CHALLENGER
SERVING BUFFALO, ROCHESTER, NIAGARA FALLS AND SURROUNDING AREAS
| F R E E | FEBRUARY 11-17, 2015
PG. 3
Buffalo to Host Saviour’s Day Convention Weekend INSIDE ROCHESTER
Local Eritrean Community Makes History! Celebrates Inaugural Service of First Orthodox Tewahdo Church Here! PG. 7 Hon. Peoples-Stokes Selected to Chair State Committee on Governmental Operations PG. 3 Are Buffalo Private Schools in Violation of the Civil Rights At of 1964? PG. 3 OUR STORY DID NOT BEGIN IN CHAINS… IT WILL NOT END IN CHAINS…” Area Events Celebrate Black History Month! PG. 15
LaShay Harris Announces Run for 27th Legislative District PG. 2
COMMENTARY
ISIS – A US-Saudi Chicken Come Home to Roost? PG. 11
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INSIDE ROCHESTER
Challenger Community News • February 11, 2015
LaShay Harris Announces Run for 27th Legislative District LaShay Harris , who has demonstrated a real passion for her community over the years, has announced her run for Monroe County Legislature in the 27th District. Harris has a long history of dealing with the community in the 27th district and has the support of Democratic Rochester City Council Member Adam McFadden and Democratic Assistant Minority Leader, and 27th District Legislator, incumbent Willie Joe Lightfoot who currently holds the 27th Legislative District seat. Lightfoot, whose term expires this year, cannot run for another term. He is serving as Ms. Harris’ campaign manager. A press conference about Ms. Harris’ run will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Arnett Library 310 Arnett Blvd. Harris, the public information officer for Rural/Metro Ambulance for over 20 years, cites her long history of dealing with the community as one of her assets. An ideal candidate for that seat, Ms. Harris grew up and still resides in the 19th Ward. She has been a tireless advocate and spokeswoman for her neighborhood. She has been her neighborhood association president and has, over the years, demonstrated a real passion for her community; serving in various neighborhood associations and advisory boards. Ms. Harris is also a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Service Discover Real Estate in Pittsford. The 27th District includes Rochester’s 19th Ward neighborhood, the Greater Rochester International Airport and Genesee Valley Park.
BLACK HERITAGE MONTH Gospel Fridays 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. City Hall Atrium, 30 Church St. *Friday, 2/6 15th Tabernacle Choir Church of God and Saints of Christ Church *Friday 2/13 Julius Dicks and Company *Friday 1/10 Special Guest Choir *Friday 2/27 Immaculate Conception/ St. Bridget’s Church Choir Heritage Gospel Concert Featuring Akoma and voices of thunder Saturday, February 14, 6-8 p.m. First Genesis Baptist Church, 292 Hudson Ave. Black Heritage Story Telling Wednesday, February 18, 12 Noon – 2 p.m. David F. Gantt R-Center, 700 North St. DRYS Youth Kings & Queens Showcase: A Walk Through Time Thursday, February 19, 3-6 p.m. Thomas P. Ryan R-Center, 530 Webster Ave. Food Tasting Event In Partnership with STAR Debutante Inc. Friday, February 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. City Hall Atrium, 30 Church St. Black Heritage Gala Saturday, February 28, 6 p.m. – Midnight Hyatt Regency Hotel, 125 E. Main St. Tickets: $55 per person; Tickets for the Conference and Gala can be purchased from City Hall, Room 100-A. For more information call 428-9857 or email blackheritage@cityofrochester.gov
The Bronze Collective Theatre Fest Celebrates Black History Month! Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School to Host “Black And…” The Black Student Caucus of Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School will host the following Black History Program of Events under the theme “Black And…” All events are scheduled for 4:15 p.m. (Chapel Service) followed by 5:30 p.m. soup, cider and conversation. There will also be an exhibit from the Baobab Cultural Center on display during the month of February. Space is limited. To RSVP call (585)340-9651 or go to gdickerson-hanks@ crcds.edu February 11 Black and Young Black Lives Matter, with Rev. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones and Pastor Melvin Cross, Jr. February 18 Black and Called: An Institutional Perspective 1924 – Present with Rev. Dr. Forrest Elliott Harris, keynote speaker, President of the American Baptist College, Nashville, TN February 25 Black and LGBT” featuring Rev. Dr. Kenneth Q. James and Rev. Christopher Goodwin
five-day event include Jahaka Mindstorm, Reuben Josephe Tapp, Reenah Golden, David Shakes, Djed Snead, David Taylor and Kathy McGill.
The Bronze Collective Theatre Fest of staged readings, plays, choreopoems, dance, film and more will be held from Tuesday, Feb. 17 to Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Multi-use Community Cultural Center (MuCCC), 142 Atlantic Ave., in Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Theatre aficionados looking for the best bargain can buy a $49.95 theatre pass. For program highlights or other more information on tickets and artists,
call Mood Makers Books at (585) 271-7010 or go to www. MUCCC.org. (See Their Ad & Complete Schedule Page 15.)
Presented by the Bronze Collective, a new collaborative organization promoting African American theatrical companies and producing artists in Greater Rochester, the festival marks the Collective’s inaugural event and celebrates Black History Month.
“Our story did not begin in chains... it will not end in chains...
The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. weeknights. On Saturday there will be two shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Producing artists during this
The Black Student Caucus of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School Presents:
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The Swahili Beat Feb. 13, 7 pm The Swahili Beat is an upbeat look at the remarkable history of the Swahili people of Kenya and Tanzania’s East African coast. Packed with the music and dance of its indigenous peoples, the film takes viewers along the coast from the fabled island of Lamu to Zanzibar, Mombasa, Kilwa, Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam, tracing the development of the Swahili culture. RSVP
d: An Institu February 18 tional Persp , 2015 ective 1924–P In addition to resent the schedule Preaching an of events, jo in us for a Le d Black Chur cture on ch Studies w Rev. Dr. Forr ith Dr. Harris est Elliott H arris, Keyno at 6:15 PM. President of te Speaker the American Baptist Colle ge, Nashvill e, TN Black and LG
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T February 25 , 2015 A 21st Centur y review of and response of James Bal to the works dwin and Dr. Peter Gomes Rev. Dr. Kenn . eth Q. James / Rev. Christ opher Goodw in An exhibit from the Baobab Cultural Center will be on display during the month of February.
Save the Dates!
Schedule for each event: 4:15 PM Chapel Service 5:30 PM Soup, Cider, and Conversation
Space is limited! RSVP today to GP Dickerson-Hanks at 585-340-9651 or gdickerson-hanks@crcds.edu.
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Challenger Community News • February 11, 2015
Buffalo to Host Saviour’s Day Convention Weekend Major Address by Minister Farrakhan Via Live Webcast, Workshop by Amon Rashidi of the Griot Nation, Black Tie Affair Among Highlights of Celebration
M
uhammad Mosque #23 invites the community to celebrate Saviours’ Day 2015, the Nation of Islam’s annual convention, here in Buffalo, on the weekend of February 20 thru February 22. The Saviours’ Day commemoration will be observed with a three day convention, which includes a Black Tie Ball on February 20, from 6-10pm, at the Metropolitan Entertainment Complex at 1670 Main Street. Rev. Dr. James A. Lewis III will serve as master of ceremonies. Entertainment will be provided by Muhammad School of Music, Quadir Lateef, and up and coming R&B songstress, Zaimah. Tickets for the Saviours’ Day Black Tie Ball are $50 and are available at Doris Records 286 E. Ferry, Pratcher and Associates Law Offices 1133 Kensington Ave, or by calling (716) 816-5167. Hon. Minister Farrakhan
On Saturday, February 21 complementary breakfast and registration for workshops will start at 9am at the CRUCIAL Center located at 230 Moselle near Genesee. Breakfast will be provided by The Golden Cup and complementary dinner will be provided, beginning at 4 pm. Featured workshop presenters include Amon Rashidi and the Griot Nation who will present a very powerful and informative workshop titled: “Genocide; Codename - Hip Hop” on Saturday, February 21 from 9a.m. to 5p.m. The workshop is based on the Griot Nation’s nationally broadcast radio program heard on Sundays, at 8pm, on WBLK radio. There will be a community meet and greet with Amon Rashidi at The Golden Cup on Friday February 20 from 2-5pm. Workshops will also be presented by Cliff Bell and the Small Business Association, Charley Fisher III, of the BUILD Organization, and Sam Radford of the Millions More Movement. Additional workshops will be presented by Sis. Darlene Muhammad, of the Millions More Movement Ministry of Defense, on disaster preparedness training. Additionally, a panel of medical experts will chair a discussion on “Ebola and the Global Threat of Infectious Disease.” Vending space will be available. Please call (330) 431-0061 for information on vending. Admission to the workshops is free. For more information on workshops call (716) 335-2292, or go to noibuffalo.org. The weekend events will be highlighted by a keynote address from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan on the theme, “The Intesifying Universal Cry for Justice.” The message will be webcast live from Chicago at the Pratt Willet Community Center 422 Pratt St. Doors open 2pm, and the program starts 3pm. Admission is free. Saviours’ Day is the annual commemoration of the birth of Master Fard Muhammad, the great Teacher of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and founder of the Nation of Islam. Born February 26, 1877, he came from the east to the west, as described in the New Testament Matt 24:27. His teaching produced many bright stars among Black people including Bro. Min. Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, W. Deen Mohammed, Sonia Sanchez, Naim Akbar, Hon. Elijah Muhammad, Yahweh Ben Yahweh and, of course, the Hon. Min. Farrakhan.
