CHALLENGER
SERVING BUFFALO, ROCHESTER, NIAGARA FALLS AND SURROUNDING AREAS
APRIL 27, 2016 • F R E E thechallengernews.com
Profile of Community Candidates PG. 3
ENTERTAINMENT
WE ENDORSE THE CHILDREN! On Tuesday, May 3, Go To the polls and show your love and support for the children, by voting for the Community Candidate of Your Choice! NATIONAL
INSIDE ROCHESTER
Attorney:
Buffalo’s Oscar Alston Remembers Prince PG. 9
$6 million Tamir Rice settlement is ‘nothing to celebrate’ PG. 4
Mayor’s Summer Youth Application Deadline This Weekend! PG. 3
Deltas Name 2016 Keeper of PG. 3 the Flame Awardees
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Challenger Community News • April 27, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com
A home equity loan as low as 3.49% APR*? We’re listening.
Around Town 2016 Election and the Black Lives Matter Movement May 4, 2016 at 6:00 pm The Rochester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta will host a talk back/discussion on the 2016 Election and the Black Lives Matter Movement. Baobab Cultural Center, 728 University Avenue, .Rochester, NY • 585-563-2145
Pastor Tucker
Second Baptist Church Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Sean E. Tucker
At Five Star Bank, our Home Equity Loans are made for you—with great low rates, clear answers to your questions, and fast decisions on your loan’s approval status. And to celebrate the opening of our 51st branch in Brighton, we’re offering rates as low as 3.49%*. Visit any local branch or apply online at
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Visit your local branch, call (866) 661-7946, or visit website. *Rate is effective 2/29/2016. Rate is shown for a loan-to-value ratio of 90% or less, in a first lien position, with various terms available and a .25% discount for an automatic monthly payment from a Five Star Bank account. Other rates are available for loans in a second lien position, with a loan-to-value ratio up to 90%. Other Fixed Rate No Closing Cost Mortgage products are also available for home purchase and refinance. Property and
flood insurance, if applicable, are required. Interest may be tax deductible – consult a tax advisor. Prepayment penalty may apply. Current Five Star Bank Mortgages or Home Equity Loans do not qualify unless the loan balance is increased by a minimum of $20,000. All loans are subject to application and credit approval. Member This is a limited time offer and is FDIC subject to change without notice.
The Historic Second Baptist Church of Mumford, N.Y. will celebrate the Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Sean E. Tucker on May 1 at the church, 957 George Street, Mumford. The 11 a.m. service will feature guest speaker Rev. Dr. Marvin A. McMickle, President of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. A 4 p.m. Gospel concert featuring Mikheala la Shawn will follow .
Patricia Rector-Holloman and Yahoda Miller
Deltas to Present 2016 Keeper of the Flame Award to Two Outstanding Citizens Two Rochester residents have been selected as recipients of the 2016 Keeper of the Flame Award given by the Rochester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a public service organization, in recognition of their community service. Patricia Rector-Holloman, nurse coordinator of the Rochester City School District's Nurse Assistant Program, and Yahoda Miller, youth educator and garden manager with the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, will receive the award during the 15th Annual Jazz Brunch hosted by the chapter in affiliation with the Delta Research and Education Foundation on Sunday, May 1 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Rochester. The Rochester Alumnae Chapter presents the Keeper of the Flame Award annually in recognition of those individuals or institutions that Patricia Rectorcontinue to keep alive a tradition of contribu- Holloman tions from our African heritage while fulfilling the highest standards of integrity and excellence in presentation and performance. Patricia Rector-Holloman is active in the community not only as nurse but as a health educator and healthy life-style advocate. Her involvement has included establishing a neighborhood walking program, conducting a series of diabetes prevention workshops and developing, in partnership with the University of Rochester School of Nursing, a health literacy education program for nurse assistant students and the faith-based community. . A 2014 graduate of Wilson Magnet High School, Yahoda Miller has worked with adults and school-age young people in a variety of ways. They include teaching students, especially elementary children how to resolve conflicts through nonviolent solutions, conducting gardening and healthy food workshop for senior citizens and working with some of his students and the Rochester Institute of Technology to design a special greenhouse that will provide food productions year around. Net proceeds from the Delta Jazz Brunch support the Rochester Alumnae Chapter's Maude Orman Scholarship Fund and local community service projects. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. A major focus of the Rochester Alumnae Chapter's programming initiatives is helping women in the Rochester community, especially single women with children. If you would like to purchase tickets to the jazz brunch (no tickets sold at the door) or want to know more about the Rochester Alumnae Chapter, its scholarship fund and programs or Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., please visit the chapter's web page at: www.racdeltasigmatheta.org.
City of Rochester Public Market Food Truck Rodeos Begins
The City of Rochester Public Market will host its first Food Truck Rodeo of the 2016 season from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27. Food Truck Rodeos are held from 5 to 9 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month, through October at the Market, 280 N. Union St. This year, two additional Rodeos will be offered from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, July 13 and August 31. The full Food Truck Rodeo and band line-up is as follows: • April 27: Dirty Bourbon Blues Band; • May 25: Fat City Band; • June 29: Amy Montrois Trio; • July 13: The Ayers Brothers; • July 27: Out of the Blue; • August 17: Earthtones; • August 31: MoChester; • September 28: The Tommy Brunett Band; • October 26: Johnny Bauer Band. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs, as seating is very limited on Market grounds. For more information, call 311 (428-5990 from outside city limits), or visit www.cityofrochester.gov/foodtruckrodeo.
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Challenger Community News • April 27, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com
AREA BRIEFS Celebrating Historic Jefferson Avenue! Ellicott District Council Member Darius G. Pridgen has announced that “Celebrating Historic Jefferson Avenue” will be the topic of the Ellicott District Meeting on Tuesday, May 10 at 5 p.m. at the Merriweathjer Jr. Library. The City of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning, and the City of Buffalo Public Works have been invited.
Fire Victim 8-Year-Old Treasure Loses Her Brave Young Fight for Life Treasure Brighon, the eight-year-old girl who was severely injured in when her family’s Humber Avenue home caught fire on February 19, has passed away, according to the Hamilton County Coroner in Ohio. Brighon was being treated at the Shriner’s Hospital in Cincinnati for severe burns. Two men were killed in the fire; 24-yearold Demetrius Johnson, who was like a father to her, died while trying to save the family, and 49-year-old Juan Montanez who lived in the upstairs apartment. Fire investigators say the fire was caused by an electrical problem behind the stove on the first floor. The fire spread up to the second floor and then the attic. To help with Treasure’s burial expenses donations can be made at First Niagara branches.
Deadline for Mayor ‘Summer Youth Job ApplicationsThis Weekend The deadline for to applyfor the Mayor’s 2016 Summer Youth Employment and Internship Program is this Friday, April 29. The program will provide six weeks of employment and work-readiness training to youth in the city of Buffalo during the summer months. Participating city youth, between the ages of 14-21, will be employed for 6 weeks during the summer months, from July 5th through August 12th. . They will earn $9 per hour. Each participant will be screened, assessed and receive job readiness, life skills and financial literacy training. The City of Buffalo’s Division for Youth will provide youth counselors who will serve as monitors and provide program support for everyone participating in the program. College Students are encouraged to apply. Those interested in applying for Summer Jobs can download an application at http://www.city-buffalo.com or pick one up at Buffalo City Hall, Room 1701. Mayor Brown’s Summer Youth Applications must be returned by Friday, April 29, 2016. To be eligible for this program you must be a City of Buffalo resident between the ages of 14 and 21. In order to determine your eligibility for the Mayor’s Summer Youth Internship Program, the following items must be documented and returned with your completed application: •Working Papers for all youth under age 18 •Ages 14-15 (Blue Card) •Ages 16-17 (Green Card) •Birth Certificate •Proof of Buffalo Residency (Utility Bills, Lease Agreement) •Family Income •Social Security Card •Attending School (Most recent School Report Card or Transcript) If you have any questions regarding the application, please contact us at (716) 851-5887 or 851-4001. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
COMMUNITY CANDIDATES: (L-R) Harris-Tigg, Belton-Cottman, McIntyre, Elliott, Woods.
We Endorse The Children!
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Community Candidate Profiles
e asked the above community School Board candidates several questions, among them, what they saw as the number one issue facing our schools. We hope that their answers, coupled with what you may already know about them, will help you in your choice on election day, Tuesday May 3. We found them to be strong knowledgeable and conscientious. And when you remove the politics and camps and outside supporters with their hidden agendas –even though they may not always agree on the method or path – these candidates appeaer to be on the same page when it comes to working in the best interest of the children. On Tuesday May 3, please go to the polls if you genuinely care about your
children, and vote for the community candidate of your choice. You hold the power. See you at the polls!
