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April 7, 2022 | FREE | thechallengernews.com | Community News
Things Look Good!
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Poised to be First Black Female Supreme Court Justice Page 12
The Other Victims Of Will Smith’s “Slapgate” Page 10
Workers Beat Amazon in Historic Union Victory! Page 12
The bogus case against community activist Betty Jean Grant may soon be over. Page 3
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Gwen Zinermon Page 5
GM, LISC WNY Announce $150,000 in Grants Available to Black-Owned Businesses.
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INSIDE ROCHESTER
DELTA TALKS: Sabrina LaMar, the first Black woman to become president of the Monroe County Legislature was the featured guest on last Monday’s "Delta Talks" from on Facebook and Zoom. Sponsored by the Rochester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., Delta Talks is a continuing series of candid conversations that focus on important community issues.
Our Black Business Marketplace Series is Back! This one is called the Black Empowerment Marketplace. Hosted by Community Justice Initiative and the Nation of Islam. The idea is to provide a regular platform for black owned businesses to thrive and to regularly practice cooperative economics. We have a spending power of $1.3 Trillion. If we keep that money in the community longer, we will have more businesses, more jobs, more youth apprenticeships and more economic stability in our community. It will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Montgomery Center, located at 10 Cady Street. The vendor fee is $35, but is FREE to the public. We look to provide the black vendor experience with a touch of networking and a touch of education. If you are an up and coming vendor and want to connect with the community, uplift the youth and serve the community, come see us! If you love your people and loved the vibes of the last marketplace, come see us! For vendors looking to register, please send a return email and Diallo Payne will tend to all of your inquiries (or hit me at the number below, or hit me up on facebook). Hit us up today! Don't play! Peace, Diallo Payne 585- 690-2206
#CJI Villager
2022 Gateways Music Festival Kicks Off in Rochester April 18 The 2022 Gateways Music Festival in association with Eastman School of Music, which features professional classical musicians of African descent, from throughout the United States and abroad, will open in Rochester April 18. Musical performances, a film and related lecture and a Gateways Orchestra concert will highlight the first three days . The festival will then shift to New York City for similar events concluding with the orchestra's performance in Carnegie Hall on April 24. A program featuring old classics and new works performed by five pianists will kick off the Rochester events at 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 18 in Hatch Recital Hall, Eastman School of Music, 433 E. Main Street. It is a ticketed event. Black composer Florence Price will be the focus of a film screening and lecture Tuesday, April 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Hatch Hall. Following the showing of the film, "The Caged Bird: The Life and Music of Florence B. Price," Dr. Cory Hunter, the festival's Paul J. Burgett Lecture speaker, will give an interactive presentation entitled "Black Idioms in the Music of Florence B. Price." Hunter is assistant professor of music at the University of Rochester and assistant professor of musicology at the Eastman School of Music.The Price program is free of charge but registration for tickets is required. The Rochester section of the 2022 Gateways Music Festival will conclude at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 20 with a concert by the 100-member Gateways Orchestra, Anthony Parnther , conductor, in Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St. It is a ticketed event. The concert will mark Parnther's debut as Gateways' new conductor. He succeeds Michael Morgan, long-time Gateways conductor and music director, who died last August following complications from a kidney transplant. The orchestra concert selections will be "Sinfonia No." by George Walker, the first black winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Music; "Symphony No. 3 in C Minor" by Florence Price; "Fantasia on 'Lift Every Voice and Sing" by James V. Cockerham, a black composer, and "Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Opus 56," by Johannes Brahms. For tickets and more information, visit the Gateways website at: www.gatewaysmusicfestival.
Assistance Available to Help City Residents Pay For Past-Due Water Bills, COVID-19 Related Funeral Expenses
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
Get savings from the start with a no closing cost mortgage AP P LY O N LI N E TO SAVE O N YO U R N E W H O M E Your next home is more affordable than you think. Take the first step by applying online for our no closing cost mortgage1—and pay $0.00 up front. Visit us at cbna.com/homeloans to schedule an appointment and find the mortgage that’s right for you.
Scan to apply now. Ask about our affordable housing programs.
To apply and learn about eligibility and income limits, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/water-assistance/.To apply for funeral assistance, residents can call FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline at (844) 684-6333, Mon. to Fri, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coro All loans and lines are subject to credit approval. 1The No Closing Cost option is valid on most owner occupied, 1–4-family residential properties. Property and hazard insurance are required and are the responsibility of the borrower. For mortgages with less than 20% down payment, Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required and customer is responsible for PMI premiums. Other applicable fees/charges, including deed stamps or deed transfer taxes, are not mortgage closing costs and will not be paid by the Bank. If a customer elects to obtain owner title insurance, the customer is responsible for the owner title insurance premium. Condominiums and single-wide mobile homes are not eligible for a no closing cost mortgage. Double-wide mobile homes are eligible for the no closing cost mortgage only if permanently attached to a foundation. Should the no closing cost mortgage be closed or discharged within the first three years, the Bank may collect the third-party closing costs from the customer that were waived when the loan was opened. If a customer selects an attorney to represent him/her, customer is responsible for attorney fees. Community Bank will not pay for a survey, nor any other item that is ordinarily paid for by the seller. ADDITIONAL “NO CLOSING COSTS” PRODUCT DISCLOSURE: “No closing costs” means no: origination fee/points; application fee; flood check fee; credit report fee; appraisal fee; mortgage recording fee; abstract update or title search fee; lender title insurance fees; bank attorney fee; mortgage recording tax. Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
AREA BRIEFS Non-Violence Center to Host Heroine Cariol Horne The SSJ Sister Karen Center will host outspoken victim advocate and trailblaze for justice Cariol Horne and “HERSTORY; THE COST OF NONVIOLENCE” at SS. ColumbaBrigid Church,, 75 Hickory Street on April 24 at 3 p.m. Ms. Horne, former Buffalo Police Officer and Duty-to-Intervene activist, was fired for stopping police brutality. Her bravery served as the inspiraCariol Horne tion for Cariol's Law. A reception will follow. Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for students and low income. Group rates are also available. For tickets call (716)893-0808, go to sisterkarencenter.org, or pay at the door.
Will Crystal Barton Return to McKinley High? It was reported in Tuesday’s Buffalo News that former McKinley High School principal Crystal Barton has been given the option of returning to her job as a principal of McKinley High under terms of an agreement she reached with the Board of Education. She has been on paid administrative leave for the last five years. She reportedly received over $600,000 while the BPS tried to fire her. She asked the district to reinstate her in 2018 but the district kept her on paid leave pending bogus charges. For decades Mrs. Barton, highly respected as a principal, had a reputation for running one of the city’s best schools under her tenure.
New Police Advisory Board Seeks Members
In March the Buffalo Common Council voted to create a New Police Advisory Board. The board will host 11 members and be composed of at least one member with the following backgrounds in mental health, criminal justice, law and restorative justice. The members will be voted on by the Common Council and any added members will go through a confirmation process through the common council. Applications will be open through April 13 Via Buffalo Common Council facebook page, emailing councilstaff@buffalo.gov or physical submission to the City Clerks office. You must be a Buffalo resident 18 years and over to apply. You can find a video of the meeting on Buffalo Common Council facebook page or reposted on the challenger news page.
Judge Troutman Officially Sworn In
Hon. Shirley Troutman was officially sworn in as a member of the New York Court State of Appeals in Albany. Troutman is the second Black female ever and the first woman from Western New York to join the court. She started the job in February. Justice Troutman, a graduate of Bennett High School, has served as an Assistant District Attorney's office, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Trial Court Judge, Acting Supreme Court Justice, and elected to the Supreme Court in 2009.
“Things look good”
The bogus Election Law Violations case against community activist BettyJean Grant may soon be over. But the struggle continues. It has become clear that Mrs. Grant is a victim of politricks and prosecutional misconduct. Free Betty Jean!
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fter months of court dates, the bogus Election Law Violations case against community activist Betty Jean Grant may soon be over. “We’re negotiating,” her attorney James A.W. McLeod said outside the courtroom Tuesday. “Things look good. Community support has helped us and on May 3 hopefully that will be the last time we have to come down here. Sometimes the wheels of justice are slow But if the end result is in the best interest of your client, slow is ok.” Mrs. Grant, reflecting on the progress of her fight for vindication, said she was optimistic. “I feel good,” she stated praising her legal representation. “ I have a fantastic attorney - Judge James McLeod.” -Politricks as Usual?The 2021 mayoral campaign will go down in history as one of Buffalo’s most hotly contested and divisive elections. As the African American community Betty Jean Grant and Attorney James McLeod. continues to heal from it - the legal case against community activist Betty Jean Grant has been a sore spot; widely viewed as politically motivated , a travesty of justice and a waste of taxpayer’s dollars. Yet the silence of the Black leadership has been deafening. However included among those who have stood up and shown support is Attorney Peter A. Reese, Esq. Outraged by what he saw as a clear case of prosecutorial misconduct, he filed an Amicus Brief on behalf of Mrs. Grant “to assist the court in its legal and factual deliberations concerning this case for the purpose of having the charges against Betty Jean Grant dismissed.” In the summary of argument he writes: “ Defendant Betty Jean Grant observed illegal activity involving a person assisting a voter execute a write-in ballot while at her polling place on October 23, 2021. This illegal activity was ignored and permitted by election inspectors. In order to publicize and stop this behavior, Defendant (Mrs. Grant) video recorded the incident live to social media, Facebook. This was a quintessential exercise of free speech and petitioning government for redress of grievances. "Embarrassed by the publication of his nonfeasance or misfeasance in the execution of his sworn duties, Democratic Election Commission Zellner instructed his protégé and political beneficiary, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn to investigate and prosecute Defendant. This prosecution is attempted here via an antique and unenforceable (by virtue of vagueness) statute which prohibits entering a “voting booth,” an entity which has not existed for at least ten years. Politically motivated, this prosecution clearly violates Defendant’s constitutionally guaranteed rights. This action must be dismissed and the statute underlying it should be declared unconstitutional on its face and as applied to the facts of this case. "The actions of the Erie County District Attorney should be closely scrutinized and appropriate action taken, if deemed warranted.” Continued Page 16
From 1865-2022 : The Making of The Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Law •1865 End of the Civil War •1865 to 1877 Reconstruction Era. Moderate gains for formerly enslaved Africans. Passage of the 14th, 15th and 16th Amendments to the US Constitution •1877 to 1965 White racist backlash. Jim Crow Era marked by Savage Terror Campaigns •1883 to 1941 Over 3000 Black men and women lynched in America. Racebased lynching is often celebrated as a public holiday. Lynching Postcards displaying victims hung, burned or tortured are sent across the country to friends and family of White spectators. In some cases, body parts are kept as souvenirs. •1919 RED SUMMER Racist mobs attack Black people across the country. Many lynchings take place. First Great Migration Accelerates. •1890 to 1966 Ida B. Wells leads an International AntiLynching Campaign which meets fierce resistance from American authorities •1955 EmmettTill, a fourteen year old boy from Chicago, Lynched In Money, MS Continued Page 19
VISIT MANNA FOR DINING IN & TAKE OUT!