Are Buffalo Private Schools In Violation Of The Civil Rights At Of 1964? Buffalo Human Rights Organization Seeks U.s. Justice Department/Civil Rights Division Investigation Into Hiring Practices Of Elite Private Schools. Only 1 African-American Classroom Teacher In Elementary & Middle Grades At Elite Private Schools In All Of Western New York. Buffalo -- The Niagara Frontier Movement for the Advocacy of African-American Human Rights, Inc., Equality in Education Opportunity Initiative, has requested an investigation by the U.S. Justice Department/Civil Rights Division into the hiring practices of Western New York private schools to determine if these schools are in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Of the 7 private, non-parochial, schools in all of New York State (west of Rochester) ---The Elmwood Franklin School, The Cobblestone School, Nardin Academy, The Harley School, The Allendale Columbia School, The Park School, and The Nichols School---only 1 school has an African-American classroom teacher in grades Pre-K through 8. The Niagara Frontier Movement for the Advocacy of African-American Human Rights, Inc. is a Buffalo based non-profit corporation whose primary mission is to support, defend and promote state and federal human rights of African-Americans as provided by law and statutes.
Jim Pitts to Keynote Black Men’s Think Tank Event The United Black Men’s Think Tank is pleased to announce that former Common Council President, Mr. James W. Pitts will give the keynote address at their upcoming dinMr. Pitts ner party fundraiser set for Saturday, February 21at theNew Golden Nugget Banquet Facility located at 2046 Fillmore Avenue. The organization’s 4th Anniversary Dinner Party & Awards Ceremony will honor Murray Holman, Chairman of the Stop the Violence Coalition, Frank Merriweather, Publisher of the Buffalo Criterion Newspaper, and Barbara A. Seals Nevergold, Phd. past President and current At Large member of the Buffalo
Board of Education. In addition to receiving an award, Mr. Holman will also be installed as the new Vice President of the United Black Men‘s Think Tank of Buffalo. John Tarver is co-chair of the Black Tie Affair. This year’s event will feature a live Jazz performance and concert by Sabu Odeyola’s Oasis ensemble, a deluxe buffet dinner and cash bar, with door prizes, raffles and other surprises. Black Men’s Think Tank member, Rev. Dr. James A. Lewis III will serve as Master of Ceremony, and Black Think Tank founder and Administrative Manager, Ms. Bernadine J. Kennedy will serve as Hostess. “Mr. Pitts participation is of great interest,” stated Ms. Kennedy. “We look forward to an exciting public address with comments on the state of our city, and the condition of
our African American families and youth in particular.” The music and VIP networking reception begins promptly at 6pm and will be followed by dinner at 7. The cost of tickets isy $75 per person, or $100 per couple. Patron advertisement in the souvenir journal is also offered in an effort to raise additional funds as The United Black Men’s Think Tank seeks professional and corporate sponsors to benefit its ongoing projects, including our Crime Victim Support Fund , and our newest endeavor, Buffalo Making A Difference Youth Program (B MAD), which we hope to implement later this year. For more information or tor tickets, or patron ads, please call the Black Think Tank Administrative Manager, Ms. Kennedy at 716- 884-3312.
Hon. Crystal Peoples-Stokes
Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes Gets State Chairmanship Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes was recently selected to Chair the Committee on Governmental Operations, her first chairmanship of a committee during her eleven years in the New York State Assembly. The selection was made by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, the first African American Assembly speaker in the New York State history. “I am truly excited to be elevated from a committee member of several years to the new committee chair,” said Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes. “With this leadership position, I plan to ensure that ethics, transparency and efficiency remain high priorities. In Buffalo small business along with minorityowned and women-owned businesses continues to grow however more is needed to improve and update the state’s procurement and compliance processes. I thank Assembly Speaker Heastie for selecting me to chair this committee; I look forward to working with my colleagues in government and continuing to deliver resources to Buffalo.” The Governmental Operations Committee’s jurisdiction encompasses a broad spectrum of legislative issues. The Committee’s subject areas include: governmental reform, lobbying and ethics laws, crime victims’ rights, human rights, rights of individuals with disabilities, state procurement and technology policies, Freedom of Information and Open Meetings Laws, disaster preparedness, homeland security, public lands and buildings, redistricting and reapportionment, and the organization and operation of the executive and legislative branches of state government.
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LOCAL + NATIONAL + WORLD
Nigerian elections Postponed!
BlackAgendaReport How to Get Racism Out of the Criminal Justice System Michael Brown and Eric Garner died because of the actions of individual police officers, but “the broader issue is the excessive levels of contact that people of color have with the criminal justice system,” said Nazgol Ghandnoosh, research analyst for The Sentencing Project, in Washington. Ghandnoosh is author of the study, “Black Lives Matter: Eliminating Racial Inequity in the Criminal Justice System.” She said “excessive contact and excessive punishment happens at all stages” of the system, from arrest, trial, sentencing and incarceration. NYPD Goes Machine Gun Crazy
Nigerian police provide security in ‘abuja, Nigeria Saturday, Feb. 7 as people demonstrate against the postponment of the elections.
N
igerians will not be voting on Valentine’s Day after all. The new date is March 28, the 6-week delay officially justified by the worsening Boko Haram-inspired insecurity in the north-east, and the military’s refusal to guarantee the safety of the poll. “The security agencies reiterated that they will be concentrating their attention to the insurgency and may not be able to play its traditional role in providing security during the elections,” said Attahiru Jega, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. The announcement late on Saturday sparked a flurry of outrage both within Nigeria and abroad, with Nigeria’s democracy viewed as the main victim. Few bought Jega’s statement, seeing instead the underhand machinations of under-fire President Goodluck Jonathan and his ruling People’s Democratic Party. “This is clearly a major setback for Nigerian democracy,” said a spokesperson for the All Progressive’s Congress, the opposition coalition headed by the veteran politician and reformed military dictator Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari is running neck and neck with Jonathan in the polls. Western diplomats and journalists have echoed this sentiment. “The United States is deeply disappointed by the decision to postpone Nigeria’s presidential election,” said US secretary of state John Kerry. “Political interference with the Independent National Electoral Commission is unacceptable.” British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Philip Hammond agreed. “The security situation should not be used as a reason to deny the Nigerian people from exercising their democratic rights.” Foreign correspondents took an even more concerned tone. “Nigeria has taken an ominous lurch back toward its military past, reviving the power of its military bosses by postponing a crucial election because of their sudden refusal to provide security for the vote,” wrote Geoffrey York in the Globe and Mail. The BBC’s Will Ross, meanwhile, hinted at conspiracy by vested interests to keep Jonathan in power: “The delay is highly contentious and will be seen by many Nigerians as foul play…It seems highly unlikely that the conflict will be brought to an end within the next few weeks, so will the election be held at all? That may depend on whether some powerful personalities feel President Jonathan is well placed for a victory.” These sceptical analyses are well-founded. Given the Nigerian military’s abject failure to stop or even contain Boko Haram over the last five years, there is little reason to believe that anything will change in six weeks, raising the prospect of indefinite further delays. And it’s hard to ignore the correlation between President Jonathan’s falling poll numbers and the announcement of the delay. -Simon Allison, The Guardian
Blacks and civil liberties advocates were shocked at New York City police commissioner Bill Bratton’s plans to establish a 350-man, machine-gun toting Strategic Response Group to deal with both terrorist attacks and peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstrations. Bratton has also endorsed raising the punishment for resisting arrest from a misdemeanor to a felony. Both measures are “public threats to protesters,” said Josmar Trujillo, of New Yorkers Against Bratton. If resisting arrest is made into a felony, it could act as “a checkmate” against claims of police brutality, said Trujillo, because it’s harder to sue cops for brutality when you’re facing felony charges. The Long Death Penalty “America’s prison problem isn’t going to be fixed by a few timid reforms around the edges,” said Kenneth Hartman, executive director of The Other Death Penalty Project, which advocates on behalf of the tens of thousands of men and women facing life in prison without possibility of parole. The nation must decide if it is wrong to dehumanize and torture human beings as a matter of policy, said Hartman. Nearly seven million Americans are under some form of criminal justice system control, a population larger than every U.S. city except New York.
