Month: February 2021
On the Shoulders of Giants
Newsday interviewed eight activists — icons who played key roles in the turbulent U.S. civil rights movement, and those of a new generation of advocates and community leaders lending their voices to the current racial reckoning and push for social justice and equality. We asked those activists their views on how the nation is confronting its past and present, and their hopes for the future.
Samantha ‘Sam’ Law, activist and advocate
“What motivated me to join the current movement of civil rights and social justice was actually a conversation that I had with my youngest son…”
Law, 33, of Wyandanch, is the president and founder of Yung Hip Professionals, a non-profit community networking group. She said her son, now 10, had seen the video of George Floyd’s murder and he was terrified. “He had a lot of questions and a lot of concerns. And honestly, it broke my heart.”
Chelsea Cohen, student and activist
“A scaringly large amount of America did not learn from the Sixties.”
Cohen, 17, a senior at Great Neck North High School, helped organize protests, marches and other events in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. Growing up in what she calls a “fairly homogeneous town” Cohen said she’s been “a bit of an elephant in the room” and said on numerous occasions “my differences from my peers were the subject of very insensitive and just uncomfortable and fairly inappropriate comments or conversations.”
Delores Quintyne, fair housing activist
“I’m still out here trying to get young people involved so that I can sit down.”
Quintyne, 87, of Amityville, has fought for decades for fair housing on Long Island. She recalled moving to New York in the late 1950s with her husband. “We were trying to get into Levittown houses, but we were denied because of our race … that was one of my first, my very first problems of you know, of saying, ‘Oh this is not going to work. I have to do something.'”
Ezekiel Torres, activist
“The injustice surrounding their murders haunted me as I was growing up and continues to do so today.”
Torres, 21, of Shirley, said this about the deaths of Trayvon Martin and Tamir Rice, who were killed when he was coming of age. “Now I have nieces and nephews who haven’t even reached the age of 12 yet, but have to face these same harsh realities because they’re living through Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.” Torres, a graduate of William Floyd High School, has been a key proponent in the push to get the county legislature to remove the William Floyd statue in Shirley. The signer of the Declaration of Independence, who was a member of the county militia during the Revolutionary war, was a slave owner.
Hazel Dukes, national NAACP figure
“Changing a policy and getting things done it takes more than just protest.”
Dukes, 88, a former Roslyn Heights resident who has been a leader with the NAACP for decades, says young people’s activism needs to go beyond demonstrations; they need to be involved in government on all levels and through their careers. “Each year I do see a new group of young Hazel Dukes, young Julian Bonds, young Martin Luther Kings in their own way, participating … Each generation bears a responsibility to provide leadership.”
Retired Maj. Gen. Joseph A. McNeil
“I was proud then and I’m proud now.”
McNeil, 78, of Hempstead, was one of the Greensboro Four who participated in a 1960 Woolworth lunch counter student sit-in to protest segregation in North Carolina. “We learned in hindsight that we’d caused events to happen, we could influence the world, not just a damn store in Greensboro, North Carolina, but a lifestyle where we learn to respect others.”
Theophilus Wells IV, brand strategist
“Black Americans have spent far too long existing within someone else’s game and their rules of how the game should be played.”
Wells, 34, of East Meadow, thinks there are more effective strategies than protesting. “What I’ve told my protesters, in a nutshell, is ‘why would your oppressors stop oppressing you? … you merely protesting, ranting and raving about it, and making a lot of noise, it really does nothing.'” Instead, he’d like to focus on prosperity and economic opportunities, citing Tyler Perry’s strategy of “owning things” and the adage: “He who controls the gold makes the rule.”
William Moss, educator and activist
“The younger generation needs to be the change.”
Moss is the director of academic affairs in the Lawrence school district and president of the Islip Town chapter of the NAACP. At 43 years old, the Brentwood resident considers himself, and his generation, to be the bridge between the older and younger generations. “What I’d like to say to young people is this is your time. This is your challenge. And this is not the time to be silent or scared.”
Watch the documentary
In this documentary, Newsday chronicles the death of George Floyd and the 8:46 it took for him to die at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. Floyd’s death set off a firestorm of protest and a cry for social justice on Long Island and across the nation. Two veteran civil rights activists and two contemporary advocates offer their views on the current protests.
