Challenger Community News February 18, 2015 by Challenger Community News

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| F R E E | FEBRUARY 18-24, 2015

Was Malcolm X Right About America? PG.11

B. Jones

A. V. Gamble

A. Moppins

A. Todaro

A. Rivers

C. Morse

C. Freeman

C. Hoosier

C. ABT

C. Wingo

D. Watkins

D. Robinson

D. Wright

D. Truehart

Dr. Harris-Tigg

E. Smith-Rossiter

E. Moss

E. Annan

J. Simmons

J. Johnson

J. Wingo

J. Simmons-Duncan

K. Martin-Bordeaux

M. Fayson

M. Diamond

M. Ringwood

M. Holiday

S. Wilson

S. Baker-Chinn

S. Forman

S. Valentine

B. Robinson-Smith

C. Moppins

C. Thompson

C. McCallum

C. Marshall

D. Jeffery

P. Slaughter

D. Paris

D. Calhoun

Dr. Moss-King

Dr. Morrell

Dr. Conway-Turner

Dr. Rhodes

G. Velez-Lopez

J. Mines

T. Green

D. Mitchell

SL. Davis

L. Williams

L. Chisolm

M. Gibson

M. Williams

O. Hill

P. Harper

R. Laster

S. White

S. Ivey

S. Shivell-Burgin

S. Lewis

S. Burgin

S. Lewis

T. Clark

Brawl in the Mall Is This What Cynthia Wiggins Died For? PG.3

Youth Spotlight: Rochester’s Best Kept Secret PG.2

T. Coleman

T. Mullen

T. Cooley

V. Crawford

2015 ‘Women Touching The World Awardees”PG. 7

OUR STORY DID NOT BEGIN IN CHAINS… IT WILL NOT END IN CHAINS…” Area Events Celebrate Black History Month! PG. 15

INSIDE ROCHESTER “ROCHESTER’S BEST KEPT SECRET” (Youth You Need To Know About)

By Robert Harris - Youth Prison Prevention Project

Farah StCloud

es, we are sick and tired of reading about youth doing destructive and self-destructive things in our communities. Here is Farah StCloud, a very positive young lady doing great things! The Youth Prison Prevention Project has vowed to present youth from Rochester NY that are virtually unknown, to let their light shine in the public eyes. Farah grew up in the Dewey area of Rochester (North Side). She went to grade school #7 and John Marshall High School (Now All City High). Currently Farah is a senior at Buffalo State College; majoring in Media Production. Recently, she helped film the Youth Prison Prevention Movie, which she received videography credits. Farah also has her own radio show on Buffalo State Colleges WBNY Radio (91.3 FM) 6-8pm every Wednesday. As a high school youth, Ms. StCloud was in the Urban Honors Program, she was a cheer leader, and a debutante. Farah’s words of advice to today’s youth: 1)Try to keep positive people around you 2)Stay in school 3)Remove yourself from negative people and environments 4)Be yourself – You don’t have to be the super cool one Farah goes on to say, “It’s not worth being caught up in the latest trends with the so-called IN CROWD. Later on, they will realize what your life mission was once you’ve excelled and they’re still the class clown at 40 years old. Meanwhile you’re a doctor, lawyer, or successful business person.” We here at Youth Prison Prevention Project honor this fine young lady and encourage her to continue to do her best to be her best. Robert Harris is the president of the Youth Prison Prevention Project. We have a weekly television show in Rochester on Time Warner Channel 15 every Monday at 3:30pm and every Saturday at 4:30pm. We also are on Time Warner Channel 20 in Buffalo every Saturday at 3pm. Please call us at 716-563-5515 after you have watched our TV Show or after you have read this article and lets have a talk on how to continue to keep youth out of prison and juvenile detention. We are giving away free health club certificates for the best youth in Rochester being introduced to us for our upcoming articles. CALL 716-563-5515 TO WIN YOUR HEALTH CLUB

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Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS

Mayor Lovely Warren Delivers First State of the City Address: “I Get It!”

Gospel Fridays 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. City Hall Atrium, 30 Church St. *Friday 2/27 Immaculate Conception/ St. Bridget’s Church Choir Black Heritage Gala Saturday, February 28, 6 p.m. – Midnight Hyatt Regency Hotel, 125 E. Main St. Tickets: $55 per person at City Hall, Room 100-A.For info 428-9857 or email blackheritage@cityofrochester.gov *”Black And...” The Black Student Caucus of Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School will host Black and LGBT” featuring Rev. Dr. Kenneth Q. James and Rev. Christopher Goodwin at 4:15 p.m. To RSVP call (585)3409651 or go to gdickersonhanks@crcds.edu

*Feb. 20, 7 pm Dialogue following film facilitated by Stephen and Dawn Flowers Thompson. This film discusses the Garifuna, a Central American people of West African and Native American descent. RSVP *March 7, 6pm, A Taste of Ghana: Independence Day Celebration: The Stock Exchange Restaurant, 28 East Main St. #120. $25/ adult and children over 12; $12 ages 4-12; under 4 years old free.RSVP ghanaassociationwny@gmail.com or 585.205.8835 by Feb. 28th.

Rochester Board of Education Events February 23, 24 and 26th: Knowledge Bowl Competition, in observance of Black History Month. February 23 and 24: 5:00PM at Wilson Foundation Academy (200 Genesee Street) February 26th at 5:30PM: Final competition; third-floor conference room of Central Office Building at 131 West Broad Street February 26th, 5:30-6:30PM: In addition to the final Knowledge Bowl competition, outstanding young African American scholars will be honored.

Mayor Lovely Warren

ayor Lovely Warren’s first State of the City Address was one of hopeful optimism, but not without an adequate dose of reality, as she declared above all, that the City was on the right path. “Our city is struggling. We are third in the nation for childhood poverty, we have highly concentrated pockets of unemployment and we are trying to find our way back to a time of prominence.,” she said. “And some may say that our future does not seem bright. But to me, our best days are ahead.” Delivering her historic address from Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School, which she attended as a teen, she noted the condition of the city when she first took office. “When I first took office a year ago shootings had been up 25 percent. People in the neighborhoods felt like they had been abandoned for Downtown development. Inner city families had lost hope. The state and federal government did not see Rochester as a place to invest in, nor pay attention to. “In actuality we were trudging along, City Hall was paying its bills on time and otherwise surviving. But there was no vision, no expectation of making Rochester a better place for all of its citizens. “ That vision she said, has been restored, and under the current administration the City is on the right path by working together, innovatiavely to make Rochester a place that “retains our young professionals, that embraces our elderly, a place that educates our children, that revitalizes our neighborhoods and a place that holds people accountable for the crimes they commit.” “More Jobs. Safer Streets. Better Schools. This was my mission on City Council, it was my mission during the campaign and now it is my mission as Mayor. “I am happy to report that our

murder clearance rate is almost double the national average and the highest it has been in recent years. “We are thankful to the community for their cooperation but we are most thankful to the men and women in our police investigative units for leaving no stone unturned in bringing criminals to justice. “Our efforts at creating safer neighborhoods can best be

seen by looking at the numbers, and the numbers I am referring to are the most recent crime stats, which I am unveiling here, tonight.The facts speak for themselves: “We have the lowest Violent Crime levels in 10 years and the 2nd lowest in 25 years. •Part 1 Crime (which is how the FBI labels major crimes) is at its lowest level in 25 years. Continued Page 12

Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor The East Side Resident Advisory Kicks off Black History Month Council Needs YOU! with Community Engagement AREA BRIEFS

Attention residents of all ages on Buffalo’s East Side! Join to be a part of the East Side Resident Advisory Council on Saturday, February 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. at GROUP Ministries, 1333 Jefferson Avenue. Let your voice be heard and empower your community to make the changes that are necessary. What are the critical needs of your community? What would you like to see changed? Who should be involved in empowering and improving your neighborhood? How can you play a role? For more information on the meeting or to learn how to get involved call Annie Todd at 854-3494.

Masten District Homeownership Programs Informational Meeting The Fillmore Leroy Area Residents, Inc. (FLARE) is hosting a Masten District information meeting concerning the City of Buffalo Homeownership programs on Tuesday, February 24 at 307 Leroy from 6-7:30 p.m. Learn the intake process and First Time Homeownership Programs; how to qualify for the programs; hear about other products and services to assist with repairs and home improvements; find out the progress in the Fillmore Leroy area. All Masten District residents are encouraged to attend. For ore information call 838-6740.

Route 27 Wende to be Discontinued

The #27 route operates between the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the Wende Correctional Facility and the Erie County Correctional Facility. Its last run is Saturday, March 7.

Judge McLeod is Black History Guest Presenter Buffalo City Court Judge James A.W. McLeod, the great nephew of educator and activist Mary McLeod Bethune, will be a guest presenter for Black History Month at Grace Community Ministries on Sunday, February 15th for the 11am service. The church is located at 1562 Willow Avenue in Niagara Falls, NY.

Mayor to Deliver State of the City Address Mayor Byron Brown will deliver his 2015 State of the City Address on Friday, February 20 at 12:45 p.m. in the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center in downtown Buffalo. For more information contact 217-0508 or MayorBrownsSOTC@gmail.com

Tribute to Rev. Dr. Herbert V. Reid On Saturday, February 28 at 2 p.m. the Board of Directors of the former Gethsemane Manor Apartments will pay tribute to the late Reverend Doctor Herbert V. Reid. Reverend Doctor Herbert V. Reid served the Buffalo community as a Civil Rights activist and pastor for 47 years. He was a pioneer for justice and equality and a husband for over 50 years. Gethsemane Manor, a senior property that consist of 50 subsidized apartments for seniors 62 years or older located at 228 Kingsley Street, will be renamed Reverend Doctor Herbert V. Reid Manor.

