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Good News for Minority & Women Businesses
LEGAL NOTICE Bid
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The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for
Plumbing Repairs Term Contract at Various Developments, BMHA Job 21-04-OP
Specifications will be available at the Capital Improvements Office located at 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204 between the hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday thru Friday. Sealed bids will be received until 3:00pm, local time, on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14202. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time. All bid forms must be filled out and returned. A pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 in the conference room of the Capital Improvements office, 320 Perry Street. Perspective offerors are strongly advised to attend the scheduled pre-bid meeting. 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. Dated: July 23, 2021
LEGAL NOTICE Bid
The NFTA is soliciting bids for Project No. 10LS1711 LRRT - DL&W Station - Building Structures and MEP Services Bid No. E571 due on September 14, 2021 at 2pm. www.nftaengineering.com
Legislature Chair Baskin Introduces Laws Creating New Division of Health Equity and Overhauling Erie County’s Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise Process
Erie County Legislature Chair April N. M. Baskin has introduced two major pieces of her “Pathway Forward” legislative program. The new laws, the Erie County Office of Health Equity Act and the Erie County Minority and Women Enterprise Equality and Modernization Act, address longstanding problems with Erie County’s outmoded MWBE standards and the disparity in health outcomes suffered by African Americans and other minority groups in Erie County. “Since the spring of 2020, our nation has been confronted with an economic and health crisis caused by a once in a generation pandemic and a reckoning on the societal costs of systemic racism,” said Legislator Baskin. “These new local laws further my ‘Equity in Erie’ campaign to provide our community's citizens with the resources they need to improve their lives and take steps to address longstanding barriers facing underserved communities.” The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared racism a serious public health threat earlier this year. Racism's impact on public health is not limited to discrimination based on the color of a person's skin, as it includes the structural barriers that have been constructed over years of segregation and inequitable investment of public dollars. “Erie County is ranked in the bottom 25% of counties in New York State for health outcomes,” noted Kenyani Davis, Chief Medical Officer of the Community Health Center of Buffalo. “Within Erie County, there is a significant disparity be-
Legislature Chair Woman Baskin introduces new laws to benefit minority health and women's enterprises. From left, Christine Johnson, Dr. Kenyani Davis, Legislator Baskin and Ekua Mends-Aidoo .
Photo By: Pedro Gonzalez, District Chief Staffer, Chairwoman April N.M.Baskin
tween the health outcomes of White residents and residents of color. More than 50% of the minority population in Erie County die prematurely, whereas only 35% of the White population in Erie County die prematurely.” The Erie County Office of Health Equity Act will create an Office of Health Equity ("OHE") within the Erie County Department of Health and will also establish an Erie County Health Equity Advisory Board. The OHE will help ensure all minority and disadvantaged residents have equal access to preventive health care and to seek ways to promote health and prevent diseases and conditions that are prevalent among minority, marginalized, and disadvantaged populations. “COVID-19 shed a light on the way that health crises can increase inequality in already vulnerable populations,” said Ekua MendsAidoo - Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Evergreen Health. The Erie County Minority and Women Enterprise Equality and Modernization Act will consolidate the five local laws that currently govern contracting with minority and women business enterprises into one law, and
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Hearts & Hands is a WNY nonprofit that matches caring, reliable volunteers with older members in our community with essential needs, to aid them in living happy, independent lives.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Volunteers are critical to our neighbor-helping-neighbor model, offering much-needed and appreciated human connection to some of the most vulnerable members of our community, at no cost to them.