Tuesday through Friday 9AM - 6PM • Saturday and Sunday 11AM-4PM Closed Mondays TO PLACE YOUR ORDER CALL (716) 253-2100
or ORDER ONLINE at www.mannacarryout.com • DoorDash Location 633 Northland (Between Fillmore Ave. & Grider St.)
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HEALTH MATTERS
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
Top Cold & Flu Herbs & Supplements Go Lay Down! Whether you’re looking to prevent catching a cold or flu or to speed up your recovery when you’ve caught one, these nine herbs and supplements as suggested by the Medical Medium will be important tools in your healing toolbox. You can use them year-round to help strengthen and support your immune system against colds and flus, or use them (or more of them) when you know you might have increased exposure to bugs, and/or when you feel the symptoms of a cold or flu developing. Zinc, as liquid zinc sulfate, is an essential mineral for everyone to supplement for fighting colds and flus, Cat’s Claw destroys cold and flu bugs and other viruses, Rose Hips Tea. Rose hips contain a bioavailable vitamin C that helps the body fight off viruses and bacteria. Sipping rose hip tea on the days when you take a vitamin C supplement is helpful because the rose hip’s vitamin C will activate the supplemental form of it, making it stronger. The Ester-C brand is recommended. Lemon Balm is an incredible antiviral and antibacterial. It also helps with nausea, loss of appetite, and soothing and calming the nervous system, which is greatly needed when you have a cold or flu. . Elderberry Syrup is one of the most effective remedies for viral and bacterial infections such as colds and flus. B12 with Adenosylcobalamin and Methylcobalamin is the best form of B-12 for both chronic illnesses and symptoms and also for colds and flus. Peppermint Tea is a gentle and soothing anti-spasmodic that calms intestinal nerves and spasms that can happen with a flu bug. Go to medicalmedium.com for more healthful tips.
"If You Want to Drink, It’s Your Business. If You Want to Get Sober, It’s OURS". Alcoholics Anonymous 716-853-0388 www.buffaloaany.org Download free AA Meeting Guide app
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id you see the IG video that went viral when NaJe took the COGIC song "Yes Lord" and sang "Go Lay Down"? If not, you have to check it out. Go Lay Down TikTok Video Sleep is essential for our physical, mental, and spiritual health. And one of the biggest issues I see with my clients is they don’t get enough sleep. The result? • Weight gain • Poor focus, concentration, and memory • Anxiety • Weakened immune system Adequate sleep should become your priority. You should aim to get at least 7.5-9 hours of sleep every night. I know it seems impossible in our do more, be more society, but if you do these three things you can begin to get the sleep you need: 1. Don’t drink anything with caffeine after noon 2. Go to bed the same time every night (even on the weekend) 3. Disconnect from all electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed Once you start getting adequate sleep you will wake up feeling refreshed and energized. And you will experience: • Improved learning and decision-making skills • Healing and repair of tissues and cells • Regenerated immune system P.S. sleep is more important than food. The body can survive three weeks without food but begins to suffer the impact of sleep deprivation after 3 days! So, GO LAY DOWN!
SEXUAL HEALTH SUPPORT For men and women. Call 716.852.5969 or visit CASWNY.org
FREE FOOD PANTRIES
Project at Ramadan at Feed The Bread of Life Food Pantry The Group Ministries Bread Buffalo Send your fasting friends in need of halal safe fruits and veggies to Feed Buffalo during Ramadan Monday and Tuesday from 12-4pm 456 Massachusetts Ave. More info go to feedbuffalo.org
FIRST FRUITS FOOD PANTRY OF LINCOLN MEMORIAL UMC
Located on the East Side, at Lincoln Memorial Church, 641 Masten @ Northland, First Fruits Food Pantry is open Tuesdays 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays 10a.m.-12 .
Free Bread Pantry
Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. is Free Bread Pantry Day at the Dorothy J. Collier Center., 118 E. Utica.
of Life Food Pantry 1335 Jefferson Avenue, 10 a.m.2 p.m. Monday & Wednesday. For info call (716)2598030.
FREE FOOD AT BFNC PANTRY
Every Thursday & Friday 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @The Fruit Belt Neighborhood House - 76 Orange St. Buffalo, N.Y.
The St. Philips Food Pantry
St. Philips Episcopal Church Food Pantry Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Please ring bell for service (lower button) and bring your ID. If you have questions or need assistance, call 716 833-0442.
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Gwen Zinermon
APRIL IS ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH
Are You Enjoying Alcohol Socially or Crossing the Line? April is alcohol awareness month which means many organizations across the nation increase their already significant efforts to educate the public and raise cognizance about alcoholism, its causes, effects, and proper treatment. Studies have shown that large groups of people believe their drinking is solely social. Research shows, that in many cases social drinking is used as a crutch. Professionals under excess stress such as police officers have been studied and correlations have been found between the stress of fitting in socially with coworkers and drinking. We also know that college drinking can be disastrous for young students away on their journey to a bachelor’s degree. Researchers found that one of four motives for college drinking was the need to conform to the social norms. According to a report published in the academic journal, JAMA Psychiatry, almost 33% of adult Americans suffer from an alcohol abuse disorder at some point in their lives. Out of that one-third of Americans, only 20% Dr. Joanne Frederick seek professional help. The CDC has also published fact sheets stating that the number of lives lost to alcohol was around 88,000 per year from 2006-2010.
Renata Toney
Samantha White
East Side Garden Walk Seeks Participation Popular annual event has grown to showcase more than 75 gardens. East Side residents Samantha White and Renata Toney co-chairing the garden tour.
East Side Garden Walk (ESGW) is soliciting gardens to participate in its annual event Saturday, July 23, 2022, and Sunday, July 24, 2022, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. The So how do you assess when your drinking is stepping into a danger zone or if your motives for drinking are unhealthy? Washington, D.C Licensed Mental Health Counselor Dr. Joanne Frederick deadline is May 15. Register online at EastSideGardenoutlines the differences between social and problematic drinking. Walk.com. Samantha White Here are 5 signs that your drinking has become problematic. is the event chair. Renata Toney was recently appointYou Feel the Need to Hide Your Drinking Dr. Joanne Frederick says, “People who find themselves escalating from social drinking to ac- ed co-chair. tual alcoholism, attempt to conceal their alcohol consumption from their friends and family.” Dr. Frederick explains that the issue is the cognizance of the drinker that they are taking it to Now in its fourth year, the next level and that those close to them would be alarmed at how much they are drinking. ESGW encourages visitors and neighbors to walk, drive, Failing to Deliver on Your Responsibilities “Alcoholics tend to miss work, meetings, and other responsibilities,” Dr. Joanne Frederick or bike Buffalo’s East Side, says. “If problematic drinking habits begin in college, students may begin to sacrifice study learning about the resilience time and class time in order to recuperate from the previous night’s hangover” states Dr. of this community. Visitors meet gracious host gardenFrederick. ers and experience historic neighborhoods and wideNot Sticking to Your Limit Many people set out limits for themselves before going out with friends. “I’ll only have two ranging architecture. drinks tonight!’ they profess. However, Dr. Frederick explains that if you can’t stick to your own parameters, you might have binge drinking tendencies. “If you are making a deal with Your garden does not need to yourself and you cannot follow your own rule for the night you need to observe the reason- be perfect; no one’s ever is. ing. It might be a case of using alcoholism as a crutch to fit in or have fun. When alcohol If you have a garden in the becomes a stepping stone for ‘fun’ it becomes a necessity and this is when you can develop a footprint of ESGW, you’re invited to participate. No dependency on it,” she says. site visits, no judging, no entry fees. Gardens range from Blacking Out Becomes Routine Blackouts and hangovers happen to everyone at some point. It is part of learning your limits. large to a few square feet But if blacking out becomes routine, Dr. Frederick says this might be a sign you are in the red – register your front, back, zone for dependency. “If you become nonchalant about repeatedly blacking out throughout or side garden; your upper the weekend or in extreme cases throughout the week, there is a problem. Modern medicine porch (seen from the street); tells us the effects of constant and consistent episodes of blackouts on your brain can be ter- or your business storefront. rible. If you are dissociating these episodes of memory loss, incoherence, and hangovers from the consequences they can bring down the line it could mean you are trying to numb anxiet- The love of gardening and ies or insecurities with alcohol, and you don’t care about the results of such heavy drinking. community creates connection. Residents are invited to share their gardens, stories, You Need “Liquid Courage” Prior to Any New Social Experience This is common in college students and recent grads who are trying to navigate the world and spirit of perseverance of adulthood and socializing. “Studies show us that one of the major motives why college with those from within and students over-drink is the need to fit in. They don’t believe they can do so without alcohol. outside East Side neighborThis is problematic because it creates an urgency for the substance to make friends,” says Dr. hoods. Frederick. East Side Garden Walk is an event produced by GarWhat to do if you’re not sure you have a problem Dr. Frederick suggests, “If you are not certain you are an alcoholic, seek the advice of a dens Buffalo Niagara; its therapist or counselor. Shadowing an AA meeting and speaking with those who have long mission is to create more term sobriety can also demystify and destigmatize the notion of seeking help and community. vibrant and beautiful comIf you begin to realize that you require more than therapy and counseling to stop drinking, munities by sharing our garinpatient treatment (rehab) may be the course of action you need to get both the therapy and dens with events like Garden Walk Buffalo, Tours of Open tools to live a sober life. Gardens on Thursdays and Dr. Joanne Frederick is a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Washington, D.C Fridays in July, The Buffalo Style Garden Art Sale, and You can find her on www.jflcounseling.org . Urban Farm Day.
