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List of 57 CEOs Endorsing Hillary Clinton for President

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From the campaign:
After a speech Wednesday outlining forward-looking vision for the economy

The following business leaders are announcing their support for Hillary Clinton for President today. These leaders believe that we are stronger together, and that Hillary is the best candidate to help build an economy that works for everyone.

Our campaign continues to hear from a wide range of business leaders like these from around the country who believe Hillary Clinton understands the complex world we live in and is proposing serious solutions. We expect to make additional announcements about the broad support for Hillary’s campaign for president as the campaign continues.

The following business leaders are endorsing Hillary Clinton today:
• Miki Agrawal, Founder and CEO of Thinx
• Dan Akerson, Former Chairman and CEO of General Motors
• Richard Anderson, Executive Chairman, Delta Air Lines, Inc.
• Stewart Bainum Jr., Chairman of Choice Hotels International
• James Bell, Former Interim CEO of Boeing; Former Corporate President and CFO of Boeing
• Marc Benioff, Chairman and CEO of Salesforce
• Nathan Blecharczyk, Co-Founder and CTO of Airbnb
• Jeff Brotman, Co-Founder and Chairman of Costco Wholesale Corporation
• Warren E. Buffett, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
• Robert Burt, Retired Chairman, CEO FMC Corporation; Former Chairman Business Roundtable
• Ron Busby, President and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers
• Brook Byers, Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
• Peter Chernin, CEO, The Chernin Group
• Brian Chesky, Co-Founder and CEO of Airbnb
• Jim Cicconi, Senior Executive Vice President, AT&T Services, Inc.
• David Crane, Former CEO of NRG Energy, Inc.
• Erroll Davis, Retired Chancellor, University System of Georgia
• Barry Diller, Chairman and Senior Executive of IAC and Expedia
• John Doerr, Partner at Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield, and Byers
• Margot Dorfman, President and CEO of U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce
• Candy Ergen, Co-Founder, DISH Network
• Joe Gebbia, Co-Founder and CPO of Airbnb
• Reed Hastings, Founder and CEO of Netflix
• Reid Hoffman, Partner at Greylock
• Drew Houston, Founder and CEO of Dropbox
• George Hume, President and CEO of Basic American Foods
• Irwin Jacobs, Founding Chairman and CEO Emeritus of Qualcomm
• Paul Jacobs, Executive Chairman, Qualcomm
• Leila Janah, Founder and CEO of Sama and Laxmi
• Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Chairman and CEO, Magic Johnson Enterprises
• Robert Johnson, Chairman, The RLJ Companies and Founder of Black Entertainment Television
• Andrea Jung, CEO of Grameen America, and Former CEO of Avon
• Lynn Jurich, CEO and Co-Founder of Sunrun
• David Karp, Founder and CEO of Tumblr
• Ellen Kullman, Former Chair and CEO of DuPont
• Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO of Black Entertainment Television
• Ted Leonsis, Founder and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment
• Aaron Levie, Co-Founder and CEO of Box
• Peter Lowy, CEO of Westfield
• Monica Lozano, Former Chairman and CEO, U.S. Hispanic Media
• Rob Marcus, Former Chairman and CEO Time Warner Cable Inc.
• William L. McComb, CEO (retired) of Liz Claiborne & Fifth and Pacific Companies, Inc.
• Rebecca Minkoff, Founder of Rebecca Minkoff
• Hamid R. Moghadam, Chairman and CEO of Prologis
• James J. Murren, Chairman and CEO, MGM Resorts International and Chairman, MGM Growth Properties
• Charles Phillips, CEO of Infor
• Mark Pincus, Co-Founder of Zynga
• Laura M. Ricketts, Co-Owner, Chicago Cubs
• Gary Rodkin, CEO (retired) of ConAgra Foods
• Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer of Facebook
• Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Alphabet
• Jim Sinegal, Co-Founder, Director and former CEO of Costco
• Jeremy Stoppelman, CEO and Co-Founder, Yelp
• Walter Ulloa, Chairman and CEO, Entravision Communications
• Corporation
• Wendell P. Weeks, Chairman of the Board, CEO and President, Corning Incorporated
• Anne Wojcicki, CEO and Co-Founder, 23andme
The individuals listed herein have endorsed in their personal capacity and this does not reflect the endorsement of any organization, corporation or entity to which they are affiliated. Titles and affiliations of each individual are provided for identification purposes only.

