CHALLENGER
SERVING BUFFALO, ROCHESTER, NIAGARA FALLS AND SURROUNDING AREAS
| F R E E | JANUARY 21-28, 2015
ENTERTAINMENT
Spike Lee on the Racist Oscars: The “Whitest Since 1998” PG. 8 INSIDE ROCHESTER
Howard Eagle Announces Candidacy for Rochester Board of Education PG. 2
Bishop Bronner Urges Community in MLK Address:
“We need to engage in a blueprint of being concerned…” PG. 7
OPINION
Not Everybody’s Charlie… PG. 11
Free Ice Skating at MLK Park! PG. 3
PG. 10
Gloves Up! Guns down!
Update: Ebola spreads in Sierra Leone as global cases top 20,000. PG. 4
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INSIDE ROCHESTER
Eagle Announces Candidacy for Rochester Board of Education Howard J. Eagle announced today that he will seek to capture one of the four open seats in the 2015 Rochester Board of Education Election. Eagle retired from the Rochester City School District in 2010, after having served as a high school Social Studies teacher for 23 years, and is currently emHoward Eagle ployed as an adjunct professor in the Department of African And African American Studies at S.U.N.Y.at Brockport. Eagle was quoted as having said: “The long-standing academic and fiscal crisis within the Rochester City School District has continuously grown worse (year after year). I believe Rochester parents, and citizens in general, are seeking new, fresh ideas, and bold, committed, knowledgeable leadership that will finally, effectively address the old, and deepening crisis. I stand ready, willing, and able to help provide such leadership.”
School Board Governance Committee Meeting Rescheduled The meeting of the Rochester Board of Education’s Board Governance Committee has been rescheduled from tomorrow evening to Thursday, January 29, at 5:30 p.m. in the third-floor conference room of the Central Office Building, located at 131 West Broad Street.
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Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015
BLACK HERITAGE MONTH ACTIVITIES
*Black Heritage Month Celebration: MLK Youth Day Summit: Saturday, Jan. 24, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Central Library, 1 1 5 South A v e . Ticke t e d event; advanced registration required; sponsored by the greater Rochester Martin Luther King Jr. Commission; For more info call 311 or go to www.cityofrochester.gov/bhm *Black Heritage Month Celebration: 150 Ancestors Reception: Thursday, January 29, 5:30-7 pm, City Hall Atrium; For more info call 311 or go to www.cityofrochester.gov/bhm *Black Heritage Month Celebration: Black History Conference, Saturday, January 31, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., REOC Campus, 161 Chestnut St., Tickets $10 general; For more info call 311 or go to www.cityofrochester.gov/ bhm
FINAL DAYS
Exhibition on view through January 25, 2015 Photographer Dawoud Bey created The Birmingham Project to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
eastmanhouse.org · 900 East Ave, Rochester, NY This project was commissioned by the Birmingham Museum of Art, which organized the exhibition. Sponsored in part by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, with additional support from Drs. Patrick and Gail Riggs & Family, and William and Victoria Cherry. Support for exhibition-related educational programming provided by The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation. Dawoud Bey (American, b. 1953). Mary Parker and Caela Cowan, 2012. Inkjet prints. © Dawoud Bey
Rochester Board Study: Ocean Life Mass Extinction of Ed to conduct Faces A team of scientists, in a groundbreaking analysis of date from public hearing for hundreds of sources, has concluded that humans are on the of causing unprecedented damage to the oceans and the Proposed Charter verge animals living in the., but here is still tie to avert catastrophe. The Rochester Board of Education will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, January 22, 2015 to gather public input regarding the application of True North Rochester Preparatory Charter School to operate a West Campus school, which will be located at 1020 Maple Street. The True North Rochester Preparatory Charter School – West Campus is expected to open in December 2015, with approximately 695 students in grades K-2 and 5-8 in the 2015-16 school year. The public hearing will be held at 5:30PM in the thirdfloor conference room of the Central Office Building, located at 131 West Broad Street.
Global Warming
Last year was the hottest on Earth since record-keeping began in 1880, scientists reported last week, poising profound longterm risks to civilization and nature. Of the large land areas where many people live, only the eastern portion of the United states recorded below-average temperatures.
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Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015
AREA BRIEFS 19-Year 0ld Dakym Reese is First Homicide of the Year Dakym Reese, 19, was fatally shot as he came out of his Shaffer village Apartment in the 400 block of Ontario Street Monday afternoon, Jan. 19 at about 4:40 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The fatal shooting of Reese is the first homicide of the year. Just hours before the Reese killing, a 20-year old man was shot in the arm on Henrietta Avenue just a few blocks away. It is not known whether the two shootings were related. Anyone with information is asked to call or text the Buffalo Police Confidential tip line at 855-2255.
Outreach for Survivors of Homicide Victims
PEACE is sponsoring Outreach for Survivors of Homicide Victims on Wednesday, January 28, at 608 William St. for more information call 842-8700 or go to www.Peace-buffalo. org/
Elected Officials Sponsor Special Screening Of Selma For Buffalo Public School Students Council President Darius Pridgen, Masten District Councilmember Demone A. Smith and University District Councilmember Rasheed Wyatt, in conjunction with Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant are sponsoring a special screening of the Oscar-nominated film, Selma this Thursday, January 22. The councilmembers have secured a private screening of the film at the Elmwood Center 16 Regal theater for 140 Buffalo Public School students. “This is a tremendous opportunity to educate future generations on the determination needed to change society,” Councilmember Rasheed Wyatt shared. The elected officials will be in attendance at the screening.
Poll: Race Relations Not Getting Any Better
A new poll released Monday from the Siena Research Institute found race relations are not improving in New York.The poll found that 66 percent of New Yorkers believe race relations are fair to poor. That is about a 15 percent increase from last year when the same question was posed.The poll also found that New Yorkers overwhelmingly view their local police departments favorably. Nearly 90 percent of upstate communities gave local law enforcement a favorable review. Fifty-two percent of respondents said they do not think people of color are treated fairly by the criminal justice system in New York. About the same percentage said they thought the grand jury on Staten Island should have brought criminal charges against a police officer for the chokehold death of a Black man, Eric Garner. Among Black people, 85 percent said they thought the grand jury should have brought charges, compared with 44 percent of White people and 72 percent of Latinos.
Majority Leader Smith
GREAT DAY FOR ICE SKATING! Pictured from left, youngsters are ready to hit the ice; middle photo, Sam Herbert , MLK Park “gatekeeper” and commuity activist along with friends cheer the grand opening; and right, Shola Clark and her children Sanaa and Damir enjoy the day.