Street Sign to Honor the Memory of Visionary University District Resident
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n April 30 the City of Buffalo will unveil an honorary street sign for Mrs. Gwendolyn Zinermon, who passed away unexpectedly in April of last year. Gwen had a true gift for working in her community and she spearheaded numerous community revitalization programs and cleanups within Buffalo’s University District. During her presidency of the Stockbridge Avenue Block Club, while working closely with Buffalo Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt and Buffalo Police Lieutenant Nichols, a community fruit and vegetable garden was established. In 2016, Gwen was presented with a Proclamation by Council Member Wyatt recognizing her excellence and dedication to the University District Community. She later became the districts Democratic Committee person and was also Co- founder and Vice President of “SHE IS Empowered” a women’s empowerment group for women within the City of Buffalo. SHE IS Empowered was founded in 2017 and focuses on Economic Empowerment, Community Engagement and Personal Development. Gwen was very much passionate about learning and teaching and enjoyed her years as a teacher with the City of Buffalo Board of Education. Gwen engaged, uplifted, and challenged youth in the community to excel academically. Gwen was not only beloved and well respected within her community, but she was also adored by her family. Gwen leaves footprints of love and beautiful memories in the hearts of her loving husband of 47 years Phillip Zinermon, her children, two granddaughters, and loving family near and far along with friends, neighbors and a community that adored her. Gwen’s vision was to engage women to heal, grow and to uplift one another and their communities. SHE IS Empowered’s mission and goal is to continue Gwen’s legacy by pushing forward with tenacity to inspire women to achieve their goals and to support their communities. The street sign unveiling will take place April 30th, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Corner of Stockbridge and Suffolk (Lot 453) and will be officiated by councilman Rasheed N.C. Wyatt. Organizers have also invited Mayor Brown and New York State Senator Kennedy to this extraordinary event in honor of Gwen’s life and Legacy.
Memorial Recognizes Black Maternal Health Week Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center’s P3 Center for Teens, Moms & Kids will host a day of awareness and advocacy in recognition of Black Maternal Health Week on Wednesday, April 13. The event, which will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Niagara Falls Train Station (825 Depot Avenue W), is f.u.nded through the NYS Maternal and Infant Community Health Collaborative. Event speakers will include Mikayla Howard from the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, Samika Sullivan from the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, Ina “Imeisha” Robinson, MPH from Safe States Alliance, Roshia McCoy, NP at NFMMC, and Dr. Davina Moss-King from Positive Direction and Associates, Inc. To register for this event or for more information on becoming a Community Action Board member, please call 716-2784274.
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FAITH & FAMILY
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
Beyond The Pulpit
Pastor Simmons, Pastor Newkirk Address Youth at Sigma “Combating Community Gun Violence” Symposium
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he Buffalo alumnae chapter of the International Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., the Eta Rho Sigma chapter recently hosted its annual nation-wide “Youth Symposium”. The sorority has been implementing the Youth Symposium for over 20 years. This symposium, which takes place in March by alumnae chapters across the nation, is designed to highlight some of the prevalent concerns that negatively impact our youth such as drugs, abuse, low self-esteem, teen pregnancy, suicide, etc. This year’s theme, “Combating Community Gun Violence, “ sought to deal with issues including Contributing Factors to Gun Violence in our Communities, Consequences of Possessing a Firearm, Societal Impact of Death and Mass Incarceration.
The year’s symposium took place on Saturday, March 19 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., at McKinley High School, located at 1500 Elmwood Ave . The theme was “Combating Community Gun Violence”. The expertise of the guest speakers - Pastor KenPastor Simmons (left) and neth Simmons and Pastor Tim Pastor Newkirk. Newkirk - was unparalleled and essential to productive dialogue on how gun violence is impacting Buffalo and other inner-cities nationwide. Pastor Simmons is the Director of Recreational Services for the City
of Buffalo. He has been transparent about his troubled past and has positively turned his life around and mentors youth. Also, Pastor Newkirk has extensive experience working with gangs and providing mediation, crisis intervention, and life skills coaching to individuals ages 13 to 21. There were also workshop presentations that had deeper exploration of relevant youth topics such as group chats, joining gangs, surviving in a dysfunctional home, definition of a felony and how it impacts one’s future, and the impact homicide has on grieving families. The women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and its affiliates have been serving the Western New York area for over 30 years.
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
What Is Ramadan and Why Is It Important? In the U.S., Ramadan started at sundown on Saturday, April 2, and ends with Eid al-Fitr on Monday, May 2. It is the Holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
More than 2 billion observant Muslims around the world will engage in fasting from food, drink and sexual intercourse between dawn and sunset each day of the month, said Hussam Ayloush, the executive director of the Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Is-
lamic Relations. Fasting is obligatory for Muslims, except for the ill, pregnant, traveling, elderly and/or menstruating, according to National Geographic. Before fasting each day, Muslims will begin with a pre-dawn meal called suhur, and then begin the
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fajr, the first prayer of the day, according to NatGeo. At dusk, after finishing the sunset prayer, or Maghreb, Muslims celebrate with the meal known as the iftar. This means "breaking the fast," and the meal is often shared with family and friends. This ritual of daily fasting gives Muslims a period of spiritual reflection, Ayloush said. "Being without food and drink throughout the day hopefully builds in us a kind of empathy where we feel very grateful for the blessing we receive from God ... and the way to show thankfulness is also by being empathetic who have less of these privileges," he said. Muslims will also avoid negative acts like gossiping, lying and arguing during the month. Charity is a very important practice in Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims will often hold food drives or fundraisers to help the less fortunate. Many Muslims will perform an extra prayer at night during Ramadan called taraweeh. They will also celebrate Laylat al-Qadr later in the month, which is the day many believe the Quran was first revealed. How can non-Muslims greet their Muslim friends and neighbors during Ramadan? Non-Muslims can wish Muslims "Ramadan Mubarak," which means "have a blessed Ramadan," Ayloush said."They can say, 'Happy Ramadan,' 'Joyful Ramadan.' When Ramadan is finished, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, or the "Festival of the Breaking of the Fast." During this celebration, children receive gifts from family and friends. Muslims may also recite a special prayer during the morning of Eid, followed by a community celebration with food and games. RAMADAN MUBARAK!
UTOPIAN EUPHORIA! Pictured above are scenes from the 12th Annual "Women Who Walk In the Footsteps of Greatness" Awards event hosted by Debbie Allen and Utopian Euphoria March 19 . Officer Kimberly Beaty was the keynote speaker at the lovely gathering which honored some of the area's most accomplished women. Ms. Allen, the founder, was surprised with two plaques of appreciation and a beautiful prayer wrap from Mrs. Beaty. Congratulations to all the outstanding awardees and to Debbie Allen!
COVID-19 TESTING Monday-Saturday 8:30AM-Noon & 1-4:15PM • Call (716) 986-9199 Ext. 5907
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
Profile
GM , LISC WNY Announce $150,000 in Grants Available to Black-Owned Businesses Thaddeus Dunn
Thaddeus Dunn: Minority-Owned Business Initiative Participant: Right Fit Recruiting, LLC For more than two decades, Thaddeus Dunn has recruited and placed executive-level professionals in positions across the country, in industries from medical and financial to non-profit and education. Now, he has established Right Fit Recruiting, LLC here in Buffalo Niagara, bringing his expertise to the local business community with added measures of personalized service and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in executive roles. Dunn is familiar with the Buffalo area from his days at Canisius College where he graduated with a degree in communications. As founder and CEO of Right Fit Recruiting, Dunn taps into all his combined experience to serve clients nationally and in Western New York where his client roster includes Key Bank, National Fuel, ECC, and Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, among others. Dunn and his company have been selected to take part in the Partnership’s Minority-Owned Business Program, a new initiative aimed at giving business owners greater access to Partnership resources. Created with underwriting from Bank of America and National Grid, the program gives Dunn a two-year membership in the Partnership. He is already participating in the Partnership’s Executive Exchange program, a peer-to-peer professional leadership development program in which he can interact with other executives to share experiences in the world of business. “The Executive Exchange Continued Page 17
The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and General Motors recently announced their continued collaboration to scale and advance Black-owned business growth in the Western New York region. Last year, through GM funding, LISC WNY provided $150,000 in grants to 15 Blackowned businesses in the construction, digital technology, and diversity, equity and inclusion consulting fields. The program was such a success that it will be continued into a second year. In addition to the eligible industries in round 1, LISC and GM have added one more eligible industry sector – childcare services and providers. Knowing that racial disparities in business ownership and lending are stark in Western New York with Black majority census tracts receiving substantially less dollars than other racial groups, these grants are tailored to Black-owned businesses that are undercapitalized, but well positioned for growth. This fund is designated to support procurement opportunities in several high-growth industries and/or services: • Construction, • Energy Infrastructure & Climate Response, • Broadband, Digitization & Web Services, • Medical Suppliers & Telehealth Services, • Manufacturing, • Childcare Services & Providers, • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion consultants. Grant applications close on April 20, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Applications can be found online at www.lisc.org/wny. “General Motors is proud to continue our collaboration with LISC WNY as we enter the second year of the Scale Up WNY Business Grant Program,” said Terry Rhadigan, vice president of Corporate Giving at GM. “This innovative program will help Black-owned businesses in Western New York to build resilience and create inclusive, sustainable solutions to reach their goals.”
