York State.
Support
To provide support and resources for Black Democrats seeking political appointments or elected offices.
Campaign
To promote the election of Black Democratic candidates at every level across the State of New York with technical, financial and volunteer support
Leadership
Provide opportunities for Black Democrats in Westchester County to cultivate the leadership skills and experiences needed to lead our county, state, and ultimately our nation
Advocacy
We promote opportunities for all Black Democrats in Westchester to participate fully and effectively in our political process.
Stance
Support and defend the ideals of the Democratic Party at all levels of government
Free Case Evaluation
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Testimonials
Say your case
our Officers
The Westchester Democratic Party has a history of commitment to the Black community. The Black Dems of Westchester supports a comprehensive effort to recognize the loyalty, great dedication and vast contributions of the Black community to the Democratic Party. Our membership is committed to advancing the ideals and values of both our party and the community.
Hon. Terry Clements
Chair
Mary Simon
Recording Secretary
Hon. Patricia Carter
Financial Secretary Hon. Greg Adams
1st Vice Chair
Ta'tyana Martinez
Corresponding Secretary Leticia Arzu, Esq.
Historian
Hon. Thomisana Laidley-Brown
2nd Vice Chair Bill Alexander
Treasurer Bruce Bozeman, Esq.
Legal CounselMeet our attorneys
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Vicky Santorini
Owner, Partner
Dennis Steen
Lawyer
Mark Kelch
CEO Company, Partner
Michelle Villegas
Lawyer
Maria Nolte
Lawyer