Here are comments from several of the individuals who are endorsing:

“Since my time at the Naval Academy and service in the Navy, I have consistently voted for Republicans for President. Serving as the leader of the free world requires effective leadership, sound judgment, a steady hand and most importantly, the temperament to deal with crises large and small. Donald Trump lacks each of these characteristics. Hillary Clinton has the experience and judgment to serve as an effective Commander in Chief. In this election, I will cast my ballot for Secretary Clinton.”
– Dan Akerson, Former Chairman and CEO of General Motors, Former CEO of Nextel, and Former Chairman and CEO of General Instrument. Mr. Akerson earlier served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy.

“Hillary Clinton has a proven track record of fighting for families and communities. She knows what it takes to create jobs. And she won’t endanger our future with risky policies.”
– Stewart Bainum Jr., Chairman of the Board of Choice Hotels International

“The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. was one of the first Black organizations to support Hillary Clinton in the early stages, when it was deemed too early to publicly endorse her campaign. We said then that we believe she is the best candidate with the best understanding of the economic challenges facing Black business owners and small business owners across the board. Her ability to address the lack of capital and contracts in the Black business community will help decrease unemployment issues in our community.

In order for there to be a strong America you must have a strong Black America and in order to have a strong Black America, you must have strong Black businesses and the USBC feels Secretary Clinton will work to ensure that we have strong Black businesses.”
– Ron Busby, President and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers

“I’ve supported every Republican Presidential candidate since 1976, and was honored to work for two of them. But this year I think it’s vital to put our country’s wellbeing ahead of party. Hillary Clinton is experienced, qualified, and will make a fine President. The alternative, I fear, would set our Nation on a very dark path.”
– Jim Cicconi, Senior Executive Vice President, AT&T Services, Inc.

“Hillary Clinton not only understands what we need to do here at home in order to succeed, but her service as Secretary of State has given her an important fluency in international politics and the global economy. Her ability to work with other democratic leaders stands in stark contrast to Donald Trump’s continued praise of authoritarian figures and support for dangerous and erratic policies. She has the temperament and experience to lead this country – and she is ready to be our next President.”
– Erroll Davis, Retired Chancellor, University System of Georgia

“I have seen first-hand the struggles of Americans who are working hard, providing valuable productivity and innovation but, due to an economic system that fails to reward all who contribute, are struggling to get ahead and support their families. America needs our next President to be a confident and experienced leader with the vision, temperament, capability and plan to unleash the economic power of American workers and small businesses to build an economy that works for and rewards everyone.

I personally support Hillary Clinton for President because she is not just a candidate who says she will help build an economy that works for everyone; she knows how to do it and has the leadership, vision, temperament and capability to get it done.”
– Margot Dorfman, President and CEO of U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce

“Trump would destroy much of what is great about America. Hillary Clinton is the strong leader we need, and it’s important that Trump lose by a landslide to reject what he stands for.”
– Reed Hastings, CEO and Co-Founder of Netflix

“Amongst the key qualities of any serious candidate for President of the United States is a keen understanding of the global economy, and the ideas and will to implement policies at home that improve the livelihood of all Americans. As an experienced entrepreneur and business person, I can say that Hillary is the candidate who best ensures the future of American prosperity.”
– Reid Hoffman, Partner at Greylock

“Hillary Clinton can effectively run every aspect of the position as President and Commander in Chief of the United States. Her decisiveness, pragmatism and calm demeanor stand in absolute contrast to Trump. Throughout her career, Hillary Clinton has demonstrated her commitment to America and will continue to advance this country and implement effective policies to grow the economy.”
-Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises

“As an African American businessman, I am convinced that my longtime friend Hillary Clinton will ensure through both government policy and the bully pulpit of her Presidency that African Americans, both entrepreneurs and working class minorities, have a significant role to play in benefitting through jobs and access to capital in growing the U.S. economy. Her reputation and experience speaks for itself and she is totally committed to the belief that the U.S. economy works best when the diversity of Americans join in to work for the best in America.”
– Robert L. Johnson, Chairman, The RLJ Companies and Founder of Black Entertainment Television