“Our story did not begin in chains... it will not end in chains...
Challenger Community News • February 11, 2015
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Challenger Community News • February 11, 1015
AREA BRIEFS
Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction #61 to Be Dedicated: A dedication ceremony
renaming School #61 in honor of former Deputy Speaker Assemblyman Arthur O. Eve, will take place on Thursday, February 12 from 4-6 p.m. at 453 Leroy Avenue. The school will now be known as the Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction #61. A reception will follow the dedication ceremony.
First Time Home Buyers Workshop The Community Action Organization of Erie County will offer a First Time Home Buyers Workshop on Saturday, February 21 and every third Saturday of the Month from 10 am – 1 pm at 564 Dodge Street Bldg.#400. For details and reservations call (716) 881-6543.
Celebrate Juneteenth! Celebrate Junteenth 2015 as we kick the festivities off with our Junteenth Gala. Save the date and Join us May 15 at the Buffalo Convention Center We thank you in advance for your support of the 2015 Juneteenth Gala, the 150th Juneteenth Celebration as well as Buffalo’s 40th year of celebrating this historic event: “Remembering the Past, Focusing on the Future, Keeping the Spirit of Juneteenth Alive!” Do you have what it takes to take the crown for best Juneteenth float? We encourage you to bring the competition to the next level. Start planning now! All of those interested In participating in the 2015 Juneteenth parade please contact our Parade Chairperson Rhonda Turner. Interested in becoming a part of history? Volunteers are needed in the following areas: • Juneteenth Parade • Health Pavilion • Holistic Health • Children’s Activity Tent • Youth Activities • Book Sharing • Entertainment Stage • Heritage Tent • Arts & Culture Stage • Juneteenth Concessions/Runners We have many different activities and areas to get involved in. Pick your passion. Lend us your area of expertise. Get involved, if you don’t have a passion who knows maybe you will discover one. Our next committee meeting will be held February 17 at 6 p.m. the Frank E Merriweather Library on the corner of Jefferson and Utica. Help us to continue in this great tradition. Please call the Juneteenth headquarters at (716) 891-8801.
Community History Day at the Rafi Green Center Help us cover the walls of East Ferry with the photographs of the people and families who have lived here for generations. Working with Mayor Byron W. Brown and with the permission of the NFTA, the Friends of the Buffalo Story have been given permission to use the more than 3000 square feet of blank wall space on Ferry Street across from Performing Arts School as a large, family photo album. Bring your old photographs to the Rafi Green Center, 1523 Fillmore Ave., on Sat Feb 21. We will copy them and return them. Then, after we have collected hundreds of photos, we will work with community members, select the ones that best reflect the story of the African-American East Side. These photos will be enlarged and placed, on a rotating basis, on the Walls of East Ferry for everybody to see, to enjoy and to learn! For more information, call Mark Goldman at 9128980.
Partnership for the Public Good Releases 2015 Agenda Buffalo’s Partnership for the Public Good announced its 2015 eleven point agenda on January 16, 2015. Quoting five items of possible interest to Challenger readers are: 1. Community-Oriented Policing of Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority Property 2. Building Community Wealth for all City of Buffalo Residents The Buffalo Common Council should introduce and pass a Responsible Banking Ordinance to address lending disparities in the City of Buffalo. 3. Equitable Funding for the NFTA to Improve Transit and Ensure Affordability for Riders 4. High Road Economic Development at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC) and its member institutions should agree to enact a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) that prioritizes the needs of the immediate neighborhood and the workers on the campus. 5. Take the Profit Out of Being a Slumlord through Focused Legislation, Intelligent Code Enforcement, and Rigorous Data Analysis View the full agenda at the Partnership for Public Good website: http://www.ppgbuffalo.org/ community-agenda/2015-community-agenda/ Get involved in your community! Stay informed, attend meetings when possible. Don’t let others decide how you will live. The Partnership for the Public Good now has a radio show, “The Public Good,” each Tuesday from 1:00 to 1:30 pm on WUFO AM 1080. Each week will feature a PPG Partner or other person working toward the public good and discuss some of the region’s hottest issues. The show is hosted by PPG co-director Sam Magavern.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FILM SERIES
Finding Fela February 1|6:30 pm
This is the story of Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s life, music, social importance and how he helped shift Nigeria toward democracy and promote Pan Africanism to the world.
Elementary Genocide February 8|3:30 pm
Are elementary-aged publiclyschooled African American males targets for the US penal system?
Half of a Yellow Sun February 8|6:30 pm Two sisters return home to 1960s Nigeria, where they soon diverge on different paths. As civil war breaks out, they join the fight to establish an independent republic.
The Forgotten Four February 15|6:30 pm
Sports historians and family members recall the real-life struggles and broad cultural impact of four African American athletes – Kenny Washington, Woody Strode, Marion Motley and Bill Willis.
Through a Lens Darkly February 22|3:30 pm
This film explores the role of photography in shaping the African American identity.
thelittle.org/blackhistory
240 EAST AVE | ROCHESTER
SUNDAYS IN FEBRUARY FILMS $5
Special speakers (including directors) will lead audience discussions after each film. Co-sponsored by:
The African American Film Fest
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FAITH & FAMILY
Friendship Baptist to
Present Annual Male Chours Musical
Challenger Community News • February 11, 2015
“Portraits of My People”
Friendship Baptist Church, located at 402 Clinton St. will host its annual Male Chorus Musical on Saturday, February 21 at the church at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.
There will be a Black history program, “PORTRAITS OF MY PEOPLE” given by the Women’s Ministry of Mt. Aaron Baptist Church. 540 Genesee Street, where Rev. Dwayne Jones is the pastor, on Monday February 16, at noon. Several youths from different churches will be performing praise dances, speeches and songs. Some participants include, “Jesus in Mime” from Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Abbeni Dixon, The Kingdom Kids, Amari Burch, Imani Burch, and Jade Rutledge from Durham Memorial A.M.E. Zion, Jalehia Clemmons, Selah Clemmons and Barthelomeu Dubois, from Love Alive Baptist and several more. All are welcome to come out and encourage the young people as they learn about their bBack rich heritage.
GOD IS GOOD!
We will be honoring Barbara Glover and Brother Clifford bell for their outstanding work here in the city of Buffalo. Martha Connor is guest musician, and Bessie Patterson is the chairperson.
Akoma, Voices of Thunder In Concert A concert featuring AKOMA and the Voices of Thunder will be held on February 15, at 6pm at the First Genesis Baptist Church located at 292 Hudson Ave, Rochester.The purpose of the concert is to sing praises unto God, fellowship and raise scholarship funds for college bound Rochester area students. There will be a free will offering which will be split between AKOMA and The Voices. Both groups have been awarding scholarships to deserving students for a number of years. AKOMA is Rochester’s African American Women’s Gospel Choir The Voices of Thunder is a City-wide Male Chorus located in Rochester. made up of approximately 50 members of the group representing 15 predominantly Black churchs.
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Challenger Community News • February 11, 2015
diabetes and deteriorating health and has been denied medical assistance. We call on the Eritrean government immediately to release Patriarch Antonios and the more than 2,000 people imprisoned for their religious beliefs. Religious freedom is a fundamental, universal human
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE: Scenes from the inaugural worship service of the St. Mary Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church on Porter Avenue last Saturday.
Buffalo’s Eritrean Community Makes History !
Celebrates Inaugural Service of First Orthodox Tewahdo Church Here!