What Do You See As The Number One Issue Facing The Schools District Today? •THERESA HARRIS-TIGG (Running for re-election in the East District): The number one issue facing the school district today is the inability to provide a high quality education and learning opportunities for ALL our students every day in every school. •PATRICIA ELLIOTT (Write-In Candidate for the East District Seat): Children being forced to stay in these Burning Buildings (failing schools) when the law says that they have the right to transfer to a school in good standing. My daughter was in a failing school and I fought to move her into a school in good standing. (Mrs. Elliott also cited wrongful suspensions and the need for a more diverse teaching staff). •PAULETTE WOODS (Candidate for Central District): The number one issue facing the School district today is the high dropout rate, followed by the high suspension rate which results in only 61% of Buffalo School children graduating. Three out of four African American and Hispanic male fail to complete high school. We must increase the graduation rate and break this school to prison pipeline for our youth. •BRYON MCINTYRE (Running for the Central District Set): Disparity of treatment and deliverance of services to children. •SHARON BELTON-COTTMAN (Running for re-election unopposed in the Ferry District). Ms. Belton-Cottman has consistently spoken out on issues and been vocal about inequality, lack of diversity in teaching staff and the need to improve academic achievement. She is on the ballot but missed the deadline to participate in the questionaire.) What is your position on Common Core & standardized testing? Making African Infusion studies mandatory in the curriculum? •THERESA HARRIS-TIGG: The standards are not developmentally accurate for each grade level and is embedded in bias. Standardized testing ignores/discounts contextual factors that relate to the children and their opportunity for success on the test and perpetuates labeling children, teachers, and schools unfairly. African/African-American studies is essential learning for all people. To expunge African/African American studies from our curriculum is a detriment to all people and especially for Africa/African American children where it attacks intrinsic motivation and hope. •PATRICIA ELLIOTT: My own personal opinion is that I feel Common Core is in the best interest of all our children. They need to be challenged so that they can strengthen what is weak and ultimately they will reach thier fullest potential. As for the state testing, I cannot say what a parent should do for their children. That is for them to decide, I feel African studies should be mandatory and implemented exactly the way it was designed! It should be infused it into Everything and into every subject! We should use African examples because we have mostly African children in this district. •PAULETTE WOODS: I feel tests are necessary to measure student achievement and to evaluate teacher performance. But as stated by Dr. Barbara Nevergold: “new tests need to be developed, the current test does not measure the diverse abilities of the test takers, nor provide constructive educational data benefiting students.” My position is that African Infusion studies now called African American history studies should be mandatory in the curriculum. It is important that all students know of the contributions of African Americans in the building this great nation. •BRYON MCINTYRE: It should be a universal standard to bring all up to a higher standard. Common Core training was in place but not mandated and truly became an issue when it was tied to evaluations. Standardized Testing / Opt out - is a union driven movement that only suburban communities engage (West Senaca led the state but other communities didn’t have more than 20% opt out ). Children will be tested through their entire life. It’s no more testing being done, it’s just a louder call for accountability. These issues are adult driven. African Infusion has already been sanctioned in Buffalo Public Schools. It needs to be implemented and should be.
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Harriett Tubman Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross; 1822 – March 10, 1913) was an abolitionist, humanitarian, and an armed scout and spy for the United States Army during the American Civil War. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some thirteen missions to rescue approximately seventy enslaved families and friends, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. She later helped abolitionist John Brown recruit men for his raid on Harpers Ferry, and in the post-war era was an active participant in the struggle for women’s suffrage. Born a slave in Dorchester County, Maryland, Tubman was beaten and whipped by her various masters as a child. Early in life, she suffered a traumatic head wound when an irate slave owner threw a heavy metal weight intending to hit another slave and hit her instead. She was a devout Christian and experienced strange visions and vivid dreams, which she ascribed to premonitions from God. In 1849, Tubman escaped to Philadelphia, then immediately returned to Maryland to rescue her family. Slowly, one group at a time, she brought relatives with her out of the state, and eventually guided dozens of other slaves to freedom. Traveling by night and in extreme secrecy, Tubman (or “Moses”, as she was called) “never lost a passenger”. Her actions made slave owners anxious and angry, and they posted rewards for her capture. Harriet Tubman will be replacing President Andrew Jackson as the face of the $20 bill, the Treasury Department confirmed last Wednesday. But Jackson’s image will still be featured on the back of the bill Tubman is not the only civil rights icon set to be honored on U.S. currency. The $5 bill will also be redesigned and will feature images from the civil rights movement, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and a 1939 performance by opera singer Marian Anderson. President Abraham Lincoln will remain the face of the $5 bill.
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LOCAL + NATIONAL + WORLD
Challenger Community News • April 27, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com
$6 million Tamir Rice settlement is ‘nothing to celebrate,’ attorney says Such payouts are becoming increasingly common following high-profile police shootings, even in the absence of charges against the officers involved.
C NATION’S PRISON POPULATION GROWTH A NATIONAL DISGRACE:
The growth in the nation’s prison population has been nothing million people in prisons and jails. Of those, roughly 200,000 are federal inmates, double the number from 20 years ago. This substantial increase occurredeven as violent crime was falling sharply. More than $80 billion is spent annually on corrections, or over $600 per household. The annual cost of imprisoning one person averages approximately $30,000 for adults and $110,000 for juveniles, higher than the cost of a year of college. At the federal level, the Bureau of Prisons budget grew 1,700 percent from 1980 to 2010 and now devours more than 25 percent of the entire Department of Justice budget. Now Congress is considering bipartisan legislation to loosen tough sentencing laws. And despite the alarming statistics, the bill faces resistance from some lawmakers… (Source: NYT) AND IN CANADA, OUR NEIGHBORS TO THE NORTH .... Black Canadians are jailed more than their White counterparts and part of the issue is that Canadians don’t believe they have a race problem. They stay silent on the issue.Torontoist reports African-Canadians account for 10 percent of the federal prison population even though they only make up 3 percent of the general population. A similar statistic rings true for American prisons. Blacks make up 37 percent of the prison population and 13 percent of the general U.S. population.
leveland’s $6 million settlement with the estate of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old black boy shot by a white policeman in 2014, is the latest in a trend of cities delivering large payouts following high-profile police shootings, even in the absence of criminal charges against the officers involved. A United States District court filed an order in Cleveland, Ohio, Monday saying the city will pay out $3 million over each of the next two years to settle the wrongful death suit filed by his family and estate. According to terms of the settlement, the city acknowledges no fault in Tamir’s death, which came after a 911 caller told of someone in a city park brandishing what appeared to be a toy gun. Officer Timothy Loehmann, a trainee, shot Tamir moments after arriving in response to the call. Police said the boy was pulling out what was later found to be a toy gun when he was shot. Tamir’s family and estate have long said that the city, officers, and dispatchers involved in his Nov. 22, 2014, death acted recklessly. However sizable the settlement, advocates for the family say the payout falls short of actual justice, given the grand jury decision last December not to press any charges in the case. Tamir’s family attorney, Subodh Chandra, called the settlement historic, but added, “The resolution is nothing to celebrate because a 12-year-old child needlessly lost his life.” The estate of Tamir Rice will receive $5.5 million from the settlement. Samaria Rice, Tamir’s mother, will receive $250,000; another $250,000 will settle claims against Tamir’s estate. The sizable settlement is not as uncommon as it might once have been. And this isn’t the first time a city has paid out such large sum to a victim’s family following a policeinvolved shooting, even as
grand juries have declined to file charges against the officers involved. Last summer, New York City agreed to pay the family of Eric Garner $5.9 million, despite the fact that a grand jury found no cause to charge the officer involved in his death. These payouts fit a growing trend of large settlements that some experts say should in theory stimulate police department reform, but in practice might not be doing so, as the Monitor’s Henry Gass reported last year. By one analysis, the settlement money paid out by the 10 American cities with the largest police forces increased by 48percent from 2010 to 2014, to nearly $250 million. Data on the topic are patchy, and the circumstances of each payout are unique, but the sheer amount of money raises questions about whether the settlements are sending the right message to police departments. While the purpose of a settlement is, first and foremost, toresolve a civil rights lawsuit that may be imminent or ongoing, it can also serve larger purposes – in particular, grabbing the attention of the police department and stimulating reform, experts say. In all, the 10 American cities with the biggest police forces paid out $248.7 million in settlements and court judgments in 2014, up from $168.3 million in 2010, according to The Wall Street Journal. Those departments spent more than $1 billion in such cases over that five-year period. “The idea is that these large settlements could deter widespread police misconduct,” Kami Chavis-Simmons, a former assistant United States attorney who now directs the criminal justice program at the Wake Forest University School of Law, told the Monitor following the announcement that the city of Baltimore would pay $6.4 million to the family of Fred-
DO YOU REMEMBER…
FUNDRAISER TO RE-ELECT
SHARON BELTON –COTTMAN Buffalo School Board Ferry District
Rhythms Restaurant 1380 Jefferson Avenue
SATURDAY, APRIL 30 • From 4-7 p.m. Tamir Rice
die Gray, even before the six officers charged in relation to his death went to trial. “That’s how people in a perfect world would like these settlements to work: the more you pay, the more careful you are,” she added. “Unfortunately that doesn’t seem to be the case. “
Come and be introduced to RHYTHMS one of Buffalo’s newest! This event includes Live Entertainment, Music, Food and a candid conversation with Sharon Belton-Cottman
Sponsored by The committee to Re-Elect Sharon Belton-Cottman Donation: $30 Patron / $50 Friends / $100 Sponsor / $250 Platinum /$ 500 Bronze or at www.belton4buffalo.com
Humboldt Parkway before the construction of the Kensington Expressway?