“Hillary Clinton is the most eminently qualified candidate to be the next President of our country. She has been a tireless advocate for working families, and has outlined effective policies to raise incomes, expand opportunity and strengthen our economy.”
-Andrea Jung, CEO of Grameen America and Former CEO of Avon

“I’m proud to support Hillary Clinton for President. Hillary’s commitment to clean energy is critical in solving today’s climate challenge. Our infrastructure is aging and Hillary understands that now is the time to build a modern energy infrastructure and create jobs with clean, affordable solar at the home.”
– Lynn Jurich, CEO and Co-Founder of Sunrun

“The decision we make in this election will impact America’s economic competitiveness for decades to come. I’ll be voting for Hillary this fall, because America needs a leader who will foster an economy built on innovation, diversity, intelligent immigration policy, and a progressive way of thinking.”
– Aaron Levie, Co-Founder and CEO, Box.

“As an immigrant from post-revolutionary Iran in the late 1970s, I have experienced first hand the opportunities that America offers its citizens. Our country is about tolerance and inclusion and that’s why, as a lifelong Republican supporter, I endorse Hillary Clinton for President in this election.”
– Hamid R. Moghadam, Chairman and CEO of Prologis

“Donald Trump has failed to put forth concrete and realistic policies to help the American people and grow the economy. Our President must care about the success of the country as a whole – not just himself. Hillary Clinton has a proven record of fighting for the American people, dating back to the beginning of her career at the Children’s Defense Fund. The American people need an advocate, not an opportunist.”
– Mark Pincus, Co-Founder of Zynga

“I have worked with Secretary Clinton for two decades, and she is uniquely qualified to be President. She has the experience, the insight, the policies and the strength to lead our great country.”
– Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Alphabet

“This election is much too important to sit on the sidelines.”
– Jim Sinegal, Co-Founder, Director and Former CEO of Costco

“Hillary is a strong, experienced leader who will move America forward. She understands businesses such as Entravision, which employs over a thousand people and serves communities across the country. As President, she will grow our economy, create jobs and strengthen our country.”
– Walter F. Ulloa, Chairman and CEO, Entravision Communications Corporation

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Interfaith Visitors Join UWMS in Breaking Ramadan Fast

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ramadan.everyone

Thornwood, June 21–Members of the Upper Westchester Muslim Society warmly embraced a group of visitors from area houses of worship who joined UWMS members to honor their prayers and traditions revolving around the breaking of the near 18-hour, dawn-to-dusk fast of Ramadan.

Joining dozens of UWMS members were clergy and congregants from Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, the First Congregational Church of Chappaqua, Briarcliff Church, among others. They participated in or observed the UWMS service and later together with UWMS members enjoyed a buffet including traditional fare such as pasta bechemel and fereek with chicken, followed by mouthwatering cheese and raisin baklavahs, and trays of dried and fresh fruit.

“Ramadan Mubarak means ‘to have a blessed Ramadan'” explained Samsiah Abdul-Majid, a member of the all volunteer-run society; Abdul-Majid also serves as a Chaplain at Westchester Medical Center. “It’s how we express our best wishes for people observing Ramadan and share with others around us. It is also a month to enhance our closeness to God, increase the relationship in good neighborliness. We are honored that kind of relationship has been built through the years with the community of Westchester.” — Grace Bennett
ramadan.ladiesramadan.desserts

#WithHer For Hillary Clinton: Passionate Hometown Support

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Key Chappaqua supporters explain why they’re #WithHer and working hard to help elect Hillary Clinton first woman POTUS.

By Stacey Pfeffer

It’s been a momentous few weeks here in the hamlet of New Castle. At the annual Chappaqua Memorial Day Parade, Hillary Rodham Clinton marched and waved to residents–many of whom were hoping to see her become the official Democratic presidential nominee in early June. Then just over a week later, a bus full of residents were thrilled to travel to the Booklyn Navy Yard to lend their support and bask in the history of her officially clinching the Democratic nomination; a group of New Castle supporters celebrated at Mario’s Restaurant on lower King Street.

Now that Clinton is the official Democratic candidate, the Inside Press had the opportunity to interview key supporters who have been staying near and dear to her campaign and/or working constructively on “Get Out the Vote,” referred to commonly as GOTV. We heard firsthand their reflections on what it means to have one of our most famous neighbors as the potential next President.