B
uffalo’s Eritrean community made history last Saturday when they celebrated the inaugural service of the St. Mary’s Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church; the first in the City of Buffalo. Located at 348 Porter Avenue, The beautiful, spirited ceremony was attended by a full house of followers, friends and leaders. The highlight of the momentous event was the presentation of the Tabot (replica of the Ark of The Covenant) by the Bishop for the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church in North America, Abune Mekaryos. The local church is led by Priest Kahase Beyene. Services are held every Sunday beginning at 7 a.m. “The Eritrean community is very happy about the ceremony and our church,” said Kibreab Tewolde, a board member of the church. “We worked for six months to bring the Ark of The Covenant
here.” The community previously worshipped in various orthodox churches in the area. And although they are happy to have a new home, and expressed great appreciation to the Catholic Church - especially Holy Angles for giving them a place to practice their church service in their own language, Tigrigna - he said that in the future they are looking to be able to purchase their own church. He said they currently welcomed donations to assist them in that effort. Kibreab expressed special appreciation and thanks to this country and its government and all the Catholic Churches in Buffalo, as well as the Egyptian Orthodox Church in North Tonawanda, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church in Buffalo and the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church of Roch-
ester. He also cited Rev. Dr. Christos B. Christakis for his support. The opening of the Eritrean Orthodox Church holds special significance to Buffalo’s Eritrean community as it relates to religious freedom. According to The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, this January marks the eighth anniversary of the illegal removal of Eritrean Orthodox Patriarch and international spiritual leader His Holiness Abune Antonios from his position as head of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, the country’s largest religious community. “The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom vehemently condemns the illegal removal from office and continued house arrest of Patriarch Antonios,” a recent statement from the commission read. “The Patriarch also suffers from severe
right. Unfortunately, this anniversary reminds us that these rights, as well as other human rights, have been denied to the people of Eritrea for more than two decades.” Eritrean authorities on January 13, 2006 removed Patriarch Antonios from his church position for his refusal to
comply with government orders to excommunicate 3,000 parishioners who had opposed the government and for his call to release political prisoners. One year later, on January 20, 2007, authorities confiscated Patriarch Antonios’ personal pontifical insignia. Continued Page 12
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ENTERTAINMENT legends and Legacies: A Tribute to Sam Cooke
“Burying The Bones” on stage at The Paul Robeson Theatre (PRT)now thru March 1, at the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue. “Burying the Bones,” written by M.E.H. Lewis, is directed by Laverne Clay with a cast featuring Courtney Turner, Fisher, Guy Wagner, Sandra Gilliam.The award-winning play allows us to experience a rich personal story set against the political debris of the old Apartheid system in South Africa. Curtain times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4p.m. on Sunday followed by an audience Talk Back. General admission is $25; $22 for seniors and students with a valid I.D. Discounts for Veterans, Coupons, and group rates are available. For tickets and group reservations call 716-884-2013 or email africancultural350@gmail.com for more information. www.aaccbuffalo.org
The Legends and Legacies Film #23 will pay tribute to the Late singer Sam Cooke on Sunday, February 15, 2015 at the Merriweather Library from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Columnist Eva M. Doyle stated that “ the music of Sam Cooke is legendary. The song that he wrote called A Change Is Gonna Come is now 50 years old. Sam Cooke was involved in the Civil Rights struggle when the song was written. He also had an extensive collection of Black History books and encouraged all those around him to read. He was the first Black music star to publish and own his music.” This program is free and open to the public. For more information call 847-6010 or 507-5280.
“She got Kids”: A New Comedy Stage Play
Who: Alemaedae Theater Productions What: “She Got Kids” Comedy Stage Play Where: 1412 Main St(Next Door To Nfta Building Near E Utica St) When: Sun Feb 15 Thru Tuesday March 3. Info: 716.602.6253 Or Visit Www.atpgalaxy.com Comedy stage play surrounding two childhood friends, Aaron and Jessica that try to pursue a relationship in their adulthood. Aaron is a good God fearing man who is also a certified momma’s boy that still has some growing up to do; and Jessica is a hard working independent woman that has some insecurities and trust issues oh and yeah...she has kids! Starring Candi Davis Alphonso Walker Jr. Damond Rainey,Tajunai Debose and Gabrielle Lewis. Show runs Sun Feb 15th thru Tues Mar 3rd. Sun shows are 4pm and Mon & Tues shows are 7:30p @ 1412 Main St. next door to the NFTA Building near E
Challenger Community News • February 11, 2015
ON STAGE *Battle of the Bands,, Rochester & Buffalo every Wenesday, The Groove Lounge, hosted by Regina Stannard & WBLK’s Todd Anderson, 1210 Broadway. No admission fee. *Valentines Day Show, An Evening With Will Holton's Love Cadenza Sat. Feb. 14 Tralf Music Hall With Performances by Jetaun Louie, Carl Smith, Tifani & Carrington Gaines. 8pm 21+ Admitted General Admission Event $20 Advance / $25 Day Of Show. *Charlie Wilson with Kem and Joe, First Niagara Center, 1 Seymour H. Knox III Plaza downtown Buffalo, Friday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m. *Black 2 Love Gala featuring performances by Lazyrus, Archie The Messenger, & more; dressy Black-Tie; Lafayette Hotel; 279-7365 or 603-9297.
*Love Cadenza will feature
performances by vocalists Tifani, Jetaun Louie,Carrington Gaines, Carl Smith, special guest from “Taylor Made Jazz trumpeter” Brian Freeman and the saxman himself Will Holton (pictured above). When & Where: Tralf Music Hall 622 Main Street - Downtown Buffalo, February 14 Time & Cost : 7pm door & 8pm show; $20 presale $25 day of Contact: To learn more about this event, please contact Brandbuilderz Media Relations. (716) 704-5400 brandbuilderzny@gmail.com or willholton@yahoo.com
*Geva Theatre Center of Rochester, world premiere of Katherine’s Colored Lieutenant by Nora Cole , directed by David Schweizer ,February 5 and runs in the Fielding Nextstage , 75 Woodbury Blvd, Rochester through February 22. : Tickets start at $35. *Comedian Katt Williams “Born Again…Again” Tour, Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, March 14; tickets @ Arena box office, Ticketmaster. com, all Ticketmaster outlets; charge by phone 1-800-7453000.
SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!
ENTERTAINMENT
Challenger Community News • February 11, 1015
Remembering Bob Marley…
“Our story did not begin in chains...it will not end in chains... SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!
Jamaicans celebrated the 70th anniversary of the birth of late reggae legend Bob Marley last Friday (Feb. 6) with a jamming session at his former home and a free concert as the Caribbean island continues to wrestle over his place in its pantheon of heroes. Marley, who was born in Nine Miles, northwest Jamaica, died on May 11, 1981, in a Florida hospital from cancer age 36. Over 30 years after his untimely death of the musi-
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Call (716) 278-4898
cal reggae genius, his music and image still permeate our culture. Time magazine named his album Exodus Album of the Year and the BBC declared his song One Love, Song of the Millennium. He spent his life fighting oppression and spreading love, inspiration and great music. His family carries on his legacy through 1Love and The Rita Marley Foundation, charities dedicated to peace, unity and love. His birthday was a global event with celebrations and special events happening around the world. Last Friday , the Marley family livestreamed Redemption Live, a memorial concert from Kingston, Jamaica. A new live album called “Easy Skanking in Boston ‘78” will also be released next week, according to The Bob Marley Group of Companies, featuring two live shows from Boston’s Music Hall in June 1978. His final words to his son Ziggy were “Money can’t buy life.” Marley received a state funeral in Jamaica on 21 May 1981, which combined elements of Ethiopian Orthodoxy and Rastafari tradition.He was buried in a chapel near his birthplace .
PARTY OVER HERE!
“Dancin’ at the Parks”: A Valentine’s Dinner Dance for adults 55 and over featuring The Larry Salter Soul Orchestra and vocalist Joyce Carolyn will take place on Friday, February 13 from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Gloria J. Parks Community Center, 3242 Main Street. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For tickets call 716-8321010 ext. 206. See you on the dance floor!