As a volunteer, you’ll:
Know in advance who you’re helping Know the exact needs you’ll be assisting
Get to choose your own schedule
Receive mileage reimbursement
Receive supplemental insurance coverage
Want to learn more about becoming a Hearts & Hands volunteer? Call us (716) 406-8311 or visit volunteerhnh.org
Pilgrim Family Fest Releases Line Up
The first annual Pilgrim Family Fest 2021 two-day event will feature vendors, live music food trucks and more! The festival kicks off Friday, July 30 with a Fish Fry and Live Music from 12 noon to 9 p.m. at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 665 Michigan, where the Rev. Frank Bostic is Pastor. The theme is “Where I Come From.” On Saturday July 31 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. a COVID-19 Memorial Concert, theme, “Not Forgotten, Not A Number, But Precious Memories,” will take place at Wilkeson Pointe, Outer Harbor, 225 Fuhrmann Blvd on the Buffalo Waterfront. The day long event will feature a free concert and live music by the Grammy Nominated Glenn Jones, Rev. Frank Bostic, Taylor Made Jazz and the KBS Worship Team with Karen Saxon. The guest speaker will be Mayor Brown. Pilgrim family Fest July 31,2021
Show Schedule
Parking Available at Bell Slip Outer Harbor www.pilgrimbaptistbflo.org/product/pilgrim-family-fest2021-pre-registration/ Wrist bands are available at the gate
Gates Open 10:30
11am DJ 12 noon opening 12:10 – 12:45 PBC Praise Team 1:00 -1:45 Karen Saxon 1:50 – 2:10 T-Top Rapper 2:45 – 3:00pm Michael Norwood Solo Bassist 3:00 – 4:00 The Avengers Band 4:20 – 5:00 Taylor Made Jazz 5:45- 6:30 Lenny Williams - Track 6:45 – 7:45 Frank Bostic Frank Special Guest Melisa Kate 7:15 Frank returns 7:20 8:00 - 9:00 Glenn Jones (The Avengers Band)
Bishop Michael Fisher Hosts “A Call From Our Community For Peace In Our Streets”
Buffalo Diocese Bishop Michael W. Fisher hosted a prayerful community gathering recently in response to the high level of violence recently occurring in the City of Buffalo and Western New York. With the support of the City of Buffalo, Buffalo Police Department, New York Pastors for Life, and Buffalo Peacemakers, the gathered prayed for peace and an end to the violence that threatens individuals, families, neighborhoods and our entire community.
PRAYING AND CELEBRATING ALL YEAR
19TH ANNIVERSARY 24 HOUR PRAYER ASSEMBLY PRAYER IN THE PARK MINISTRY OF BUFFALO & NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK
FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 - 7:00 AM UNTIL SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 - 7:00 AM (Back In The Park Prayer & Breakfast in August to be Announced) Prayer will be on "ZOOM" 582 819 0042 PASS CODE: 835667 FACEBOOK LIVE; FACE TIME (716) 715-1969 CALL IN FOR PRAYER;- (716-715-1969 / (716) 603-9564 / (716) 533-3807
John 13:34-35 “Jesus Gave - "A New Commandment to the Apostles / Disciples" - "LoveOOne Another"; as I have Loved You; so, you must Love One Another. *By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another; and, everyone, " keep the lord's commandments"; exodus 2o; Minister Wanda L. Strong Howard - Senior Servant Minister Sister Barbara Johnson Kirk- Assistant To Senior Servant Prophetess Sister Rhonda Mingo & Minister Tamara Lamb, Bro. Rashad Howard Pastor Rudolphus Boans, Bro. Ron Cunningham .
Virtual Bible Study
Join us for Virtual Bible Study every Thursday @ 12 PM! If you have questions or need help getting on Zoom email: FRIENDSINCDCC@ GMAIL.COM or call (716)882-0602.
Worship This Week
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Challenger: 5.105” x 5.5”
New Opportunities to Save on Health Care Coverage
Learn about new financial help to keep you and your family healthy!
If you lost your health insurance during the pandemic or have been unable to pay for coverage in the past, you may now be eligible to save money on your health care. Over 362,000 New Yorkers ages 50-64 may qualify for premium tax credits. Because of changes in the law, you could now pay as little as $0 for your premiums, or you could save up to thousands of dollars a year. You can enroll or change your coverage through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, an online platform that offers insurance plans to individuals, families, and small businesses.
To learn more call 1-888-OUR-AARP or go online to aarp.org/acany.
Scan the QR code or visit aarp.org/acany to learn more about the ACA special enrollment period.