Free Ice Skating Returns to MLK Park!
Last Saturday’s “Winter Blast” marked the official grand opening celebration of the MLK, Jr. Park Ice Rink, a designated BlueCross BlueShield Healthy Zone. “This is a great example of a successful public/private partnership between the City of Buffalo, the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy and the generous support from our friends at BlueCross BlueShield of WNY,” said Mayor Brown. Weather permitting, regular ice rink hours will be from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday. It will be open both Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5:30 PM. Skating will be weather dependent, for ice rink conditions, call 838-1249 ext. 17. A list of rules, posted at the entrance of the ice rink, includes the following: Everyone must sign in to gain admittance; Skate with the flow of skaters; Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. The new ice rink is part of the city’s $4.5 million all-season water attraction that opened as a Splash Pad during the summer of 2013, and then a reflecting pool during the spring and fall. Located in the heart of one of Buffalo’s historic Olmsted parks, the ice rink is part of a larger plan for the MLK, Jr. Park neighborhood that sets the groundwork to attract new residents and business owners who want to live, work and invest in Buffalo.
Buffalo Joins Albany Protest to Demand Full Funding for Public Education Buffalo sent three busloads of people to Albany on January 12, joining more than 1000 people from all over the state to defend the right to education and demand Full Funding Now. One busload was parents, students and teachers mainly from MST, as well as Burgard, Bennett and Hamlin Park (74), who stood together for rights. Another was mainly youth working with Stop the Violence Coalition and a third was filled by Citizen Action, a main organizer of the event. A large delegation from Make the Road New York, which also defends immigrant rights, was present, enlivening the action with their chants. All demanded that the state take action now to keep public schools public and raise the quality of public education for
all. The action was also part of launching MoralMondays in New York. New York State, by court order, still owes the public schools about $6 billion in funds as part of providing Equal Rights for All. Cuomo and the legislature are ignoring this, meaning their actions are illegal but going unpunished. As well, the difference between funding for wealthier school districts and poorer school districts — like Buffalo — has increased, meaning inequality and segregation are intensifying. Governor Cuomo is planning to make the situation even worse by appointing an education “czar” or King, to rule over school districts statewide, including eliminating elected school boards. The
action in Albany, like those locally, served notice that the people say NO! Full Funding Now! And they are increasingly taking the stand that what is needed is Public Control of Public Schools!
Community Forum on Foster Care On Wednesday, January 21 from 5 to 7:45 pm, We Are Women Warriors is hosting a community forum on Foster Care at the Merriweather Library. If you are considering becoming a foster parent, have custody of a family member or are a current foster parent and having difficulty in the foster care system, please plan to attend. Call 602-5877 or 894-0914 for more information.
Majorioty Leader Smith to Present Free “Everything Home Ownership” Event Majority Leader and Masten District Councilmember Demone A. Smith will present a free “Everything Home Ownership” event on Saturday, January 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bennett High School, 2885 Main Street. Majority Leader Smith and the Masten Block Club Coalition have collaborated with The Buffalo Urban League, the WNY Law Center, True Community Development Corporation, Community Action Organization, C&R Weatherization, FLARE, NACA, Belmont, and West Side Neighborhood Housing Corporation to save and increase homeownership in Urban Areas. “Our Goal is to increase homeownership in the urban core” states, Council Member Smith. “We have a collaboration of banks, community based organizations and neighborhood associations who are willing to work to save homes, repair and rehabilitation, make them energy efficient and put people in their own homes. In addition to the opportunity to meet face to face with banks and mortgage services about payment programs, the session will offer information on how to buy a house, save a home from foreclosure, lower energy bills, offer energy assessments, repair and rehab assistance, help with credit scores, home ownership preparation and more. To register call 851-4361. For more information contact the WNY Law Center at 8288413.
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LOCAL + NATIONAL + WORLD
Ebola spreads in Sierra Leone as global cases top 20,000 GENEVA - The Ebola virus is still spreading in West Africa, especially in Sierra Leone, and the number of known cases globally has now exceeded 20,000, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday. The death toll from the outbreak, which has been mostly confined to West Africa, has risen to 7,905, the WHO said, following 317 fatalities recorded since it last issued figures on Dec. 24. The number of known cases, including fatalities, totalled 20,206 at year-end, it said. Sierra Leone accounted for 337 of 476 new laboratory-confirmed cases since Dec. 24. They included 149 in Freetown, the highest incidence in the capital in four weeks. The urgent need for assistance in Sierra Leone prompted the United States Agency for International Development to airlift two ambulances to Freetown from Liberia’s capital Monrovia, once the worst Ebola hotspot, the United Nations said. However, the number of cases in Sierra Leone over a threeweek period has fallen below 1,000 for the first time since Sept. 28, suggesting the spread of the disease is slowing. In neighbouring Guinea, the three-week total rose for a second week to 346, suggesting the epidemic is growing there. Nine countries have now reported cases of Ebola. In Britain, a nurse was diagnosed with the virus this week upon her return from Sierra Leone. She is being treated with blood plasma from a survivor of the virus and an experimental antiviral drug, the London hospital treating her said on Wednesday She had travelled from Sierra Leone to Glasgow via London and did not show symptoms during her journey, although she was “believed to have become febrile around the time of arrival to London”, the WHO said. Ebola broke out for the first time in West Africa a year ago when a two-year-old boy died in southern Guinea on Dec. 28, but the so-called “index case” only came to light in March by which time the disease had spread widely. Liberia lifted a curfew imposed to curb the spread of Ebola so that people could attend New Year’s Eve church services, as Medecins Sans Frontieres warned of growing complacency over the disease in the country. The haemorrhagic fever, which causes vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding, is spread by contact with bodily fluids. It has no known cure but several major drug makers are developing vaccines already being tested in clinical trials. The Ebola crisis in West Africa is likely to last until the end of 2015, according to Peter Piot, a London-based scientist who helped to discover the virus in 1976 in the former Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo.