M&T Bank Partners With Juneteenth for Money Mentor workshops Eight Juneteenth 365 Partnership Money Mentor Workshops sponsored by M&T Bank will be held: •April 9: Making Budgets Work •April 16: Banking Basics •April 23: Identity Protection •April 30… Considering Home Ownership •May 7: Mortgages •May 14: Credit Scores and Reports Join by phone: 1-844-621-3956 (Toll Free) or 1-650-4793208 (Toll) ACCESS CODE: 230-794-90165
Vanessa Hall
WE HAVE 3,000 JOBS TO FILL
SUNY Erie at Northland Graduate
Great Careers in Manufacturing & Energy Call (716) 436-3229 or visit northlandwtc.org Train for what’s next.
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
She means business. And we’re here to help.
Women-owned businesses power the American economy, employing more than 9 million people and creating revenue at nearly 5 times the average.* We’re proud to help them go even further by: •
Committing more than $300 million to provide capital to diverse entrepreneurs and small business owners, including women
•
Doubling the number of women able to attend the free Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell to 100,000
•
Providing the financial tools, expertise and personal attention to help them start, run and grow their businesses
“I’m also proud that Bank of America walks the walk when it comes to hiring, supporting and promoting women within our walls. Our board of directors is 50% diverse, including 6 female directors. Our workforce is half women, just like Buffalo. And our management team is more than half diverse, including 7 female leaders.” Ted Janicki President, Bank of America Buffalo
What would you like the power to do?® Learn more at bankofamerica.com/buffalo
*Source: The State of Women-Owned Businesses Report: Summary of Key Trends, American Express, 2019. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender © 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Entertainment
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
THE OTHER VICTIMS OF WILL SMITH’S “SLAPGATE”
H
ad it not been for Will Smith’s “Slapgate” - the 94th Oscars would have made headlines as an historic - night of excellence for Black actors and entertainers. But Will's regrettable macho move stole the show- literally - from these amazing talents! Here is what we should have been talking about . The tremendous accomplishments and praise worthy Oscar moments that were lost amid the “Fresh Prince’s” personal drama - include the following highlights and academy awardees : •Samuel L. Jackson’s Lifetime Achievement Oscar •The Best Supporting actress Oscar-winning Afro-Latina LGBTQ sister from “West Side l/r 2022 Oscars Director Will Packer ,two of the three hosts Wanda Sykes and Regina Story” Ariana DBose Hall and Dj D-Nice who was this years official Oscars DJ. •D-Nice as the official Oscars DJ •Hi-Town S Robert Glasper along with Afro-Latina Sheila E serving as the Oscar’s house band. •Oscar’s director Will Packer •The Best Documentary Feature Oscar-winning directorial debut of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson for “Summer of Soul” •Megan Thee Stallion doing her thing in the “Encanto” number •The Shaq & Steph Curry-executive produced documentary “the Queen of Basketball” about the first woman drafted by an NBA team, the late Lusia Harris, an African American •Beyonce performed “Be Above” (which was nominated for Best original Song) from “King Richard” on the same Compton tennis court where Venus and Serena first practiced their craft •Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes who co-hosted the show •Denzel Washington scored his 10th overall nomination for his leading performance in The Tragedy of Macbeth, continuing his record as the most-nominated Black actor in Academy Awards history. •Will Smith took home the coveted Best Actor Award- after his worst performance - slapping comedian Chris Rock in front of millions of viewers….Will was only the 5th Black lead actor to have ever won Best Actor in the Academy’s 94 years .
2022 Oscar winners from top l/r Samuel L. Jackson, ,Ariana DBose, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, Will Smith. an Megan Thee Stallion in a surprise performance.
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS CALL US 716 881-1051
ON STAGE Seneca Niagara Events Center and Bears Den
The Temptations & The Four Tops Friday April 22. For more information about tickets and showtimes call 1-877-8-SENECA (1-877873-6322).
Carmen Ruby Floyd at the Shea’s 710 Theatre Singer Actress Carmen Ruby Floyd performs 710 Main Street Saturday, April 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39 general and $20 for students and are available at Shea’s box office, 847-1410 or shea’s.org
Outer Harbor Summer Concert Series
T-Pain performs May 29 and Ja Rule takes the stage on June 24 at the Outer Harbor Concert Series Lakeside Event Lawn 825 Fuhrmann Blvd. Tickets are
now on sale. General Admission is $24 and VIP tickets $49 ( both plus fees).
Little Anthony & The Imperials plus the Crystals & The Marcels, Sunday June 12,Riviera. Theatre, 67 Webster St. North Tonawanda. Tickets $59 to $79 (rivieratheatre.org, 716692-2413.
Support The Arts
Eliminate that unwanted chin, lip, leg hair & more through safe, permanent Electrolysis by Biyyah Beauty located at: Sinclair's Salon & Spa 700 Main Street • 12 Noon to 6 PM Wednesday, Thursday & Friday To Schedule a Consultation Call or Text
716.249.1346
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
TAKE A SOLAR MOMENT...by Solar
J. Ingram
Peace and Love Professionals!
I want to thank Sheila L. Brown and a few others for being our special guest for the Live Take A Solar Moments held at Je Ne Sais Quoi 1633 Hertel Ave. Every Thursday I have an event called PROSE & POUR PROFESSIONAL MIXER from 5 to 8p.m. where professionals can enjoy food and drink specials with live conversations. Thus far Take A Solar Moment podcast as heard on Power96.5fm.com/podcast has interviewed a host of professionals from different communities in WNY. When Sheila L Brown, CEO of Vision Multi Media graced the atmosphere with her testimony of success, it was informative and energetic. She spoke about how important it is for professionals to have a life filled with balance and focus. And of course she enjoyed her
GOODNE$$ Presents
The Return of The TWO DAY INNER CITY POETRY MARATHON ! In Honor of National Poetry Month
On Saturday - April 9 from 2-5pm (Adults Only) and on Sunday - April 10 from 1 - 4pm (Kid friendly/family oriented ) the 7th annual Inner CIty Poetry marathon will be taking place at Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library 1324 Jefferson Avenue Buffalo, New York Free & open to the public .
Solar with Owner of WUFO / Power96.5 FM Sheilia Brown on right
Haddock and Shimp combo! Even Cal Palmer, local musician who shared his opinion on the House Rum Punch saying it was chilled to perfection and worth the weekly wait. Yet, in his live interview he also shared the sentiments of the arts community and the need for increasing the pay, with a passion to perform like never before. Working professionals need a place that is warm and welcoming, and on Thursday's at Je Ne Sais Quoi you'll find all that you need, from door raffles and more brought to you by Lucky's Market on Sycamore, and WellCare Medicaid. Each week is something new and exciting! April highlights include interviews with Doug Ruffin of the History Channel and David Lorenzo Glover, The Controversial Counselor award winning podcaster! If you would like your company to host a Prose
& Pour Professional Mixer event, text Solar today (716) 605 4455 for more details.
Attention Artists, Producers & Songwriters:
WHOS REALLY LIT?
The Who’s Really Lit Industry A&R Scouting Event will be held on Saturday, April 16th from 3-11 p.m. at Acqua, 2192 Niagara Street for local artists, producers and songwriters . The event is being hosted by Lit City Buffalo, Fab 94.5 and BMW Entertainment at Acqua, 2192 Niagara Street for local artists, producers and songwriters. Tickets are available at eventbright@ who’s really lit (cash app: $WHOSLIT716 For more information contact Doug King (716)030-5263; Hons Solo (716)559-5545 or contact@ litcitybuffalooficial.com
MONICA & FRIENDS Saturday, April 16 at Rochester’s Main Street Armory, 900 E. Main St. Tickets available in Rochester at Xquisite Boutique, His & Hers, Kicks & Caps . In Buffalo at King City & Doris Records Tickets available on line at mainstreetarmory. com . This is a seated event.
Upcoming at Burchfield Penney Arts Center Apr 8, 2022 - Jun 26, 2022
Edreys Wajed: The Bridge
E
dreys Wajed is a multidisciplinary creative artist based in Buffalo New York. He is an active draftsman, painter, jeweler, designer, curator, hip-hop emcee and producer under the pseudonym Billy Drease Williams He is also an educator and the co-proprietor of the entrepreneurial creative venture Eat Off Art with his partner and wife Alexa Wajed. He is the son and father of creative artists spanning at least three generations in Buffalo His work has been featured by the AlbrightKnox in their Freedom Wall project completed Wajed (b. 1974) Word Play, 2022; acrylin 2017, and by the Buffalo Sabres who pre- Edreys ic on canvas, Only Built for..., 2022; Urethane sented his modified logo Breaking Barriers in Resin Courtesy of the artist 2021 honoring Val James, the National Hockey Leagues’ first African American player who made his NHL debut with the team in 1981. For the exhibition The Bridge Wajed has created works that explore the culture and language of Hip Hop, a musical genre with roots that go back more than fifty years, almost exactly paralleling his life, with important early moments in the genre taking place just months before his birth. In an artist statement he states: "I probe and meander proficiently through music, video, theater, metalsmithing, illustration and painting; seeing art as language, and myself as multilingual. I investigate humanity through storytelling, consumerism and social justice, with an affinity for the beauty of human error in handmade objects, mark-making and documenting human experience. Works produced for this exhibition explore encoded language unique to Hip Hop culture and the different forms of nonverbal communication used by those within it. Wajed seeks to decode parts of this language and create a bridge to make it more accessible, presenting work with a visual aesthetic that warmly invites the outsider in while also welcoming home individuals with similarly lived experiences." Show opens April 8th .Go to Burchfieldpenney.org to learn more. You can find the artist at @edreyes and @eatoffart on social media and at www.eatoffart.com .
Admission to Albright-Knox Northland is always Pay What You Wish
612 Northland Avenue Buffalo, New York 14211
Support Living Artists
February 19– June 5, 2022 In These Truths has been made possible through the generosity of M&T Bank, Rich’s and Rich Family Foundation, and by a matching gift challenge initiated by the City of Buffalo and Council Member Joel Feroleto.
Additional support provided by ACME Cabinet Company, Baillie Lumber, Judy and David Beech, Mr. Robert M. Carey, Marion and Philip Henderson, Beatrice Joan Lester, Laura Ryan, Ralph M. Wynn Foundation, and anonymous donors.