Marsha McWilson is First Black Female Artist Inducted Into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame
After “serving and singing” for almost 40 years, Niagara Falls’ own Marsha McWilson finally received her “icing on the cake” when she was became the first Black female artist inducted into the coveted Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame last Thursday at the Rapids Theatre. Peter Paonessa, president of the Niagara Fall Music Hall of Fame said during an earlier television interview, that the organization has been honoring musicians since 2017 and putting Marsha out there “legitimizes our mission.” “I’m celebrating two things today,” Marsha told an appreciative audience; the coveted induction into the Hall of Fame, and her 28th wedding anniversary! “I couldn’t have done it without my husband, Howard” she said before dedicating to him a soulful rendition of “At Last” by Etta James. Despite many tragedies, the amazing song stylist has persevered through it all, clinging to her faith in God. As a musical minister, Marsha is the kind of artist who walks into a room radiating light, love and laughter. You don't just hear her sing-- you experience her. She'll tell you, "I work for the Waymaker." In addition to owning and running her own business, Marsha, an accomplished vocalist, has made a name for herself performing locally, as well as nationally and internationally, singing a combination of gospel, jazz and blues. She has appeared on the Bobby Jones Gospel TV show and sang in concert with greats like David & Tamela Mann, Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell, Donnie McClurkin, Michael Buble and many others. Marsha has met several fellow entertainers like Tyler Perry, Bobby Brown, comedian Luenell, and has lead a Gospel choir down the runway at Fashion Week in Toronto. You might have even heard her as a radio host on Power 96.5 FM/WUFO-Buffalo. Having trained under Les Brown, Marsha is also a motivational speaker, talking to young people about making good choices in life. Her giving spirit garnered her a Humanitarian Award from the City of Niagara Falls in 2002. Marsha has also performed on the Tom Joyner Cruise which lead to an appearance in one of Tyler Perry’s TV shows. She has been paying tribute to Etta James with standingroom-only concerts in places like Lewiston, NY, along with recording her Blue Sky Blues CD, a follow-up to her hit song on iTune entitled “Balance.” She also played the role of "Athena" in "The Odyssey" at Artpark during the summer of 2018 and sang during the Lewiston Jazz Fest. She is an evangelist at Zion Dominion Global Ministries, serving under Bishop Roderick L. Hennings. She is listed in Who's Who in America and honored by God's Woman Vanessa Scott Outreach Ministries as a prominent woman in her community. During the Coronavirus Pandemic, Marsha, who lost six family members, including her sister Vanessa to Covid-19, wrote and recorded the song "Rona Mae Blues," which received a lot of media attention . Marsha calls Niagara Falls, New York, home. Congratulations Marsha for an honor well deserved and long overdue!
Marsha McWilson photo by Calvin Finklea
The Jefferson Avenue Block Party and The NICYO Funk Fest Returns!
Good News! The Jefferson Avenue Block Party has been scheduled for Friday, August 27, followed by the Rick James/NICYO Funk Fest in Martin Luther King Park (where it all began!) on Saturday, August 28! Stay tuned for more details!!
Festival of the Arts Community Appreciation Day
Since the 2021 Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts was cancelled, the Festival is hosting a free Community Appreciation Day in Asbury Hall at Babeville , 341 Delaware, on Saturday, August 7 from 4-11 p.m. there will be four electric dance performances, three bands, an art sale, food trucks, videos from past festivals and beverages for all ages!
Local Talent Tops Line Up for Annual Pine Grill Jazz Reunion!
The African American Cultural Centers’ Pine Grill Jazz Reunion will take place the first two Sundays in August , Sunday, August 1st and Sunday, August 8th. The Pine Grill Reunion is without a doubt one of our city's most popular events and the Cultural Center is thrilled to know that this 32-year-old tradition will continue in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park . The Jazz Reunion will run from 4p.m.-9p.m. on both Sundays with a Pre-Show that begins at 3:15p.m. This year’s entertainment will feature extraordinarily talented local artists on both weekends instead of just one. The lineup is as follows:
August 1st:
•Charlie Reedy’s Jazz Quartet •Kakilambe •Old School B-Boys •Charles L. Costner’s Percussion Brothers •Sandra Clay •Kimera Lattimore
August 8th:
•Charlie Reedy’s Jazz Quartet •Kakilambe •Sensation •24 Karat Gold •Darcel Blue •Wendy Jones (Los Angeles, CA)
“We are excited to announce that the Pine Grill Jazz Reunion will feature a NEW component of art. Artists will join the performers onstage, both starting and completing an entire work of art before your eyes,” said says Kahlil Newkirk, one of the hosts for this year’s Pine Grill Jazz Reunion, who also serves as the Artistic Director of the renowned Paul Robeson Theatre. These one-of-a-kind paintings will be donated to the African American Cultural Center where they will be on display following the festivities, before being sold at an inhouse/virtual auction. Keeping with tradition, the African American Cultural Center will also have T-shirts availCharlie Reedy's Quartet: Playing August 1&8! able in all sizes. Please visit the agency website www.AACCBuffalo.org to order your shirts online! Additionally vending opportunities for this event are still available. Please stop by or call for an application. If you would like to bring a personal tent, size 10’x12’ or smaller, please call to register for your permit. There is no fee for tents this year, but we are accepting donations. If you are renting a park shelter please contact the agency at the number listed below. Although COVID restrictions have loosened, participants are encouraged to follow safety protocols whenever possible. A sanitization station will be made available for participants free of charge, and a healthcare provider will be onsite for those interested in receiving vaccinations. For more information, and continued updates, visit: Website: www.AACCBuffalo.org and our Social Media pages: Facebook/Instagram @AACCBUFFALO or call us at 716.884.2013