ROCCBuffalo.org (716) 883-0529
Challenger Community News • April 27, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com
Social Dance Your Way To A Stronger Mind And Body Age Gracfully, Achieve Vitality!
T
he art of dance, the fun of dance, the spectacle of dance has always been a popular choice for people to either learn, watch or participate in. I’m one of those people who just loves dance. I love watching it, learning about Celeste it, and LAWSON p a r t i c i pating in it. Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. And … now, the really good news about dance in terms of the benefits dance can bring to your individual life. The American Medical Association, The New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Applied Gerontology, Journal of Physiological Anthropology, Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, and The Scholarly Publishing and
Academic Resources Coalition are making strong statements on the power of dancing to sustain good health if you already have it, encourage improvements to physical, mental, and emotional health if you need it, and promoting dance as a genuine outlet to release stress, make new friends and sharpen the mind. Personally, I try to make it to urban line dance classes at least twice weekly, and even more classes when I can as I enjoy various forms of dance. But for sure, (or pretty much for sure) you will find me at the Pratt Center (Genesee and Pratt streets) on Mondays beginning at 6:45p.m. for a couple of hours; and on Wednesdays at St. Phillips Episcopal Church Community Center (Fernhill and Grider streets) from 6p.m.8p.m. under the watchful eye of dance instructor, Cheri Brown, founder of the Sensations (line dance) and one of the founders of BOSS (steppers) and her collaborating, co-instructor, Darel
Amkaer, doing my level best to follow the steps and stay in rhythm. Trust me it’s a workout. But one cool thing is that Monday is the beginner class and Cheri and Darel are patient, and take time to ensure that students feel welcome, regardless of their level, and ultimately will learn the steps so when dance parties come around (and there’s plenty of them) each student will be able to join in on the dance floor when a dance comes up they recognize. The other nice thing about line dance is that no partner is required, so all you single folks or folks with partners who aren’t all that thrilled about learning to line dance, feel free to come to one of these classes and enjoy dancing in a group! Stepping and Urban Ballroom is a horse of a different color. It is a partner dance, but once again, that is a community of people who are supportive and the men are quite gentlemanly and will ask various women to dance with them
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ext. 100 www.UpSkill.org
*The TASC™ (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) has replaced the GED® as the official exam for obtaining a high school equivalency diploma in NYS.
389 Virginia Street • Buffalo, NY 14201
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HEALTH MATTERS so everyone will have a nice time. One such event is taking place on Saturday, April 30th at the Grapevine Restaurant on Niagara Falls Boulevard in Amherst where there will be an opportunity to not only learn dance steps from a nationally recognized instructor, Bruce Dyer from Chicago, Illinois, but a chance to practice what you’ve learned at the end of the workshop with dance party. Pretty cool! At the end of this article I’ll post a phone number to call if you are interested and you can also check out The Challenger rntertainment listings. Other classes can be found at the Gloria J. Parks Community Center, The William Emslie YMCA, and the Martha Mitchell Community Center among other locations – just takes few minutes to call around or look in back of The Challenger to find out what’s going on. I’ve already mentioned my choices of the Pratt Center and St. Phillips that work best for my schedule. But, back to the health benefits of this type of social dancing that are pretty much confirmed by the medical community. Studies have shown and medical professionals agree that social dancing can really be a helpful tool to helping you age gracefully and maintain brain health. Here are a few key and major points on why you should consider making social dance a part of your regular routine and not just on special occasions. 1.Can boost memory and prevent the development of dementia as we age! Science reveals that aerobic exercise can reduce volume loss in the hippocampus, that part in the brain that controls memory. The hippocampus shrinks naturally as we age and can lead to impaired memory and sometimes dementia. (New England Journal of Medicine) 2.Contributes to building flexibility. Increasing flexibility helps ease joint pain and relieves the stiffness that starts to set in as we get older. 3.Dancing is definitely a stress reducer and we know stress can provoke a myriad of health issues, high blood pressure, heart conditions, headaches, over eating, and lack of sleep along with a list of other ailments – realities borne out in a controlled study published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology. 4.Dancing lifts your spirits.
A study was done using people with depression and studied the impact of dance on the patients and discovered how much better patients felt, symptoms were reduced and vitality improved. 5. Dance is a great activity for those at risk of cardiovascular disease or already experiencing heart troubles. Moving around in dance helps breathing and improves the overall quality of life even more than biking or treadmill exercises noted one Italian study. 6 .A study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that dancing is just as helpful for losing weight and increasing aerobic power as cycling and jogging. Further more, dancing helps tremen-
dously with achieving balance, which is so helpful as we age it is easy to development a fear of falling. Dancing helps to improve posture, stabilize your body and gain better control over it.
ATTORNEYS
ELECTRICIAN
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1-888-400-6811/ 716-222-9119 TondreauLaw.com
AUTO Ben’s Downtown Tire 50 Sycamore (cor. Elm) (716) 856-1066 or 894-1483
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CELL PHONES Ansar Cellular Communications & Fragrance Store 1371 Fillmore @ E. Utica (716) 884-2373
DOG TRAINING Dogman’s K -9 Obedience Training 1963 Fillmore Avenue (716) 807-8163
In addition to the many health benefits of social dancing, this is an art that also adds richness to our lives, and contributes to our happiness just as surely as it helps us build a stronger immune system. So what are you waiting for? Time to get up and get to dancing! You can call (716) 200.9702 for more information about the Saturday, April 30th Chicago Stepping event. Wishing you good health and happy dancing!
Empire Electric (716) 634-0330
FLORISTS Maureen’s Flower Market 441 Ellicott St. * 852-4600
HAIR SUPPLY Main Hair & Beauty Supply 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247
HOME/PROPERTY INSPECTION Majadi Enterprises Inc.
(716) 316-7776
majadienterprise@aol.com
TAILORS Ann Rhod’s Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave. (716) 838-5633
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES MEREA WORLD Transportation Service City To City State To State Safe & Dependable • Specializing in Round Trip & Over Night Trips Text or call 716 939-8892
For More Info: advertising@thechallengernews.com 881-1051
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Challenger Community News • April 27, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com
FAITH & FAMILY
Miracle Missions Mother’s Day “Serenade Mother’s Board Revival Welcome! Be blessed! Acts 2:4 John 3:16 To Our Mothers” Motown Review Read Psalm 49 If you are looking for something special to do with your mother on Mother’s Day, then please join Dr. James A. Lewis III and the Miracle Missions church family as we honor the mothers of the community. This year we will be honoring mothers that have made many outstanding contributions to the community and their families. Please join is as we celebrate Mother Jean Hunter, Frist Lady Wanda Bunton, Jessie Wells, Minnie Prude, Mother Lillian Morey, Madeline Scott, Mother Margaret Martin, Ella Parham, Willa Parrett and Tempthia (Kim) Battles. The event will include a Motown Reviews performance, dinner, dancing and a Chinese auction. Donation $50.00 for adults and $25 for children under 12 years of age. For more information and tickets please call 830-4916 or 913-0941.
WORSHIP THIS WEEK!
A Four-Day Revival will be held Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday May 10 – 13 at 7 p.m. nightly at Cold Spring COGIC 107 Verplank Street where Joseph L. Wallace is Pastor. Please come for repentance and saving of souls. Bishop Gerald Drayton is in charge. Mother Brant is President of Mother’s Board.
