Black History Month is a profound opportunity to honor the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of the Black community throughout history. For me, as President and CEO of the Urban League of Westchester County (ULWC), this month is both a celebration and a call to action—a reminder of how far we’ve come and the urgent work that remains.

Black History Month is a deeply reflective time for me. It brings to mind the stories of individuals who courageously fought for freedom, justice, and dignity—not as distant historical figures, but as people whose sacrifices directly paved the way for the opportunities we have today. I think of the trailblazers in Westchester County and the work ULWC continues in their honor. This month reignites my commitment to ensuring our work creates meaningful pathways for our community’s future leaders, thinkers, and change-makers.

One of the most pressing challenges facing the Black community is the persistent health disparities rooted in systemic inequities. Limited access to quality healthcare, housing instability, food insecurity, and economic inequity disproportionately affect our communities. At ULWC, we combat these issues by providing harm reduction services, workforce development programs, and educational outreach to empower individuals and families. We know that addressing social determinants of health is critical to achieving true equity. At the Urban League of Westchester County, our mission is rooted in three guiding pillars: Defend Democracy, Demand Diversity, and Defeat Poverty. These pillars are embedded in every initiative we undertake:

• Defend Democracy ensures civic engagement and protects the rights of every individual to participate in the democratic process.
• Demand Diversity promotes equity and inclusion across all sectors to create opportunities for everyone.
• Defeat Poverty tackles economic disparities through education, workforce development, and access to essential resources.

Fidelis Care and the Urban League of Westchester understand the importance of collaboration in addressing challenges faced by our communities. While still growing, this partnership has allowed us to explore ways to expand access to resources and support initiatives that benefit our community’s most vulnerable. We value Fidelis Care’s commitment to health equity and look forward to building on our shared goals.

As we reflect on the meaning of Black History Month, let us also look forward. This is not just a time for commemoration but for recommitment—to ensuring equity in health, education, and economic opportunities. At ULWC, we remain steadfast in our dedication to building a future where justice, opportunity, and hope are accessible to all.

We invite you to join us in this mission. Your involvement can make a real difference, whether through volunteering, supporting our programs, or partnering with us to expand our reach. Together, we can continue breaking down barriers, empowering individuals, and inspiring meaningful change.

Sorraya Sampson serves as the President and CEO of the Urban League of Westchester County, leading efforts to advance equity and opportunity for individuals and families across the county. With a steadfast commitment to community empowerment, Sorraya has strengthened initiatives in workforce development, harm reduction, and education, including the only Syringe Exchange Program in Westchester. Under her leadership, the Urban League continues its mission of Defend Democracy, Demand Diversity, and Defeat Poverty, impacting countless lives through innovative programs and advocacy. Her leadership bridges advocacy and action, empowering individuals and fostering a future where equity is a tangible reality. A passionate advocate for giving back, Sorraya draws fulfillment from fostering resilience and transformation within the communities she serves.