Buffalo’s Dance Community: Reimaging, Restoring, Celebrating
Buffalo, New York has a celebrated history for its repertoire of outstanding music and musicians, visual arts and artists, and superb theater. But, it’s important not to overlook dance and dancers in the Queen City. Over the years many of you may have heard folks talking about Buffalo City Ballet, Gemini Dance Company, Empire State Ballet, Pick of the Crop Dance, Festival Ballet, American Academy of Ballet, Miss Barbara’s School of Dance, Matthew Clark’s Dance Academy, Buffalo Ballet Theater, Neglia Ballet, and Floorplay, among others. Then, beginning in the 1990s there was a major shift in the region’s dance community driven by shortfalls in funding, and large presenting venues deciding to bring in big names that could command higher ticket prices to offset the funding losses. As a result, the dance community started falling into chaos and in-fighting over funding. Only the most determined survived. In this instance, Buffalo City Ballet, aka Buffalo Inner City Ballet, shook off the dust, buckled down and continued working. As of this date, it remains the longest running ballet company in the region, operating under the direction of a classically trained African American executive director, Marvin Askew. Buffalo City Ballet can legitimately be recognized as a cornerstone of this region’s dance cathedral. The luster of other ensembles such as Empire State Ballet, Buffalo Ballet Theater, Gemini Dance, Floorplay, and Pick of the Crop has worn off and fallen into a heap of beloved memories. But, what of the people who still aspire to be dancers? For many years they floundered around in their own corners trying to make the best of things and grab onto whatever bits of funding was being distributed for dance. Recently, a handful of dancers, people who love dance, and those who support dance convened for some serious dialogue about strategizing a path out of the separatist rut they were in and chart a course for all of them to come together to revive and retool the character of dance in our community. Leading the charge on this new approach are four individuals whose passion for dance helped forge a bond and pathway that has already begun to reimagine how the dance community can interact with each other and promote the craft. The vehicle for this is M.O.V.I (Movement of Various Identities) - The brain child of acclaimed dancer/instructor/ choreographer, Robin Hibber; Nancy Hughes, professional dancer, choreographer, educator, and performer; Sophia Roberts, a dancer trained in Russian classical ballet, who also studied with Garth Fagan, is a liturgical dancer, and has a list of innovative performances throughout the region; and Fenna Mandolang who is a visual artist, has a passion for dance, and experiments with body movement through Contact Improv work. MOVI examines diverse styles and forms of African dance and presents the many ways that traditional African dance influenced the interpretative movements in other cultures across the globe as well as Euro-western dance as the result of explorations and co-mingling of cultures. MMOST - Magical Women of Color Culture Series - showcased specialty dances associated with specific cultures through a series of dance classes. Beatriz Flores of El Beaty, Natasha Perkins, Naila Ansari, Kesi Akono, Gaitrie Subryan, Meghan A. Rakeepile, Elyssa Bourke, and Abhishek Sharma have all taught classes focused on techniques ranging from hip hop and Afro World Beat to Cunningham, Dunham, and Salsa. The series is continuing with a new set of opportunities: MOST (Men of Swagger and Style Technique) taking place at the Clark Dance Academy, 255 Great Arrow Parkway, Suite 118, Buffalo, NY 14207. More dance classes in different techniques are being planned and scheduled. The goal is to share various dance forms with other dancers and students of dance in order to foster respect, appreciation, and knowledge and build a stronger, more vibrant dance community. To sign up for information and classes, go to the MOVI Facebook page https://www. facebook.com/movibuffalo You’ll be glad you did!
ON STAGE
RICK ROSS:
August 7 @ 5 pm Lakeside Complex, 825 Fuhrmann Blvd. Previousy purchesed tickets have been transferred to the new date eventbrite.com
9 Annual Queen City Jazz Festival Returns July 31!
On Saturday July 31 between 1p.m. – 8p.m. ,the Historic Colored Musicians Club is proud to present the return of the annual Queen City Jazz Festival in downtown Buffalo for its 17th year anniversary and a day filled with jazz and jazz lover fellowship right outside of the club at 145 Broadway at Michigan ave.
The roster features some of WNY’s world class talent to grace the stage presented by the CMC, who’s “vision is to be the global icon in the presentation of African-American music where the next generation of legends are made,” says artistic director Walter Kemp .
The festival will boast the richness and diversity of Buffalo’s musical talent base showcased during 7 performances at this year’s event.
