'Boots on the Ground' event in Yonkers encourages women to become more involved in the political process
"Boots on the Ground" is, in part, about community-focused initiatives that include political activism, voter registration and education.
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The annual "Boots on the ground," Summer Soiree returned to Yonkers Sunday evening. The Westchester Black Women's Political Caucus sponsors the event that aims to increase political awareness and increase voter registration throughout the communities.
For those who attended this year's event, the theme was not about making a fashion statement.
"What that means is, we have got to make sure that we're registered to vote, make sure that we get out to vote, tell our friends and family to vote. We have got to make sure that we're on top of the issues and that we're not fooled," said Yonkers Black Women's Political Caucus Founding President Cheryl Brannon.
"Boots on the Ground" is, in part, about community-focused initiatives that include political activism, voter registration and education.
It's a "no holds barred" approach to using the collective power of women to make a difference on the political front.
"We're going to hit the streets, we're going to knock doors, and we have to be willing to knock doors, not just in New York, but get on buses and get on planes and go other places and make sure that our brothers and sisters around the country are educated," said Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard.
With table centerpieces that displayed photographs of Black female political leaders, both past and present, there is a strong sense of comradery.
Arthur Melendez, of Yonkers, agreed.
"It's about community, it's about coming together. I know with this Yonkers chapter, they're trying to bridge the gap with the older generation to the younger generation. Get them engaged with voting and just what's going on in the community," he said.