The Albright-Knox’s exhibition program is generously supported by The Seymour H. Knox Foundation, Inc. Albright-Knox Northland is supported by
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
"Restoring African Knowledge In Times of Trouble” is Theme of ASCAC Conference “Restoring African Knowledge In Times of trouble” is the theme of this year’s Annual Conference of the Association of the Study of classical African Civilizations (ASCAC) April 80-16. For more information and to register for this virtual event visit ascac2022.eventbritecom
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Poised to be First Black Female Supreme Court Justice She will be only the 3rd African American to serve since the US Supreme Court was established in 1789! After a grueling political spectacle tinged with racial undertones, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is expected to be confirmed as the first Black female US Supreme Court justice this week. A bipartisan group of senators voted earlier to advance her nomination making her only the 3rd African American and 5th woman to serve since the US Supreme Court was established in 1789. To date 115 justices have served on the bench. Of those, 108 have been White men. After the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-11, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for a vote to break the deadlock and send her nomination to the floor. Every Democrat and three Republican senators -- Susan Collins of Maine, Mitt Romney of Utah and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska -- voted in support of Jackson. Jackson, 51, sits on DC's federal appellate court and had been considered the front-runner for the vacancy on the high court since Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement.
African students fleeing Ukraine detained in European immigration facilities African students who have fled Ukraine have been detained by Eropean Union ( EU )border authorities in what has been condemned as “clearly discriminatory” and “not acceptable”. An investigation by The Independent, in partnership with Lighthouse Reports and other media partners, reveals that Ukraine residents of African origin who have crossed the border to escape the war have been placed in closed facilities.Polish border police have confirmed that 52 third-country nationals are currently being held in detention facilities in Poland.There are other cases in Austria and Germany with regards to students who have applied for asylum or asked for permits to remain. As President Biden spoke in Poland recently about the defense of Ukraine and the world against Putin’s tyranny whilst reiterating a commitment to democracy, African students remain detained under the same European leadership.
Ruling Against Voter Supression
A federal judge struck down portions of a Florida election law passed last year, saying in a ruling that the Republican-led government was using subtle tactics to suppress Black voters.The law tightened rules on mailed ballots, drop boxes and other popular election methods — changes that made it more difficult for Black voters overall,
Workers Beat Amazon in Historic Union Victory! Rising Worker Power: Christian Smalls A Voice For The People
Christian Smalls is a man of the people and found his calling to keep his word leading the path to victory despite what some may have thought was out of reach. The former employee of Amazon and his best friend Derrick Palmer beat the odds the against e-commerce giant on April 1 after a steady effort to organize workers at their Staten Island Warehouse. After a tireless battle over the past 2-plus years leading up to the election, there were 2,654 votes in favor of a Union; a victory for the first successful U.S. organizing effort in the past 30 years and in the history of Amazon. “ I’ll tell you what, Amazon doesn’t make Amazon without the People and we make Amazon what it is” he told reporters during a celebratory Christian Smalls press conference after the win. Smalls, 33 and father of twins, worked for Amazon in New Jersey before working at the NY warehouse almost five years ago.In 2020 while still an employee of the company, he helped lead a walkout over safety conditions for his colleagues at the start of the pandemic. Determined for change and destined to make it in known that Amazon Workers deserved better conditions, Smalls and his best friend Derrick Palmer took a grassroots approach and formed the Amazon Labor Union despite not being backed by any national union organization. Smalls wasted not time and swiftly became a leader of worker activism at Amazon and elsewhere traveling across the country to rally essential workers. He spoke out at rallies criticizing Amazon’s labor record, and at one memorable protest, set up a guillotine outside Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’Washington, D.C., mansion to call for higher wages. “First thing we want to do is promise to fight for these workers, working conditions are definitely a top priority, we’ve seen workers carried out on stretcher’s during the course of the campaign health and safety job security higher wages…” said smalls while still interim president of the union in its early stages”. He told the Washington post that he spent much of the last year outside the JFK8 warehouse in New York handing out food to workers and collecting signatures for the union. In February he was arrested while handing out food due to amazon
Downtown Stadium Would Equal A Buffalo Renaissance! A big Thank You to Ms.Holly Nowak, Executive Director of the Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ), for stating the obvious. Elected officials that represent us, here in Buffàlo and taxpayers across NYS, failed to hold those who negotiated the Buffalo Bills stadium deal accountable for approving a deal that does not have the best interest of a struggling and poor city and its people, at heart. Instead of putting a sound and community minded Community Benefit Agreement in place that would call on the benefactors of the almost one billion dollar tax payers payment to support and fund community centers, child care, after school programs, education and crime prevention programs and health and wellness programs, our money will be used to allow multi- billionaires to keep a larger percentage of their wealth. Now, let's talk about the M/WBE component that elected officials are touting as a ground breaking aspect of this deal. Please do not hold your breath as those Back and Brown subcontractors did when the Joint School Construction Project and the SolarCity Initiative happened. Minority contractors were left at the starting gate then and they will be left during this upcoming stadium project as well. Please, just think about this; if minority workers were not utilized during the Buffàlo-based, Joint School and SolarCity projects, who is going to guarantee that they will be hired for a suburban, Project Labor Agreement (PLA) or unionized workforce and contractors' project? How many minorities or minority owned companies are members of unions? I guarantee you that number is extreme small! I am still shocked that after numerous meetings where the majority of taxpayers who participated wanted a stadium with a retractable roof to be built in Buffalo, those who were elected to do the Will Of The People, were derelict in carrying out the people's agenda. I believe that to build a roofless stadium in Orchard Park will join the Failed Leadership List that includes the Robert Moses Parkway in Niagara Falls, that destruction of a vibrant Eastside neighborhood with an expressway down the middle, the failure to locate the train station back again at the Central Terminal and condos for the elite, on the Waterfront. With the Erie County Executive, The Mayor of Buffalo, the Governor of NYS and the Majority Leader of the New York Assembly all residing in Buffalo, one would think that the City had enough allies rooting for a downtown stadium to work this deal. Right now, we are looking at an 'out of Buffalo' stadium that will be used less than a dozen times a year, built in an area that limits the game experience for poor and inner city residents who have severe transportation issues if public transit is not a factor. Poor and minority residents may not be great tailgaters but they are great at working hard, oftenworkers saying he was trespassing. On the other end of the battle Amazon, known to fight against organizing attempts since the company began, attempted a smear campaign insinuating Smalls was “not smart or articulate” but that didn’t hold any weight. The retail giant spent 4.3 million on anti-union consultants, according to feral filings Smalls and Palmer spent $120,000 overall, raised through GoFundMe, “We started this with nothing, with two tables, two chairs and a tent,” said smalls recalled. Despite the humble beginnings the strength in numbers with over 55% of the vote for the win speaks volumes and sparking movement among other Amazon workers to stay the course. Amazon has expressed their disappointment, but signaled it might challenge the vote. Smalls is still unemployed but no longer unknown in his fight adding his feat to the history books of change.
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
I'm Just Sayin' by Darvin Adams
Whole Health System There is a new system in place at the Veterans Administration. It's called the Whole Health System. This new systems entices veterans to take full control of their health, their wellbeing as well as living their lives to the fullest. Based on the priority and with support of Whole Health Peer Facilitators, the commitment of the V.A. is to equip, empower and treat the veterans. The Whole Health System is a new essential element here at the V.A. I will describe briefly this splendid new program and in the following edition I will give a more in-depth report. This new program helps veterans address a range of issues that impact the physical, emotional, and mental health of many veterans. The pathway to Whole Health starts with two Veteran-led courses. Resources for taking or leading these courses are now available. Veterans come out and take advantage of these new programs I have listed briefly here. Let's take control of our health. The mission continues!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “We want to thank Jeff Bezos (founder of Amazon) for going to space because while he was up there, we were organizing a union.” -Chris Smalls Amazon Union Leader
VOICES
You Gonna Take That Shackle Off Your Mind or You Gonna Let Them Lock the Lock?
