Petition Update: Standing United for Ferris World Ball

The next White Plains Common Council meeting is on September 2, 2025. Please mark your calendars and be present. All information about city boards and commissions can be found here: White Plains Boards & Commissions.

We hope to see everyone at the September 2nd, White Plains Common Council Meeting.  Beyond sharing the upcoming meeting date, this message is to thank each and every petition signer, for standing in unity for Ferris World Ball.  The Ferris World Ball organization was humbled by the outcrying of support, and the beautiful messages conveyed, by so many.  Writing the petition was natural for me.  Ferris World Ball is the backbone of the Ferris Avenue Community.  Ferris Avenue has become a place I feel at home, and amongst family.  Nowhere else in White Plains, will you see the familial connection, beyond blood, race, or even national origin, that you see each and every day on Ferris Avenue.  Ferris Avenue is one of a kind. And to understand politics, is to understand the cancelation of the tournament, is BIGGER THAN BASKETBALL. 

The call to action was amazing to be a part of, and the quickness with which our community reacted was remarkable. It is reminiscent of when the generations before us stood together against injustices, and won some very tough battles together hand in hand.  Unfortunately, the fight against injustices will forever remain.  It is up to us, how we stand strong. 

It hasn't been said outright, however, based on the promptness, the lack of following procedure or policy, and narrative told to the media by the city, the cancelation of the tournament is centered in redevelopment, and people with a vested interest in Ferris Avenue, as real estate.  As you see these tall residential buildings being built throughout White Plains, you may notice, the buildings are being built closer and closer to Ferris.  The corner of Ferris Avenue, closest to the train station is gated off.  When the buildings on Cottage Avenue (the old mall), are finished, guess where they are building next. The corner of Ferris Avenue... As has been said...THIS IS BIGGER THAN BASKETBALL. 

In order to preserve institutions, older than some of us have been alive, and continue to build what doesn't yet exist, it will take something that has never been before.   

The fight for Ferris World Ball, reminded me of something magnificent—that when we stand together, we are a force to be reckoned with. 

We as the younger generations, are missing what our elders once had: an organization focused on betterment, and empowerment, a space to gather, a connected group rooted in collaborative strength and success, and an organization focused on 21st-century innovation.

The way Ferris World Ball was handled shows how little respect is given to vested institutions in our community. It shows how some believe they can do as they wish, when they wish, without accountability.

That’s why we must remain a united front. We cannot only come together for celebrations, homegoings, and events—we must also come together to build stronger networks, thriving businesses, and opportunities for our youth. From the basketball court to the boardroom, we hold the power to change the game.

But this is bigger than one meeting. Something monumental has been born from this moment—a movement, a calling, something our generation has been missing. A group focused on innovation, connection, unity, prosperity, and generational wealth.

That movement is The Collective. And from it comes The Collective 101 Business Directory—a space where we can share our businesses, support one another, and circulate resources within our own community.

We are strength in numbers. Together, we are unstoppable. And together, we will change the entire game.

Let’s show up. Let’s show out. Let’s move forward—united

I hope to see everyone on September 2nd at the White Plains Common Council Meeting.

Click The Collective For More Information Or Visit www.collectiveny.info