By Karen Stanley Fleming

n Tuesday, February 3, several dozen citizens held a spirited discussion at the Merriweather Public Library in response to a request by the City Of Buffalo to give public input into the design of a landmark archway to identify the heart of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Broadway. Peter Merlo, head of engineering for the City, explained that the city’s current year construction budget includes an allocation of $300,000 for the Corridor, thanks to the collaboration of Council President Darius Pridgen and Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes to earmark funding for the Corridor. This is in addition to Mayor Brown’s promise of $100,000 for Corridor operations, which will be shared between the anchor properties and the Corridor Commission. Mark Mistretta, engineer with Wendel Engineering, opened the comment period with a presentation on types of archways and placemaking elements. He noted that there could be more than one physical interpretation of the word “archway,” such as an artistic suggestion of an arch that implies an archway or gateway, without actually crossing the road. He noted that no final design work has begun, because it is very important to get the community’s input on a public project such as this. Thus he welcomed all ideas and promised to take them into account when moving through the next stages of planning and design. The general response from those in the audience was that the community wants to see this element with some Afro-centric, historic reference that would mark the heart of the Heritage Corridor and underscore its unique contribution to the Buffalo story. Former Common Councilmember Clifford Bell proposed that visibility and lighting should be key design elements, and that a design competition would be in order. Mrs. Dorothy Hill of the Langston Hughes Institute spoke passionately about the need to design this element within the context of a streetscape plan and in keeping with themes of the Corridor Management Plan. Ever eloquent, former Common Council President James Pitts elaborated on the need for public art as a part of any development and revitalization plan, and that the Corridor must also be connected with the preservation of the Willert Park public housing community. He also recommended that the designers reference the Michigan Street Urban Renewal plan from the 90’s to build upon artistic and cultural themes such as the North Star and footprints (which are symbols of the Underground Railroad.) These themes can be found in the existing sidewalk design and interpretive signage around the Michigan Street Baptist Church and the Nash House Museum. There were also several artists present in the audience, including Valeria Cray DiHaan, sculptor of placemaking elements on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. She noted that a multidisciplinary team of artists, architects and engineers working together would bring out the best of artistic and cultural expressions, while observing key design and construction parameters. Mrs. Eva Doyle shared her ideas, based on her travels, of an exemplary archway in Carney, Nebraska which connected to a building in an historic district preserving African American history. Continued Page 12

Brawl At The Mall: Is This What Cynthia Wiggins Died For?

he young people who took part in the embarrassing, and ignorant “brawls” at Galleria Mall last Wednesday during Black History Month were old enough to know better. Someone recorded the wild and vicious “fighting” (two) and it went viral. These were not teenagers. One person was even fighting with a baby in her arms. Another grabbed a metal sign and began beating a person on the ground with it. Cheektowaga Police arrested seven in connection with the incident – all between the ages of 20 and 24. One man was taken out on a stretcher. Here is the sad part. Aside from the “brawlers” making it bad for decent, hard working young African Americans who frequent the mall, Buffalo and its suburbs – particularly Cheektowaga - has a serious problem with negative racial perceptions and profiling to begin with. Cynthia Wiggins And the fact that 19 years ago, 17-year-old Cynthia Wiggins lost her life because mall owners would not allow the bus from the inner city on its property - makes last week’s irresponsible conduct all the more reprehensible. The #6 Sycamore bus, which Cynthia had to take to get to work had been barred from stopping on mall property by the shopping center since it opened in 1989 because it served poor Black neighborhoods, and they wanted to discourage Black folks from the inner city from visiting. -The Last GoodbyOn the morning of December 14, 1995 , Cynthia said goodbye to her 4-month-old son, Taquilo Castellanos, and her grandmother at their home on Buffalo’s east side, and caught the Route 6 Metro Bus to her job at the food court in the Walden Galleria in suburban Cheektowaga. In a freeing rain on the roadway narrowed by high snow mounds, she got out at Walden Avenue and skirted between the bus and banks of snow. Instead of walking up to the intersection, which had no crosswalks or pedestrian signal, she threaded her way through stopped traffic and had made it across six of the highway’s seven lanes when the light changed. Witnesses say a dump truck knocked the teenager to the pavement. She was crushed as the trucks rear wheels rolled over her. The driver said he never saw Ms. Wiggins. She lingered on life support for three weeks, never regaining consciousness before dying of massive injuries on January 2, 1996. Continued Page 12

LOCAL + NATIONAL + WORLD Nigeria Elections 2015:

Buhari Draws Crowds In Boko Haram Stronghold Promises to Liberate Nigerians

A Liberian school teacher, left, takes the temperature of students as they arrive for morning lessons at school, as part of the Ebola prevention measures put in place at the BW Harris High School in Monrovia, Liberia,

Liberia schools reopen after 6-month Ebola closure

MONROVIA, Liberia — Students in Liberia began returning to the classroom Monday after a six-month closure during the Ebola epidemic that left thousands dead, lining up in their uniforms to have their temperatures taken before they could enter school gates.Pupils who trickled in to Saint Michael High School on the outskirts of the capital also washed their hands with chlorinated water before going inside. A few, though, remained a bit fearful about returning even though there are just a handful of Ebola cases left in the country that once saw 100 new patients a week.Liberia has seen the highest death toll from the Ebola epidemic, with 3,800 killed. In neighboring Guinea where the outbreak began, schools already have reopened though many fearful parents have kept their children home. In Sierra Leone, where disease transmission is now the highest, officials hope to reopen schools by the end of March.

Nigerian presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari drew thousands of supporters Monday to a campaign rally in Borno state, a stronghold of Boko Haram insurgents, where he pledged to wipe out the militant group. Buhari, from the All Progressives Congress political party, packed popular Ramat Square in Maiduguri, and was joined by Borno Gov. Kashim Shettima and other party leaders from across the country, according to local media reports. “If elected, I will focus on tackling the persistent insecurity affecting the northeast,” Buhari, 72, promised. “It’s not easy, as the damage has been done.” He continued: “Boko Haram’s ideology contradicts Islamic principles because [Islam] does not allow the senseless killing of innocents. It is unfortunate that innocent people are being killed in mosques, churches and their homes."

FBI Investigates Claim Suspects in 1946 Georgia Mass Lynching May Be Alive Federal authorities look into notorious Moore’s Ford Bridge deaths of four African Americans which have long been linked to the Ku Klux Klan US authorities are investigating whether some of those responsible for one of the American south’s most notorious mass lynchings are still alive, in an attempt to finally bring prosecutions over the brutal unsolved killings. FBI agents have questioned a man in Georgia about the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching of 1946, the man told the Guardian. The man was among several in their 80s and 90s named in connection with the incident on a list given to the US Department of Justice by civil rights activists. Speaking at his home in Monroe, 10 miles west of the lynching site, Charlie Peppers denied taking part in the killings of four African Americans who were tied up and shot 60 times by a white mob. “Heck no,” said Peppers, 86, when asked if he was involved. “Back when all that happened, I didn’t even know where Moore’s Ford was.” Peppers, who was 18 at the time of the lynching, said: “The Blacks are blaming people that didn’t even know what happened back then.” A report by the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) published last week found at least 700 more lynchings than had previously been recorded in southern states, renewing calls from campaigners for any suspects still at large to be brought to justice before it is too late. The Moore’s Ford incident, widely described as America’s last mass lynching, stands out as a particularly brutal case even in Georgia, where more lynchings were recorded between 1877 and 1950 than in any other state, according to the EJI study. The report was the result of almost five years of investigations into lynchings in 12 southern states. No one was ever prosecuted for the killings on 25 July 1946 of two Black couples in their 20s: George and Mae Murray Dorsey, and Dorothy and Roger Malcom were tied to a tree and shot around 60 times. Dorothy Malcom, who was seven months’ pregnant, had her unborn baby cut out with a knife by the attackers. An outraged President Harry Truman ordered a federal investigation and rewards totalling $12,500 – worth more than $150,000 today – were offered for information leading to a conviction. A grand jury was convened and heard evidence for three weeks. Yet no indictments were brought for the killings, which have long been linked to the Ku Klux Klan. However then-Georgia governor Roy Barnes reopened the state’s inquiry in 2000 and the FBI reopened its own case in 2007. Georgia state representative Tyrone Brooks, who leads an annual re-enactment of the lynching as part of a campaign for justice, said the absence of prosecutions still hurts Black residents of the area.

Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

HEALTH MATTERS

Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

Oreos Addictive? Study Suggests Rats Treat Oreos Like Cocaine

Veterans Corner

WWII Veteran Paul Woods Celebrates 92nd Birthday! Paul Woods, WWII veteran, celebrated his 92th Birthday Feb. 15, at Prince of Peace COGIC 669 Kensington Avenue. Mr. Woods served in the U.S. Army in one of the last Calvary units. He survived three days under smoke and fire in the amphibious landing to Liberate the Philippines for which he received a Liberation Medal. Many people focus on the Normandy landing on “D” Day, but 26,000 soldiers died in the Pacific Theatre fighting Japanese kamikaze pilots after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The Honorable Betty Jean Grant, Minority Leader for the Erie County Legislature and Commander Eugene Pierce of Jesse Clipper American Legion Post#430 spoke on Mr. Woods service as WWII Coordinator for the Paul Woods Jesse Clipper Post, and presented a letter from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand honoring Mr. Woods military service. Mike McMullen and the Old School B-Boys performed two songs honoring Paul “Daddy” Woods who at 92 years, is the oldest member of his beloved Prince of Peace COGIC family. Paul Woods is the father of 15 children, 23 grand children and 18 great grand children.

James Madison Parker: Honored Veteran James Madison Parker, 89, joined the United States Navy in 1943. He was trained at the then segregated Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois, before embarking on a military career that would lead to service aboard two Destroyers as well as gunships. He would attain the rank of Petty Officer, 3rd Class, while stationed on board ships and at bases throughout the Pacific theater. After the war, he went into the Naval Reserves, only to be called back to active service seven months later - the Korean War was on. During a hitch that lasted 18 months, Petty Officer Parker again served in the Pacific, inJAMES MADISON PARKER: cluding a seven month tour of In the November 12, 2014 issue of The Challenger, one duty in Guam. Military bases on of the area’s oldest veterans Guam were a bulwark against the of World War II, James Madi- spreading influence of the Soviet son Parker, who was hon- Union. They were major staging ored at the Oldest Veteran points for American forces headHeroes Event at the Adams ing to the Korean front, and they Mark, was misidentified. Mr. were places where huge ships Parker is pictured above. were repaired. As a Petty Officer, Mr. Parker worked in the bowels of many of those ships, making them sea and battle worthy. Mr. Parker’s Navy service took him from Buffalo to outposts in China, the Philippines, and bases throughout the West Coast and Mexico. A baseball field in Guam was named after Mr. Parker, who played on one of the teams organized to help American servicemen decompress and HONORED VETS CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED: release some Pictured last November left to right: 87-yearof the stress of old Luther Burnette, 89 year old James Madison Parker and 92 year old Paul Woods. war.

f you happen to be a Nabisco executive who is currently considering adding cocaine to Oreo cookies’ long list of ingredients, here’s some research that says you needn’t bother. Undergraduate researchers at Connecticut College have found that rats tend to behave toward the iconic cookies the same way they behave toward cocaine and morphine. The researchers – a team of four undergrads led by Conn College neuroscience professor Joseph Schroeder – placed rats in a maze with Oreo cookies on one side and rice cakes on the other, measuring the amount of time the rats spent on each side. Dr. Breeann Wilson

William-Emslie Y Edges Toward Campaign Goal

You can guess which one the rats preferred. “Just like humans, rats don’t seem to get much pleasure out of eating [rice cakes],” said Dr. Schroeder, in a press release. More surprising was just how much the rats craved the creme-filled cookies. Schroeder conducted a similar experiment, except that instead of tempting the rats with Oreos and rice cakes, he did so with injections of cocaine or morphine on one side, and saline injections on the other. It turns out that the rats spent as much time on the Oreo side of the maze in the Oreo experiments as they did on the drug side of the maze in the drug experiments.

Every day, the WilliamEmslie Family YMCA works to support the people and the community at large by addressing issues such as school readiness, at-risk youth, chronic diseases, and quality of life for seniors.

“Our research supports the theory that high-fat/high-sugar foods stimulate the brain in the same way that drugs do,” Schroeder said. “It may explain why some people can’t resist these foods despite the fact that they know they are bad for them.”

The Y’s annual campaign ensures that everyone in Western New York has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Last year alone, YMCA Buffalo Niagara awarded over $1.2 million in financial assistance to nearly 3,000 families who otherwise could not afford to participate in Y membership or programs and the need to help our fellow neighbors continues.

Lead by community chairman’s Shannon Spruill and Dr. Breeann Wilson, the William-Emslie Family YMCA aims to reach its goal of $49,000 by March 18, 2015. To date the branch is at 56.3% to goal but we need your help to reach and even exceed it so that we may continue to make a positive impact like we have on the life of Violet. “I joined the YMCA because of the senior program. It helped get me out of the house after my husbands’ death. Having no family in Buffalo the friends I made at the Y became my family. The exercise programs and water aerobics for seniors are keeping me active and feeling much healthier,” said Violet. To make a contribution to the Ys Annual Campaign by visiting ymcabuffaloniagara.org or by contacting the WilliamEmslie Family YMCA at 845-5440.

More surprising was just how much the rats craved the creme-filled cookies. Schroeder conducted a similar experiment, except that instead of tempting the rats with Oreos and rice cakes, he did so with injections of cocaine or morphine on one side, and saline injections on the other. It turns out that the rats spent as much time on the Oreo side of the maze in the Oreo experiments as they did on the drug side of the maze in the drug experiments.

herb of the week

Jiaogulan

You might not have heard of this one as much as its cousin, ginseng. This herb is literally called the “immortality herb” by the Chinese people. Jiaogulan helps the liver burn fat by moving carbs and sugar into your muscles, rather than storing them. It is also a super heart defender because it improves good cholesterol and regulates the body’s blood pressure. This means it can also protect you from problems that come with high cholesterol and heart issues, mainly stroke and heart attacks. Jiaogulan, which in Chinese means the twisting vine orchid, grows almost everywhere and is often consumed in the form of a tea. Elderly persons often refer to Jiaogulan as the source of their longevity. This plant can improve digestion, protect your immune system, stop free radical damage, regulate hormones in both men and women, as well as regulate cholesterol levels. Basically, this herb is the perfect balancing compound, if something is high, it lowers it; if something is too low, it raises it. Jiaogulan , like ginseng, adapts and restores balance to whatever it is that needs it.

EAT TO LIVE

FAITH & FAMILY

Friendship Baptist to

Present Annual Male Chours Musical

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.

GOD IS GOOD!

St. John AME to Host Queen’s Contest Pancake Breakfast Social

St. John AME Church Queen’s Contest Pancake Breakfast Social will be held Saturday, February 28 from 8-10:30 a.m. at St. John AME Church, 917 Garden Avenue, Niagara Falls. Donation is Adults $10 and youth under 12 $5. Contact Jill Clayton at 201-8961 for more information. Rev. Dion S. Greer, Sr. is Pastor

Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

Trinity Baptist Church Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Pastor Jemison Trinity Baptist Church will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Pastor Bennie D. Jemison, Sr. on Friday February 27 at 6 p.m. at Grapevine Banquets, 333 Dick Rd. Reverend Mark Blue, Pastor of Second Baptist Church, Lackawanna and President of the Baptist Minister’s Conference of Buffalo and Vicinity will serve as the guest speaker for the evening. The theme for the celebration is “Staying the Course,” and the Scripture for the event is Acts 20-17-24. On Sunday, March 8 Pastor Jemison’s 10th Anniversary celebration continues at 4 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 2930 Bailey Avenue. Reverend Joe Fisher, Pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and his congregation will serve as honored guests. Reverend Fisher will also deliver the preached word. Banquet tickets are available at the church by calling 716-835-5955.

Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

GOSPEL PREACHING

Removing Common Place Misconceptions About God

hrough our studying, preparation, and leading to the delivery of our sermons, we must 1.) Ensure that the sermon speaks to us (preachers need to be preached to also, but how can you preach a sermon that doesn’t speak to you?), 2.) Place ourselves in our hearers place and objectively ask if this sermon would speak to me if I were sitting and listening, and 3.) Ask ourselves if this Word is needed in this place at this particular time

(this comes through prayer and discernment). Our love and concern for God’s Word should serve as due diligence for the needs of our listeners. We must work at removing misconceptions. The enemy of men’s souls encourages wrong ideas about God, the person of Christ and salvation, and is also the enemy of God and those things that God has already done. While ultimately the Holy Spirit alone can shine into men and women’s hearts to reveal God’s glory in

the face of Jesus Christ, He calls us to w o r k w i t h Him. Part of that Minister Gregory J. p a r t n e rBRICE ship is removing common misconceptions about God, the gospel and the nature of the Christian life. We must make sure we go back far enough in our preaching of the gospel. We must declare the gospel in its fullness, ensuring that no constituent part is neglected. Now gospel preaching is not a matter of simply taking an outline and preaching it as it is. It is the backcloth to all we say. In proclaiming Christ we must not overlook the numerous benefits of salvation such as reconciliation with God (2 Cor. 5:18-21), justification (1 Cor. 1:30; 6:11), deliverance from condemnation (John 3:18; Rom. 8:1; 1 Cor. 11:32), belonging to the people of God (Acts 2:41, 47; 1 Cor. 1:2; 6:1-2; 16:1, 15; 1 Pet. 2:4-10), membership of God’s kingdom (1 Cor. 6:10; Col. 1:13), the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 2:12; 6:19), eternal life (John 3:16; 11:25-26), and the resurrection of the body (1 Cor. 6:14; 15:12-57). These benefits are worthy of detailed exposition and find countless illustrations in the Bible, providing endless scope for a variety of presentations. We must explain the response God requires to the gospel. Whether it was on the Day of Pentecost when the crowds cried out, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) or answering the Philippian jailer who asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Repentance and faith need frequent explanation. At the same time we must encourage men and women to count the cost. Jesus gives us the parable of the great banquet. He tells us to go into the roads and country lanes; the highways and hedges, and make them, compel them to come in, so that His house may be full.