I
t is up to us, My People, who want to know the real history of America, to decide that we all have the inalienable rights that will allow us to have equity in our lives; equity we all deserve because we bring the raw material of human potential to the table and are willing to recognize everybody else's right to be there. Remember those Mothers of Liberty and Daughters of America that we talked about? They need to be rejected the same way the Ku Klux Klan must be rejected if we are to build a just and moral society; a society where we all as human beings can make up for our wrongs and restore ourselves to the human family by doing whatever is necessary to make amends for past behaviors, so that everyone of us feels whole again. And I believe we can all feel whole again when we have dismantled the stranglehold of racism and the ignorance it engenders; when we eliminate discrimination and eradicate wealth inequality and political corruption. When we fly all of our flags in the United Nations of the human family. That wholeness is how
each of us would feel when there is no racism and discrimination, no wealth inequality, no educational misinformation or political corruption to keep us all in the mental chains of enslavement. That is how we will feel when all of our votes are allowed to be cast and counted! That is why we must educate ourselves to the voting process and then get out to make sure all of us are voting and get to the polls. If you want to be a part of the reclamation of Our Collective Power, then pay attention and keep doing the right thing. It is the one price that you must be willing to pay. The assault on Black people in its many forms has not ceased since the United States government was forced to enact the Emancipation Proclamation. But, remember, they followed that with the 13th Amendment to The United States Constitution. My People please pay attention and know they have been creating ways to keep us enslaved in one way or another since that time. Now, they are stepping up their assaults on our bodies, on our minds and on all of the laws that are supposed to protect all of us. Voting rights are under attack and legislation on what can and cannot be taught in our schools is under attack right now in states across the country. (Next Week: Conclusion Part 2)
Community Benefits Agreement Tied to New Bills Stadium Deal
I
magine if the Buffalo Bills hadn’t been removed from playing their exciting games on the corner of Jefferson and Best Streets, the previous War Memorial Stadium, what type of community investment would we have seen if the Bills had stayed in that location? The benefits to the community would be much different than what we currently have in present day. The deal for a new stadium for our beloved Buffalo Bills has been the talk of the town over the last week. There have been many opinions expressed on this deal from the cost of the stadium, to its location, and most importantly, how much public money will be included in the deal. I want to expand on one of the most exciting aspects of the deal, the Community Benefits Agreement (“CBA”). The CBA will be negotiated on behalf of the residents of Buffalo and Erie County in relation to the proposed new Bills stadium deal. A CBA is a way for the communities impacted by large scale economic development projects to be provided specific amenities and/or mitigations to the community or neighborhood in return for the large public investment the development project is receiving. These agreements have become the standard norm nationwide on new stadium builds. The last stadium deal in Erie County was negotiated back in 2013. Mark Poloncarz was County Executive and Hon. Betty Jean Grant served as Chair of the Legislature back then, and the final deal ended with a unanimous vote for a lease extension, keeping the Bills in Buffalo until 2023 with a $130 million commitment from Erie County in stadium upgrades. This time around, a requirement for a CBA is in the new proposed 2023 lease. Erie County Executive Poloncarz has successfully negotiated the county’s share of the deal to include a 30-year commitment of the Bills remaining in Buffalo, a locked county financial investment of $250 million dollars into new stadium construction ( this amounts to 18% of the total estimated stadium construction cost), transfer of the ownership of the stadium to the state of New York; removal
of the county’s cost burden of game day expenses, stadium upkeep and lawsuits, and most importantly - requiring a separately negotiated CBA (with specific language noting the beneficiaries being underserved communities) as part of the memorandum of understanding between Erie County, New York State, and the Buffalo Bills. Many residents of Buffalo stepped up with an overwhelming conviction advocating for the new stadium to be located in the City of Buffalo when the County Legislature held our public hearings last December. A similar public hearing was hosted by Buffalo Common Council members, and some Common Council members saw the economic value of a downtown football stadium and advocated passionately for city location on behalf of their constituents. The Common Council’s public hearing was met with the same public outcry as many wanted a Buffalo-based stadium. These sentiments were echoed by notable community organizations, such as the “Bills in Buffalo” coalition, and 20-year downtown Buffalo stadium advocate and local sports analyst Pat “The Mighty O’Ba” Freeman. Upon meeting with advocates and public hearings, I too became a voice in the chorus of local residents demanding a downtown location for the proposed new stadium, but knew that wherever those who were making the location decision that ultimately decided where the new stadium would be, we the people of Buffalo and Erie County would need to get tangible benefits from this deal. When I say we I mean: we; the underserved, we; the historically marginalized, we; the working class, we; the mothers, fathers, and educators of children who deserve safe neighborhoods and a promising future. We; the descendants of redlining, victims of gentrification, and nationwide government led systems organized to keep specific demographics poor, uneducated, incarcerated and mentally ill need to benefit from this deal. After my preview of the Bills’ stadium feasibility study presented the downtown location would possibly displace Old
Continued Page 15
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POETRY The Moon By Jillian Hanesworth
Everyone wants to be the sun Big, bold, and bright enough to burn anyone who dares to soak in it's presence. But me? I choose to be the moon A soft gentle reminder that even in the darkest times There is still light There is still hope Always present even when unseen Powerful enough to change the tides Yet meek enough to allow itself be viewed in all it's glory without hurting the eyes of it's onlookers For before there was light, there was darkness And once darkness creeps back into existence The moon will be there to keep it contained until morning And no matter how difficult a day full of sunlight gets It is known that the moon is on it's way to serve as a guide back to light I choose to be the moon Coming in peacefully and quietly after being introduced by the setting of the sun The sun serving as the opening act to my awe Cooling the sands and waking up a portion of the world that has not been invited to the sun's festival of fire You are safe here I will not allow darkness to intimidate you I will be the illumination you need to make it through the night And I will stay during the day Though outshined Making note of who may need me most once the time comes for me to assert my control and make my existence known Everyone wants to be the sun Big, bold, and bright enough to burn anyone who dares to soak in it's presence. But me? I choose to be the moon (Jillian Hanesworth, Buffalo's first Poet Laureate, is an amazing poet, author & spoken word artist. Her most recent book, "The Revolution Will Rhyme" is available on Amazon.)
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
COUNCILMEMBER FOR A DAY CONTEST! Councilmember for a Day is a contest sponsored by the Buffalo Common Council, Juneteenth Festival Inc. and the Buffalo Public Schools. The contest asks 5th to 8th grade students to write a letter to their district's councilmember that answers the questions "What Can I Do To Make My City better?" In the letter the student will offer suggestions on what they would do as a councilmember to improve the conditions of the City of Buffalo. Student winners will be honored at a reception, receive prizes, meet their district councilmember and possibly attend a Common Council meeting in person or virtually. Deadline is Friday April 15.
D.A.D.S. EASTER 3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Sign Up Deadline April 9
The 2022 Dads Anointed Delivering Sons (D.A.D.S.) Easter 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament is set for April 12, 12 and 14 from 10am -1pm. The tournament will be held at the Community School #53 329 Roher Ave. Age groups for competition are 7-9, 10-12, 13-15. Mountain Bike Giveaways. Sign up deadline is April 9. Entry fee is $40 per team or $10 per person. Contact Dwayne Ferguson for more info at 716 563-1834.
HAIR TO GO NATURAL
SEEKING YOUTH WORKERS
Hair to Go Natural is seeking young outgoing leaders with good management skills to work assisting youth ages 16-20 full/part time. Hourly wages. Call 716854-1454 for immediate consideration!
JOIN THE PRIDE.
Transform your passion into your business
At Westminster Community Charter School, supportive teachers meet all students where they’re at—whatever their needs may be— helping each of them grow through individualized instruction and preparing them to attend the high school of their choice. Our school community is currently accepting new students in grades K through 8. To schedule a special tour of Westminster, call us at 716 816 3450, or apply today to become a Lion by visiting WestminsterCCS.org.
Sign up for a Reimagine Entrepreneurship boot camp In-person and online options available
A P P LY AT W E S TM I N S T E R C C S .O R G
Learn more: UBCEL.com
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
Workers Demand That Hochul Provide Permanent RISE UP RIGHT/SPORTS Raise As Part Of State Budget For Home Care Workers! HIGHLIGHTS Area Home Health employees and supporters held a vigil on Monday at Pilgrim St. Luke’s Church of Christ on Richmond Ave., to demand that Governor Hochul provide a permanent raise for Home Health Care Workers. “Governor Hochul, we need a boost,” says Geraldine Wright, Home Health Aide. “How are we supposed to live with this little bit of money they pay us? It doesn’t meet our needs. It’s Worker's Prorest: Street Legacy Photo not enough! We can’t meet the obligations for ourselves because we don’t have the funds to do it. It’s not about living in luxury, we just want to live comfortably and not paycheck to paycheck. I get out every day because I want to help my clients – and they need us because they can’t do for themselves. We must be able to help where needed, but we need more money to do that,” says Wright. “Fair Pay for home care is critical for our very freedom,” says Jennifer Morretto, Consumer Directed Personal Attendant. “Without a competitive wage, we won’t be able to hire the people we want and need to support our ability to stay in the community. Not only that, aides won’t stay if they can get a job with better pay somewhere else. They need a wage that respects the important work they do for us,” says Moretto. Home Care Workers want Gov. Hochul to include a permanent raise in new state budget, to secure their livelihoods and bolster a workforce in crisis. New York faces the greatest shortage of homecare workers in the nation, who make minimum wage to care for homebound individuals who cannot care for themselves. These workers – the majrty women of color and immigrants need a raise to $22.50 an hour to care for this extremely vulnerable population. “New York simply cannot neglect a permanent raise for New York’s home care workers in our state budget,” said George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU. “For too long, the essential work of caregiving—carried out principally by women of color and immigrants—has been ignored and undervalued. We call on Governor Hochul to do right by New York’s homecare workers and give them the raise they need.” Despite being paid through the state’s Medicaid program, many workers earn less than $15 an hour. As a result of these low wages and annual earnings, 57% of the state’s home care workers rely upon public assistance. The 2022-23 state budget was due April 1.
CBA AND THE NEW BILLS STADIUM continued from page 13
First Ward residents, close down traffic on the I-190 for years and ultimately increase the building costs by a billion dollars, I understood those making the location decisions could lean in a different direction. I said to myself regardless of where those making the decision on location decide to place the stadium, the people of Buffalo and Erie County must see a gain within their personal communities from this generational investment in our region. Rather than just talking about a CBA, I made the decision to turn the concept into a proposal and designed the “Invest Well Erie.'' The title is a spinoff of Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz’s 2019 rollout of “Live Well Erie” which is his data driven initiative including a collaborative approach to human services that provides county residents with access to resources that can improve their quality of life. My spin-off “Invest Well Erie” further dissected the County Executive’s concept by stating - In order to truly achieve the vision of Live Well Erie, Erie County must make bold financial investments into youth engagement, the economic advancement of marginalized communities and countywide beautification. In order to position Erie County as an attractive community for growth and investment, we must explore every opportunity to eliminate poverty, as poverty costs hundreds of millions annually to manage, which weakens our profile in the global marketplace. I believe that for every public dollar that Erie County spends, another dollar must be invested into the upward mobility of our neighborhoods. This can and should begin with a strong CBA attached to the new stadium lease.
W
elcome to Rise Up Right with, news and highlights, and updates taking full circle in the sports world. Thank you for your continued support....and with that being said Let's Rise Up....