Challenger Community News • April 27, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com
REVIVAL Experience Macedonia Baptist Church 237 East North St. is hosting a Revival Experience Wednesday, April 4 thru Friday April 29 at 7 p.m.nightly. Rev. Herman Alston, Jr., is Pastor. The Guest Evangelist will be Burnice Green of Rochester, N.Y. Refreshments will be served Wednesday and Thursday & nights at 6PM . On Friday there will be Pizza and wings after the Revival. Worship This Week
FAITH & FAMILY
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Susan and Friends Mt. Olive Spring Revival Mother’s Day Concert Susan and Friends will present a Mothers Day Concert May 7 at 5 p.m. at Praise Tabernacle 704 William St. The program will include Favaa, Delivered, Pastor Deas & the Men of God, Sons of Thunder, The Ensemble, Men in White, Isaiah Marshall, Denise Smith, Gussie Mitchell &Wandering Five and the Gospel Diamond. Evangelist Candy Mingo will serve as MC. The featured artist is Pastor Green & The Visionaries. For more information call Susan at (716) 807-7212.
Mt. Olive Baptist Church is hosting its Spring Revival now thru April 29 at 7 p.m. nightly at the church, 701 E. Delavan Avenue where Rev. William Gillison is Pastor. The guest preacher is Pastor Winfred Hope of Ebenezer Baptist Church, West Athens, Georgia.
The Young People’s Congress of the Western Missions Week at New York Conference, The African Methodist New Mt. Ararat Episcopal Zion Church Convenes in Buffalo Temple of Prayer St. Luke will host the 88th Session of the Young People’s Congress (YPC), April 28-30. The YPC is unique to the A.M.E. Zion Church in that the Western New York Conference is the only Conference in the denomination with a YPC. Young people ages 13-21 are given the opportunity to meet and fellowship in an organized manner and learn leadership and other life management skills as disciples of Christ. There will be daily sessions/workshops, evening worship services, election of new officers and service projects, all conducted and/or organized by and for the young people. Inclusive in the event will be activities for younger children, young adults and adults. Mr. Nicholas Irion, Local Preacher, of St. Luke is the current YPC President; Ms. Sarlyn Tate is the WNY Conference Director of Christian Education; The Rev. Cary L. Beckwith, Host Pastor; The Rev. G. Michael Tydus, Host Presiding Elder and The Right Rev. Dennis V. Proctor, Presiding Bishop. Everyone is invited to join us for a spirit-filled time of fellowship and fun. Daily activities begin at 9:00am and evening services at 7:00pm.
Missions Week at New Mt. Ararat Temple Of Prayer Church,971-983 Jefferson Ave, takes place April 27-29, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and April 30, from 10 a.m.-12 noon .
Mother’s Day Concert The Larry Salter Soul Orchestra will feature Alissa Todd in concert for a Mother’s Day Tribute on Saturday, May 7 from 5-8 p.m. at the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Center, 3001 9th St. Niagara Falls. Free admission. Seating is limited.
Gospel Jazz Concert The P.E.A.C.E. Inc., (Parents Encouraging Accountability for Closure for Everyone), in collaboration with The Marshall Badger Band (Don’t Badger Me Productions) will present “Gone But Not Forgotten,” a Mother’s Day Gospel Jazz Concert on Saturday May 7 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Renovation Church, 567 Hertel Avenue. Tickets are $10 and $15 at the door. Mothers who have lost a child to homicide will be honored. Tickets can be purchased at PEACE, Renovation Church and Doris Records. Call 8428700 for more information.
Pastor Hope
Pastor Gillison
Appreciation Event for Carol A. Milhouse An Appreciation event for Carol A. Milhouse will be held on April 29 at 7 p.m. at Antioch Holiness Church, 1461 Michigan Avenue. The event is being presented by the Friends of Carol A. Milhouse. For more in formation contact David Allen at (716) 238-2381
Entertainment/Lifestyles
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Challenger Community News • April 27, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com
ON STAGE *Farragut North, on stage at Road Less Traveled Theater, 500 Pearl Street, April 29 – May 22, Thursday/Friday/ Saturday 7:30 p.m. & Sunday 2 p.m.; featuring Richard Satterwhite, Peter Johnson, Danica Riddick and Xavier Harris Tickets $20 @ 629-3069.
*Marsha McWilson Friday, May 27, Buffalo Convention Center, 7 p.m. donation is $30. For tickets or info 8327542 or 741-1908.
*Buffalo’s own Eric Jordan Young in “Celebrating Sammy” with Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra debut with in Kleinhan’s Music Hall April 30, at 8 p.m.Tickets available at bpo.org or by calling (716) 885-5000.
*Soul Superstars Featuring The Drifters and The Contours, May 14, 7:30 p.m. at the Riviera theatre. www.RivieraTheatre.org
*The Larry Salter Soul Orchestra featuring Alissa Todd in concert for a Mother’s Day Tribute on Saturday, May 7 from 5-8 p.m. at the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Center, 3001 9th St. Niagara Falls. Free admission.
*Faith Evans. 112, Carl Thomas, and Total, Canalside, Friday, June 17, www.canalsidebuffalo.com Party Over Here
*Juneteenth Second Annual Gala Event, “Harlem Nights Gimme that Swing 2016!” On Friday, May 15, 5 to 11 p.m. at the Statler City Ballroom, 107 Delaware Ave. Admission is $75. juneteenthofbuffalo.com or call (716) 891 - 8801. Tickets are at Doris Records.
*Alex Bugnon, May 28 @ 7pm New Golden Nugget. Advance tickets $25. *Little Anthony and The Imperials: 8 p.m. April 29, Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St. North Tonawanda. 692-2413. Tickets $53 - $68.
SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!
BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Broadway to Vegas
Buffalo’s Own Eric Jordan Young!
Sat. Apr. 30, 8pm
Buffalo native Eric Jordan Young is inspired by Sammy Davis, Jr. and a love of the Rat Pack. Don’t miss this Broadway, TV, and Las Vegas showman’s high-energy evening of song and dance.
pOpS
K idSTaKeThe STage Star-Spangled Pops BpO Sun. MAY 15, 2:30 pm
Stefan Sanders, conductor
Fri. May 27, 10:30am | Sat. May 28, 8pm The BPO is joined by the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus for this annual patriotic tribute to the American spirit.
pOpS
Party Over Here
*“Detroit 67” on stage at the Paul Robeson Theatre at the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue, May 6 – May 29, Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday 4:00pm. Directed by Aaron Moss, starring Annette L. Christian, Heather Reed, Candace Whitfield, Shabar Rouse and Gary-Kayi Fletcher. Special Mothers Day Dinner Sunday May 8th $50 Per Person Dinner at 4 p.m. Sand 6 pm. Call For Reservation And Menu. Special rate with coupon $20.00 per person on May 7, 13, 22, visit website www.aaccbuffalo.org or for more info email paulrobesontheatrebuffalo@gmail.com A JAZZY FUNDRAISER:
*Scratch Night at the Robeson is held the last Monday of every month from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on April 25, May 30, June 27 and July 25. The MC is Buffalo’s own Edreys Wajed. There is a cover charge of $5; vendors $20
Celebrating Sammy:
*MAXWELL with Special Guests: July 6 Time: 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices: $105.50, $85.50, $65.50, $55.50 ON SALE NOW!
From the smallest Suzuki string performers to dancers, visual artists, and more, come and see the talent that kids possess. Free pre-concert activities start at 1:30pm.
CALL (716)885-5000 | BPO.ORG
M02091
The Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society will present its 3rd annual fundraiser Friday, April 29, 5 - 7pm at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, 341 Delaware Ave. Tickets, $50 per person, include an official membership to the Society. Proceeds from the event will benefit the annual Pappy Martin Legacy Masten Jazz Festival which features international musicians and some of Buffalo’s finest talents. For information, email Dawn Berry-Walker,pmljazz@gmail. com.
*Muhammad School of Music Voice of My Heart Recital Series, “Beethoven & Ballerina” featuring Maestro Henri Star Muhammad Orchestra and Ballerina Amirah Muhammad, Sunday, May 15 at 3 p.m., Aloma D. Johnson Charter School, 2408 Main Street; $20 advance, $25 @ door; (716)570-5064 or 881-5088.
Party Over Here *Sensationals “Party With A Purpose” Saturday, April 30, 7p.m. - 1 a.m. The Grapevine, 2545 Niagara Falls Blvd., Linedancers, Steppers, Ballroomers, Free Stylers! Featuring Steppin’ Workshop with Bruce A. Dyer, instructor from Chicago, Illinois; tickets $30, 716240-8790.