The Red Rover’s Roll Valentine’s Night adult skate will take place on Saturday, February 14 at Skateland, 33 E. Ferry Street from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Music will be provided by Sike & DJ REazon. Admission is $5 plus rentals. The affair is for 21 and over. “It is both a community building effort as well as an endeavor to support roller skating culture in the city, and the businesses and people who uphold this deeply rooted pastime, which has unfortunately fallen prey to newer trends, resulting in the closing of several inner city rinks,” noted Barrett Gordon. “We believe and know that roller skating will survive… this party is also an effort in cooperation with Skateland to kick start a monthly adult skate at Skate-
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Challenger Community News • February 11, 1015
GENERATIONS
Auditions for “Real Teens Reel Talk” Show
Starr Connextions, an organization that utilizes media to showcase organizations, individuals, and groups who are making a positive difference in our community, is having an open casting call to attract teens who want to participate in a teen talk show called Real Teens Reel Talk. The mission of Real Teens Reel Talk is to create a platform that allows young people to openly discuss key issues that impact their lives and the lives of their peers.Auditions are open to teens ages 13-19 and will be held on Saturday February 14, between 12 noon and 3 p.m. at the Schiller Park Community Services Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St. in Buffalo.Those 16 and under MUST be accompanied by a parent.
How Low-Income Students Succeed At College James Louis Ramsey, PhD, will present his qualitative research at the forthcoming National Association of African American Studies national conference (February 9-14, 2015) at the Crowne Plaza Executive Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Dr. Ramsey’s proposed paper presentation: “How Low-Income Students Succeed at College” is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11. The son of Mrs. Dr. Ramsey Betty Jean Ramsey of Buffalo, NY and the late James Louis Ramsey Sr. of Asheville, NC, Dr. Ramsey graduated from Buffalo Public Schools (Kensington HS), Daemen College and the Graduate School of Education at the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) in Educational Leadership and Policy.
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Promise Neighborhood Students Get a Shot at a New Basketball Program Approximately 200 4th and 5th grade students at Buffalo Promise Neighborhood’s Westminster Community Charter School and Highgate Heights Elementary are currently shooting for perfect attendance for a chance to win an exciting new prize— Basketball 101. Developed by M&T Bank and UB Athletics, Basketball 101 is a new, day-long mentoring and academic enrichment program that will teach the basics of basketball, teamwork and healthy diet and nutrition. The class with the best attendance for the month of February will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to UB’s Alumni Arena for participation in Basketball 101 on May 8, 2015. The top two classes will also each receive tickets to a UB Men’s Basketball vs. Bowling Green game on March 6. “This exciting new program is a slam dunk for BPN’s comprehensive approach to academic achievement, promoting the importance of education, health and wellness,” said Dr. Yvonne Minor-Ragan, President of Buffalo Promise Neighborhood. “We thank the University at Buffalo Athletics Department and M&T Bank for providing our students with this special enrichment opportunity and wish our students the best of luck!” Basketball 101 will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday May 8, 2015. Lunch will be served to all participants prior to the children returning back to school.
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Challenger Community News • February 11, 1015
Buffalo Schools at the Crossroads:
Are Charters Smarter? By Dr.Barbara Seals Nevergold
A
re Charters smarter? That was the question that my friend, Peggy Brooks-Bertram asked me recently. Certainly, individuals who advocate for educational “reform” promote the idea that not only are charter schools superior to public schools but that they are the answer to turning around “failing” public schools. Some even suggest that charters create competition that somehow will spur public schools to do better. While Peggy’s question was a simple one, the answer is anything but simple. Across this nation, there is a movement, supported by political leaders, business leaders, reformers and others to control the educational system (and by no small coincidence billions of educational dollars) by privatizing public education and promoting the “charters are smarter” credo. One of the arguments that makes the response to Peggy’s question complex is the often repeated statement that charter schools are “public” schools. In New York State, they are licensed by the State Education Department or the State University. And they do operate, to some degree, as a public entity. They are funded primarily by public dollars. Charters receive tuition, from the public school district, for every child who enrolls in the school. Further, services like transportation, food and some services for special needs children are paid for by the public school district. Public school detractors are quick to point out that the per pupil tuition that charters get is much lower than a “comparable” per pupil expenditure for students in the public schools. They fail to extract the legacy costs, e.g. debt service on loans for school building upgrades or staff retirement and health care costs. Charters can be operated by non-profit organizations or for-profit management firms. In either case, they can raise additional funds through independent fundraising. Unlike public school districts, full disclosure of all monies that charters obtain is not required by the State. In the last decade the popularity of charters has resulted in an increasing number of for-profit schools established more or less as businesses. These “public” schools are also governed by private boards, instead of publicly elected or appointed district school boards. This is not to say that all charters aren’t transparent, but there are numerous incidents, across this country, of charters that have been mis-managed and/or de-frauded by their operators. It’s a problem that charter advocates choose to ignore. Let’s take a closer look at the argument that charters are “public” schools, which serve public school students. Charter schools do provide an alternative to parents for educational choice. Charters do not charge individual parents tuition since the taxpayers are paying that tuition. But charters schools also have choice in the admissions process they use to select students. A valid criticism of charters is that, in many cases, their student body does not mirror that of their public school counterparts. The number of students with disabilities, limited English Language proficiency and students living in poverty make up a smaller percentage of charter populations than students in the public schools. Charters can mold a more successful student body by sending children, who do not meet their standards, back to the public schools. And in a disturbing report recently issued by the Civil Rights Project of UCLA, researchers found that “…the rapid growth of charter schools has been expanding a sector that is even more segregated than the public schools.” (Choice Without Equity: Charter School Segregation and the Need for Civil Rights Standards) But to get back to the question, “Are charters smarter?” There are examples of charter schools in Buffalo that are preforming no better, and in comparison to some of our “failing” schools, worse on student proficiency measures. That will be the subject of a separate article. However, there is a dramatic example of charter schools not being smarter in the city of New Orleans. Following the disaster of Hurricane Katrina, the State of Louisiana established the Recovery School District. Systematically, the public schools were closed in New Orleans and were replaced by charter schools. The New Orleans Recovery School District is now fully comprised of charter schools. In the process over 7,500 teachers and other professionals, mostly people of color, were fired. The result of this great experiment? In 2014, the New Orleans Recovery School District ranked 66th out of 70 school districts in the State of Louisiana! That is not an accomplishment. Yet, even in the face of this fact, the New Orleans Recovery School District is held up as a change model for public school districts across this nation. The moral of this story is that lies are being perpetrated to obscure the true answer to the question, “Are charters smarter?” Are charters smarter? The Governor appears to think so. The Chancellor and the New York State Board of Regents seem to think so. The powerbrokers, businessmen, foundations and the media continue to beat the drum on this message. All are supporting the creation of new charters across the state and especially here in Buffalo, where we have more charters than any urban district outside of New York City. We need to examine the facts. We need to understand the role that the new Common Core Standards and standardized testing has on school and school district success. We need to raise questions about the continued denigration of public schools and here I will say, especially the Buffalo Public Schools, to the exclusion of many of the positive and progressive accomplishments that are taking place. This article does not condemn ALL charters as obviously there are successful charters provid-
ISIS – A US-Saudi Chicken Come Home to Roost? by Margaret Kimberley
“The Saudis are natural allies because they don’t want democracy in their own country or anywhere else in the region.”