Newsday Anchor: Faith Jessie
Reporters: Dandan Zou and Daysi Calavia-Robertson
Editors: Monte R. Young, Jeffrey L. Williams, Robert Shields
Deputy editor: Tara Conry
Social media: Gabriella Vukelic
Video editors: Susan Yale, Raychel Brightman, Bobby Cassidy
Photo editor: William Perlman
Transcriber: Kathleen Diamond
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Newsday Brand Ambassadors
MeetNewsday’s Brand Ambassadors
Newsday is all about living your best life on Long Island. Meet our brand ambassadors who are doing just that.
Hey!
I’m LaShawn Lukes
I love Long Island and want to share with others what makes it special.
Q&A
Hometown/Where you live now:Born in Freeport, live in Baldwin
Occupation:I run a construction business and am the founder of Cultivating Lives, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Its mission is to educate, mentor and empower individuals and families living in compromised communities with programming that focuses on financial literacy, education, career building, character development, life skills and reentry. I also work in the media industry, consulting with companies, entertainment personalities and celebrity influencers on branding strategies.
Social media handle:IG: @cultivatinglives_nonprofit | Facebook: La Lukes
Why did you want to become a Newsday Brand Ambassador?I love Long Island and want to share with others what makes it special. I’m the mother of five high-achieving children and two adventurous and loveable grandchildren and have enjoyed life with them here.
What do you like to post on your social media accounts?Daily outings, events and inspirational posts. On my @cultivatinglives_nonprofit Instagram account I like to post job listings, including civil service opportunities. That’s also where you can find information on my financial literacy projects, including Black Credit Matters.
How are you living your best life on Long Island?Being a boat owner, I love the water and fishing. I enjoy the seasonal fairs and festivals.
What’s your favorite place/favorite thing to do on Long Island?I enjoy the finer restaurants of Long Island. One of my favorites is Prime in Huntington.
What’s something you haven’t done on Long Island yet that you can’t wait to do?I want to visit Lavender By The Bay in East Marion.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?Everyone knows I love fashion, and my nickname is “Shoes.”
Lastly, a bacon, egg and cheese – on a bagel or roll?Roll.
More about LaShawn
Hey!
I’m Nicole Hinchman
From the city to the Hamptons there is so much culture, diversity and adventures to share – fashionably of course!
Q&A
Occupation/background:My story begins in Massachusetts, born and raised. At a very young age I was fascinated by fashion, spending hours playing dress-up with my Barbie dolls. I also played art teacher – watching my mother for years at an easel in the classroom sparked curiosity. Fast-forward to today, I’ve lived on Long Island for 20-plus years, 19 of them as an art teacher and dressing like I’m on a runway every day! Losing my father a few years ago catapulted me into sharing my love for fashion, and that’s when Hinchology was born.
Hinchology is a fashion-based blog and social media community that helps women feel confident, upbeat and willing to take on the day by using simple elements of art to create their own unique styles. You can find my blog at Hinchology.com, splashed with ways to see fashion and how to re-imagine the pieces in your wardrobe.
Social media handles:IG: @hinchology | FB: Hinchology | TikTok: hinchology
Why did you want to become a Newsday Brand Ambassador?I am excited to become a Newsday Ambassador to connect with other people who have a passion for fashion and want to make an impact in the world with kindness and leadership. Showing my community that Long Island is a great place to live, work and play. From the city to the Hamptons there is so much culture, diversity and adventures to share – fashionably of course!
What do you like to post on your social media accounts?Fun, inspiring posts and videos to spark creativity, kindness and style. Sometimes you will find me roping in my husband and teenage son to join in on the shenanigans.
What’s your favorite place/favorite thing to do on Long Island?A few of my favorite things to do on Long Island is go to the beach, explore historical landmarks and, of course, shopping. From Americana Manhasset to boutiques and thrift shops. Supporting locally owned businesses and boutiques while highlighting their uniqueness is one of my favorite things to do.
What’s something you haven’t done on Long Island yet that you can’t wait to do?A few places that I am looking forward to visiting are the Parrish Art Museum and the Pollock-Krasner House. I’m sure along the way that there will be some shopping.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?I do love a DIY moment! From tulle skirts to Sharpie markers on a Christmas tree topper, I love to be hands-on creative!