Among the great lineup of performers gracing the stage, festival goers will get to hear the talents of award winning pianist George Caldwell featuring Bobby Militello . One of the Pre-eminent swing players of modern jazz, Caldwell is a fully tenured jazz piano legend who has served with the Count Basie Orchestra, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, as a sideman extraordinaire, and as leader of his own ensembles.
Also in the lineup is the beautifully unique vocal artist Curtis Lovell. Lovell who has in recent years released some of the most original and unique music projects, is the talented daughter of the late Ujima theater founder Lorna Hill. She embodies a captivating stage presence and has amazing sonic range with hints of her influences like Jill Scott, Nina Simone and Nat King Cole among others. Saxophonist / percussionist Nelson Rivera has been a valued member of the Buffalo music scene for nearly two decades. He performs with a wide variety of projects across a range of styles including Wendell Rivera's Latin Jazz Ensemble, Buffalo Jazz Octet and many others. Drummer Daniel "DP" Powell will perform with Trinity Band a soulful favorite from the area. Powell has a host of recording and performing collaborations from his first gig with Chaka Khan to Prince, Freddie Jackson, Patti Labelle, Billy Cobham and Phyllis Hyman. There will be the performances by the one and only Trigger and the Sermon , the dynamic Jay Sharptet and the George Scott Big band who will open the show to kick off a full day of jazz so don't for get your chairs!
George Caldwell Curtis Lovell Nelson Rivera Daniel "DP "Powel
The event will be held rain or shine. The festival is free, and donations are welcome to support the festival and the not-for-profit Colored Musicians Club.
The full lineup for the day long event includes:
1pm George Scott Big Band 2pm Jay Sharptet 3pm Nelson Rivera & Somos La Gente 4pm Curtis Lovell 5pm Trinity featuring DP 6pm Trigger and the Sermon 7pm George Caldwell feat. Bobby Militello
Festival sponsors are M&T Bank, Indigo Productions, Try-it Distributing Company, Buffalo Place, Cullen Foundation, Point 9mile Collaborative, Hallwalls C.A.C., and the City of Buffalo.
Details about the Queen City Jazz festival are at https://www.facebook.com/pages/TheHistoric-Colored-Musicians-Club/254021683266
Information about the historic Colored Musicians Club—the longest continually operating African-American Musicians Club in the United States(in 1999, it was designated a historical preservation site) —is at https://www.cmctheclub.com/
Cheers To 90 Years!
A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION! A host of family and friends honored 90 years of "life, livin' and givin' " during a birthday celebration for the amazing Jessie Wells last Saturday at The Mahogany in Tonawanda. Among those pictured, (top photo) just some of the family members with Mrs. Wells and (bottom right) the lovely Jessie and her son "Big Mike." It was a great tribute to a truly deserving, and great lady! Photos by OMG Photography
LEGISLATOR BASKIN INTRODUCES NEW LAWS
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strengthen minority and women owned business hiring by updating the goals to address current disparities. It also introduces a workforce hiring component to ensure workers on Erie County projects reflect the diversity of our population and implements real accountability for county contractors.
Current local law requires that Erie County maintain a goal of awarding 15% of the total cost of contracts for professional, technical, or other consultant services to minority business enterprises and 5% goal for women business enterprises.
The new MWBE legislation includes a new collective goal of 30% for MWBE contracts, which shall consist of 20% for MBE firms and 10% for WBE firms. Contractors awarded a contract by the county in a value of $100,000 for professional, technical, consultant or insurance services shall take action to create economic opportunity by utilizing MBEs and WBEs in all contracts with the County.
The law also requires county departments to prepare and implement an annual written MWBE Utilization Plan for the utilization goals for minority and women owned business.
The current Minority and Women Utilization Advisory Board ("MWUAB"), whose mission is to evaluate and review the adequacy of the County's efforts on behalf of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises will be tasked with reviewing program administration and implementation of this law including handling of any administrative appeals for noncompliance sanctions and shall submit an annual report to the Erie County Legislature.
“The MWBE Modernization Act will help to provide a more equitable set of standards and allow small businesses to compete more effectively,” said Christian Johnson, CEO of Beautiful Brains, Inc. “I know from my own experience that small businesses have historically been at a disadvantage when bidding on county contracts. Chair Baskin has also gone above and beyond when it comes to accountability. Under the old system, it was easy for big businesses to apply for waivers, but this new legislation will ensure contractors make an intentional effort to meet the goals, and this will be incredibly beneficial to small business owners like myself.”
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