“Celebrating Women Touching the World”

t its eight annual awards dinner, Unlimited Possibilities Overcoming Poverty Ministry Inc. will honor 62 women from throughout Western New York at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, Saturday February 28 at 7 p.m. The 2015 theme for this royal affair is “Celebrating Women Touching the World” in honor of National Women’s History Month. Ina Ferguson, Danielle Judge and LaShawn Brown are general chairpersons. The purpose of this annual awards dinner is to celebrate National Women’s History Month with the recognition of women and to spotlight their achievements, community service, professionalism, and exemplary leadership. Women in the area will receive “Touching the World Awards.” The Keynote Speaker is the newly appointed ninth President of Buffalo State College, Katherine ConwayTurner, PH.D. Kendra Eaglin from WKBW Channel 7 and Brittni Smallwood of WIVB Channel 4 will be award presenters. Financial support in the amount of $1,000 will be given to the following enrolled college students: Denee Tidwell, Harmony Lemon, Anisha A. Josey, Dominique Jackson, Amber Quinney, Breonna Jackson and Kalyn Garner. This year’s honorees are women from all walks of life that represent a beautiful rainbow. They include: Dr Katherine Conway-Turner, Christine Abt, Esther Annan,

Katrina Martin-Bordeaux, Sonia Shivell Burgin, Donnette M. Calhoun, Shellonnee Baker Chinn, Lorenda Chisolm, Tammie Clark, Tanika Coleman, Tracy Cooly, Valerie Crawford, Mercedes Diamond, Juanita Simmons Duncan, Melissa S, Fayson, Stephanie N. Foreman, Charisse M. Freeman, Adriana Viverette-Gamble, Marilyn D. Gibson, Patricia Harper, Orniece Hill, Myra Holiday, Charriss Hoosier, Sharon Ivey, Darlene Jeffery, Joanna Johnson, Barbara J. Jones, Dr. Davina A. Moss-King, Rachel Laster, Stacey E. Lewis, Geraldine Velez-Lopez, Courtney N. Marshall, Carmen M. McCallum, Jacqueline Mines, Andrea Moppins, Candace Moppins, Dr. Fatima Morrell, Celeste Morse, Erin M. Moss,Tracey Mullen, Deatra L. Paris, Dr. Mattie L. Rhodes, Monica Ringwood, Angelica Rivera, Debra Robinson, Elizabeth SmithRossiter, Joan Simmons, Deaconess Phyllis Slaughter, Beverly Robinson-Smith, Carmella Thompson, Dr. Theresa Harris-Tigg, Andrea Todaro, Detra M. Trueheart, Stephanie Valentine, Deborah Watkins, Sandy White, Linda Williams, Marva Williams, Sharon Wilson, Christine D. Wingo, Joanna Wingo, and Deidre Wright. Special awards will also be given during the evening including the annual Humanitarian Living Legacy Award given for community service. Proceeds from the event will support more female college bound students from a

Nellie King (left) and Dr. Katherine Conway-Turner

poverty background who will be enrolled in college or trade School by 2015. Nellie B. King is the President of Unlimited Possibilities Overcoming Poverty Ministry Inc.

Tabernacle of Praise to Present “Moving Forward” Tabernacle of Praise Church, 578 Walden Avenue, where Rev. Charles McCarley is Pastor, will present “Moving Forward” at the church on Sunday, February 22 at 4 p.m. Musical guests include: The Chosen Few gospel Singers, Pastor Deas & The Men of God, Sister Jackie Blackmon, Scotty & The Mighty tornadoes, Delivered, Living Waters, The Mt. Erie Mass Choir, the Mt. Erie Male Chorus, the New Kings of Harmony, God’s Children, Favaa, Gussey Mitchell & Friends and Susan and Friends. Evangelist Candy Mingo will serve as MC.

Pray for PEACE

ENTERTAINMENT

Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

ON STAGE

THE SISTAS: The 67th annual The Sistas “Sharing Wisdom From Generation to Generation,” will be held on Friday, February 27 at 2495 Main St. (lower lobby) featuring live music, spoken word and more by Empress Lahbee, Tifani, Joymeka, Jetaun Louie, JA, and vonnetta t. Rhodes. Admission is $20 and includes a meal. For ore information call 464-8913 or email jwarrenexe@gmail.com For tickets call 1-800-583-8605.

DOG DAYS REVEALED... Preach Freedom (left) and Amilcar Hill return as Lincoln and Booth in Ujima Theatre’s production of Suzan-Lori Parks’ award winning play, Topdog/Underdog which opens Friday.

Topdog/Underdog Returns to Ujima Theatre Stage

Dog Days Revealed...

uzan-Lori Parks’s Topdog/Underdog, is the play that made her the first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Parks has had a distinguished career as a playwright, but Topdog/ Underdog, taught in high schools, college classrooms, and theatre programs, remains her most successful work. It is considered a masterwork for good reason. With poetic, surgical precision, Parks portrays and slices away at the confining world of Lincoln and Booth and, by extension, the circumscribed reality of too many African-American men. Boxed in by a world that limits their options, the

men have no one to love and cherish or hate and destroy but each other. Their relationship, then, is a delicate dance of destruction as each seeks to be Top Dog in a reality that offers neither of them much of anything. At its heart, Topdog/ Underdog is an eloquent study of the masks Black men are forced to wear and the ideas and dreams that accumulate inside such men, behind such masks, until they can no longer be contained. A full production of Topdog/ Underdog will be performed onstage at TheaterLoft, home of Ujima Company, February 20 through March 15. The current production is Ujima’s second full staging of this riveting play. The first, in

2005, was very well-received and starred Preach Freedom and Amilcar Hill as Lincoln and Booth. Ten years after what WBFO’s TheaterTalk called “a great production,” Freedom and Hill return to the roles that were standouts in Ujima’s successful 2004-2005 season. Directed by the estimable Roosevelt Tidwell III, the actors bring with them not just ten more years of experience in the real world and onstage but a full decade during which they have developed a mature understanding of the characters and the issues that motivate them. “It’s a pleasure to work with Preach again,” says Hill, who once again portrays Booth. “It’s a real pleasure to be back onstage with him, delving back into these characters we did before. We have the opportunity to take things farther, to add more depth to these characters, more layers, more levels.” Hill also praises Tidwell. “With Roosevelt as director,” he says, “the play will be even edgier.” In 2005 they were electric. Now they promise to burn even hotter. In an age where, sadly, it must be said aloud that “Black Lives Matter,” Topdog/Underdog remains both compelling, timely, and not to be missed.

*“She got Kids”: New Comedy Stage Playby Alemaedae Theater Productions, 1412 Main St. (next door To NFTA Building near E Utica St) noe Thru Tuesday March 3.For more info call 716.602.6253 Or Visit Www.atpgalaxy.com Starring Candi Davis Alphonso Walker Jr. Damond Rainey,Tajunai Debose and Gabrielle Lewis. For group rates call 716.602.6253. *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. *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 *Comedian Kevin Hart, April 17, First Niagara Center as part of his “What Now?” Tour. Tickets range from $49.50 to $125 and can be purchased beginning at noon, Feb. 20 through the First Niagara Center box office, on line at www.tickets. com or by phone (888) 2236000. *The New Kids on the Block “The Main Event” tour featuring TLC and Nelly, the First Niagara Center Thursday, July 2.Tickets $92, $72, $52 and $29.50 at the First Niagara Center Box Office,

Topdog/Underdog - February 20- March 15 At TheaterLoft, Home of Ujima Company 545 Elmwood Avenue, 716-8830380 * www.ujimacoinc.org * ujimacoinc@mac.com

*Battle of the Bands,, Rochester & Buffalo every Wenesday, The Groove Lounge, hosted by Regina Stannard & WBLK’s Todd Anderson, 1210 Broadway. No admission fee.

SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!

Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

Youth Prison Prevention Movie Asks the Question:

Find furry friendship!

“Why do youth commit crimes and what are some preventive solutions?”

BOP KING DLOW: Bop King “Dlow” and the Dlow Shuffle team will make a special guest celebrity appearance at the Saturday, February 21 Teen Summit at East High School, 820 Northland Street from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free and open to all students 13-18 years old, the first 200 students to register will receive free tickets to the Dlow concert to be held later on that evening. Darrion Simmons, better known as DLow , is an 18-year old rapper and dancer from the West Side of Chicago. Dlow stands for Determined, Loyal, Optimistic, and Willing to learn.

The “Youth Prison Prevention Movie” which will be shown on Wednesday, February 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Merriweather Jr. Library, deals with the question,"Why do youth commit crimes and what are some preventive solutions?" Featured in this film are Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant, U.S. Attorney William Hochul. Invited Panelists to the Wednesday screening include: Karima Amin (Prisoners are People Too) ; Eve Shipens (School Teacher) LaToya Reid (Youth Mentor); Dr. Willie Underwood (Cancer Patient Surgeon/Community Activist); Minister Dahveed Muhammad (Nation of Islam/Community Activist); Pastor Frederick Gelsey (Homicide Education & Prevention Project); Pastor James Giles (Back to Basics Outreach Ministries); Bernie Tolbert (Retired Special FBI Agent in Charge); and Arlee Daniels (Community Activist and Youth Mentor). There will also be a special guest youth panel. This important event is hosted by Legislator Grant and We Are Women Warriors and Rob Harris founder of the Youth Prison Prevention Project. For more information please call 716-563-5515. This film was commissioned by Buffalo State College and The Anne Frank Project.