BlackAgendaReport Man Who Recorded Eric Garner’s Death Has Court Date Ramsey Orta, the Staten Island, New York, man who videotaped Eric Garner’s death by chokehold at the hands of a cop, appears in court January 25 on weapons charges. Orta maintains police set him up in retaliation. His lawyer, Alton Maddox, said “It’s time for a reawakening of the people in New York City as to how grand juries should be employed.” As it stands, prosecutors use grand juries as an excuse NOT to indict cops, said Maddox, whose license to practice law was revoked in 1990, in the wake of the Tawana Brawley case. French Celebrate White Supremacy and Racist Values “’Je Suis Charlie’ has become an arrogant rallying cry for white supremacy,” wrote Ajamu Baraka, editor and columnist for Black Agenda Report and co-founder of the U.S. Human Rights Network. The French “values” that are supposedly under attack are, in reality, “grounded in a colonial division between people who are recognized as humans, and those who have been consigned to the category of sub-humans and are eligible to be murdered, to have their lands taken, to be enslaved,” said Baraka. “Those are the values that many of those people who embraced ‘Je Suis Charle’ were, in fact, upholding.”
Right On! to Franz Fanon on His 90th Birthday Dr. Lewis Gordon, professor of philosophy and African American Studies at the University of Connecticut, spoke at the Pan-African Bazara, in Nairobi, Kenya, on the 90th birthday of Franz Fanon, the psychiatrist from Martinique who fought alongside the Algerians against French colonialism and wrote The Wretched of the Earth and Black Skin, White Masks. Fanon taught that “every group has to understand that it has the responsibility to set the conditions for its own freedom and emancipation,” said Dr. Gordon. “He argues that it is not enough to fight for material change; you need also to set the conditions for very new concepts” of human existence. Fanon died of leukemia in 1961.
Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015
Health Matters
Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015
Delavan Grider Center Offers Wellness Series
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Are You Considering A Vegetarian Diet?
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To support their older adult clients and friends’ efforts to enjoy a healthy new year, the Delavan Grider Community Center is offering a series of free wellness workshops led by Mariah Brown of the non-profit Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo. This free series will focus on a variety of health topics from nutrition to physical activity. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the fun, free and informative wellness workshops. For more information visit or call the Delavan Grider Community Center at 896-7021 or the Wellness Institute at 851-4052. Lovely Lillie Ann Christmas Warren
Birthday Tribute to Lillie Ann Christmas Warren!
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n January 24th at the St John Tower and Senior Housing on Michigan Ave., along with the Family and friends of Mrs. Lillie Ann Christmas Warren, will celebrate her 89th birthday. Mrs. Warren is the oldest living member of the Price Family. She was born in Eastman Georgia on January 18, 1926 and was raised by her grandparents, Sherman and Rosa Anna Price because her mother Rosa Ella traveled with her job. During her teenage years she lived in Buffalo with her uncle and aunt, the late Herman and Bernice Price. She is the cousin of Zelma Grice Gipson, Judson ( Frances) Price, Robert (Edith) Price, Theodore (Patrinia) Price and Edward (Mary) Price. Also, the mother of Devorah Christmas Maclin, and grandmother of Marissa A. Maclin, MD. Mrs. Warren was the first Black Nurse of Dodge County in the State of Georgia. She began her career at the Dodge County Hospital in 1946, where she obtained her L.P.N. License in 1950. Lillie was the first Black Nurse to work in a public hospital in the County. She worked in all areas of the hospital, even though the floors were segregated. On many occasions she worked as long as 20 hours a day for she was also a very active private duty nurse. Lillie served as the main witness in several malpractice cases. At her home, she was constantly sought out by members of the Black community prior to their visits to a doctor’s office or admission to a hospital. Lillie answered their questions and helped to put them at ease by giving general knowledge of what to expect on these occasions. She assisted in the delivery Continued Page 7
id you know reducing your meat consumption benefits your whole body? The average American who switches to a healthy reduced-meat or vegetarian diet will see improvements over time. Here are several ways following a vegetarian eating plan (or close to it) can do your body good. • You may lose weight. A large, five-year study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2013 revealed that people who don’t eat meat have a lower average BMI than meat-eaters, and that vegans have a significantly lower obesity rate than omnivores (9.4% versus 33.3%). • Your heart health could improve. Consuming saturated fats—which primarily come from meat and dairy—raises the level of cholesterol in your blood, and high levels of blood cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease. Ditching meat automatically lowers the amount of saturated fat in your diet, in turn reducing your cardiovascular disease risk. • You may lower your blood pressure. Vegetarians and vegans have less hypertension than meat-eaters, according to findings published in the journal Public Health Nutrition. Researchers say it’s due to their lower average weight and higher intakes of fruits and vegetables. • You’ll reduce your diabetes risk. An American Diabetes Association study found that people following a vegetarian diet had a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors linked to type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Study subjects who avoided meat and poultry products tended to have lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and triglycerides, as well as smaller waists, than those who regularly consumed those foods. • Your cancer risk may drop. Research since 2002 has found an association between a vegan diet and a decreased risk for all cancer types. Researcher has also discovered that vegetarians experienced less gastrointestinal cancer, such as colorectal cancer, and that vegan women experienced fewer female-specific cancers, such as breast cancer. • You’ll feel better in tight pants. Eating more veggies and legumes means your fiber intake will go up, and more fiber means less constipation and improved digestion overall, a vegetarian diet can certainly help with that. When you have regular digestion and are not bloated, you’ll feel thinner, energized, and possibly even sexier. • Your skin will glow. Vegetarianism is one of the best diets for your skin. Eating more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains loads you up with antioxidants, which neutralize the free radicals that can bring on wrinkles, brown spots, and other signs of aging. • You might be happier. Adding more fruits and veggies to your diet is a natural moodbooster. Economists and public health researchers studied the eating habits of 80,000 people and found that their mental well being appeared to increase with the number of daily portions of fruit and vegetables at a mere seven servings. The average American gets less than three servings daily. • Your energy levels might increase Eating more spinach, kale, beans, and other foods high in dietary nitrates may help you feel more energized over time.
GET YOUR HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA NOW We can help you take the next step
New High School Equivalency Diploma (HSE) preparation classes start every week. • No-cost to students • All WNY residents welcome • Conveniently located sites across Buffalo • Morning, afternoon, and evening classes available • Distance Learning Programs (available for qualifying students)
Career Collegiate Institute available for youth 17-21. Call (716) 888-7088 ext 100.
For an orientation appointment call 716.888.7088 ext. 100 The TASC™ (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) has replaced the GED® as the official exam for obtaining a high school equivalency diploma in NYS.
www.UpSkill.org
389 Virginia Street • Buffalo, NY 14201
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FAITH BASED
Metropolitan UMC Free Community Breakfast The Metropolitan United Methodist Church located at 657 Best (corner Herman Street), Buffalo invites you to join us for our Monthly Community “Breakfast at Metro”. Our next free breakfast will be on Saturday, January 24, 2015 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. This event will be held every 4th Saturday of the month and all ages are welcome to attend. There is no charge but a free will offering will be accepted. Come join us for a meal with family, friends and community neighbors. For more information please contact the church office at (716) 891-5652.
Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015
Home Coming Sunday The St. John’s AME Steward Board presents “Home Coming Sunday” Sunday, January 25 at 9:30am Sunday school and 11:00am worship service at St. John AME Church 917 Garden Ave, Niagara Falls New York . Rev. Dion Greer is Pastor.
GOD IS GOOD!
TRIBUTE TO DR. KING: The Ushers Association of Buffalo and Vicinity performed a spirited “Usher’s March” to the delight of the audience as a tribue to Dr. Martin Luther King during the city-wide celebration last Sunday at Kleinhans Music Hall.
Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015
FAITH & FAMILY
Bishop Bronner Urges Community in MLK Address:
“We need to engage in a blueprint of being concerned…”
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n a unique and spirituallybased call to arms, Bishop T. Anthony Bronner, Pastor of Elim Christian Fellowship Church, urged those gathered to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Kleinhans Sunday evening, to adopt a blueprint of concern to address the critical issues that face us as a people and a nation today. Taking his text from the Book of Nehemiah, Bishop Dr. Bronner skillfully pointed out the similarities between the Biblical prophet Nehemiah and Dr. King, and said that despite the struggles we face as a people, there is “no time to be overwhelmed.” Rather, he said, we must take up the “call of our responsibility” to be like Dr. King and Nehemiah – both who were engaged in a “blueprint of being concerned about the well being and welfare of all people.” He drove home this point throughout his brief, but powerful presentation. Both, men of God, King and Nehemiah were moved by compassion and were emotionally involved – one of the first concerns of the blueprint. Said Dr. Bronner: “They moved not with criticism and not with judgement…they felt something…they didn’t look at a situation then over look it.” Dr. King he continued, urged us to engage love so it would bring about social change. He and Nehemiah were “engaging with love entangle in their hearts.” The element of sacrifice is also a part of the blueprint. Dr. King, he said, was an educated man…but he sacrificed his own dreams for the dreams of his people. “Sometimes we have to leave our dreams to help somebody else’s dreams,” he said. “Martin and Nehemiah were concerned and engaged about the welfare of the people.” The sad tragedy, however is “when you are helping people, unfortunately you get enemies…people will just hate you because you are trying to be a blessing to others,” lamented Bishop Bronner. And sometimes, he added, you get enemies because they believe they will lose (financially or otherwise).
“Martin Luther King had enemies from within and without,” he continued. The enemies grew, especially when he began to broaden the struggle and talk about nationwide poverty and expressed opposition to the War in Vietnam. But when you are doing God’s work, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…” he said quoting Isaiah 54:17. “Martin Luther King and Nehemiah understood their level of engagement,” said Bishop Bronner. “Martin and Nehemiah endured until the end” despite “set backs and set-ups.” They understood, he preached, that they were doing the Good work and were not “going to come down” (give up). “I want to be like Moses… like Harriet Tubman…like WEB DuBois…like Jesus… all doing the good work but didn’t come down! Sincere about the welfare and the well being of our people.” Like the great prophets and civil rights leaders, we should declare… “Lord I’m doing the good work and I refuse to come down!” “I pray for my city and Western New York,” concluded Bishop Bronner, “that we will grab hold of the blueprint (of concern about the welfare and well being of all people)…and one day when its all over, God will say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” -Memorable ProgramThe Concerned Citizens Following the Dream Committee, Bessie Patterson coordinator, presented the City-Wide Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration January 18 at Kleinhans. MC’d by Dr. James Lewis III, pastor of Miracle Mission Full Gospel, the tribute to Dr. King included performances by the talented Miss Barbara’s School of Dance, the Hutchinson Technical High School Band, the African American Cultural Center Dancers, the Buffalo Philharmonic Choir, The Varsons Community Choir and the amazing, electrifying Rise Up WNY Choir . The Usher’s Association of Buffalo & Vicinity presented a very special tribute to Dr. King with a soulfully spirited
“Usher’s March.” Members of The Concerned Clergy Coalition of Western New York were introduced and pledged to continue their newly found activism and plan of action for justice and peace in Buffalo. James L. Thomas, a senior at Canisius High School, was praised by State Sen. Timothy Kennedy for his dedication and presented with the celebration’s Leadership and Determination Award. Thompson, a second team Al-Western New York pick on Canisius football team, was unfairly suspended from the inaugural NYS Catholic High School Athletic Association championship game in December. The ruling stood in spite of a campaign to clear his name. This year’s awardees included Dr. Stan Bratton, Sheila Brown, Miguel Santos, Cariol J. Horne, Frank Merriweather, Dr. Barbara Nevergold, Alnisa Banks and Dr. Frances Ilozue .
MRS. WARREN
continued of so many babies, parents named their daughters after Lillie as well as her daughter Devorah. In Buffalo, she worked at the Deaconess Hospital, and private health care agencies until her retirement. Lillie and her husband Isaiah are members of St. John Baptist Church. She is a very active senior who loves to dance, work in her vegetable and flower garden, shop, collect items for garage sales, watch her soap opera and participate in block club activities. Happy Blessed Birthday
Scenes from the City-Wide Martin Luther King Event at Kleinhans Music Hall.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015
Spike Lee on the Racist Oscars
ON STAGE *Motown The Musical @ Sheas Performing Arts Center January 20-25. Tickets on sale now. For tickets (from $33-$78) call 1-800-7353000, go to www.ticketmaster.com or the Shea’s Ticket Office, 650 Main Street. For groups of 15 or more, call 829-1154. For more information go to www.sheas.org. *Thursday Night “Roc Da Mic - Feed the People, Thursday, Jan. 29 from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. at The Foundry, 298 Northland St., hosted by Ishmael & Company
A sene from “Selma”; Spike Lee (upper left inset).