EXHIBITS RODNEY TAYLOR EXHIBIT: opening reception for the Rodney Taylor: Grey Thursday, April 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Eleven Twenty Projects, 1120 Main Street. Exhibit will run thru May 29 Thursday – Saturday 11a.m.-4pm or by appointment. In these new
paintings, Taylor’s form of abstraction incorporates landscapes, often invisible at first, resembling windows or grids into another realm: Grey is Taylor’s first solo exhibition since his 20-year survey Impure Abstraction at the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts Gallery in 2014.
Challenger Community News • April 27, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com
Buffalo’s Oscar Alston Remembers Prince Oscar Alston is a self taught and God gifted bass player grew up in the projects of Buffalo, NY, and rose through the ranks of awesome bass players to ultimately become the premier bass player for Rick James. Oscar prides himself for creating bass lines that were patterns for songs by Michael Jackson, appreciated by Prince, and danced to by everybody in between. Oscar reflects on his personal experience with Prince in the wake of the iconic singer and songwriter’s death last Thursday.
What was your first interaction with Prince? Prince came to Rick James’ dressing room to greet us after a show. At that time, in 1979, Prince was opening on Rick’s “Fire It Up” tour. I didn’t know who he was at first because he had drew a beard and mustache on his face which wasn’t there earlier that evening when he lit the stage up with one of his dynamic shows. He had a small entourage including body guards, walking slow and deliberate. He seemed to enjoy seeing our faces as we were surprised to find out it was him. He spoke softly and occasionally cracked a joke as he made his way over to where Rick was and thanked Rick for allowing him to be on the tour. Was Prince really shy and standoffish? I would say Prince was genuinely shy and maybe obsessively curious but very approachable. While on that
Review
outta here before I’ll be going back to the hotel with my hands in my pocket. lol)
Oscar (left) Prince.
tour, backstage, a friend of mine asked me if that was Prince standing near a corner all by himself, she wanted to meet him. I said sure come on. We went over, I introduced my friend to Prince who was very cordial. We didn’t stay, she didn’t gawk, (that would have turned him off anyway...) however, she did ask him to sign one of her blank checks, (that was the only paper she had. He signed with a flattering smile. I thought, let me get my girl
Prince was a perfectionist. Do you ever see a mean streak or temper tantrum from him to get his way? Prince really was a perfectionist... but he showed you even more than barking out orders, which I never heard him do. It was more like, you see your boss practicing, working at something over and over, you would be too embarrassed to sit around and not give your ultimate. You would see how absolutely gifted and committed he was to his craft and that would just inspire you to step up. I saw him encourage people to step up with his words,comfort them with his smile and a look with his eyes or turn of his head that would just kill you if you were falling short or did something wrong. People truly respected him and he knew how to the best out of
MILES AHEAD, The Movie
By Dawn (Martin) Berry-Walker Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society
When asked my initial reaction/opinion on something, I REALLY have to learn to say, "Let me get back to you...Let me THINK about it". Although I understand this about expressing my feelings, I have to be more cognizant of putting that into practice......one recent evening was one of those times. Last Friday evening, I along with about 40 other members of the Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society, went to opening night of the movie, "MILES AHEAD". Having read/heard several negative and/or controversial reviews and listened to several interviews of Don Cheadle (lead actor, writer, director and producer), I went with mixed expectations and an open/hopeful mind. As the movie played on: however, I slipped out of my engrossed state several times waiting for the presumed "negative" reaction. I realize that I was really caught up in the magnificent music, excellent cinematography, mesmerizing filming style, superb acting and overall intriguing artistic approach to/presentation of the film. Upon exiting the theater, there were many small group gatherings discussing the movie; I became a part of several of them. My initial reaction/response was, "I loved it!" In spite of some comments expressing disappointment that the movie focused on such a negative time period of what was a brilliant, complex, multi-talented artistic genius who has brought/still brings undeniable pleasure to myself and many others through the beautiful and spiritual nature of his music and visual art, I defended my reaction. Yes, he and his talent were much, much more than we saw on the screen, but, as the daughter of a life-long musician, I have also come to understand the power of the music in a musician's life. In all of those "crazy" scenes depicted in the film, Miles never lost the respect, pursuit, reverence....power of the MUSIC. It is what saved HIS sanity In the seemingly insane presentation of the life of some artists, it may be what "is" that produces the profound art of a gifted artist...It is sometimes the personal sacrifice, unfortunately. The love of the music was; however, the very POSITIVE thread throughout the movie.....For the observer, art can/should be controversial. It often sparks debate as personal interpretations help us to perhaps see beauty in the seemingly not-so-pretty. As an African-American, there is, of course, another layer of dealing with how we...our art...our culture..our life...is represented to the world. Since there are only limited presentations, we are not the beneficiaries of the balanced representations that other cultures and ethnic groups enjoy, so we tend to be sensitively, justifiably protective of what is depicted about us. With that said, I understand, respect and own the feelings of those who said, "Why do we always have to see only the negative stories about us?" Although Continued Page 12
Entertainment/Lifestyles you. That’s something they really appreciated. He was also multi-talented. Could you tell how great he was at the time? When you saw Prince perform, you could tell right away that he was an exceptional and gifted person. If you had the chance to interact with him, you would get the sense he really was a person here on earth for a purpose that he was fully aware of. He was spiritually gifted. He knew it... but didn’t flaunt it as if to say, “look at me, I got it and you don’t.” I knew Prince was a specially gifted person right away and his talent was only part of it. It’s been said that Prince had a sense of humor. Did you ever see that in him off stage? Answer - Prince did have a sense of humor. Intelligent, witty and somewhat of a prankster. One evening there was a very large party at the Forum in L.A. Everybody was there. Rick Continued Page12
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Challenger Community News • April 27, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com
Paulette Woods: An Experienced Bro. McIntyre’s Vision: A Fair, Just and Candidate for the Central School District Quality Education for All Children k, disclaimer number one: I am the campaign manager for Paulette Woods so I may be a
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little biased here. Secondly, I am a former school board member so I do know a lot about the subject matter. First off, I want to clear up a few inaccurate or misinformed statements. Paulette Woods was not recruited by the unions to run for the Central District seat. She was recruited by me. When Mrs. Eva M. Doyle declined to run due to personal reasons, I called Ms. Woods and requested that she consider running for the seat that will be vacant come July 1st, due to the retirement of Mary Ruth Kapsiak. After thinking about it for a few days, Paulette called me and told me that she would consider it only if I would became her campaign manager. The thing that has encouraged me to write this letter is the negativity that has come from certain camps regarding this campaign. When Ms. Woods' Betty Jean campaign team was lobbied to challenge her opponent's petition of signaGRANT tures, we refused. We wanted to give the voters the opportunity to engage both candidates and judge, based on history, qualifications, experience, and dedication, who they wanted to vote for. Even though other factions attempted to challenge the other candidates, that was not the desire of the Woods team. I want to get one thing clear: Paulette Woods is no stooge or puppet of any union, banking official, political organization or of the 'Carl Paladino Show.' Her 32 years employment as an Erie county senior budget examiner has prepared her to ask the hard questions regarding the school's almost $800 million dollar budget. That knowledge will also help her and the other board members identify resources to reduce class size, hire more teachers with diverse backgrounds, fund community afterschool programs and to reinvest in art, music, activate the NYS-approved African History Infusion program, physical education and local as well as national field trips. Ms. Woods has assembled a group of hard working community minded women, many of them her fellow Women Warriors, to manage, assist and run her campaign. While she is sympathetic to the unfair and sometime racist treatment leveled at the all African American women minority bloc, her upmost priority is to work with all school board members to overcome the bickering and to devote 100% of her school board time to finding ways to make our children education experiences adequate and positive. Paulette implored me to make it known that she is in no political organization or union camp and that if one wants to label her position, then call it, " A Children's Camp," where the educational needs of the student comes first. Paulette is endorsed by former Council President George K. Arthur, retired teachers Eva M. Doyle and Mary Ruth Kapsiak, former Deputy Superintendent Eugene Pierce, B.U.I.L.D. President Charley H. Fisher, former Parole Commissioner Ted Kirkland, UNITY and this writer (Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant). On May 3rd, please go to your regular polling place and vote. The polls are open from 6 A.M. to 9 P.M.. If you live in the Ellicott /Central School District and need a ride to the polls, please call Betty Jean Grant, (716) 602-5877.
COMMUNITY CANDIDATES continued from page 3 Why should the people vote for you?