SHADDIE SWAG RETRACTION...

The write up that appeared in the Jan. 28, 2015 issue of the Challenger about Rashad Howard AKA Shaddie Swag and a reported CD release, was in error, and submitted by an anonymous person without his sanction or knowledge. Due to limited funding he is not able to release or promote his works at this time. He is also currently effected by work—related injuries. The 77 Easton address was in error as well, as he does not reside there. He is the son of Evangelist Wanda Strong-Howard. Our sincere apologies to the family for the misprint.

March 11–15

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Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

Update on “Out of Time” Schools:

Not What We Wanted, But More Than We Had... By now you may have heard that after hours of contentious wrangling, the board of education reached a unanimous decision on the fate of four of our City’s failing schools. As things stand now, the plan is to launch new programs at East, Lafayette, and MLK, and to relocate Middle Early College into Bennett. (The board also approved the development of a secondary Montessori school, and the expansion of Performing Arts to include an elementary level). Plans to turn the buildings in question over to charter schools were rejected for the time being, with expectations that those plans will be revisited in early

March. Interim Superintendent Donald Ogilvie has been tasked with presenting to the board on March 11th, reporting on available space in the district for these planned schools. Some reports have muddled the issue of the rejected charters, saying only that members of the board majority were attempting to tie the plans to BTF (Buffalo Teachers Federation) contract negotiations. More precisely, the plans that were submitted by the would-be charters all required the BTF to devise new work rules, including a longer school day. Since that had not been agreed to by the BTF, there was no way the plans could be ac-

sayyesbuffalo.org

cepted. Ogilvie will also present on this issue at the March 11th meeting. It’s critical for our community to understand that there is good news in this latest development, and more good news on the way. For nearly ten years now, parents have led a relentless struggle to end substandard education in our schools. Because of our persistence, people who can make a difference are now echoing that very language – namely the governor of the state. According to education law, no child is to be forced to remain in a failing school, Sabirah upon requesting a transfer. But for the past two years, all we’ve gotten is a promise for Muhammad seats in schools in good standing. At this juncture, several factors have converged to actually create the capacity required by law. This time, the board and the Superintendent are working together to devise plans for transfers – and yes – it was the election of the new board members and the appointment of the interim superintendent that made this possible. This time, funds for the process are being included in the budget. This time, the Office of Civil Rights is acting in an oversight role, and this time, the governor is taking a proactive role in improving the abysmal state of affairs. For the first time in nearly 5 years, we have a chance to advance our agenda. The current agreement falls far short of the ideal situation for our children, in that the original plan put forth by the board majority would have produced approximately 1500 seats in good schools. The current plan will only produce a third of that number, approximately 500. In sum, parents didn’t get the more substantive changes that we’re asking for, but we got more than we had. Change isn’t happening at the pace that we’d prefer, but we’re making progress. Our goals remain the same: to move the district into compliance with the law, to have our rights and choices respected as parents, and most of all, to give our children the quality education that they deserve.

Black History Program at Hamlin Park School #74

Mondays

Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence

750 West Avenue Buffalo, NY 14213

3:30 to 5:30 pm

SPANISH TRANSLATOR AVAILABLE

Tuesdays

South Park High School

150 Southside Parkway Buffalo, NY 14220

3:30 to 5:30 pm

Wednesdays

Dr. George E. Blackman School of Excellence ECC

2358 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14214

3:30 to 5:30 pm

Thursdays

East High School

820 Northampton Street Buffalo, NY 14211

3:30 to 5:30 pm

n important community event celebrating our heritage from Africa to America will take place at Hanlin Park School #74. This a free family event where your children will be asking questions that some adults will be unable to answer. Let’s start with.. Is there a Black National Anthem? If so, who wrote it and when? How well do those born after 1990 know their history? The creative, resourceful, and dynamic Hamlin Park School #74 junior high team of Pearson, Paonessa, and Hicks collaborated on a project that our students grasp, internalized, and became the character or storyteller needed to make this presentation remarkable and memorable. Ms. K. Pearson is the creative ELA component of the team. Special Education Instructor, Mr. D. Paonessa provides the technical area with music, light and sound for the stage performance, and finally, Social Science teacher, Mrs. Brenda HicksRussell does the research and history of America and its thread throughout world history and the important role of the AfricanAmerican from their roots in Africa to the present day. The event will be presented in the Hamlin Park School #74 auditorium at Northland Avenue and Donaldson Rd. on Thursday, February 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. Patrons are encouraged to access the main 126 Donaldson Rd. This is a free familyfriendly community event. It is suggested that you arrive prior to 5:45 PM. The doors WILL close at 5:55 PM for a prompt 6 PM start time. We encourage everyone to come to learn more about your important history !

Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

Malcolm X

Malcolm X Was Right About America Part I of a 2-Part Series by Chris Hedges (Ed. Note: This month marks 50 years since the assassination of Malcolm at age 39. On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was preparing to address the Organization of Afro-American Unity in Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom.The public viewing, February 23–26 at Unity Funeral Home in Harlem, was attended by some up to 30,000 mourners. Actor and activist Ossie Davis delivered the eulogy, describing Malcolm X as “our shining black prince.”)

alcolm X, unlike Martin Luther King Jr., did not believe America had a conscience. For him there was no great tension between the lofty ideals of the nation—which he said were a sham—and the failure to deliver justice to blacks. He, perhaps better than King, understood the inner workings of empire. He had no hope that those who managed empire would ever get in touch with their better selves to build a country free of exploitation and injustice. He argued that from the arrival of the first slave ship to the appearance of our vast archipelago of prisons and our squalid, urban internal colonies where the poor are trapped and abused, the American empire was unrelentingly hostile to those Frantz Fanoncalled “the wretched of the earth.” This, Malcolm knew, would not change until the empire was destroyed. “It is impossible for capitalism to survive, primarily because the system of capitalism needs some blood to suck,” Malcolm said. “Capitalism used to be like an eagle, but now it’s more like a vulture. It used to be strong enough to go and suck anybody’s blood whether they were strong or not. But now it has become more cowardly, like the vulture, and it can only suck the blood of the helpless. As the nations of the world free themselves, then capitalism has less victims, less to suck, and it becomes weaker and weaker. It’s only a matter of time in my opinion before it will collapse completely.” King was able to achieve a legal victory through the civil rights movement, portrayed in the new film Selma. But he failed to bring about economic justice and thwart the rapacious appetite of the war machine that he was acutely aware was responsible for empire’s abuse of the oppressed at home and abroad. And 50 years after Malcolm X was assassinated in the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem by hit men from the Nation of Islam, it is clear that he, not King, was right. We are the nation Malcolm knew us to be. Human beings can be redeemed. Empires cannot. Our refusal to face the truth about empire, our refusal to defy the multitudinous crimes and atrocities of empire, has brought about the nightmare Malcolm predicted. And as the Digital Age and our post-literate society implant a terrifying historical amnesia, these crimes are erased as swiftly as they are committed. “King failed to bring about economic justice and thwart the ra pacious appetite of the war machine.” “Sometimes, I have dared to dream … that one day, history may even say that my voice—which disturbed the white man’s smugness, and his arrogance, and his complacency—that my

“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” - John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal. 1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper

voice helped to save America from a grave, possibly even fatal catastrophe,” Malcolm wrote. The integration of elites of color, including President Barack Obama, into the upper echelons of institutional and political structures has done nothing to blunt the predatory nature of empire. Identity and gender politics—we are about to be sold a woman president in the form of Hillary Clinton—have fostered, as Malcolm understood, fraud and theft by Wall Street, the evisceration of our civil liberties, the misery of an underclass in which half of all public school children live in poverty, the expansion of our imperial wars and the deep and perhaps fatal exploitation of the ecosystem. And until we heed Malcolm X, until we grapple with the truth about the selfdestruction that lies at the heart of empire, the victims, at home and abroad, will mount. Malcolm, like James Baldwin, understood that only by facing the truth about who we are as members of an imperial power can people of color, along with Whites, be liberated. This truth is bitter and painful. It requires an acknowledgment of our capacity for evil, injustice and exploitation, and it demands repentance. But we cling like giddy children to the lies we tell ourselves about ourselves. We refuse to grow up. And because of these lies, perpetrated across the cultural and political spectrum, liberation has not taken place. Empire devours us all. “We’re anti-evil, anti-oppression, anti-lynching,” Malcolm said. “You can’t be antithose things unless you’re also anti- the oppressor and the lyncher. You can’t be antislavery and pro-slavemaster; you can’t be anti-crime and pro-criminal. In fact, Mr. Muhammad teaches that if the present generation of Whites would study their own race in the light of true history, they would be anti-White themselves.”