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lot has been said about the recent Oscar snub of black films. At the top of the list of films that were left behind in this very predictable sequence of events is the film “Selma,” which has been released to much critical acclaim. Spike Lee is never one to hold back his words, and was firm and direct in his reaction to the Oscar’s “snub” of the film. His message to the Daily Beast was a quick one: “F*ck em.” In the interview with The Daily Beast, Lee says he’s not surprised that the film would be left out of the Oscar nomi-
nations and that this is part of the racist history of the Oscars. Before the ceremony, it was expected that “Selma” would be a strong favorite to be nominated for Best Director and Best Actor. But it was left out, along with every other black film, actor and director in the universe, not even obtaining a single nomination in any major category. Rev. Al Sharpton and others have screamed bloody murder over the rejection, but others forgot about the Oscars a long time ago and no longer consider the ceremony to be relevant. Lee gave advice to Selma
director Ava DuVernay, telling her not to worry about Academy Award nominations as a measure of success: “That doesn’t diminish the film. Nobody’s talking about m*therfuckin’ Driving Miss Daisy. That film is not being taught in film schools all across the world like Do the Right Thing is. Nobody’s discussing Driving Miss Motherfuckin’ Daisy. So if I saw Ava today I’d say, ‘You know what? F*ck ‘em. You made a very good film, so feel good about that and start working on the next one.’” Lee also said that the people on the voting committees pretty much support the films they are most comfortable with, stating that “a lot of times, people are going to vote for what they’re comfortable with, and anything that’s threatening to them they won’t.” But it wasn’t just Selma. This year’s Oscars is the whitest since 1998, with no person of color receiving an acting nomination. It’s a far cry from last year, when 12 Years a Slavetook home Best Picture, Lupita Nyong’o won Best Supporting Actress, and Steve McQueen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Barkhad Abdi garnered nods for Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor, respectively. “Anyone who thinks this year was gonna be like last year is retarded,” said Lee. Continued Page 9
*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.
*Comedian Katt Williams “Born Again…Again” Tour, Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, March 14; tickers @ Arena box office, Ticketmaster. com, all Ticketmaster outlets; charge by phone 1-800-7453000. *An Evening With Friday Night Laughs featuring Faizon Love With Capone Hosted By Rob Stapleton, Friday, Feb. 6, TWO SHOWS! 7:30pm & 9:30pm 21+ Admitted.General Admission. Ticketmaster.com / Walmart / Doris Records / The Oakkroom / Tralf Box Office 716-852-2860.
*Charlie Wilson with Kem and Joe, First Niagara Center, 1 Seymour H. Knox III Plaza downtown Buffalo, Friday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.
M O N D AY S P E C I A L S B y A ppointment O nly !
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Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015
TLC to Tour This Summer with New Kids on the Block, Nelly The surviving members of TLC will hit the road this summer with reunited 90s group New Kids On The
Revealing the daunting challenges in education.
T-Boz and Chilli of TLC
Block and rapper Nelly. TLC’s Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas and Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins launched a crowdsourcing campaign to fund their fifth and final studio album on Monday, and on Tuesday announced their participation in “The Main Event” tour. Chilli and T-Boz joined New Kids on “Good Morning America” Tuesday to make the announcement. New Kids star Donnie Wahlberg said, “There is no stopping us! We always have something up our sleeves. Our fans keep asking us to come back out on the road, and we want to keep giving them what they want.” The Main Event tour of North America will kick off on May 1 in Las Vegas.
WBFO’s Focus on Education initiative digs deeper into issues like poor academic performance and successful learning strategies. Senior reporter Eileen Buckley brings you comprehensive education coverage and the voices of our students to the airwaves. By encouraging discussion, through in-depth radio reports, town hall meetings and community engagement events, our community, can help our children succeed. Tune in to WBFO or visit online at wbfo.org to learn more about Focus on Education.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING! OSCARS continued
“There were a lot of Black folks up there with 12 Years a Slave, Steve [McQueen], Lupita [Nyong’o], Pharrell. It’s in cycles of every 10 years. Once every 10 years or so I get calls from journalists about how people are finally accepting black films. Before last year, it was the year [in 2002] with Halle Berry, Denzel [Washington], and Sidney Poitier. It’s a 10-year cycle. So I don’t start doing backflips when it happens.” He did however express some optimism about the Academy’s trajectory under Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the first Black president in Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences history. “The Academy is trying to be more diverse,” he said. “Cheryl is trying to open it up and have more diversity amongst the members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. But with Selma, it’s not the first time it’s happened, and every time it does I say, ‘You can’t go to awards like the Oscars or the Grammys for validation. The validation is if your work still stands 25 years later.’”
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Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015
BPS Report:
Generations
“Gloves Up Guns Down” Seeks to Provide Positive Alternatives for Youth
Solbert, Christopher and Lynch Winners of Recent Boxing Event
T
he St. John International Boxing Program hosted its first “I Have A Dream Gloves Up Guns Down” boxing event last Saturday inside the Rev. Dr. Bennett W. Smith Sr. Family Life Center on Michigan Avenue. At the end of three spirited bouts, the winners were: *Prince Solbet from St. John International who won over David Dickerson of Jamestown YMCA Youth Boxing Club. *Mike Christopher from UB who defeated Anthony Woodruff from the West Side boxing Club. *Da-Nynell Lynch of St. John International who defeated Wilfredo Flores of Dunkirk “We are grateful for everyone who came out. Those who were unfortunately unable to make it will hopefully be here the next time,” said Darryl Graham, St. John International Boxing Program Director. Several years ago Graham had a vision to implement the “Gloves Up, Guns Down” initiative. “I was trying to implement a program that would help all these kids running around, killing and shooting,” said the former boxer turned coach. Although the program did not go national as he had hoped, with the ok from St. John Baptist Church Pastor Michael Chapman, last Saturday’s tournament was made a reality. GLOVES UP: Prince (left) and Da-Nyell “We have to find a way to save these kids,” said Graham. Da-Nyell Lynch is an example of the positive effect boxing has had on one of the St. John International fighters. Lynch, who has been training under Graham since he was 10 years old, is a former Ring Side World Champ and winner of two Golden Glove National Championships. Da-Nyell, said Graham, who has not fought in over two and a half years, “ is back in church and back in the ring!” “Da-Nyell is planning to turn pro before the end of the year,” said coach Graham. “We’re working to bring professional boxing back to Buffalo.” Darrell Graham has been involved with boxing for almost 40 years in Buffalo, first under the tutelage of Johnnie Green (mentor and coach) and R. Fletcher. The St. John International Boxing Program, for ages 8 to adults, has been in existence since 2007. For more information call (716)480-3668. AGES: 6-16 JANUARY 23, 2015 - MARCH 20th, 2015 TIME: 6:30PM FRIDAY NIGHT COST $8.50 weekly (includes 3 Games & shoe rental ) $1 Food/Drink menu
Registration Options: Kerns bowling center 163 KERNS AVE WWW.14215.ORG (Youth bowling registration FORM)
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Charter School of Inquiry (CSI) Notice Of Special Meeting A Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Charter School of Inquiry (CSI) will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 404 Edison Street, Buffalo, New York 14215. The purpose of the meeting will be to consider and adopt necessary Board Resolution(s) for the execution and delivery of all such documents required to complete the transaction for the School’s purchase of the property located at 404 Edison Street, Buffalo, New York, which purchase was approved by Board Resolution adopted on August 5, 2014.