Tribute to Rick Jeanneret On last Friday, the Buffalo Sabres held a congratulatory night that the people had been waiting for like waiting for an Ice Cube production to render it's final piece to the Friday movie series. But in this series, it contains 51 years of commentary excellence. The type of excellence that you couldn't hide top shelf where mama keeps the cookies. The type of excellence that was scary good. Rick Jeanneret carried the type of excellence that introduced sports journalists like myself to the world of Hockey at the age of 10. Rick Jeanneret is the longest tenured play by play sports announcer in the history of the NHL to have worked with only one team. Rick started his journey with the Sabres in 1971 as the sabers had opened up their second season as a franchise. In 1995, he made his television start and by 1998, Rick was working both TV and radio for the Sabres. Regardless of the trials and tribulations, Rick continued to assert himself to what his true passion was. Even after, Jeanneret was diagnosed with Stage 3 throat cancer in July of 2014, he still believed and in November of 2014, he was cleared of cancer and returned to the throne that was rightfully his, the broadcast booth. This past August of 2021, Rick announced that he would retire following this season. There will never be another Rick Jeanneret and I mean NEVER. Thank you RJ, for introducing me to the world of Hockey and the inspiration to cover one of the greatest sports to ever be created. Hockey. NCAA Tournament Tournament season has been a phenomenal one as March Madness has shown us some of the best games played this season. The Final Four was surrounded by historical programs as it was occupied by Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, and Villanova. The Kansas Villanova matchup was a slobber knocker as the "rock chalk" Jayhawks carried a motivation that dated back to the 2019-20 season in which the NCAA tournament was cancelled for the first time in the history of NCAA basketball due to COVID-19. The Kansas Jayhawks would defeat the Villanova Wildcats 81-65 as Ochai Agbaji and David McCormack would drop 21 and 25 respectively giving Bill Self a chance at his second national title. On the other side of the spectrum, Duke and North Carolina would have another classic battle for the chance at the richest prize in college basketball. Hubert Davis vs Mike Krzyzewski. A natural born dog fight was guaranteed to go down. The battle was a instant classic and when the dust settled, a 368th loss would end a legendary coaching career held by Coach K. Duke would go down in defeat 81-77. Michael William Krzyzewski has been the Duke Blue devils coach since 1980. His 42 years of coaching excellence would carry the Blue devils to five national titles, 13 final fours, 15 ACC tournament championships, and 13 ACC regular season titles. Coach K has won 1,202 collegiate basketball games but his 368th loss will be remembered as the end of GOAT like coaching career. Congratulations to Hubert Davis and the North Carolina Tar Heels who will face the Kansas Jayhawks in the NCAA championship game. In Other Sports News The Buffalo Bisons will start their baseball journey to the title that has alluded them since 2005 on April 5th 2022. Their season will start with a home stand against the Iowa Cubs at Sahlen Field. In the NBA, the Eastern Conference is all settled as the Charlotte hornets and the Brooklyn nets will have to play their way into the playoffs. The Miami Heat currently hold the number one seed followed by the Milwaukee Bucks at 2, then the Boston Celtics are the 3 seed, the Philadelphia 76ers number 4 seed, the Toronto Raptors number 5 seed, the Chicago Bulls number 6 seed, Cleveland Cavaliers number 7 seed, and the Atlanta Hawks number 8 seed. The Western Conference is still in the air as the Clippers, Pelicans, Spurs and Lakers look to make the play in. The Phoenix Suns have locked up the number one seed in the Western Conference. The Memphis Grizzlies phenomenal season has been rewarded with the number two seed. The Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks are currently fighting for the 3rd and 4th seeding. Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets are tied currently for the 5th and 6th. The Minnesota Timberwolves, yes that's right the Minnesota Timberwolves have the seventh seed. And finally, the LA Clippers have the 8th seed. For more NBA news, support the Rise Up Right articles at thechallengernews.com. For more sports talk and news follow me on Facebook @Andre Robinson or D'Andre Torch Robinson. Join the Rise Up Family Sports Network for a look at all the daily sports shows. Tune into the WUFO sports report every Sunday at 6pm, and every Monday and Wednesday night at 10pm for the late night version on Power 96.5FM radio and the Rise Up Unlimited Radio Station on WDAP Radio on Speaker.comSaturdays at 8pm. Also tune into Public Access Channel 1302 for the Buffalo Bills Edition of Rise Up Early Show airing next week. Tap into the Apollo Media Center and Power 96.5FM apps on any Google Play Store.
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CLASSIFIEDS
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LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF ERIE Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper, Plaintiff AGAINST Celestine Hicks Wylie as heir at law and next of kin of Standford T. Wylie; Maurice Wylie as heir at law and next of kin of Standford T. Wylie; Albert Mogavero as heir at law and next of kin of Standford T. Wylie; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated June 12, 2017 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Closing Room of the Erie County Clerk's Office located on the first floor of 92 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202 on April 20, 2022 at 10:00AM, premises known as 181 Floss Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14211. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Buffalo, County of Erie, State of New York, Section: 90.82 Block: 4 Lot(s): 40. Approximate amount of judgment $108,496.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 813796/2015. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Eighth Judicial District. Michael Kuzma, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: February 23, 2022 Mar. 17, 24, 31 Apr. 7
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF ERIE – NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY,, Plaintiff, against David Nowicki as Heir to the Estate of Rita F. Nowicki a/k/a Rita Nowicki; UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF RITA F. NOWICKI A/K/A RITA NOWICKI, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff;Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; The Erie County Department of Social Services; United States of America Department of Treasury; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance - Tax Compliance Division-C.O.-ATC, and JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE #1 through #7, the last seven (7) names being fictitious and unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint, Defendants-Index No. 802974/2020. Plaintiff Designates Erie County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Erie County. To the above named Defendants–YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 days of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated February 23, 2022. NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME – If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE; New York State law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the Summons and Complaint in this Foreclosure Action, you may lose your home. Please read the Summons and Complaint carefully.
LEGAL NOTICE Bid The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for Site Improvements at LaSalle Courts (21-21-CF) & Jasper Parrish Homes (21-20-CF). The PreBid Conference will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 1:30 PM in the Community Room, 110 Blum Ave, Buffalo, New York 14216. Sealed bids will be received until 10:00 AM, Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after the specified closing time. Contract Documents are available at Avalon, Construction Exchange, or via email by contacting Tabitha Fields, tfields@bmhahousing.com. The BMHA reserves the right to reject any bid which fails to conform to the essential items required by the contract documents, and to reject any and/or all bids submitted.
LEGAL NOTICE RFP REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) TO PREPARE APPROPRIATE NEW YORK STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) DOCUMENTS AND PERMITTING ASSOCIATED WITH A NEW BUFFALO BILLS STADIUM Notice is hereby given that the County of Erie is seeking proposals from Environmental Consulting firms (consultant) to prepare appropriate New York State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) documents and permits associated with a new Buffalo Bills stadium located in the Town of Orchard Park. The request for proposals is available at www.erie.gov. Proposals must be physically submitted to the below contact by April 19, 2022. Daniel Castle, AICP, Commissioner Erie County Department of Environment and Planning 95 Franklin Street Room 1053 Buffalo, NY 14202
LEGAL NOTICE Bid BRD Construction is seeking subcontractors and vendors for The Lawrence project. The Lawrence is a new build 119 Unit 4 story apartment complex with underground parking. Located between Michigan and Maple, and High Street and Carlton Street in Buffalo, NY. This will be an Open Shop Capital Improvements project. Scope of Work to include all trades associated with new construction. Fall 2022 start date with an approximate 24-month construction period. M/WBE/SDVOB participation is strongly encouraged. Bids will be due April 22, 2022 at 3:00 PM For further information about the project, please contact David Weinheimer at dweinheimer@brdconstruction.com or (716) 847-0042 Ext: 15 Contact jtober@brdconstruction. com for a hard copy of plans and specifications or a link to electronic plans via Procore bid platform.
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022 You should immediately contact an attorney of your local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and nonprofit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services’ at 1-800-269-0990 or visit the Department’s website at http://www.dfs.ny.gov. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. We are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Dennis E. Ward dated February 23, 2022. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 111 Woodell Avenue, Cheektowaga, NY 14211 located at Section 102.45 Block 2 and Lot 30 Dated: February 24, 2022 Filed: February 24, 2022 Pincus Law Group, PLLC, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: George J. Weissinger, Esq., 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 (516) 699-8902. April 7, 14, 21, 28
LEGAL NOTICE RFP COUNTY OF ERIE 95 FRANKLIN STREET DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202 County of Erie, New York RFP RELEASE The Erie County Department of Social Services is seeking proposals from qualified agencies to provide Youth Development Programming (YDP) services. RFP #2022-019VF can be found at http://www.erie.gov, or may be obtained by contacting Judith Kolmetz at 716-858-7932, or via Judith.Kolmetz@erie.gov , on or after 4/13/2022. All correspondence, communications and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this proposal shall be with the ECDSS contact person listed on the specific RFP. Prospective proponents, or their representatives, shall not make contact with or communicate with any representatives of the County, including employees and consultants, other than the designated person in regard to any aspect of this proposal. Sealed bids are due to the Erie County Department of Social Services by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on 5/11/2022. Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any informality. Marie A. Cannon, Commissioner of Social Services
LEGAL NOTICE Bid
NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid 220010 - AIRPORT SECURITY GUARD SERVICE Download Bids from www.nfta.com
FREE BETTY GRANT! Some of the supporters who turned out to show support for Betty Grant at City Court
"THINGS LOOK GOOD"
continued In the filing to the court, Mr. Reese continues: “The Defendant (“Ms. Grant”) is a distinguished African American community leader and community activist, former Buffalo University District Councilmember, former Buffalo School Board Member for the Ferry District, Erie County Legislator and Chairperson of the Erie County Legislature. She is currently a journalist with the Challenger Community News and the historic African American newspaper, the Buffalo Criterion. Ms. Grant regularly posts videos on social media detailing her activities on matters of community concern. “ On October 23, 2021, while participating in early voting Ms. Grant observed disturbing behavior at her polling place. She saw an individual who is a well-known supporter, contributor, and campaign worker for the write-in candidate on the ballot, Mayor Brown, assisting a voter (complainant) complete her ballot in a privacy area using an ink stamp with Brown’s name imprinted thereon. Ms. Grant had reason to believe that she was observing illegal activity and she recorded a live Facebook video of the incident. Her intent was to expose voter manipulation and possible fraud by documenting and publishing the same to social media with the goal of stopping what she perceived to be illegal activity.” He further states that Flynn has publicly stated, this referral/prosecution was initiated by Zellner on 10/23/21 and Zellner also made public statements to that effect. The brief questions whether or not ERIE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY FLYNN AND ELECTION COMMISSIONER ZELLNER are INVOLVED IN A CONSPIRACY TO VIOLATE THE CIVIL LIBERTIES OF DEFENDANT BETTY JEAN GRANT and concludes that “the court should dismiss the charges against Betty Jean Grant.” “I agree whole handedly ,” said attorney McLeod, "but I think more importantly, after a total review of the facts, the DA’s office should have no objection to granting the release that we sought - a dismissal in the interest of justice ."- for not just Ms. Grant but in the interest of the community as a whole.” A.B.