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Buffalo Schools at the Crossroads:

The Fight to Save the Buffalo Schools - Taking it to the Boardroom

ince becoming a member of the Board of Education, I have attended any number of meetings that have extended over hours, some as long as 6 or 7 hours. During these extreme sessions we have addressed critical issues impacting our students, schools and staff. And yes, these meetings have been emotionally charged and high drama. The meeting of February 13th was, however, one of the most significant meetings of all as the stakes for the future of the District and the education of our children were the highest that they have ever been. The new Board majority had every intention of ramming through a plan that would have begun the implementation of their goal to “disassemble” the Buffalo schools. They summarily dismissed a Resolution proposed by Interim Superinten- Barbara Seals dent Donald Ogilvie, which offered a comprehensive and measured ap- NEVERGOLD proach to the phase out of several “out-of-time” schools; the phase in of schools to replace the “out-of-time”; the expansion of seats in two schools in good standing; the creation of several innovative programs, including a Newcomer’s Academy for immigrant arrivals to our City; and a plan to offer vacated school buildings for charter school leasing. Noting the ambitious nature of this plan, Mr. Ogilvie recommended delaying some actions until the 2016-17 school year, but beginning others in 2015-16. With little discussion on their part and citing the need for “urgency” as paramount, Mr. Ogilvie’s Resolution was quickly defeated by a vote of 5 to 4 (I’m sure you know who the four yes votes were). Even as they touted their proposal as the only way to save the “34,000 poor, suffering children” in the District, the majority’s plan would have, in effect, set into motion the implementation of the “Vision” they created after taking office last year and: •given away prime school buildings, all assets in those buildings, utilities and more to Charter Schools, •closed existing schools without consideration for the future of the children currently in those buildings •forced a series of “directives” on the Interim Superintendent that would have essentially rendered him ineffectual in his job and given the Board (the majority that is) the power to establish educational mandates as they deemed necessary; •tied the implementation of new school programs to contracts with the teachers’ and administrators’ unions and established a Board committee to engage in the negotiations creating the potential for the unions to sue the Board for not bargaining in good faith; •jeopardized the agreement with the US Office of Civil Rights, which is reviewing the District’s admissions policy for criterion based schools; Carl Paladino has written to the OCR consultant warning him to “Stay out of our way, Dr.” regarding the consultant’s request that the Board delay making drastic changes regarding school closures and Charter Schools. The consultant has now asked the Office of Civil Rights to take a much stronger position that could result in the agreement becoming a mandate; After a four hour, physically and mentally draining meeting, they weren’t able to approve their damaging measure! Not only was this proposal not voted on, but continued dialogue – aka – a filibuster - forced by the African American women of the Board ended in a compromise Resolution that was essentially that proposed by Mr. Ogilvie at the beginning of the meeting. The ultimate lesson of this story is that might does not always prevail over right! What stopped this “reform” juggernaut? A Community effort! With the refrain: “Whose Schools?! Our Schools! Who Decides?! We Decide! Concerned parents, community members and educators have rallied for weeks to call attention to the movement to destroy our District. To them, I say THANK YOU! Mr. Ogilvie also should be recognized for having the integrity and the courage to stand up to the majority members that brought him to Buffalo, seemingly to do their bidding. But against an increasingly hostile and controlling Board faction, he rose to stand up to deliver a plan that has the best interests of the children at the forefront. He’s likely to suffer backlash from his decision, not only from the majority Board members but from other influential community members who support the “reform” agenda. He needs our continued support as he works to fashion a plan that will support the education of students in this district. Finally, I have to give credit to the “Sisterhood.” Our refusal to accept a Robert’s Rules of Order process, which was designed to cut off debate and limit productive conversation, opened the door to the compromise that led to the acceptance of Mr. Ogilvie’s Resolution. Our refusal to be intimidated by powerful, entitled and mean-spirited Board members was central to the outcome. Our decision to filibuster, yes we did filibuster not “attempted filibuster” as the Buffalo News wanted to characterize our actions, prevented a vote on the Majority’s Resolution and led to the concessions, which omitted many of the strangle-hold actions the majority wanted to institute. Friday, February 13th, was a red letter day. But it was only day one in an ongoing struggle to keep public education public and out of the hands of privateers. Contrary to the picture that the media wants to paint, this is about the children! It’s always been about the children and will continue to be about the children. We implore the community to support THE CHILDREN by supporting all the constituents who have come together to Save Our Schools.

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

buzz feed Fashion

Halle Berry Launches Lingere Line Scandal at Target Academy Award winning actress Halle Berry has become the co-owner of Scandal Pairs, a former brand only marketing to upscale well to do. She has found a way to remix the line and make it affordable for the everyday woman. The line was launched at Target stores on Valentines Day. The price point for Scandal at will range from $7- $17, affording the opportunity for every woman the chance to own something special for themselves at a price that won’t break the bank.

Politics

Young Black Female Mayor of Compton Making Changes Asia Brown, elected mayor at age of 31, now 32, is turning Compton around by attacking cronyism and back room deals. In one years time the crime rate was reduced 25%, unemployment rate down 5%, and there was an increase of over 1,000 jobs entering the community, with major retail and urban development underway. Her actions have given a renewed hope for the people in Compton; a place stigmatized by a gang bang reputation one step at a time. Kudos Mayor Asia Brown!

Sports

Serena Winning

Despite fighting off a terrible cold and hacking cough, Serena Williams pushed through to win her 19th Grand Slam title and continues her unbeaten run in six Australian open finals, extending her decade-long dominance of Maria Sharapova 6-3 ,7-6(5). Serina reflected during her acceptance speech that she has not forgotten her humble beginnings and is grateful for what she has been able to achieve saying aloud to the audience, “Growing up, I wasn’t the richest but I had a rich family in spirit and in support.”

Financially Speaking/ by Franklin Redd Financial Settlements … A Down Payment For Real Access To Capital

n a recent issue of the Challenger Community News, NYS Assemblywoman Crystal PeoplesStokes expressed her belief that the focus of the Rebuild NY Now Initiative needs to be shifted to include homeowners as well as improving housing stock throughout the State in addition to its infrastructure improvements. I agree they should broaden their perspective and that we should make best use of this opportunity to fund programs that benefit state residents and the victims of the abuses of the mortgage industry. Assemblywoman PeoplesStokes stated “the funding for the Rebuild NY Now initiative would directly tap into the roughly $5 billion surplus which comes in the form of bank settlements.” The Assemblywoman also asked the question, “If funding is secured through bank

settlements due to the crimes committed by mortgage lenders, should that money be targeted for homeowner relief or infrastructure improvements?” The settlement money is to compensate for the pain and suffering from the criminal abuse and is held in trust by the State for the individuals who endured the abuse. This is the opportunity and the time for a bailout for the individuals and communities that directly suffered. The compensation should be used for infrastructure, housing, and the full range of public investment that promote the general welfare with respect to having access to: *capital, *affordable housing, *quality health care, *nutritious food *quality education, *Wi-Fi, *and technology Funding the above referenced

ROCHESTER STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS continued

•We have fewer than 11,000 Part 1 Crimes for the first time in 25 years. •There has not been a single year from 1985 to 2012 when Part 1 numbers dropped below 12,000 and we are actually below 11,000. •Robbery and Aggravated Assault are at 25-year lows, with robbery down over 20% from 2013. •Property Crime -- Burglary and Larceny -- are all at their lowest rates in 25 years. “But good numbers should not sugar coat the fact that there is still too much crime happening in our city. And I stand firm when I say to you that I will work tirelessly to make these numbers better. Because I choose not to accept any more children dying in our streets. And I do not ever want to attend another funeral for a fallen officer in our city. In 2015, we are continuing with our mission to transform this city. The reorganization of the Rochester Police Department, she said, will redefine policing in the city. And the market driven community co-ops she noted, “will take a proven model and deliver jobs and opportunities to our residents.” “Many of our city’s poor today are stuck in a cycle of poverty that has spanned generations. This cycle has to be broken. And our historical success tells me that it most definitely can be. “I am a product of this city and I can assure you I didn’t grow up in an affluent neighborhood. I know poverty and I know what it means for people to be poor. “I know their plight and their thirst for jobs, safe streets and good schools. It’s not something I am just talking about. “I get it. “I ran to be their champion, to make a difference, to ask “why not?” and to find a way to make Rochester a city that can move residents living in poverty toward prosperity. “Dr. Martin Luther King once said: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” “The task of bringing more jobs, safer streets and better schools to every corner of this city will not be easy. It will not be accomplished overnight. Some days we will fly. Some days we will run. Some days we will walk. And, yes, some days we will crawl. With all of you here tonight as my witness, the one thing this Mayor will never do is allow us to stop moving forward.”

basic resources is a public investment that empowers citizens to develop their capacities to compete, provide for themselves, and fully participate in the growth and benefits of our economic prosperity. Equal protection and access to resources empower liberty, independence and freedom. Both Buffalo and New York State as a whole are economically emerging. The Buffalo Billion is an example of targeting funding for specific economic purposes. Investing in programs that combat poverty will provide a path for those at the base of our economy to share in the prosperity. The settlement funds present the opportunity to create programs and institutions to increase access to capital in communities that have historically suffered from red-lining and corporate disinvestment. We should use the tools and capacities of Wall Street to

BRAWL IN MALL continued

Shortly after she died, under threat of a major boycott led by local civil rights groups, unions, and political and civic leaders in the African American community, the mall finally allowed the number 6 bus to stop regularly on its property. Her death and the trial that followed made national news. Famed attorney, the late Johnnie Cochran, along with local attorney Robert H. Perk, represented the Wiggins family in a $150 million wrongful death lawsuit. Time Out Cynthia’s tragic death exposed the mall’s racist policies and resulted in them having to make the Galleria more accessible to everyone whether or not they came from Amherst or the heart of the inner city. So time out for the rowdy, ghetto behavior period. The next time you go to the Galleria young people, think about the racist mindset that led to decisions that resulted in Cynthia losing her life; a hard working 17-year-old who choose a job over welfare; who had dreams and aspirations; who was going to the mall to work…not to “wild out…”

redevelop Main Street and rebuild our neighborhoods, one household at a time. Inspired by the Buffalo Billion and the Better Buffalo Fund, on November 4, 2014, Embassy Capital Group, LLC submitted a proposal to Empire State Development to establish and manage a targeted securitized pool to finance mortgages and provide capital for business investment at the neighborhood level. This would assist residents of the city, region, and state to actualize the intent of the Community Reinvestment Act with respect to access to capital and the economic benefits associated with access to financial intermediation. The fund would rebuild, revitalize, and create opportunity for the neighborhood and potentially throughout the state. This $5 Billion ($5,000,000,000.00) from settlements for corporate criminal activities must fund institutions and programs that will Continued Page 13

MICHIGAN STREET continued Many members of the audience agreed that a good way to bring out the best elements of art, culture and historic interpretation would be to hold a design contest for artists and architects. At a minimum, the city officials and designees promised to keep the community informed about the Corridor placemaking project every step of the way. Karen Stanley Fleming is Chair, of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission

Classified

Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

It’s Black History Month….Again!