•THERESA HARRIS-TIGG : Residents should vote for me because I am clear about my intentions and the essential work of a board member: to fight for high quality teaching, learning, and opportunities for ALL our students. Some examples of my first term critical board work include: excellent attendance and preparedness at board and committee meetings; consistent school visits in the East district and other schools providing support and leadership as a professional educator; chairing Student Achievement meetings with district administrators; responsive and timely attention to parent concerns, emails and telephone calls; attended national school board association conferences/workshops and caucus meetings to increase my agency in working with budgets, maintenance, operations, and legal matters as well as advocacy; chaired many charter school public hearings. •PATRICIA ELLIOTT:I have been an active parent since 1994 when my daughter was in the 3rd grade. With my next set of children I was a Head Start parent, Policy Council representative. I was a homeroom parent, member of the PTA. (Served as) DPCC Treasurer, Health Committee Chairperson I advocated for the requested that the Board to Fund the Youth Risk Behavior Survey for kids to say what it is that they do to put them at risk Parents are not going to be able to make the difference if the people on the board don’t know what parents are going through. They are having discussions and making decisions and are not in the seat of a parent! As a Board Member I will be there and I will make sure they know how they are making decisions and how it impacts parents because I am one! A parent on the board is the ONLY way this can be done. •PAULETTE WOODS: Vote for Paulette Woods for the Buffalo Board of Education Central School District representative, because I have dedicated my life to children. I have tutored my 11 younger brothers and sisters through high school, college, and graduate school. My 32 years working for Erie County has been devoted to creating and funding Youth Development/ Delinquency Prevention Programs in the Erie County Youth Services department, and breaking the school to prison pipeline for our youth through Detention and Probation diversion programs. I have a long history of working with community leaders such as Apostle Robert Sanders Sr. in creating programs like the “Citadel of Hope” to redirect children’s lives from brokenness and the criminal justice system.I have experience in managing a 1.5 billion dollar county budget, Continued Page 12
“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” - John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal. 1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper
Challenger Community News P.O. BOX 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 advertising@thechallengernews.com
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s the school board election approaches, I’ve spent a great deal of time struggling for just the right words to channel the love of Bryon McIntyre for our children in such a way as to leave no doubt that you should vote for him. I’ve pondered over the list of notable folk who could be called upon to say something nice in the way of an endorsement of his candidacy, but throughout the pondering, the spirit said no. Just let him speak for himself. So I asked him...what are the most pressing issues facing our children right now, that need your advocacy as a school board member? “The most important thing, really,” he said, “is to see that the children are receiving a fair, just, and quality education. That’s the real deal, most important thing. He went on to discuss how the teachers’ contract, which is long overdue for re-negotiation, negatively impacts the children. First, he gives background information on the Triborough Amendment to the Taylor Law, which prohibits the school district from altering the expired teachers’ contract until a new agreement is reached. Sabirah “Our children are in school the smallest amount of days, and the smallest amount of hours of any of the schools in the region. Children need more MUHAMMAD time, and more creative ways to be taught. The contract doesn’t have the flexibility to allow the teachers to give the children more. If the current board had the best interests of the children, they would be looking for creative ways to deal with this $68 million bill that’s going higher every year. But since the teachers’ union sponsors most of the school board members, they don’t take innovative looks at what can be done. One thing that can be done is to transfer retirees to the Affordable Care Act. They’d get good coverage, and the district would be relieved of $40, $50 million dollars per year. It would stop the growing debt, and that money could be used for sound educational programs.” “Another thing that can be done is a controlled bankruptcy, which would release the district from this insane contract that’s a barrier to education. If we can show that there is an economic disadvantage to the community, then the district can be released from this contract. Gary Crosby, the former Chief Financial Officer told us that there’s no way the system can sustain these costs, and that it will eventually crash. The Civil Rights Case that has already proven discrimination can be used as well.” “I have to speak to this reality. The district has 80% minority students. The teaching staff is 91% white.” They’re graduating 30% black and brown children. Their own children don’t go here, and the board members who uphold their interests have no children in these schools.” We moved on to the overall graduation rate, which Bro. Bryon made clear is being skewed by the excellent performances of the criteria based schools, from which our children are systematically excluded. “Our boys are dropping out,” he said. He seemed awash with empathy as he asked: “What are you gonna do if you’re 18, going on 19, and in the 11th grade, and don’t even have 10 credits, and 22 are needed to graduate?” Bryon goes on to say that the abysmal numbers haven’t mattered, that “our boys are automatically shifted into the pipeline to prison. That’s where these young boys are. They’re in jail, or they’re living in the streets in squalid conditions, and may eventually end up killing each other, over dosing, getting caught up in the drug trade or the sex trade, being abused. That’s what’s happening to the children here in Buffalo. -And when you have people who are more interested in position and title and privilege,that’s what we get. On one side, some are trying to take control (of the district) by privatizing, and on the other side is the (Teachers) Union, trying to maintain. Our kids are caught in the middle, between two wolves...and that’s the stark reality of what’s going on. What does he say to the argument that these young men are at risk because they didn’t apply themselves, or because their parents were somehow derelict? He bristles with indignation, and launches into a litany of hurdles placed before them, including a lack of resources, unqualified teachers, and over crowded classrooms. “These young people are showing up because they want to learn,” he says. “So -called “bad” children don’t go to school. They go somewhere else. Nobody wants to sell drugs. Nobody wants to be in the streets hustling. No child wants to be in a subculture, putting his life at risk. It bothers me that people think like that, and don’t look at the reality of what these children are going through. If you give the child a fair chance, with a qualified teacher and support, that child will flourish.” In response to a recent news article that seemed to mock his prior unsuccessful bids for a seat on the board, I ask Bro. Bryon why he continues to run. “The race isn’t given to the swift,” he says, “but to the one that endures until the end. One thing I know...is that once I was caught up in those streets. As a man, it’s not just your duty to provide for your family, but for your community. I’m not going to quit advocating for education and social justice. Sometimes you have to go from being a protester to being a policy maker. Sometimes, you have to get a person who has the heart of the people and has love for the people in a position of policy making to create the change. That’s why I keep going. The question is: why don’t they want me there? Is it because they don’t want people they didn’t create or make? Because they didn’t create or make me, and they can’t control me.” In closing, I ask about his vision for the district that he continues to serve. His thoughts immediately go to structure. “Having in place a system of checks and balances and accountability, as well as transparency. My vision is of a fair and just system, where all schools are receiving the same supports and resources...a well oiled machine. It can be done, we just have to make it happen.” Yes family...on Tuesday...make it happen!
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COMMUNITY CANDIDATES
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therefore I can find cost saving in the Buffalo School Budget; which I will redirect toward arts, music, and sports so we teach to the whole child. I can be instrumental in helping make Buffalo Public Schools successful; providing a world class education for our students. •BRYON MCINTYRE: I’ve been actively involved in Educational Justice on the front line for over 15 years. I have run for office 5 times and have remained very active no matter what. I have served as 1st Vice of DPCC, member of Special Education Parent Advisory Committee 12 years, Chairperson, member of the Tittle One Committee 4 years, PTO president at my children’s school presently Hutch Tech, and on the Sight Base Management Team ( SBMT ) at all my children’s schools. I have been actively involved with children in Buffalo Public Schools for the last 20 years. Working with State Education Department Regents Collins and former Regents Bennett on bringing new policies to the 8 surrounding Counties on new and best practices for Special Education. I’ve been true to my God, true to my Family and true to my community. I didn’t just show up, that’s why the citizens should vote for me!
Board of Elections Absentee Voting Hours The Erie County Board of elections announce that their office will be open for absentee voting for the Tuesday, May 3 Buffalo school board election from 9 AM to 5 PM each working day up to and including Monday, May 2 . Extended hours for absentee voting Wednesday, April 27, until 7 PM Thursday April 28 until 7 PM and Saturday, April 30 from 9 AM to 12 noon. The last day to apply in person for an absentee ballot is Monday, May 2. Be advised that the buffalo school board elections pertains only to those registered voters in the city of Buffalo. Absentee ballot application to download can be found on www.elections.erie.gov call the absentee ballot department at 858-7818 if you have any questions.
MILES AHEAD
continued from page 9
I am usually staunchly on that bandwagon, this movie so captured me at my most vulnerable points, music and art, that I was cocooned in that armor. Ultimately, after sleeping on it, I am left with a torn feeling, an agitation, an inner controversy. I DID love the movie; maybe more within the confines of my personal soul....and because I do have a balanced view of our/my art, life and culture...and because I know and appreciate ALL that Miles Davis brought to the world, I can comfortably take that position. Admittedly; however, I also do own and acknowledge my feelings of protection from those who continue to enjoy tainting our culture and prejudicing others about it by continuing to present unbalanced representations of my "family" as they continue to glorify, sugar-coat and ignore many of their own often even still "unidentified-to-them" pathologies. But....go see the movie.... First to validate that movies of this type are of interest, then because it is a captivating, alluring, stunning piece of art that is beautifully acted and dazzlingly presented.... Just keep in mind, this movie is centered around a 5 year period of unknown circumstances in a decades long, unbelievable career of a musical icon.... So, know and remember that there is more, so much, much more to the story.