Dawn Evans Greenberg, a 17-year resident of Chappaqua, and founder of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival and Chappaqua Cares, moved into the neighborhood the same year as the Clintons. She is now the President of Chappaqua Friends of Hill (CFOH), a group that includes more than 400 members with 50 actively working on getting out the vote. “I always knew she would be the nominee. I am even more devoted to her than I was in the past. Her positions mirror my positions and I’ve gotten to know her a little better and see the heart behind her policies. I’m thrilled.”

“Chappaqua is always a magical place and honestly the fact that the former President is here and Hillary–I have to pinch myself everyday. The fact that we live a mile away and that we see her downtown and she knows who we are just amazes me,” exclaimed Greenberg who has spearheaded events around town celebrating milestones in the campaign. There have been regular meetings at Le Jadin du roi and at Chappaqua Station to plan and “primary watch” parties at Mario’s on lower King Street. “On August 6th, one week after the Democratic Convention, the CFOH will host a town wide event to celebrate the nomination of Secretary Clinton. It will be a family celebration with games, music and bbq, celebrating the first woman nominee of a major party and our hometown girl.”

Hillary Clinton stepped off the parade route this year to take a few moments to say hello and express her appreciation to the Chappaqua Friends of Hill grassroots group.
Hillary Clinton stepped off the parade route this year to take a few moments to say hello and express her appreciation to the Chappaqua Friends of Hill grassroots group.
Chappaqua Friends of Hill Founder Dawn Evans Greenberg says "the future of her boys--and all children
Chappaqua Friends of Hill Founder Dawn Evans Greenberg says “the future of her boys–and all children” is her biggest motivator for supporting Secretary Clinton.” Jackson is a 7th grader at Bell and Ben is a 4th grader at Roaring Brook.

Beth Sauerhaft moved back to town nine years ago after growing up here. She has never been part of a political campaign before but is now a member of the Chappaqua Friends of Hill. ”When someone comes from your community, you feel like they understand you and it’s a touchpoint. This isn’t just Joe or Jane from somewhere else in the country. It is someone who has put down some roots here and that is one of the reasons that has really compelled me to get involved.”

Another resident who has been actively supporting Hillary is Ann Styles Brochstein who along with New Castle resident Cynthia Metcalf founded what they called until recently Hillary NOW, a social media group active on Facebook with members from all over the country. After Hillary Clinton clinched the nomination, they changed the name to: Chappaqua & the U.S. 4 Hillary NOW. The group scours news stories about Hillary but also offers a distinctly Chappaqua perspective on her. “We see something that the rest of the country unfortunately doesn’t get to see. We see a member of our community and somebody who is warm and engages with us. We really want to convey the warmth and the human personal side of her.” Brochstein, who holds an MBA and worked in the world of finance for many years, truly believes that “she is hands down the most qualified person we’ve had running for office in a long time. The culmination and accumulation of her personal and life experiences has made her a natural candidate.” To that end, the group expresses pride that it posts press releases daily from the campaign and have steadily grown their Twitter presence to 2800 followers. “Cynthia Metcalf and I make an effort to post original tweets/opinions in addition to re-tweeting posts we find interesting.”

Ann Styles Brochstein who together with Cynthia Metcalf started the Facebook/Twitter accounts for the new Chappaqua & the U.S. for Hillary NOW. Here with Hillary Clinton on the morning of the NY Democratic primary.
Ann Styles Brochstein who together with Cynthia Metcalf started the Facebook/Twitter accounts for the new Chappaqua & the U.S. for Hillary NOW. Here with Hillary Clinton on the morning of the NY Democratic primary.

These key supporters around town have non gratis extended their considerable professional skills and connections to support her candidacy. The passionate support is, in fact, a labor of love and commitment to her campaign–and includes those who work full time at their own jobs or businesses.