S
audi Arabia is clearly of great importance to the government of the United States. President Obama not only cut short his India trip to visit with newly installed king Salman, but brought along a who’s who of administration officials and congressional leaders for the ride. Secretary of State John Kerry, former secretaries Condoleezza Rice and James Baker, Vice President Joseph Biden, Senator John McCain, Democratic House leader Nancy Pelosi, National Security Adviser Susan Rice, and CIA director John Brennan were all part on the entourage. All that fire power was devoted to a visit which lasted for just a few hours. The show of force was not coincidental. The reaction of the corporate media to the death of the late Saudi king Abdullah tells us everything we need to know about the United States/Saudi axis of evil. It is one thing for the president to call Abdullah his friend and for the secretary of state to claim that the absolute monarch was a “man of wisdom and vision” but it is another for the media to parrot the same words. The New York Times called Abdullah a “shrewd force” and a “cautious reformer.” He didn’t reform the policies of beheading and flogging his Secretary of State John Kerry (left) with Saudi officials. citizens or creating instability in other countries. Those facts don’t count when our government makes it clear that he was a partner in America’s imperial designs. It is easy to tell who is and isn’t an American ally just by reading the newspaper. Hugo Chavez was elected president of Venezuela three times but the most positive description from his New York Times obituary referred to him as “a polarizing figure.” Unlike the Saudi royals, Chavez didn’t intervene in the affairs of other nations. In fact he used his nation’s oil wealth to aid neighboring countries. You wouldn’t know any of that from the media which get and obey marching orders that come straight from the White House. Saudi Arabia gets the kid glove approach from the press because it works hand in hand with Washington. It is now more than thirty years since the Saudis joined the United States in backing jihadists in Afghanistan to drive out a left wing government. The blowback resulted in past allies like Osama bin Laden attacking the United States on September 11, 2001. Similarly,ISIS wouldn’t exist without collusion between the west and the gulf monarchs. Now ISIS makes clear that it wants to rid the region of the same kingdoms that brought it into existence. ISIS is a United States/Saudi chicken that inconveniently came home to roost. The Saudis backed jihadists in Libya to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi and in the process created an ongoing civil war and the destruction of a once prosperous country. They did the same in the as yet unsuccessful effort to dispatch Bashar al-Assad in Syria and now nine million people are refugees. They committed those crimes in full accord and cooperation with the United States. “ISIS wouldn’t exist without collusion between the west and the gulf monarchs.” Saudi Arabia is able to create so much damage because it has the world’s largest oil reserves and decides what everyone else on the planet will pay for energy. It may produce a lot of oil or a little and thus determines whether prices are low or high. Recent Saudi and American machinations have brought prices down very precipitously and caused considerable damage to other oil producers such as Venezuela, Iran and Russia. Because these governments demand their rights as sovereign states they have been declared enemies. The two bad actor nations are willing to forego temporary profits if they think they can rid themselves of troublesome countries that won’t obey their dictates. The Saudis and the American government are locked in a loveless marriage of convenience. The Americans have military and economic dominance and want to keep it. That means working against the aspirations of any nation that refuses to toe the line. The Saudis are natural allies because they don’t want democracy in their own country or anywhere else in the region. They have become useful in providing support to the jihadists du jour who do their bidding for a brief moment in time but eventually wind up being very ungrateful. Sometimes the Saudis want what the United States can’t give. Obama failed in his attempt to directly attack Syria in 2013. He also knew that the tide had turned in Egypt and Hosni Mubarak had to go. The Saudi monarchs have been itching for an attack on Iran but that is biting off more than America can chew. The two countries need but are also wary of one another. Of course the president came running with a huge retinue to pay homage to Salman. He doesn’t really have a choice. The desperate imperialist game will go nowhere without the House of Saud. In turn, the new monarch needs American muscle on his side to make Saudi Arabia an undisputed
Continued Pag 12
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Challenger Community News • February 11, 1015
Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams Announces HEAP Workshops in District 1 1st District Erie County Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Workshops on Thursday, February 19 at the West Side Community Services, 161 Vermont St. from 9 am - 4 pm. HEAP is a federally funded program to assist Erie County residents with their heating bills. It is open to all income eligible households. Applicants are requested to bring the following documentation to the Workshop: ▪One (1) form of identification for all household members (birth certificates, license, Social Security Card) ▪Proof of income received within the last 30 days for all household members (pay stubs, SS or pension award letters, proof of child support, rental income, unemployment benefits, worker’s comp., etc.) ▪Current heat and electric bills If an applicant is missing information, they may be allowed to mail the information and complete the application process. For information or assistance, please contact Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams Legislative Office at (716) 842-0490 or e-mail bmw@erie.gov or the HEAP Hotline, (716) 858-7644.
A New Way to Plan for Buffalo After nearly three years of research, community engagement, partnership building and planning by over 5,000 citizens and more than 700 local organizations, One Region Forward will be releasing its Regional Plan for Sustainable Development entitled “A New Way to Plan for Buffalo Niagara” The plan provides the Buffalo Niagara region with a practical roadmap for growth and development over the next forty years by identifying the trends of the past and then defining the values our community aspires to for a more sustainable future. Attendees will learn more about the potential strategies to get us to that future and how we’ll know we’re making progress along the way. The open house-style event will be held on Thursday, February 12th from 5:30PM - 7:00PM at the Central Library in Downtown Buffalo, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo. The event is free and open to the public and will include hors d’oeuvres. You can register by going to : http://www.oneregionforward. org/get-involved/a-new-way-to-plan-for-buffalo-niagara-february-2015/
BUFFALO’S ERITREAN COMMUNITY continued
On May 27, 2007, the government illegally replaced Patriarch Antonios with Bishop Dioscoros of Mendefera, and then forcibly removed him from his home and placed him under house arrest at another residence. There is currently an on-line petition being circulated calling on the U.S. Congress to express outrage and to call for the immediate release of His Holiness Abune Antonios. Go to www. petition2congress.com/6030/release-abuantonios Eritrea, a country of about 6 million is a multi-religious country which has two dominant religions, Christianity and Islam, with approximately 50% of the population being Christian and 50% Muslim according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Located in the Horn of Africa with its capital at Asmara, it is bordered by Sudan in the west, Ethiopia in the south, and Djibouti in the southeast. The northeastern and eastern parts of Eritrea have an extensive coastline along the Red Sea, across from Saudi Arabia and Yemen. (Churches, individuals or organizations interested in donating to the church can reach Kibreab Tewolde at 716-603-0564 for more information.)
HEALTH MATTERS
Your Diet Is Key for Reducing Chronic Inflammation
The running thread linking a wide variety of common health problems—from obesity and diabetes to heart disease and cancer—is chronic inflammation. The key to reducing chronic inflammation in your body starts with your diet, and being liberal in your use of high-quality herbs and spices is one simple way to boost the quality of your food. It’s important to realize that dietary components can either prevent or trigger inflammation from taking root in your body, and processed foods do the latter, courtesy of pro-inflammatory ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, soy, processed vegetable oils (trans fats), and other chemical additives. Besides adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet, you’ll also want to avoid the following pro-inflammatory dietary culprits as much as possible: •Refined sugar, processed fructose, and grains. •Oxidized cholesterol (cholesterol that has gone rancid, such as that from overcooked, scrambled eggs) •Foods cooked at high temperatures, especially if cooked with vegetable oil (such as peanut, corn, and soy oil) •Trans fats Replacing processed foods with whole, ideally organic foods will automatically address most of these factors, especially if you eat a large portion of your food raw. Equally important is making sure you’re regularly reseeding your gut with beneficial bacteria, as mentioned above. To help you get started on a healthier diet, I suggest following my free Optimized Nutrition Plan, which starts at the beginner phase and systematically guides you step-by-step to the advanced level. The following four spices were found to be significantly effective at quelling the inflammatory response: 1.Cloves 2.Ginger 3.Rosemary 4.Turmeric Consider adding these inflammatory-fighting spices to your diet when possible.
DR. NEVERGOLD continued
ing educational opportunities to students in urban districts. But like the public schools, there are charters that are not successful. Are they then the answer to the problems we are having in our educational system? Are charters smarter? The answer my dear Peggy is, NO!
ISIS-US-SAUDI
continued power with the ability to decide who lives and who dies. Any head of state who gets a visit from the American president, vice president, and current and former secretaries of state is up to no good. If all of those criminals descend at once it means that evil acts are in the works. The old adage is true. There is no honor among thieves. Margaret Kimberley's Freedom Rider column appears weekly in BAR, and is widely reprinted elsewhere. She maintains a frequently updated blog as well as at http://freedomrider.blogspot. com. Ms. Kimberley lives in New York City, and can be reached via e-Mail at Margaret.Kimberley(at)BlackAgendaReport.com.
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Classified
Challenger Community News • February 11, 1015
13
EM P LOY M EN T
Advertising Pays advertising@thechallengernews.com
BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Please check out our website at:
http://www.buffalolib.org/content/employment-opportunities/job-postings
CITY OF BUFFALO EMPLOYMENT
http://www.city-buffalo.com/jobs
Procurement Opportunities BIDS
ROOMS FOR RENT
Rooms for Rent: Delavan and Oakgrove ; Bailey and Delavan, everything included. Only things needed is your food and clothes. $325 - 450 plus deposit. Call 716-818-3410.
BIDS NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid
4461 - 8D LEAD ACID BATTERIES Download Bids from www. nfta.com
“Readers are Leaders”
R EQ U E S T F OR P R O P OS A L S ERIE COUNTY YOUTH BUREAU 2015 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE “PRIMETIME” PROGRAMS The Erie County Youth Bureau (ECYB) will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) on February 13th, 2015 for eligible not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organizations and local youth bureaus to provide “Primetime” programs in 2015. Primetime grants promote positive youth development programs to address long-term juvenile delinquency prevention within Erie County. A Primetime program is defined as a 6-10 week summer session focused on exposing youth to positive activities in a healthy and safe setting with caring adults, diverting them from the streets during high-delinquency hours. All Primetime grants must target ‘at risk’ youth 6-18 years of age. The ECYB will utilize the RFP process to determine eligibility for participation in the Primetime program based on a review of applications received and dependent on availability of funds. The application may be downloaded from the ECYB website or by contacting Ben Hilligas, Youth Bureau Director, at 716-923-4051 or benjamin.hilligas@erie.gov. Deadline for submissions is March 16th, 2015 at 5:00PM – address applications to 810 East Ferry Street, Buffalo, NY 14211. An information session will be held on February 26th, 2015 at 10:30AM at Erie 1 BOCES, Building B, Room B2A (355 Harlem Road, West Seneca, NY 14224).