OSCAR/PRINCE continued from page 9 James, (who’s honor the party was given,) Prince, The Time, actors, comedians, etc., etc. I was holding a drink in my hand when Prince walked up to me, hit my arm, just enough to make some of the drink spill then said with his natural deep voice, “that always happens when I do that.” I laughed,... he just smiled at me laughing. Prince was truly a gift from God for us to glean all the good we can from him. R.I.P. my friend.
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Challenger Community News • April 27, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com
LEGAL NOTICE RFP
ROOMS ROOMS FOR RENT: Delavan-Humboldt area, Bailey-Delavan. $325$480. Everything included. (716)818-3410.
Request for EngineServices ECIDA in collaboration with Erie County is requesting proposals for the design and construction administration for the Bethlehem Steel Railroad Improvement Project Phase II in Lackawanna, NY, located within the former Bethlehem Steel properties, west of NYS Route #5. The project includes design and engineering services for new track and turnouts, side track decommissioning and yard improvement designs. A pre-proposal site meeting will be held beginning at the Ridge Road gate on May 2, 2016 at 3 PM. Site waiver forms will be required and can be obtained at www.ecidany.com. The RFP and other pertinent information can also be viewed and downloaded from the website. Bids are due on May 13, 2016 at 2 PM. ECIDA does not assume the responsibility or liability for costs incurred by firms responding to this RFP. Responding firms are encouraged to include MBE and WBE participation. All questions should be directed to priggs@ecidany.com
For Advertising Information email advertising@thechallengernews.com
LEGAL NOTICE Bids The Matt Urban Center Notice of Request for Bids The Town of Cheektowaga Office of Community Development and The Matt Urban Center announce the opportunity for qualified General Contractors to submit proposals for a residential housing rehabilitation project located in the Town of Cheektowaga. The property is listed below: 16-18 Randolph Avenue All proposed work must meet the Town of Cheektowaga, Property Maintenance Code. The purpose of the project is to fully rehabilitate the property and correct each item to comply with applicable sections of the codes. Proposals should include all information specified in the bid package. To request a bid package, or submit questions, please contact The Matt Urban Center at mshermer@urbanctr.org. Bid Deadline for this project is 5/13/2016, at 4:00 PM EST.
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Bids
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids for South Water Street Parking Lot Paving and Site Improvements will be received by the Village of Gowanda, New York at the office of the Village of Gowanda, 27 East Main Street, Gowanda, New York, 14070 until 2:00 p.m., local time, on Friday, May 6, 2016 and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud. This contract will be funded wholly or partially with federal funds, and as such, is subject to all federal rules and regulations pertinent thereto, including, but not limited to, federal policy of encouraging the participation of minority and women business enterprises as sources of suppliers, equipment, construction and services. Contract 3 – Paving & Site Improvements Base Bid The work includes 575 square feet of sidewalk, ADA signage, 75 linear feet of curbing, 30 linear feet of gutters and underdrain, 220 linear feet of 12” HDPE drainage pipe, two (2) catch basins, six (6) bollards, two (2) frames and grates, excavate and grade site, demo existing concrete curb and concrete, stabilize existing concrete masonry wall, maintenance and protection of traffic, asphalt highway repair, pave 240 tons asphalt base and 110 tons asphalt top, and deadman installation. Add Alternate Bid The work includes supplying materials including 362 feet of chains, two (2) benches, two (2) garbage receptacles, and provide light pole accessories. The Village reserves the right to select Alternate items in quantiti4es as per availability of funds. The Information for Bidders, Form of Bid, Form of Contract, Plans, Specifications and other contract documents may be examined at the following location: Village of Gowanda, 27 East Main Street, Gowanda, New York Copies may be obtained beginning Monday, April 18, 2016, at the offices of the Village of Gowanda located at 27 East Main Street, Gowanda, New York, 14070, upon the payment of $25.00 for each set. Checks shall be payable to the Village of Gowanda. To visit the project site, please contact Jason Opferbeck, Superintendent of Public Works, at 716-257-0150. The full deposit, less any postage costs, will be refunded for a complete set returned in good condition within forty-five (45) days of receipt of bids. No refunds will be made for sets returned later than forty-five (45) days after the receipt of bids. Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or certified check in the amount of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid. No bidder may withdraw his/her bid within forty-five (45) days of the date of the receipt of the bid. The Village of Gowanda reserves the right to waive any informality and to reject any or all bids. DATED: April 18, 2016 KATHLEEN V. MOHAWK, Village Clerk
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Buffalo Employment and Training Center 77 Goodell St., Buffalo, 856-5627/ Fax 7856-5670 www.workforcebuffalo.org
Kitchen Workers :Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino Recruitment on Thurs., 4/28/16, at 10am at Niagara’s WorkSourceOne, Trott Access Center, 1001 Eleventh Street, Niagara Falls, NY. CALL FOR RESERVATION: (716) 278-8108. Immediately following this event, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino will conduct OPEN INTERVIEWS for the open Kitchen Worker positions (Must be at least 18; GED/high school diploma preferred; customer service experience preferred). Open Interviews will end at 1:00pm. Walk-ins welcomed to the Open Interview session following the Recruitment event at 10:00am. Please check out other openings available or apply online at: www.senecagamingcorporation.com/career_opportunities.cfm
LEGAL NOTICE Bids Buffalo City School District Advertisement for Bids Sealed proposals for the following project will be received at the office of Plant Services, 403 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202. On Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 9:00 a.m., proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud for: PROJECT 0095-017: Classroom Modifications at P.S. #95 Waterfront Elementary School, 95 Fourth Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 Beginning Wednesday, April 27, 2016, bidding document packages may be viewed and purchased through Avalon Document Services online Planroom website at www.avalonbuff-planroom.com, under “Public Jobs”, or ordered by phone at 716-9957777. Owner can assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or other misinformation obtained via other bid document distribution resources. A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the facility on Thursday, May 12 at 3:00 p.m., please assemble at the main entrance. The Architect will be present. Eligible bidders are required to attend this walkthrough or another previously arranged and documented site visit with Architect and District personnel. Please note that required bid bond is 10%. The work will be subject to the equal employment opportunity requirements. Any questions regarding this project, please refer to Trautman Associates, 716-883-4400. Paul McDonnell, AIA Director of Facilities Planning
LEGAL NOTICE Bids COUNTY OF ERIE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS For HAMBURG HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE FACILITY 2016 NEW SALT STORAGE BUILDING Separate sealed bids for: General Construction, Electrical Construction and Site Construction work for the above project will be received by the County’s Commissioner of Public Works in Suite 1400 of the Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 until 10:30 AM local time on May 9, 2016 at which time they will be opened and read aloud. MBE/WBE requirements may apply to this project. Additional information must be found at: www.erie.gov/dpw/.
LEGAL NOTICE Bids Request for Cleaning Services for Marine Drive Apartments (04_16) The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) hereby requests proposals from Cleaning Services companies who can provide Cleaning Services for Marine Drive Apartments. The purpose of this RFP is to enhance services to BMHA residents and provide a clean and healthy living environment. The BMHA is soliciting proposals for a one (1) year period subject to satisfactory completion of services, as described in Subsection III of the RFP. The BMHA has the option to extend the contract for one (1) additional one (1) year term with the same terms as the initial one (1) year agreement. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the RFP, please contact Larry Sherlick, at lsherlick@ bmhahousing.com and copy Arnitra Chester at achester@bmhahousing.com in your request. Proposals will be received at the BMHA Administrative Offices at 300 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 until 3:00 p.m. (EDT), Friday, May 13, 2016.
LEGAL NOTICE Public Hearing LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in the Rath Building, 6th Floor Resource Room, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., for purpose of adoption of amendments to the Appendices of the Rules for the Classified Civil Service of the County of Erie and the Towns, Villages, Special Districts and School Districts within the County. These amendments deal with the request to include the titles of Household Assistant Long-Term Care Facility and Housekeeping Attendant LongTerm Care Facility from the Erie County Medical Center in the Labor Class of the Classified Civil Service of the County of Erie. A full set of proposed amendments will be available for inspection during business hours (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) at the Personnel Department (Room 604), County of Erie, Edward A. Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York.
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Challenger Community News • April 27, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com
RADNEY’S SPORTS UPDATE
NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS
The Draft Season is Upon Us...!