Public Schools vs Charters: Our Children, Our Choice
W
ith hope you’re tuned in to the debate that’s raging over the proliferation of charter schools in our area. We want to pay close attention, because the outcome of this debate will impact us greatly, immediately, and for the long term. The State Legislature is paying attention – to the protestations of the teachers unions against the charter schools, and they’re carrying out a dialogue on the matter – without the input of parents. We need to understand why the unions are protesting. We need to decide once and for all if charter schools are an option that we want for our children, with a good understanding of the issues involved. First, lets remind ourselves of the reason that charter schools were started in the first place. Teachers unions had maneuvered themselves into positions to lock down a lucrative opportunity for employment, and sought to protect that turf – no matter what. No matter if the majority of students who matriculated never graduated…no matter if a teacher was actually qualified to teach… no matter what. We’re speaking primarily of the Buffalo Teachers Federation right here in our locale, but this same maneuvering has happened in public school districts across the nation. They lobbied (bought) legislators and pushed through laws requiring that teachers be certified, to lock out those (black folk) without money and academic preparation (which they sabotage in the classroom). Obviously, certified does not mean qualified. For good measure, they pushed for laws to make it virtually impossible to fire an ineffective teacher. They supported (bought) school board candidates who return the favor at every voting opportunity. The unions solidified their stranglehold on the “business” of education on local boards, legislatures, and at the building level, Sabirah with rock solid contracts with obscene benefits that are unheard of anywhere Muhammad else in the American workplace. That’s why here in Buffalo, our children have gone without summer school and afterschool services, for example, while teachers and everybody in their families enjoy nose jobs, boob jobs, and any other cosmetic surgery they think they want. It’s why our area has an abundance of talent in the professional sports arena, but your child, who might be a budding NBA or NFL star is being coached by the social studies teacher. It was inevitable that human beings, all of whom have the god given right to determine their own destiny - and that of their children - would look for a way to restore their autonomy and control of that destiny. This is the condition that gave rise to Charter Schools. The current hue and cry against them is being made by the teachers unions (and their paid mouthpieces), who are trying desperately to hold onto the inner- city cash cows that have fed white suburbs so very, very well. The word games that the teachers union is playing in order to equate charter schools with the apocalypse is more than insulting – it’s insidious. There’s the lie that charters are not public schools. Not only are they public schools, but public schools are also charters…they have a public charter… a written grant by the legislative power, by which a school is created and its rights and privileges defined. More significantly, how much disrespect is embedded in the effort to distract us with how a school is designated – and away from how a school is performing? There are advantages to charter schools, like the ability to fire an ineffective teacher, whose contract is year-to-year. There’s the five-year trial period during which a charter school has to perform well, or it will face closure. The Buffalo Public School system has been failing since its inception…about 150 years. Damn right people want an alternative. It gets worse. The same folks who are railing against charter schools – and who teach in the public schools, don’t send their own children here. Of course that excludes the criteria based schools. That’s a moot point, however, because there’s no argument over success. The argument is over the vast majority of schools, where teachers are failing our children wholesale, but telling us that we should stay. They continue to insult us with the claim that we’re happy with our schools, happy with failure, while lambasting those who dare to tell the heretofore closely guarded secret: that the law says you don’t have to stay. They accuse District Parent Coordinating Council president Sam Radford and the parent body of inciting the dissatisfaction, which wouldn’t be there if not for our meddling. The reason for the flight, they say, is not that parents actually want a quality education for their children, but because the DPCC is conducting a campaign. At the core of this battle is the vehement refusal of the teachers union to respect the right of parents to make a choice for their children, (specifically black parents), just as the teachers, (specifically white teachers), have made a choice for their own. Apparently, we’re not worthy of choice, or capable of making one, without someone telling us which one to make. Meditate right here: What if we decided to require teachers who teach in Buffalo Public Schools to send their children here? What if we lobbied aggressively in Albany to make it policy…like they’re lobbying right now to either continue limiting or to eliminate charters? What if we give them a taste of what it means to take away their autonomy over their own children? What if we require them to prove their claim that the schools are good enough…or that we should keep waiting for them to get better? Put your baby where your mouth is… and where your income is. Yeah…we’d see how good they are then. As we have said, the DPCC is not taking a formal position on charter schools. That would make us as arrogant, condescending and disrespectful as the teachers union. We’re arming parents with the information that we need to act in our own best interests. We’re saying that if it’s your child, it’s your choice. You should say the same. The fact is, that Buffalo parents have already decided on the matter of charter schools. 8,000 families have already enrolled, and another 5,000 are on waiting lists. That’s a powerful, unequivocal, emphatic endorsement. The teachers unions and the legislators only need to do one thing: Respect it. Respect us. Let’s leave them no…choice. More next time.