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids for Project Nos. 44682-C, 44682-H, 44682-E, comprising separate contracts for Construction Work, HVAC Work and Electrical Work, Replace Heating System & Security Windows, Building Nos. 7 & 8, Wende Correctional Facility, 3040 Wende Road, Alden (Erie County), NY, will be received by the Office of General Services (OGS), Design & Construction Group (D&C), Contract Administration, 35th Fl., Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242, on behalf of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, when they will be publicly opened and read. Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check, or bid bond in the amount of $35,400 for C, $23,000 for H and $3,200 for E. All successful bidders on a multiple trade project or the successful bidder with a bid over $200,000 on a single trade project, will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond in the statutory form of public bonds required by Sections 136 and 137 of the State Finance Law, each for 100% of the amount of the Contract estimated to be between $500,000 and $1,000,000 for C, between $500,000 and $1,000,000 for H and between $25,000 and $50,000 for E. The requirement for Labor and Material and Performance Bonds may be waived on a bid under $200,000 on a single trade project. Designated staff are Frank Peris and Carl Ruppert in the Bureau of Contract Awards, telephone (518) 474-0203, fax (518) 473-7862 and John Lewyckyj, Director of Contract Administration, telephone (518) 474-0201, fax (518) 486-1650. The only time prospective bidders will be allowed to visit the job site will be at 10:00 a.m. on February 26, 2015 at Wende Field Office, 2990 Wende Road, Alden, NY. Phone the office of Allyson Youdsavage, (716) 937-4200 a minimum of 72 hours in advance of the date to provide the names of those who will attend the pre-bid site visit. It is the policy of the State and the Office of General Services to encourage meaningful minority business enterprise participation in this project by contractors, subcontractors and suppliers who perform commercially useful functions under the Contract, and all bidders are expected to cooperate in implementing this policy. The Bidding and Contract Documents for this Project are available on compact disc (CD) only, and may be obtained for an $8.00 deposit per set, plus a $2.00 per set shipping and handling fee. Contractors and other interested parties can order CD’s on-line through a secure web interface available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please use the following link at the OGS website for ordering and payment instructions: http://www.ogs.ny.gov/bu/dc/esb/acquirebid.asp. For questions about purchase of bid documents, please send an e-mail to D&C.Plans@ogs.ny.gov, or call toll free at 1-877-647-7526. For additional information on this project, please use the link below and then click on the project number: https://online.ogs.ny.gov/dnc/contractorConsultant/esb/ ESBPlansAvailableIndex.asp. John D. Lewyckyj, Contracting Officer Director, Contract Administration OGS - Design & Construction Group
http://www.city-buffalo.com/bids Assistant Professor
Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Professor for the Engineering Technology Department. Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a closely-related field. Research experience and a record of scholarly publications. The ability to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels in mechanical/manufacturing engineering. Preferred Qualifications: A professional engineer's license, or the potential to obtain one. College teaching experience. Engineering experience in either industry, a national laboratory, or as a post-doctorate researcher. CAD/CAM experience. A record of grant funding. Qualified applicants may apply online at https://jobs.buffalostate.edu
Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences.
BIDS REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS Sealed Proposals will be received until 1:00 pm on Monday, March 16th, 2015 at the Rochester City School District building at 1776 North Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14621 by the Rochester Joint Schools Construction Board (“RJSCB” or “Owner”), Attention: Thomas Renauto, Executive Director, for the Request for Qualifications for Program Management Services for Phase 2 of the Rochester Schools Modernization Program (“Project”). Questions during the restricted period must be emailed to Thomas Renauto at: trenauto@aol.com. The Owner will not accept or respond to questions from prospective bidders received orally or by facsimile. The purpose of this Request for Qualifications is to identify qualified firms or project teams to provide the Rochester Joint Schools Construction Board with Program Management services for a $435 million project to renovate up to 26 school buildings in the Rochester City School District (the “Rochester Schools Modernization Program”). The RFQ is for Phase 2 of the Program. Hard Construction costs are expected to exceed $285 million. The RFQ may be obtained at the following websites: RJSCB site: www.rcsdk12.org/rsmp RCSD site: www.rcsdk12.org City of Rochester site: www.cityofrochester.gov Bidclerk: www.bidclerk.com Builder’s Exchange: www.robex.com Bidnet site: www.bidnet.com A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held on Friday, March 6th, 2015, starting at 10:00 AM at 1776 North Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14621. Sincerely, Thomas Richards, Chair – RJSCB Thomas Renauto, Executive Director – RJSCB By order of the Rochester Joint Schools Construction Board
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Challenger Community News • February 11, 1015
RADNEY’S SPORTS UPDATE
NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS
3-WAY
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WIN 4
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quick money $$$$ THE NUMBER BOOK 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-525 583-269-508 Grandma’s FEBRUARY Picks 235-409-509-776-123-
Powerful New Energy Shift for Chinese New Year of the Sheep, Lucky Number “8” , This year marks 4017 Years of Celedration. “Watch your temper!”
Best Triple for Month of FEBRUARY “333”! Doubles - Watch out for the two’s! 228-252-202 Bee’s Pix:
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3-5-9-21-23-24 #58
811
444
411
Challenger Hits Midday 184-Qyick $$ (bx) 053-Gemini (bc) 520-Number Book (bx) 689-ZR (bx)
Evening 497- ZR (bx) *103 - Aquarius & ZR (Straight!)* 141-Scorpio (bx) LUCKIE DUCKIE
335 -2015-4444 $more $more! 134-431-143
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980-422-809
981-989-970-990-080800 390-196-102-581-752319-408-378-352-126
189-444-886-202
322-522-412-432-421423
3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year
02/20/2014 Evening 02/20/2014 Midday 02/19/2014 Evening 02/19/2014 Midday 02/18/2014 Evening 02/18/2014 Midday 02/17/2014 Evening 02/17/2014 Midday 02/16/2014 Evening 02/16/2014 Midday 02/15/2014 Evening 02/15/2014 Midday 02/14/2014 Evening 02/14/2014 Midday 02/13/2014 Evening 02/13/2014 Midday 02/12/2014 Evening 02/12/2014 Midday 02/11/2014 Evening 02/11/2014 Midday
2014
8-9-1 9-9-9 5-7-9 0-6-0 2-5-3 3-1-6 6-4-0 5-1-4 1-4-9 2-7-6 3-8-0 8-8-5 3-8-5 5-9-0 3-6-9 2-0-8 9-3-8 4-1-7 1-5-4 8-8-4
John Wooten Awardees.
John Wooten Awards Reception : An Annual Highlight of Super Bowl Week!
T
he John Wooten Awards reception is always a mainstay on the Super Bowl Week agenda. This year the program did not disappoint and was outstanding once again with prominent African Americans attending the event. The John Wooten Leadership Award is given annually at each Super Bowl to the NFL player, executive, sports personality and corporate organization, who best exemplify the leadership and vision of John Wooten, who has led the charge to promote diversity and equality of job opportunity in the coaching, front office and scouting staffs of NFL teams. Harry Carson, former New York Giant NFL player said, “I’m here to support John Wooten and he’s living proof that By GEORGE if you work hard and committed to the goals you can make significant changes to the status RADNEY quo.” The pro Player Award went to Charles Tillman of the Chicago Bears whose The Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation is dedicated to providing opportunities and resources to children and families in-need. Since its inception, the Foundation has impacted the lives of over one million children in the Chicago-area. Also: *A Special Recognition went to Melanie Few-Harrison, the founder and managing partner of RESULTS, Inc. which is a marketing company. She convinced NFL to start Super Bowl Gospel 16 years ago and continues to be a highlight event each year. *Martin Mayhew, Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager won the Executive Leadership Award for his outstanding work in continuing to build the Lions roster through a plan that focuses on acquiring players with great football character who are smart and physically tough. *Arnold Hackett, Vice President of Alliance and Partnership Management at Xerox Corporation, was the recipient of Community Leader Award. * The Trail Blazer Award went to Linda Alvarado, who is President and CEO of Alvarado Construction, Inc., a commercial general contractor, development, and design/build Company that has successfully constructed projects across America including Sports Authority Field at Mile High. *The Coach “MAC” Award went to the National Basketball Association, who remains the leader in diversity among professional sports leagues. This season, the league set records with assistant coaches of color at 46 percent and referees of color at 48 percent. On the team front, the NBA is the first major pro sports league to have majority owners of color with Michael Jordan at the helm for the Charlotte Hornets and Vivek Ranadive serving as controlling owner of the Sacramento Kings. The final award of the evening Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ray Anderson, Arizona State University’s Vice President for University Athletics and Athletics Director. Max Gipson of the Houston Defender newspaper said, “It shows the character of John Wooten by being out on the front line for over 50 years fighting for diversity and equality. He’s trying to promote the next generation of African Americans and Latinos for front administrative office jobs. When Muhammad Ali held a press conference to say he was not going to the Vietnam War, with Jim Brown, Bill Russell, and John Wooten, it was Mr. Wootens who put together that historic press conference and is widely respected in the business world.”