That is true for Dawn Dankner Rosen, owner of a marketing and public relations firm in town and president of the local Chappaqua Millwood Chamber of Commerce. She told the Inside Press she has “conducted media blitzes” to gain coverage of her at events here; “I’m not sure there’s ever been a candidate more qualified…her positions on LGBT rights, gun control, women, abortion, health care and her overall approach to dealing with foreign and domestic issues align with my own and have sealed the deal for me,” Rosen stated. Also a member of Chappaqua Friends of Hill, Rosen stated she is “exhilarated, motivated, inspired and excited to be a part of this historic “Hillary movement”–for women, children, our country and the entire world as we now know it to be, and hope that it will become!”

Dawn Dankner Rosen with Hillary Clinton
Dawn Dankner Rosen with Hillary Clinton

Fundraising for Hillary in her backyard is also a critical activity for supporters around town. Tracy Stein held a major fundraiser in April under a tent inside her home where Hillary had a chance to speak directly with many hometown supporters and mingle with some before and after. “My husband Marco Masotti and I have been involved because we view it as our civic duty and want our children to know that you must be part of the political process to make a better world,” Stein told the Inside Press. “But we’re especially excited about the promise of Hillary Clinton. In addition to being part of this incredible moment in history with the first woman candidate, Secretary Clinton is an excellent candidate, especially compared to her very dangerous competition.”

Tracy Stein (to the right of Hillary Clinton) and her family during an April fundraiser inside her home.
Tracy Stein (to the right of Hillary Clinton) and her family during an April fundraiser inside her home.

And it’s not all local moms (or dads) rallying behind her. Justin Thaler, who was born and bred in New Castle will be entering his sophomore year at Roger Williams University; he is a member of Chappaqua Friends of Hill and weighs in regularly at the Chappaqua & US 4 Hillary NOW page too. As a millennial, Thaler acknowledges that it can be hard to be a Hillary supporter “with so many people in school that are [Bernie] Sanders supporters. Having to get into conversations with others whether defending her on key issues [whether it be women’s rights or LGBT rights], I know her record and I know what she means to me. Being her neighbor has really made me understand more of her as a candidate and really admire her as a person.”

Historical Perspective
Gray Williams, the town historian and a trustee of the New Castle Historical Society noted that we have had two residents that have run for President. “Horace Greeley ran in 1872 for President and was decidedly beaten by Grant and I hope that doesn’t set a precedent [for Clinton].“ Although Greeley had a summertime residence here, Mr. Williams notes that “the Clintons have definitely made this their community. This is where they vote. This is where they are on the Census. Hillary has been marching for many years in the annual Memorial Day parade and is very faithful about that. When she was in her official capacity as a Senator she would come in and swear in our local representatives such as the Town Judge and did it for several years. She went out of her way to do that. She and Bill definitely create good vibes in the community.”

While most interviewees supported Clinton, there are of course dissenting opinions around town. Michael Levine, a registered Republican and Millwood resident questioned her veracity and said “I actually voted for Bill Clinton once because I think he is a more genuine person. I can’t believe anything Hillary says. Anything she does is for her best and not for the benefit of the country.” When prodded about what advice Greeley known as “Old Honesty” would have given Clinton, Mr. Williams suggested “Be honest and straightforward as possible.”

Those who support Hillary don’t try to ‘change the minds’ of those clearly not in her camp but will convey their passion and best talking points of the campaign to persuade the undecideds or, as is the case with CFOH, work hard to make sure voters who do say they support Hillary arrive at the polls–and vote. Indeed, the CFOH group has reached out well past Chappaqua borders to help with GOTV, Greenberg explains. The CFOH did extensive phoning into Connecticut, Kentucky, West Virginia, Wisconsin, New Jersey and California. Members also traveled to Connecticut to canvass, said Greenberg, plus sent four teams to Essex County, NJ over the last weekend before the vote. “Our biggest task was running the Yonkers, Mt. Vernon and Peekskill campaign offices leading up to the NY Primary,” she said. “Two dozen of us put in 12-hour days and had a fantastic time doing it. We’ll be doing Westchester GOTV efforts in the fall for the general election, as well as traveling to swing states. Also, 14 of us are headed to the Philadelphia Convention in late July!”

While the GOTV efforts are critically important to the campaign, no matter how a particular Chappaquan goes about helping Hillary Clinton, there’s universal agreement that the former first Lady, two time Senator and Secretary of State, and now presumptive Democratic nominee for the President of the United States, continues to trail blaze.