Lastly, a bacon, egg and cheese – on a bagel or roll?My bacon, egg and cheese will forever be on a sesame seed bagel, and don’t forget to add a slice of tomato with a little salt!
More about Nicole
Hey!
I’m Soledad Maurice-Bolden
Being an ambassador for Newsday would provide me the opportunity to become more involved in the community and participate and collaborate with individuals.
More about Soledad
Hey!
I’m Michele A. McDonald
Living your BEST life is not something that happens by chance.
Q&A
Hometown/Where you live now:Babylon
Occupation:TV host/TV producer/multimedia journalist/certified life coach at The Bohemian Beauty Queen, LLC., an award-winning inspirational lifestyle blog, service, brand and production company.
Social media handles:IG: @MicheleAMcDonald | @TheBohemianBeautyQueen
Why did you want to become a Newsday Brand Ambassador?It’s an incredible honor to share my Long Island experience with Newsday’s audience.
What do you like to post on your social media accounts?On @MicheleAMcDonald I tend to post personal stuff. I like to post about experiences I’ve shared with my friends and family, puppy posts of my dog, Sebastian, and posts about me performing stand-up comedy. On @TheBohemianBeautyQueen I post about the balance of coastal casual and glitz and glam of Long Island lifestyle. I also post about the shows The Bohemian Beauty Queen produces, events hosted, events attended and, of course, lifestyle tips.
How are you living your best life?Living your BEST life is not something that happens by chance. It’s the reward we receive by making the choice to choose happiness. I believe planning is the pathway of getting there and staying there. Accountability is key and a goal with a deadline is what turns a dream into reality.
What’s your favorite place/favorite thing to do on Long Island?I simply adore how Long Island is the perfect combination of beaches, vineyards and farms and how inviting each of these environments are to the community. One of my favorite things to do is ride my bike to the beach, or start my day with Yoga in the Vines at one of my favorite vineyards, Wolffer, and visit Mulford Farm in East Hampton. Mulford Farm is my favorite farm across all of Long Island and has been around since 1680. It’s considered one of America’s most significant English Colonial homesteads.
What’s something you haven’t done on Long Island yet that you can’t wait to do?I still haven’t experienced the Belmont Stakes or a sunset sail around Montauk. I haven’t stopped at each of the places designated on the Washington Spy Trail, yet, or even gone Long Island seal and whale watching. But they’re on the list!
What’s a fun fact about yourself?I had the pleasure and privilege of representing the women of Suffolk County in a state pageant before representing the women of New York at a national pageant.
Lastly, a bacon, egg and cheese – on a bagel or roll?Oh my gawd, seriously we’re on Long Island – our bagels are just better than bagels anywhere else. Our water has low levels of calcium and magnesium which makes it softer than other places, contributing to why our bagels are just better. There are places in Florida that import our water in an attempt to mimic. I will always choose a Long Island bagel, or a flagel if given the option.
More about Michele
Hey!
I’m Stacy Mandel Kaplan
Newsday has always been a staple in our home, since the days when my brother was a Newsday carrier … Being an ambassador allows me to continue that tradition …
More about Stacy
Hey!
I’m Laura Siddons
We try to take the kids to the beach at least once a week and enjoy the many things (and wine) Long Island has to offer.
Q&A
Occupation:Co-Founder of The Nesting Place and Doula
Hometown/Where you live now:Islip
Social media handles: Why did you want to become a Newsday Brand Ambassador?I am passionate about connecting people with resources.
What do you like to post on your social media accounts?Places I go and pictures of my kids :)
How are you living your best life on Long Island?We try to take the kids to the beach at least once a week and enjoy the many things (and wine) Long Island has to offer.
What’s your favorite place/favorite thing to do on Long Island?Without kids: Wineries on North Fork; With kids: Beach
What’s something you haven’t done on Long Island yet that you can’t wait to do?I haven’t been to Adventureland as an adult, yet!
What’s a fun fact about yourself?I went to the University of Hawaii for college.
Lastly, a bacon, egg and cheese – on a bagel or roll?Roll.
More about Laura