BIDS

I recently made a comment to someone about this month being Black History Month. In an incredulous tone, that person replied, “Again!?” I was a little shocked as I was speaking to someone who was my age and college-educated who, for some reason, didn’t realize that Black History Month is an annual observance. Also, she had never heard of Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, “The Father of Black History,” who founded “Negro History Week” in 1926. Initially, the response was lukewarm but the idea gained in popularKarima ity over the next five decades and by the 1970’s school administrations, religious AMIN institutions, fraternal organizations, city councils, and some state governments embraced the importance of acknowledging the significance of the history of people of African descent. Canada and the UK also celebrate Black History Month. Woodson died in 1950 after distinguishing himself as a historian, journalist, and author, most notably for Mis-Education of the Negro. I am always encouraged to see my history highlighted and I try, every day, to learn something new that I can share with others. Although Woodson only designated one week for study and celebration, he spent a lifetime establishing the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (1915) and a journal, The Negro History Bulletin (1933) that still exist today. At least once or twice yearly, Prisoners Are People Too takes the time to acknowledge Black History by inviting a guest speaker or screening a film which invites us to take a look back at where we have been, to have increased understanding of where we stand today. This month we have a film, “The Black Power Mixtape -1967-1975,” which is a documentary compilation of people, events, and ideas that fueled nearly a decade known as the “Black Power Movement.” It goes back in time but includes the voices of contemporary people who were influenced by the history. If you were aware of what Black Americans were experiencing in the 60’s and 70’s, then you need to see this film. You will see that so much of what is going on in this nation now has happened before. If you were a child in the 60’s and 70’s then you need to see this film to know something of the history that was misinterpreted by media, often making the US appear benign and blameless and Blacks appear responsible for their own oppression. This documentary will give you what the typical textbook leaves out. Yesterday’s frustration with the status quo that ignores Black humanity is still with us today. Yesterday’s police brutality and subsequent violence are still with us today. Yesterday’s racism, both overt and covert, are alive and well in the 21st century USA. Prisoners Are People too will hold it’s next monthly meeting on Monday, February 23, 2015 at the Pratt-Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt Street, in Buffalo, from 7:00- 9:00pm. For more information: Call 716-834-8438; or contact Karima, karima@prisonersarepeopletoo.org; or BaBa, georgebaba_ eng@yahoo.com. Visit our website: www.prp2.org and be sure to “like” us on Facebook.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS – WICKS EXEMPT PROJECT Sealed bids for Project No. 44917-H, for HVAC Work, Replace Chiller, Buffalo Psychiatric Center, 400 Forest Avenue, Buffalo (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 Office of Mental Health, until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 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 $20,000 for C. Further, Wicks Exempt Projects require a completed BDC 59 be filled out and submitted (included in a separate, sealed envelope) in accordance with Document 002220, Supplemental Instructions to Bidders – Wicks Exempt. Failure to submit this form correctly will result in a disqualification of the bid. 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 $250,000 and $500,000 for H. 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. As a condition of award, within 48 hours of receipt of the proposed Contract Agreement from the State, the low bidder shall return the Contract Agreement to the State, properly executed, along with the Bonds if required by said Agreement. Low bidders who cannot meet these provisions may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture of the bid security. The State intends to expedite award of this Contract and the Contractor shall be prepared to proceed with the Work accordingly. Bidders are warned that time is of the essence of the Contract and completion of the Work must be within 360 days after the Agreement is approved by the Comptroller. Due to the tightness of the construction schedule, bidders should consider the necessity for an increased work force and shift operations. The only time prospective bidders will be allowed to visit the job site will be at 9:00 a.m. on March 12, 2015 at Buffalo Psychiatric Center, Building 4, 400 Forest Avenue, Buffalo, NY. For assistance pertaining to the site visit only, please phone Heather Buzzelli (716) 885-0908. 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 online through a secure web interface available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please use the following link 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 1-877647-7526. 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.

FINANCIALLY SPEAKING continued

not in the future have to be penalized for abuses but could be celebrated for its contributions. Our institutions and corporations should promote a better way of life and opportunity. This is an opportunity to seed programs that have the potential to grow into institutions that will execute business models that focus to promote full employment and local investment. The true infrastructure of the state is its citizens and their capacity to grow and prosper based on the ability to fully participate in all aspects of the economy. The communities targeted by these institutions and individuals that directly suffered should not have to endure the additional abuse fueled by watching the diverting of settlement funds to other initiatives. For the victims, it would be a new wave of financial violation or economic rape. True access to capital will promote economic healing and rational exuberance at the neighborhood level and on Main Street. This settlement money can fund excellence in performing well at providing opportunity and resources for the people.

EM P LOY M EN T

John D. Lewyckyj, Contracting Officer Director, Contract Administration OGS - Design & Construction Group

Advertising Pays advertising@thechallengernews.com

MST Therapist(s) 2 Immediate positions available on the MST (MultiSystemic Therapy) Team in Erie County to provide service to families of behavior disordered youth. Spanish speaking candidates preferred. For a full description visit our website at www.ccwny.org OR forward resume with Job #201493 to: Catholic Charities, 741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209. EOE/M/F

BIDS Scrufari Construction Co. seeking M/WBE subcontractors to quote NYPA Tower Modification Project Bid Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 EEO Employer – 282-1225

BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Please check out our website at:

http://www.buffalolib.org/content/employment-opportunities/job-postings

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center 77 Goodell St., Buffalo, 856-5627/ Fax 7856-5670 www.workforcebuffalo.org The BETC is here to help with your job searching needs. Free services to all jobseekers looking to find better paying work, an exciting new career, or wanting to upgrade skills to become more marketable in today’s marketplace. Orientation Times: Monday – Thursday, 10 am or 2 pm.

Scrufari Construction Co. seeking M/WBE subcontractors to quote NYPA 115 kV Switchyard Structures Bid Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2015 EEO Employer – 282-1225

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid 4466 - SAFETY FOOTWEAR Download Bids from www.nfta.com

PUBLIC NOTICE The Workforce Investment Board of Buffalo and Erie County (WIB) is accepting proposals for the following: OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH SERVICES UNDER THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT. Proposals submitted in response to this RFP must be received by the Workforce Investment Board no later than 3:00 p.m., EST, on March 20, 2015 in order to be considered. View the complete announcement at www.becwib.org

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.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

Wednesday February 18

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

3-WAY WIN 4

MID- 0819 EVE- 5217

MID - 7507 EVE - 1745

MID- 3226 EVE- 9755

MID- 2970 EVE- 1469

MID -5717 EVE- 6950

MID-7755 EVE-4522

9-12-13-19-34

TAKE 5

3-7-15-27-33 7-12-13-32-39 15-23-36-37-39

6-10-20-29-31

8-12-29-34-36

HOT TIPS

988

202

392

694

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) 562-670-106-860-103-657-748-905-198657-648-920-907-546-986-676-198-238120-981-932-974-760Billy Bye Bye Sez: 189-901-659-514-1001447-1645-4444-8888 “Believe in miracles but don’t depend on them”

FEBRUARY MONTHLY VIBES

891-145-549-096-326437-228-252-202

“its In The Stars”

Aquarius -681-972-897-103 Pisces - 136-663-169-166 Cancer - 285-123-018 Aries - 699-370-790-267 Taurus - 796-312-661-931 Gemini-652-106-305-257-817 Leo-210-840-345-312-315 Virgo -562-174-748-521 Libra -238-865-117-600 Scorpio - 679-411-956-729 Sagittarius - 147-685-923-508 Capricorn: 583-269-508-571

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:

“All My Children”

412-225-654-402-201-471-557

3-5-15-19-22

22-24-37-39-44-48#34

LOTTO

SUN 2/8 MON 2/9 TUES 2/10 WED 2/11 THURS 2/12 FRI 2/13 SAT 2/14 MID -524 MID-969 MID-319 MID-280 MID -788 MID-899 MID-966 EVE-272 EVE-109 EVE-436 EVE-971 EVE-601 EVE-376 EVE-017 MID- 7139 EVE-4425