Brochstein who has lived here since 1992 recalls that a lot of residents didn’t know what to expect initially of the Clintons when they first moved here. “They [the Clintons] weren’t native New Yorkers and over time they have really become part of the fabric of the community and very beloved. Here not only will we have a sitting President but we will have the first woman President and for so many reasons and in so many ways, it’s historic and really exciting.”

Stacey Pfeffer lives in Chappaqua with her three young children and husband. As a second generation American and daughter of a Vietnam veteran, she has never missed an opportunity to vote and can usually be seen voting with at least one of her children in tow. (Additional reporting by Grace Bennett, Publisher and Editor, Inside Press)

During this year's Memorial Day parade: Governor Andrew Cuomo and Secretary Clinton are tickled by Assemblyman David Buchwald's baby. Photo by Grace Bennett
During this year’s Memorial Day parade: Governor Andrew Cuomo and Secretary Clinton are tickled by Assemblyman David Buchwald’s baby. Photo by Grace Bennett

Love Triumphs at Chappaqua Vigil for Orlando Victims

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Story and Photos by Grace Bennett



Chappaqua, June 13–On the steps and floor of the South Greeley Avenue gazebo or on the soft field of grass, and under a gradually darkening sky, Chappaqua residents stood together either silent or in song during a vigil to honor the victims and their loved ones in Orlando–and to hear and be comforted by the words of area clergy and public officials, and also to begin the hard work of making sense of Saturday night’s horrific massacre.

Chappaqua Vigil for Orlando Photo by Grace Bennett/Inside Press
Chappaqua Vigil for Orlando Photo by Grace Bennett/Inside Press

The crowd was led in singing Ya’aseh Shalom (a prayer for peace) by Star Trompeter, the Cantor of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, and Amazing Grace, led by Dr. Martha Jacobs of the First Congregational Church.

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester opened the ceremony noting “already stories of courage and faith abound from the victims and survivors,” and that “in such moments we have the opportunity to bring godliness into the world.” He thanked Dawn Evans Greenberg and New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein and his fellow clergy for making the event possible. “Let’s support one another through our grief and heartache while committing ourselves to the hard work of making a more peaceful world a reality.”orlando.jaffeeGroupBest

Supervisor Greenstein reminded that “more love and less hate stands for a better tomorrow…
“Love serves as both our shield to protect us and our sword to fight hatred and violence and intolerance.”orlando.ROBBestGroup

Dr. Jacobs spoke of the critical need for unconditional love in all our lives and to not allow hatred to poison our outlook or our souls. She asked that everyone reach out and support members of the LGBT community, as well.

“No one is spared from grief and sorrow in our world; it’s the price we pay because we love, we all have grief and we all have sorrow. For those who decide to kill each other and cause such sorrow, I truly have a hard time believing that they have experienced love, absolute love, unconditional love. Because once we experience love, it is something that draws us back again and again to be with people in our lives….”orlando.MarthaGroup

“The best we can do is share the love with all those with whom we come into the contact. I pray in the aftermath of this horror we can find ways to support and honor our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer friends and neighbors while also being mindful of the cost that gun violence brings to many communities every day…Even while we may disagree I call on us to be more mindful of those directly affected by gun violence–not only in Orlando but across the country…
“Jesus tells us to love our enemies, but that does not mean that we are to be silent in the face of such a horrific act of killing people in the so called name of someone’s God.”

Dr. Jacobs reminded that while we may be angry, “hate will not stop the cycle of violence, not in this country, not anywhere in our world.”
And she recalled the words of Martin Luther King:
“Returning violence for violence multiplies violence adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.”
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”
“Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
“Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it.”
“Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it.”
“Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.”