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Challenger Community News • February 11, 1015
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Wednesday February 11 Regular Meeting Buffalo Board of Education: 5:30 p.m., Waterfront Elementary School, 95 Fourth Street.
“This Week in Black History” The second annual “this Week in Black History” program will be held on February 14 and 19. On February 14 at The Foundry, 298 Northampton, from noon to 3 p.m., special presentations will be made by Doug Ruffin, photographer; Sydney Adams, musician and Shaddie Swag, gospel rap. A special presentation will be made by the Jama Jama Community African Dance & Drum Ensemble. On February 19 at The Oakk Room 1435 Main St. from 6 to 8 p.m., the featured artists will include Imani Williamson, artist; “Goodness,” poet; and Willie A. Price, author. “This Week in Black History: Past Present and Future” is sponsored by Majadi Enterprises, Inc. and Willie A. Price Speaks.
Selma Youth Exhibit: An
exhibit “ Selma Youth Choir (1965): In Spirit and Song” is currently on display at Frank E. Merriweather Library, Jefferson and E. Utica, thru Feb 12. A presentation will be given at the Merriweather Library in on Feb 12 .
A Salute! To Black History Featuring: The Larry Salter Soul Orchestra; Saturday, February 21 St. 12:00 Noon To 3:pm; Broadway Market, 999 Broadway Ave. Admission Free: A Family Event
February 12, 2015 FREE Day at Nash House Museum, 36 Nash Street 11:30 - 4:00 ; Historical storytelling by Yvonne “Big Momma Boo” at 12:30 and 2 pm. February 14, 2015 African American Genealogy Presentation 11 - 1 pm Calvary Baptist Church, 1184 Genesee Street Presented by Buffalo Genealogy Society of the African Diaspora FREE February 14, 2015 Along This Way: Storytelling in the African Tradition (25th Year Celebration) 2 pm - Frank E. Merriweather Branch Library, 1324 Jefferson AvenueFeaturing: Storytellers - Sharon Holley & Karima Amin; Vocalist Joyce Carolyn; Percussion-
ist and Poet - Seku Ba Jehudi Ameni FREE February 19, 2015 FREE Day at Nash House Museum, 36 Nash Street 11:30 - 4 pm; Historical Storytelling by Denise Chapman-Acosta at 12:30 & 2 pm. February 20, 2015 Black History Month Art Exhibition El Buen Amigo, 114 Elmwood Avenue Storyteller, Sharon Holley 7 pm FREE February 21 Award Program for winners of the Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest 1 pm - Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. Sponsored by Afro-American Historical Assoc. of the Niagara Frontier FREE February 28, 2015 FREE Day at Nash House Museum, 36 Nash Street 11:30 - 4 pm. Historical Storytelling by Carmen Swan at 12:30 and 2 pm. (For more information, concerning the above events listed, please contact Sharon Holley 716-886-1399.) BLACK HISTORY MONTH At EL BUEN AMIGO!
114 Elmwood Avenue, featuring artist YoussouLo, Seku Harwell, Emily Snead, John T. Cobb, Andrea Bennett, and Lori Remiki-Gueye. There will be music, speakers, poetry, silent auction, food, refreshments, and much more!! For info. Call 716563-0529. -Additional EventsFriday February 13 6:00-9:00pm - XIMONE!! - Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Performer Music with Alassane Sarr, Raymond Sylla, and Seku Harwell Saturday February 14 6:00pm - Neville Harris Reggae 7:00pm - Patricia Carter presentation on “Red Velvet Cake:Reconnecting the Motherline in Transnational Culture” 8:00pm - LaDi NaFi - Reggae 6:00-9:00pm - The Apparent Project (www.apparentproject.org) with Pamela Kefi
Khametic Ascendants: 9-10 a.m. & 12:30 am (after midnight), public Access Channel 20. The Durham Central City Baby Café: every Wednesday and Thursday 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 200 E. Eagle in the Durham Outreach Center. Dinner is free! Doris Gayles 885-6348. Health and Healing Circle: 2-4 pm 70 Harvard Place; for info: myhealthyadvantage@yahoo.com or call 218-0373 Thursday February 12 Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction #61 Dedication Ceremony: 4-6 p.m., 453 Leroy Avenue. Magic Johnson UB’s 39th Annual MLK Commemoration Event Speaker: 8 p.m., UB Alumni Arena; for tickets and info visit Buffalo.edu/dss or Facdbook.com/ubdss YWCA Teen Town Hall Meeting to Discuss Stopping the Cycle of Violence: 5:30-8:30 p.m., School House Commons, 1005 Grant Street; reception to follow; 852-6120. Friday February 13 Dancing at the Parks Valentine’s Dinner Dance for adults 55+ 4;30pm – 8:30pm at Gloria J. Parks Community Center 3242 Main Street for tickets call Dell Wilson 832-1010 Ext. 206. Omega Talent Hunt Auditions: Buffalo State College, Ciminelli Recital Hall, 3 p.m.; ages 9-12 for info Charles Brandy 4655343 or Calvin Baxter 228-0993. Saturday February 14 Red Rover’s Roll Valentine's Night Adult Skate: Skateland, 33 E. Ferry Street, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Music by Sike & DJ Reazon. Admission $5 plus rentals. 21 and over. Auditions for “Real Teens Reel Talk Show” Program: Noon – 3 p.m., Schiller Park Community Center, 2057 Genesee St.; for teens ages 13-17; 16 & under must be accompanied by a parent; info. 936-353 or 228-6216. Chess Open House With Archangel 8 Chess Academy: Noon to 4 p.m.; Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square downtown; to pre-register at Knightsof64@yahoo.com, Annual Valentine Dinner Dance: 7- noon; McCoy Convention Center, 633 Clinton St. $25 or 2 for $45; hosted by Pride of WNY Temple #1151; for tickets 510-1269 or 408-6705. Foster Family Fair: Canisius College Science Hall Commons, 2001 Main St; Noon – 2 p.m.; free of charge, light refreshments; for details and to RSVP: FosterFair.com Ancestral Links: “Love & Other Revolutionary Mumblings” with Njozi Poets, all ages, Ring of Knowledge, main floor, Buffalo & Erie County Library, Lafayette Square downtown. Sunday Feb 15 Legends and Legacies Tribute to Sam Cooke: Merriweather Library, Jefferson & E. Utica, 3 - 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more info. 847-6010 or 507-5280. Omega Talent Search Auditions 3pm Buffalo State College Recital Hall for applications email phiomegatalenthunt@gmail. com or call Charles Brandy 465- 5343. Tuesday February 17th Juneteenth Committee Meeting: 6 p.m. the Frank E. Merriweather Library, Jefferson and Utica. call the Juneteenth headquarters at (716) 891-8801. Studio J Dance Classes Jazz 6pm Space Limited RSVP at studiojbuffalo@gmail.com or info call 860-7291
Challenger Community News • February 11, 1015
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T:10.25”
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insurance, I would have been bankrupt.” –Amy, Troy, NY
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I had my health insurance through my husband, and lost it going through our divorce. When I heard about NY State of Health, I signed up right away. Six months later, my motorcycle overturned on my leg. If I hadn’t signed up, I would have been bankrupt.
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Don’t waste a minute. Find your plan at nystateofhealth.ny.gov. Or call 1-855-355-5777. ©2014 NY State of Health
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