OPINIONS
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Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015
Buffalo Schools at the Crossroads:
Why Charters Won’t Save the Out-of-Time Schools
I
t’s hard to find an article in the Buffalo News about the Board of Education when the paper does not laud the new majority as visionary change agents, who are well positioned to institute the bold decisions and actions needed to turn around this “failing” school district. Former State Education Commissioner, John King, Jr. another prominent member of the chorus, sang the praises of the group he said shared his philosophy of educational reform, of which a major component is the expansion of charter schools – that is “high performing” ones. The reformers are careful to use this descriptor so that they can differentiate these schools from ones that are not high performing and thus preclude debate or discussion about the merits and Barbara Seals performance of charter schools. Nevergold The same language was used in the Buffalo Board majority’s “Request for Space” resolution that invited “high-performing charter management organizations and ……operators” to submit proposals to take over Bennett, East or Lafayette High and School #39. That’s right, the resolution and RFS, sponsored by Board member Larry Quinn, offered independent charters the “level playing field” to facilitate their applications for any or all of the space in these buildings. (The vote for this resolution was 5/4) Applications, due on January 7th, were received from the Charter School for Applied Technology, Tapestry Charter School, Health Sciences Charter School and ACES, a proposed charter school. CSAT and Tapestry both applied to take over Bennett High School, Health Sciences wants School #39 and ACES applied to acquire East High. No applications were received for Lafayette, but then it is the only one of the four schools that was not remodeled by the Joint Schools Construction Project. Supporters argue that charter schools are public schools. And, in fact they are primarily funded with public money. In addition to the tuition the District pays for each child attending a charter school, it also provides transportation, food and other services for charter students. But charters differ from public schools in that they are governed by private boards, lack transparency by not making full financial disclosure and are not held to all the mandates imposed on the public schools. They have more flexibility and can be selective in the students they enroll. Ultimately, students who don’t make it in the charter can be sent back to the public school district ending the charter’s accountability for that student’s educational outcomes while contributing to the District’s. Charter schools have a reputation of outperforming public schools, but a closer look at the data reveals that a significant number do not outperform their public school counterparts. We have local examples in Pinnacle and Community, which the State closed because of low performance. Further research has shown that charters do not serve groups of special education students or English Language Learners in numbers that reflect the percentage of these populations in the school district. As for teachers, charter school teachers are not evaluated by the new, controversial standards set for public school teachers. Now that the charters’ applications are in and are public information, several questions can be answered about what type of agreements these charters want to negotiate with the District. Tapestry and CSAT want a “no cost” lease for Bennett beginContinued Page 12
“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” - John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal. 1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper
Black Lives Matter... With the beginning of a new year, I am tempted to do what so many writers have done recently, that is to ruminate on what has happened to so many Black men (and a few women and children), murdered by law enforcement in recent months. Their words have been illuminating and shocking and frequently wellreasoned but only a few have offered solutions that might help to change the current status of race relations, as they impact and are impacted by systems that frame our daily lives. The criminal justice system, the education system, the economic system are only three that operate to maintain a society of haves and have-nots. All to frequently the have-nots are African Americans who have always had to fight against injustice in America. Recent articles, like so many over the years before them, have talked about this history of injustice and the struggles we have waged against slavery, discrimination, segKarima regation, desegregation, affirmative action and the relentless racism that denies our huAMIN manity. Recent murders, perpetrated by law enforcement, are modern-day examples of the lynchings that have taken place in this country for hundreds of years. Millions of Black lives have been lost because those in power put profits above people. Historians have documented over 500 incidents of African insurrections on board slave ships (1650--1860). In the struggle to be free, we have always resisted the inhumanity that brought us to the Western Hemisphere. When we rebelled against slavery in the 1800’s (see Nat Turner, Denmark, Vesey, Gabriel Prosser), we were saying, “Black lives matter.” When we rebelled against the Black Codes, after slavery, and built strong, self-sufficient Black communities (see Tulsa, OK and Rosewood, FL), we were saying, “Black lives matter.” When the Black Panther Party and the Deacons for Defense and Justice emerged in the 1960’s, we were saying. “Black lives matter.” The Black Power Movement and the Civil Rights Movement both proclaimed, “Black lives matter!” While we understand that all lives matter, the history of the African in America is special. In spite of the gains we have made, racism keeps holding us back and pushing us back, often erasing our contributions and relegating our lives to that of second-class citizens. Today is simply a repeat of yesterday when we have to say again, “Black lives matter.” A decade has passed since John V. Elmore wrote Fighting for Your Life: The African-American Justice Survival Guide. Specifically written for African Americans, this book clearly explains how to navigate the criminal justice system and survive “the long arm of the law.” Mr. Elmore is a well-respected attorney, practicing for more than 25 years with offices in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY. Often recognized for his professional, civic, and philanthropic work, he is a lawyer with a special concern for social issues affecting African Americans, especially the youth. He has been cited as a Citizen of the Year by the Buffalo News; a Phenomenal Father by Ebony Magazine; a Civil Rights Champion by the N. A. A. C. P.; and a Good Neighbor by Parents Magazine. His book is as timely now as it was in 2004 when it was first published. Our relationship with law enforcement has always been tenuous. When we consider solutions for making relationships better, education is the key. The information that Mr. Elmore brings to the table is life-saving and it ties in with Prisoners Are People Too’s push for establishing a citywide recognition and acceptance of restorative practices with restorative justice hubs throughout Buffalo.Mr. Elmore will be our guest speaker at the next monthly meeting of Prisoners Are People Too. Join us on Monday, January 26 at the Pratt-Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt Street in Buffalo at 7:00-9:00pm. Adults are encouraged to bring a youth. A few copies of Fighting for Your Life will be on hand.For more information: Call 716834-8438; or contact Karima, karima@prisonersarepeopletoo.
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Charlie Hebdo:
“I am not Charlie...”