444

411

Challenger Hits Midday

899-Luckie Duckie (bx) 280-Nuimber Book (bx) 319*- Luckie Duckie (Straight)* & Taurus 319 -Taurus (bx) 969-Aries (bx)

Evening

Studio J Dance Classes Total Body Twerk Ship: 7p.m. RSVP at studiojbuffalo@gmail.com or info call 860-7291 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. Thursday February 19

Climate March Report is back with Joe Hill Seneca , 7pm at Burning Books , 420 Connecticut St. Friday February 20 Mayor Brown to Deliver State of the City Address: 12:45 p.m., Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, downtown Buffalo. The Golden Cup Documentary Series: “Akwantu - The Journey” 5-7 p.m., free, 883 Jefferson Ave.; discussion & coffee; 883-7770. Studio J Dance Class: Men’s hip hop 6pm, Praise Dance 6pm. RSVP at studiojbuffalo@gmail.com or info call 860-7291. Saviour’s Day Black Tie Ball: 6-10 p.m., Metropolitan Entertainment Complex, 1670 Main Street ; Tickets $50 at Doris Records 286 E. Ferry, Pratcher and Associates Law Offices 1133 Kensington Ave, or by calling (716) 816-5167. Saturday Feb 21

601-ZB (bx), Number Book (b),Gemini )bx) 109 (and he ain’t got a dime!) - Bily bye Bye (bx) LUCKIE DUCKIE

335 -2015-4444 $more $more! 134-431-143

648*123*104

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

02/26/2014 Evening 02/26/2014 Midday 02/25/2014 Evening 02/25/2014 Midday 02/24/2014 Evening 02/24/2014 Midday 02/23/2014 Evening 02/23/2014 Midday 02/22/2014 Evening 02/22/2014 Midday 02/21/2014 Evening 02/21/2014 Midday 02/20/2014 Evening 02/20/2014 Midday 02/19/2014 Evening 02/19/2014 Midday 02/18/2014 Evening 02/18/2014 Midday

The “Youth Prison Movie Prevention Movie” & Panel Discussion : 5:30 p.m. at the Merriweather Library, deals with the question, “Why do youth commit crimes and what are some preventive solutions?” Hosted by Legislator Grant & We ARe Women Warriors & Rob Harris of Youth Prison Prevention Project; free. Please plan to attend. (See page 9)

Studio J Dance Class , Tap 6pm, Ladies Hip Hop 7pm, Ballet 7pm Space RSVP at studiojbuffalo@gmail.com or 860-7291. 13-16-20-22-47-57#48

811

2014

4-2-5 2-8-9 5-6-9 7-8-8 5-5-6 1-6-6 5-4-6 0-4-9 8-3-7 6-2-4 5-3-0 4-2-1 8-9-1 9-9-9 5-7-9 0-6-0 2-5-3 3-1-6

East Side Resident Advisory Council Meeting: 10 a.m. – noon; GROUP Ministries, 1333 Jefferson more info 854-3494. Teen Summit Promoting Non-Violence: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., East High School, 820 Northampton St.; free & open to all students 13-18 years old; 235-9359 to register; (See page 9). Free Workers Compensation Information Seminar Series: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Delavan-Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Ave., Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes. 897-9741. Saviour’s Day 2015 Workshops: featuring Amon Rashidi of the Griot Nation, Clifford Bell, Sam Radford & Charley Fisher III, CRUCIAL Center, 230 Moselle St., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free. Community History Day - Creation of A Wall of Fame: Noon – 3 p.m., Rafi Green Community Resource Center, 1453 Fillmore; bring your old pictures for a display on a “community family album.” Lunch served. United Black Men’s think Tank 4th Anniversary Dinner & Awards: Golden Nugget Facility, 2016 Fillmore Ave. 6-10 p.m.; 884-3312 for info. Community Action Organization of Erie County First Time Home Buyer Workshop: Every 3rd Saturday of the Month 10am – 1 pm564 Dodge Street Bldg#400, 881-6543 . Hon. Min. Farrakhan Live Message via webcast: Pratt Willert Center, 422 Pratt St.; doors open at 2 p.m., free admission. Masten Block Club Coalition Pre-Spring Gala _ Jazz & Dinner Dance at The Grapevine 333 Dick Road 5-9pm 353-0137. Monday Feb 23 African Consciousness Workshop: 6-7:45 p.m., Merriweather Library; Jefferson @ Utica; every Monday. Public invited. Casting Call for Church Girl, actors / actresses age 15 & up, 7:30pm at Upper Room COGIC , 131 Florida St. info email atouchoflove. productions@gmail.com or 514-3448

Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor

African American Cultural Center Drummers and Dancers

Black History Month at the Niagara Power Vista The Niagara Power Vista at 5777 Lewiston Road in Lewiston, New York, is celebrating Black History Month with a special exhibit and event under the theme, “A Century of Black Life, History & Culture,” now thru February 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and weekends featuring posters, sculptures and essays fro area schools. \A Special Event featuring a performance by the African American Cultural Center dancers and drummers at 3:30 p.m.; a film at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. “Niagara Falls School District Program on Martin Luther King Jr.”; and local authors on display with Eva Doyle, Theodore Kirkland and Marilyn Foote-Kragbe. For more information call (716) 286-6661 or go to www.nypa.gov/vc/niagara.htm

“This Week in Black History” Paet two of the second annual “This Week in Black History” program will be held 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. 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

First Shiloh Celebrates Black History Month

The Women’s Fellowship of First Shiloh Baptist Church invites the Community to A Celebration of Black History Month featuring “Two Women’s Journey: The Story of Anna Julia Cooper and The Road to Earning a Ph.D.” Janice Y. Ferguson, Ph.D., Pre- Dr. Ferguson senter, on Saturday, February 21 at 10 AM, First Shiloh Baptist, 15 Pine Street 847-6555. Rev. Jonathan R. Staples, Senior Pastor. Yvonne Hargrave, President of Women’s Fellowship

Actress Aunjanue Ellis will Keynote Canisius Black History Program Canisius College will present “Moving Forward and Setting the World on Fire,” an education, health and economic empowerment summit on Thursday, February 26 from 9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Zion Dominion Global Ministries, located at 895 North Forest Road in Williamsville. Award-winning actress Aunjanue Ellis will serve as the keynote speaker for the event. Aunjanue Ellis currently stars in the new television miniseries “The Book of Negroes,” which airs on BET (Black Entertainment Television). Based on the award-winning novel by Lawrence Hill, “The Book of Negroes” tells the story of Aminata Diallo (Ellis) after her capture and the pain she endured as part of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Ellis stars alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. and Louis Gossett Jr. in the mini-series.

Black History Month 2015

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.

1. Michigan Street News on Radio Station WUFO, AM 1080

February 20, 2015 Black History Month Art Exhibition El Buen Amigo, 114 Elmwood Avenue Storyteller, Sharon Holley 7 pm FREE

2. First Shiloh Baptist Church Black History Month Program

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 20 El Buen Amigo - Black History Month 7:00pm - Sharon Holley Storeyteller and Percussionist 8:00pm - John Allen Saturday February 21 El Buen Amigo - Black History Month 6:00pm - Fragrance of YAH 7:00pm - Ismail and Company - “The History of R&B, Funk, and Punk Funk” 8:00pm - Seku Harwell “Shekere, Axatse, and Shakers Crafting - The significance in African Spiritual Systems” Friday February 27 El Buen Amigo - Black History Month 6:00pm - Charma Warmly Motown Review” 7:00 -9:00pm - YoussouLo, Anthony Gaines, Marvin Harris, Adama Seydi - West African Djembe Drumming Saturday February 28 El Buen Amigo - Black History Month 6:00-9:00pm - Dynamic Drum Arts of WNY

Monday, February 16, 12:00PM

The Story of Anna Julia Cooper And The Road to Earning a Ph.D. Janice Y. Ferguson, Ph.D., Presenter

Saturday, February 21, 10:00 AM First Shiloh Baptist Church 15 Pine Street

3. Black Diamond Society At The Colored Musicians Club

The life and music of Miles Davis Talk by Don Boswell, General Manager of WNED Music by Dr. Mark Filsinger and Friends

Sunday, February 22, 4:00 – 6:00 PM 145 Broadway Avenue

4. Michigan Street Meets Canalside An evening of storytelling, jazz music and networking!

Pilgrim Baptist to Host Black History Program Pilgrim Baptist Missionary Church, located at 665 Michigan Avenue, will host its annual Black History Program on Saturday, February 28 at the church at 4 p.m. Free and open to the public. Rev. Frank Bostic is pastor.

Thursday, February 26, 5:30 PM Michigan Street Baptist Church 511 Michigan Avenue Colored Musicians Club 145 Broadway Avenue

5. Open House At The Nash House Museum Free Admission!

Saturday February 28, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM WITH STORYTELLING AT 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM. 36 Nash Street

For more information, please visit: www.MichiganStreetBuffalo.org

Challenger Community News • February 18, 2015

T:10.25”

“My wife needed a biopsy. Without NY State of Health, T:11”

the bills would’ve been astronomical.” –David, Watertown, NY

very scary. She’s the anchor. I don’t know what I’d do “ It ifwasanything ever happened to her. Without our coverage

”

through NY State of Health, it would be life changing for us.

Proofreader Nb: NHYAHCH44000

English FULL PG