Here we go again with another NFL draft season for Buffalo Bills. Rex Ryan has ruined the chemistry that the bills had two years ago and now many holes appear on current roster. Bills General Manager Doug Whaley must dig deep into this year’s draft and come up with guys who MID-795 MID-857 MID-879 MID-123 MID-621 MID-307 MID-316 must be able to play now. This philosophy will bring Buffalo at 19th pick Robert Nkemdiche a perfect for Ryan’s 3-4 defensive scheme. He’s an EVE- 798 EVE-440 EVE-386 EVE-042 EVE-230 EVE-503 EVE-724 edge rusher with speed and can cover backs out of the back field. That’s something Mario Williams could not do and will be key to this defense learning the complicated 3-4 scheme that Ryan boasts as one of the best MID- 1434 MID -2975 MID -9390 MID-6974 MID-0722 MID-2178 MID-1568 schemes in the league. Nkemdiche also has some EVE- 2202 EVE- 3076 EVE - 4681 EVE-1653 EVE- 6456 EVE- 6017 EVE-6221 off the field issues and Rex Ryan loves players and coaches with these concerns and will fit in well with current Bills roster. If Nkemdiche is already picked then Shaq Lawson out of Clemson would be a good fit for Bills 3-4 scheme. I would look for a couple of offensive linemen 13-16-23-27-37 2-3-13-29-30 3-8-9-10-16 being picked in the later rounds, especially with Seantrel Henderson coming off a medical con 8-14-17-28-33 8-15-26-27-29 2-14-23-26-35 12-13-26-35-38 cern. This would be smart to pick possibly a Ohio GEORGE State or Michigan State linemen because these RADNEY two schools’ entire offensive lines are NFL ready LOTTO 8-10-22-23-32-34 #37 8-16-21-23-39-43 #1 TO GO. On the local front look for Rochester’s own Quentin Gause being picked somewhere between 3rd – 6th round. The former high school standout at Bishop Kearney and University of Rutgers outside linebacker’s stock has continued to increase ever since his pro day. Bruce Johnson, a Gates Chili grad and a star center HOT TIPS for University of Maine, is looking forward to possibly being picked between 5th – 7th round on day three of the 2016 NFL Draft. Johnson credits the Changing The Community Program in Rochester New York run by founder and President Greg Hopkins as the key to getting him a scholarship offer from Maine. The Rochester based program trains and Challenger Hits mentors youth and high school football players and teaches them life skills and life lessons while also getting their names out to colleges all across the country. I personally have seen Greg Hopkins grow up in the community and very proud of his accomplishments with our youth. Johnson also said, 689-955-467-809-074-657-906-671-978-010-743-234-680“If you look at any kid that’s going to play Division I football. I guarantee Midday they went through CTC!” 468-089-902-325-561-635-278-435-780-108-657-562-178It’s an exciting time of the year so get ready and hopefully Doug Whal307 – Number Book (bx) 930-354-763-469-012-757-689-208-645-785-454-678-612ey can work more of magic and get Rex the players he needs to produce a 621 ZR (bx) winning team in 2016. 579-905-436-809-675-680-100-535-768-985-324-354-184123 Taurus , Leo (bx) Luckie Duckie (straight) 879 ZR (bx) “Its In The Stars” 795 ZR, Aquarius , Scorpio, Number Book (bx) 075 Number Book (straight) Aquarius -496-235-165-579
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Buffalo Community it time to GET READY for the 27th year of the Annual African American Cultural Center’s Pine Grill Jazz Reunion I & II. On Sunday, August 7 & 14 Martin Luther King, Jr. Park will come alive with the jazz sounds of the old Pine Grill Night Club. Come out and meet, greet old and new friends for a rousing, foot stomping, hand clapping good time. THIS YEAR THE CONCERT WILL BEGIN AT 3:00PM Any musical groups preferably jazz who are interested in performing, send a press packet to Paulette D. Harris e-mail address pauletteharris12@gmail.com For more information the African American Cultural Center at 884-2013.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Challenger Community News • April 27, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com Wednesday April 27
Khametic Ascendants: 9-10 a.m. & 12:30 a.m. (after midnight), Channel 20. The Durham Central City Baby Café: every Wed. and Thurs. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 200 E. Eagle. Dinner free! 885-6348. Line Dance Fitness For Seniors: Hustle For Health at the Gloria J Parks Community Center 3242 Main St 11am - 12pm age 50+ FREE Instructor Phyllis Caver 832 -1010 www.HustleForHealth.com Friday April 29 Retirement Celebration For Dr. Hakim Bruce Cosby: ECC City Campus, $20, Noon - 2 p.m. Call 716-851-118 for info. Community Rally & Fundraiser for Paulette Woods Candidate for the Buffalo School Board-Central District: 5:30-8:30 P.M. Mike’s Lounge, 1347 Jefferson Ave. Donation $20. Saturday April 30 Fundraiser to Re-Elect Sharon Belton-Cottman School Board Ferry District : 4-7 p.m. Rhythms Restaurant, 1380 Jefferson Avenue. Super Healthy Kids Day: William Emslie Y, 585 William Street, Noon – 3 p.m. Free Health Fair: “Working Towards Our Best Health,” hosted by True Bethel Nurse Ministry, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., 907 East Ferry St., featuring YoYo the Clown and more.
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Conference on Criminal Justice & Solitary Confinement: St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 15 Fernhill Ave., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free. Lunch provided. Hosted by the Buffalo/ WNY Chapter of the NY Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement; 716-903-9090 Sunday May 1 Golden Gloves Boxing: Cove Seafood Restaurant & Banquet Center, 4701 Transit Rd.; 3:30 p.m. Tickets @ Doris Records and all Carubba Collision locations; Don Patterson chair of WNY Golden Gloves. Monday May 2 Ellicott District Stakeholders Meeting: 6 p.m. Pratt Willert Community Center 422 Pratt Street. African Consciousness Workshop: 6-7:45 p.m., Merriweather Library; Jefferson @ Utica every Monday; public invited. Tuesday May 3
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION DAY!! VOTE FOR THE CHILDREN!
$
Wednesday May 4
$
Khametic Ascendants: 9-10 a.m. & 12:30 a.m. The Durham Central City Baby Café: every Wed. and Thurs. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 200 E. Eagle. Dinner free! 885-6348.
see you at the events!
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Wednesday April 4 Line Dance Fitness For Seniors: Hustle For Health at the Gloria J Parks Community Center 3242 Main St 11am - 12pm age 50+ FREE Instructor Phyllis Caver 716 832 -1010 www.HustleForHealth. com Thursday May 5 Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier Annual Family History Dinner & Annual Meeting: 6:15 p.m., Emerson School of Hospitality, 86 West Chippewa. Tickets $25. 834-4982. Friday May 6 Golden Age Center’s Annual Mother’s Day Celebration: The Salvation Army, 960 Main St., 8:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.; breakfast, lunch, gifts, line dance workshop with Foxie Brown and more! $10. For tickets 8886261. Monday May 9 African Consciousness Workshop: 6-7:45 p.m., Merriweather Library; Jefferson @ Utica every Monday; public invited.
WANT TO JOIN MY HOVER BOARD CLUB?
Hi, my name is Samuel House. Would anyone be interested in joining my Hover Board Club? Give me a call at 464-7598. (That’s not me in the picture!)
JOIN THE EAST SIDE BIKE CLUB! Join us this Saturday, April 30 at MLK Park at the MLK Head at 12 noon. Bring your bike and a helmet and a friend for a fun ride and exercise! We keep it Rolling!
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Challenger Community News • April 27, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com
Meet Sherman, owner of 1 Accord Services “The Allstate MWEE Program exposed my company to business principles and practices that ignited sustainable growth. The tools and resources enabled us to serve a larger market segment, thus proving to be invaluable. The Entrepreneurial Spirit is alive and well in Buffalo because of programs like these. Thank you for offering a program that enabled 1 Accord Services to continue providing exceptional cleaning and dependable services to our customers.” Sherman Washington, 2014 Grad www.1accordservices.com
Always ensuring your flooring is looking it’s best!
ALLSTATE MINORITY AND WOMEN EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM Specialized help for women and minority business owners Now enrolling for class of 2017
Make coming home the best part of every day. With a home loan from Northwest. Apply on your time, the way you want:
For more info, contact Alex at mgt-cel@buffalo.edu or 716-885-5715
Northwest Bank is Member FDIC.
• Go to northwest.com • Call 1-888-884-4626 • Visit any Northwest office
for School Board on May 3rd A dedicated parent putting Buffalo’s children first
A retired City of Buffalo firefighter, Bryon McIntyre knows how to put others first. Elect Bryon so he can put Buffalo’s students first and make sure every child gets a quality education. ✔ PTO President at Hutch Tech High School ✔ First VP of the District Parent Coordinating Council ✔ Retired Buffalo firefighter and substitute teacher