Khusro Elley of the Upper Westchester Muslim Society offered poignant words affirming Muslim beliefs: “As Muslims, we can and do condemn in strongest possible terms the killing of innocent people in Orlando. It appears the only crime in the eyes of the killer was the sexual orientation of the victims. We should urge our lawmakers for the harshest measures for hate crimes and take whatever measures are available to prevent such dastardly acts…

“Believe me that fact that the killer professed to be of the Muslim faith makes each and every muslim feel the pain even more than otherwise. We feel the pain as Americans, parents, brothers, sisters and wives and husbands and we feel the pain as Muslims…
Orlando.muslim woman
“I am proud to stand in solidarity with all other faiths and all other the people in Chappaqua to mourn the untimely deaths of all the victims in Florida, many of them still in the prime of their life. May God grant us the courage to overcome this loss.”orlando.Aneese Shaikha

A representative for Congresswoman Nita Lowey reminded that the gun purchase by the terrorist perpetrator was legal. “He was a citizen much as any of us here.” She said that Lowey firmly believes and will fight for a ban on such weaponry. “We have to try. For every person who says it won’t stop anything, if it stops one person from doing something this awful, she (Lowey) says yes, let’s try.”orlando.lowey rep

The final speaker was Chappaqua’s Sheryl Goldberg Manassee, a member of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. Dressed in an orange tee, Manassee read from an essay written by an openly gay young woman whose identity she did share at the event, but Sheryl and the young lady’s family have since asked The Inside Press for her anonymity. She wrote that she had attended and “had a great time” at the Los Angeles Gay Pride Festival the night before learning of the massacre and of how her sense of safety has been shattered. She pointedly reminds that you don’t need to be gay to feel unsafe, either.
orlando.sherylBEST

“This is what it feels like for her…,” began Manassee.

“…Last night I kissed my girlfriend in public in a simple act of love and protest that straight people participate in without thought or fear. Last night I was not afraid and allowed myself to believe that love triumphs hate. This morning something changed. I guess a part of me always knew that I was truly not safe anywhere. Just like a part of you knows that you are not safe anymore. And neither are your sons, daughters and sisters, whether they are straight, whether they are gay, or whether they are black or whether they are white.

“You feel safe in school, until massacres, at Virginia Tech, and USCB, and Columbine and Sandy Hook and Columbine show you that you are not safe even in school. You feel safe in a movie theater until the deaths of those who dare to watch a Batman film in Aurora show at you are not safe in a movie theater. You feel safe at your place of employment until those who went to work in San Bernardino one day never came home. You feel safe in a church, protected by God himself until a racist unleashes and shows you that you are not safe in church…

And speaking metaphorically to the terrorist, she asked: “Did you think of these people as individuals? Did you check to see that your friends were not one?”

Manassee reached out to those in attendance. She handed out 50 pennies to place down in a location in remembrance. “50 people. Take 50 pennies. Line them up and think of each as a life that was taken last night. Each one is my brother and my sister and each one of them is targeted. 50 people whose friends and families will never be the same. 50 people who left their dogs at home, their mothers or lovers, who said, I’ll be right back…” Single stem pink roses donated by Whispering Pines of Chappaqua were also placed to honor the victims.
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Harvey School to Host Program on Artist Mary Cassatt

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The Harvey School Walker Center for the Arts Presents
“Looking for Mary Cassatt”
A Lecture/PowerPoint presentation by Prof. Susan Courtney

Playwright Susan Courtney will make a presentation called “Looking for Mary Cassatt” June 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lasdon Theater of the Walker Center for the Arts at The Harvey School.

Little Girl in a Blue Armchair Artist: Mary Cassatt
Little Girl in a Blue Armchair Artist: Mary Cassatt

The author will speak about the American Impressionist’s struggles to balance family obligations with career goals in France in the 1800s as well as share her own journey in researching Cassatt’s life for her two-act play, ”Girl in Blue Armchair.” Courtney will display images of Cassatt’s work as well as those of her contemporaries, her residences in France and the present-day Cassatt family in Maine.

Tickets are $12, $10 for seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the door or on online at www.harveyschool.org

The Harvey School is located at 260 Jay Street (Rt. 22) in Katonah. Call (914) 232-3161, ext. 161 for more information.

Susan Courtney is a professor of theatre at Westchester Community College. With an MA in Educational Theatre from NYU, she currently teaches acting classes at WCC, New Castle Community Center and Clinton Street Center as well as the Harvey Cavalier Camp. She is a member of Sag-AFTRA, Actors Equity and the Dramatists Guild.

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Looking for Mary Cassatt flyer

As a member of the Actors Studio Playwright/Directors Workshop in NYC, Courtney developed her two-act play about Mary Cassatt. Through a grant from NYFA, Courtney’s play was produced at the Lasdon Theater in Harvey’s Walker Center for the Arts in 2011.