C&R Housing Reaching out to Community Stakeholders
C&R Housing Inc. is currently looking for investors that are interested in joining our team to redevelop the former Iroquois Brewery. The property is considered prime real estate due to its location, size and historic tax credits. 230 Pratt warehouse is ideal for high end apartments with mixed use space for businesses, restaurants or a microbrewery. We have already raised $25,000 and are asking for matching donations to help us reach our goal. https://gofund.me/17835c05 info.crhousing@gmail.com Locally owned and operated, C & R Housing is a Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) and a BPI Certified NYS Contractor with over 40 years in the construction trades.
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
Firefighters Will Be Busy This Week Spreading The Word About The Upcoming Firefighter Exam City of Buffalo firefighters will be visiting multiple locations this week to promote the City of Buffalo’s firefighter recruitment campaign, ahead of the Saturday, June 4, 2022 fire exam. The deadline to file an initial application is Friday, April 29, 2022. The fire crew will answer questions about a career with the Buffalo Fire Department (BFD) and what it’s like to be a firefighter. Here’s the remaining schedule for this week’s BFD fire exam campaign stops: •Thursday, April 7: Canisius College, 2001 Main St., 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. •Friday, April 8: Tops Market, 425 Niagara St. and Tops Market, 1275 Jefferson Ave., 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at both locations •Saturday, April 9: Stop, Drop & Roll, Bennett H.S., 2885 Main St. and PS 363 Lewis J. Bennett School of •Innovative Technology, 110, 4th St., both sessions will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
LLC'S Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Notice of formation of Thames Prop LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 3/30/2022. Office location: Erie County. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process against may be served. SSNY mail process to 3500 Main Street Ste 130-129, Amherst, NY 14226. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. April 7, 14, 21,28 May 5, 12 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Name of LLC: KWJ Catering LLC. Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: March 9, 2022. Office of the LLC: 37 Eugene Ave Buffalo, NY 14216, Erie County. The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 37 Eugene Ave Buffalo, NY 14216. Purpose of LLC: Catering. No specific duration attached to LLC. March 31, April 1, 8, 15,22,29 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company 2 R.A.W. LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 2/18/22. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 418 Monroe St, Buffalo, NY 14212. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. March 3,10,17,24,31 April 7 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Community Wellness Works, LLC. Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: 9/9/2021. Office of the LLC: 2869 Genesee Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14225, Erie County, United States of America. NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 2869 Genesee Street, Cheektowaga, NY, 14225. Purpose of LLC: Personal Services March 10,17,24,31 April 7,14 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Nursed2Health LLC Date of filing of Articles of organization with the NY Dept of state 02/11/2022 office of the LLC: 182 Johnson Street Buffalo NY 14211 Erie County United States of America NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 182 Johnson Street Buffalo NY 14211, Purpose of LLC Personal Services March 10,17,24,31 April 7,14
EMPLOYMENT Director of Operations
Resetarits Construction is seeking skilled general construction workers for work at NS Car Shop in Cheektowaga. Please email your resume or interest to info@ rccorporation.com, female and minority workers are encouraged to apply.
Project Manager in Information Technology Exchange Center
RIGHT FIT RECRUITING LLC continued
gives me a front seat with a panel of executives who can share knowledge and learn from one another,” he explains. “As local executives, we are all committed to maintaining a vibrant business community in Buffalo Niagara and I can help with attracting top executive talent.” Dunn notes that his membership in the Partnership also fits well with his focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce during the recruitment process. The Partnership’s initiatives in DE&I, such as our annual symposium and the D&I Academy, align with Dunn’s own efforts to level the playing field for people of color. “ When I started over 20 years ago, there were not many people who looked like me in executive-level positions,” he says. “My focus at Right Fit Recruiting is on equity and fair play so all the best candidates, including executives of color, are given an opportunity to compete for management and leadership positions.” In addition to leading Right Fit Recruiting, Dunn serves on the admissions committee for the Physician Assistant Department at Canisius College. He assists with the interview process for incoming PA students and helps the department develop fair and inclusive admissions practices. Dunn also serves as CoChair and Vice President of Membership for the Na-
The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Hertiage Center seeks candidates for the position of: Director of Operations Submit to: Ally Spongr, Interim Director, Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center ally@niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org or 825 Depot Ave. West, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 The deadline to apply for this position is Friday, April 15th, 2022. For a full job description please see: https://www.niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org/careers/
tional Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR), representing Buffalo and Rochester. The NAAAHR provides a unique global forum for the career development of Black and African American human resources professionals.
Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Project Manager in Information Technology Exchange Center. For a full job description and to apply: http://jobs.buffalostate.edu/postings/5915
Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences.
Hiring Senior Pastor Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church is seeking a Senior Pastor. Interested persons may review the job description and apply online at our Facebook page entitled “Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church”.
NY Connects Region 1 Program Assistant
Ability to manage large volume call and gather Documents for reporting purposes. HS diploma And 1 yr office exp req. Send cover letter and resume required to WNYIL, Inc 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC
Olmstead Housing Specialist
Help individuals seeking eligibility for Housing subsidy to transition from Institutional setting to the community. Asso deg and min 2 yrs exp req. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc 3108 Main St. Buffalo, NY, 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC
CDPAS Compliance Specialist
Perform duties within the dept To help ensure proper regulations. HS diploma & 3 yrs exp req. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc 3108 Main St. Buffalo, NY, 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC
NY Connects Independent Living Outreach Specialist
Help connect aging or disabled individuals and their Families to support groups and streamline access to Public benefits and application assistance. Asso. degree and human services exp. req. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc 3108 Main St Buffalo, NY, 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC
Van Driver
Transport persons w/disabilities to & from Various points in a wheelchair lift equipped Van or regular vehicle. Must have clean Driving record within past 2 years. Cover letter & resume required to WNYIL, Inc. 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC
Engagement & Community Outreach Peer
Educate & provide outreach to the mental Health community on the benefits of the Renewal Center and provide support. HS diploma & 4 yrs exp req. Cover letter & resume required to WNYIL, Inc. 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
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THE NUMBER BOOK 708-469-801-066 781-980-194-580 805-075-467-890 579-944-357-909 680-434-680-073 678-456-708-286 230-110-781-009 920-536-580-697
GAMMA’S APRIL PICS 093-563-167-096-743-234 BEST TRIPLE 444
MID-5-3-0
MID-11-19-23-31-32 MID-01-13-21-25-30 MID-03-05-20-23-29 MID-10-11-15-31-35 MID-07-10-34-38-89 EVE-01-13-20-31-37 EVE-07-20-25-33-37 EVE-09-14-15-19-35 EVE-02-05-17-18-33 EVE-04-11-15-24-32
Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) Daily Vibrations
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Davis Honey
SAT 4/2
01-16-24-40-56-59 +50
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FRI 4/1
EVE-0-4-5
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MID-2-2-3
THURS 3/31
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LOTTO HOT TIPS
WED 3/30
MID-9-0-4
EVE-9-6-6
MID-7-9-4-7 EVE-7-8-3-7
TUES 3/29
648
01-12-17-25-44-50 +30
996
515
140
Challenger Hits MIDDAY 4-0-2 ZR (box) 2-2-3 Quick$ March Doubles (box) 4-2-5 ZR, March Vibes, Duckie (box) EVENING 0-4-5 ZR, Ma Ruth (box) 7-0-9 Duckie (box)
TERRENCE D. McKELVEY Attorney at Law 181 Franklin Street Suite #301 Buffalo, New York 14202
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?!
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Madam Ozlla's Predictions 249-752-239-501-381-953-382-935-472-843-795-841863-008-444-9967-5037-2156-3034-1342-1027
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
CALENDAR OF EVENTS MON. APRIL 11
VIET NAM VETERANS DAY The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law designating March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. A special tribute and thank you goes out to all our community Viet Nam Vets who served courageously. During the Vietnam War, Three Servicemen Statue VietVeterans Memorial Washmany black and white sol- nam ington, DC diers formed close friendships. But there was a darker side . African American troops initially had a much higher casualty rate than other ethnicities, though this declined somewhat throughout the course of the conflict. In 1965, nearly a quarter of troop casualties were African American. By 1967, it had fallen to 12.7%. In total, 7,243 African Americans died during the Vietnam War, representing 12.4% of total casualties. African American troops were punished more harshly and more frequently than White troops. A Defense Department study released in 1972 found that Black troops received 34.3% of court-martials, 25.5% of nonjudicial punishments, and comprised 58% of prisoners at Long Bình Jail, a military prison n 1972, African-Americans received more than onefifth of the bad-conduct discharges and nearly one-third of the dishonorable discharges. On 4 April 1967 Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his groundbreaking speech at Riverside Church in NYC condemning the Vietnam War.
*Saturdays Public Market 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday *Thursdays International Market 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Sundays
GOOD NEWS!
Hustle for Health Urban Line Dance Fitness at Gloria Parks Center 3242 Main St. Buffalo. 12p.m. - 1p.m. FREE for ages 55+ HustleforHealth.com to RSVP or 716 832-1010 x 211 WED. APRIL 13 Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing at Gloria Parks Center 3242 Main 11a.m.- 12p.m. FREE for ages 55+ 716 832-1010 x 211 to RSVP or HustleforHealth.com
BLACK HISOORY CONTINUED •1900 to 2005 Over One Hundred Anti-Lynching Bills Submitted to the Federal Legislature. All rejected. •2005 Senate passes resolution apologizing for failing to pass anti-lynching legislation •2013 to 2020 over 2,000 Black people killed by police in America, including George Floyd, Tamir Rlce, Breanna Taylor, Sandra Bland, LaQuan McDonald and many more •2022 The Emmett TIII Anti-Lynching Act, sponsored by Illinois Congressman Bobby L. Rush making lynching a federal hate crime is passed into law.
African Consciousness Workshop
Every Monday 4-6 p.m., Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. “Where we learn About Our Glorious Past & Present African Family.” (716)400-8644 Bro. Shango or kmtflix@gmail.com
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 7, 2022
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