D
by Margaret Kimberley
on’t kill White people. After all is said and done, the Charlie Hebdo outrage, the hashtags, and the million person marches amount to that simple but very powerful dictum. In the eyes of the governments that do most of the killing on the planet and the corporate media who act as their scribes, there is nothing worse than targeting even a handful of white people for death. Charlie Hebdo is a supposedly satirical magazine published in Paris, France. It was little known to Americans until January 7, 2015 when two gunmen attacked its offices and killed twelve staff members. Charlie Hebdo was well known for intentionally violating the Islamic prohibition of depicting the prophet. According to survivors, the killers announced themselves as members of al-Qaeda and said they were avenging the prophet Muhammad. A policewoman and four more people were killed the following day when another gunman took hostages in a kosher supermarket. One look at Charlie Hebdo cartoons shows that the word satire is being used very loosely. The depictions of cabinet minister Christiane Taubira as a monkey, and the kidnapped Nigerian school girls as pregnant welfare recipients make a mockery of the world satirical. Regardless of how many French politicians are skewered in its pages, it must be pointed out that Charlie Hebdo indulges in racist hate speech. Their reputation for insult and offense was quickly forgotten and the call to unquestioningly identify with the victims was immediate. Within a few days, #Jesuischarlie was tweeted more than one million times. The propaganda onslaught created an awkward example of hypocrisy for world leaders who are always the worst killers of all. “Regardless of how many French politicians are skewered in its pages, it must be pointed out that Charlie Hebdo indulges in racist hate speech.” Barack Obama trotted out tired denunciations, calling the attacks “cowardly” as he claimed to stand up for the rights of a free press. These were strange words coming from a man who on seven occasions has used the discredited Espionage Act to prosecute whistleblowers who leak to the media. Americans were not alone in hypocritically condemning murder. The convenient selective amnesia of the French people is as stunning as their sense of feeling more aggrieved than anyone else in the world. France was a party to every atrocity and genocide committed by Europeans in history. France played a major role in the transAtlantic slave trade, kidnapping approximately 1,250,000 Africans and sending them to work under barbaric conditions in their American territories. After being forced out of Haiti by the world’s most successful slave rebellion, France then held that nation hostage under threat of re-enslavement and demanded a payment of $60 million francs which were paid from 1838 to 1947. Haiti remains poverty stricken to this day as a result. France was at the table during the 1884 Berlin Conference which chopped Africa up into European spheres of influence. France engaged in mass slaughter again and again as it attempted to prevent colonies such as Vietnam and Algeria from gaining independence. After NATO murdered Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, French pres-
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Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015
SBA and SCORE Buffalo Niagara to present 19th Legislator Grant Announces College Student Internships County Legislature Democratic Leader Betty Jean Grant (D-Buffalo) is seeking college Annual Straight Talk and the Straight Talk Series Erie students to serve as unpaid interns for the 2015 Spring and Summer semesters. Interns will assist The U.S. Small Business Administration Buffalo District Office and the SCORE Buffalo Niagara Chapter will host the Straight Talk 2015 seminar on Saturday, January 24, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. This is the 19th annual presentation of this program which has attracted thousands of participants over the years to expose entrepreneurs and small business owners to information
and resources about starting or growing a small business. The 60-minute seminars will reflect the ever-changing needs of the Western New York entrepreneurial community. Additionally, participants can obtain one-on-one business counseling, visit information booths and speak to representatives from local business resources, and network with other entrepreneurs
and small business owners. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Cost of attendance is $25.00 on the day of the event, with pre-registration tickets are available for $20.00. Students with current/valid identification can pay $10.00, and veterans with proof of veteran status can attend for free. Registration fees include a continental breakfast and parking. Registered attendants will be automatically scheduled for the Business Basics introductory seminar to learn about business plans and other foundations of growing a successful business.
Following the event, the Straight Talk Series will begin on February 3, 2015 for eight successive Tuesdays for two months from 5:45 - 8:30 p.m. at Medaille College . Attendance is free with the coupon received by attending the Straight Talk 2015 event on January 24, otherwise the cost is $5.00 per session. A very special thank you to SCORE Buffalo Niagara and its supporters: Bank of America, Erie County Industrial Development Agency, Evans National Bank, First Niagara Bank, Five Star Bank, Key Bank National Association, Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company
(M&T) PathStone Enterprise Center, Buffalo State College Small Business Development Center, The Oneida Group of Companies, Women ‘s Business Center at Canisius College for their continuing support of entrepreneurship in WNY. For further information contact SBA at 716-5514301 or e-mail Buffalo_do@ sba.gov . To register online, please visit WNY Straight Talk .
the elected legislators and their support staff during the regular session of the Erie County Legislature for college credit or for experience, and will be expected to complete 15 hours of service a week. Interviews will be scheduled with prospective intern candidates; women and minority students are strongly encouraged to apply. The desired intern qualifications are: a strong desire to learn public policy and the legislative process; written communication skills; analytical and research skills; strong work ethic; ability to handle a fast-paced environment.Duties may include assisting staff in the day-to-day operations within the Legislative offices.Students meet weekly with legislators, department heads, and various committee members to deepen their understanding of all components of local government. Students interact with County officials as they learn about the function of county government, the procedures for introducing new legislation, and the roles of the various departments in each branch. Interns will be supervised by a legislative staff person and will be assigned to either subject-oriented committees or to the offices of staff. For more information, please contact intern program coordinator, Tamell Walker, at 858-8853 or tamell.walker@erie.gov .
I AM NOT CHARLIE continued ident Nicolas Sarkozy traveled to Libya to personally gloat over the country he helped to destroy. He was joined by UK prime minister David Cameron, who was also among the killers-in-chief who arrived in Paris looking solemn. France and the UK are part of the NATO effort to destroy Syria and turn it into a chaotic ruin as they have done to Libya. The corporate media determines who is and who isn’t a worthy victim and people with dark skin rarely make the cut. The thousands of Palestinians killed by Israel in Gaza included members of the press. Seventeen journalists were killed in Gaza in 2014 alone, yet Israeli president Netanyahu was allowed to join the “unity march” in Paris as if he too were an innocent. “France and the UK are part of the NATO effort to destroy Syria and turn it into a chaotic ruin as they have done to Libya.” There is enough horror in the world to cause outrage but the level of outrage seems to depend on who is being treated horribly and who is carrying out the atrocity. The worst acts of terror are committed by heads of state who don’t kill seventeen people as these attackers did in Paris. They kill in the thousands yet are still treated with respect. It doesn’t say much for the state of human advancement that killings committed by individuals still create so much more concern than those committed by governments. They get away with mass murder because the same corporate media which saturated coverage of Charlie Hebdo say little or nothing about Gaza or Libya or Somalia or Syria or Iraq or Haiti. Instead of pointing out that Barack Obama is a killer too, the pundits criticize him for not being among the sanctimonious liars who gathered in Paris. The group photo should have been a perp walk to the Hague instead of a photo opportunity for the seriously blood thirsty. Murder is wrong when committed by individual gunmen with grudges and it is still wrong when it comes from a drone strike. A unity march should denounce human rights abuses, of which warfare is the worst. The next time 1 million gather to denounce terror, the anger should be directed at those people who carry it out the most. 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.
BUFFALO SCHOOLS @ CROSS ROADS DR. NEVERGOLD continued ning in September 2015. Yes, you read it correctly; they want to be given the building. But it doesn’t stop with the building, they also want all assets; the furnishings, technology, books, etc. They also want the District to assume all or most of the utilities’ costs. In addition, they are asking the District to assume responsibility for any capital improvements that are deemed “required”. These two charters offer one scenario of joining forces in a collaboration to share the building. The Health Sciences Charter’s proposal is similar in requesting the entire School #39 building but is not as specific as the request of the other two charters. It’s likely, however, that they will follow suit in requesting the building, its contents and operational costs gratis. And what will these charters offer in return? They’ve proposed taking over the “empty” buildings. That is “empty” of its most precious and vital assets: the students who currently attend these schools. That means that these students will be displaced. The charters will not offer them a seat next year. The charters say that they will look to expand some seats, but current Bennett, East or #39 students are not guaranteed a seat. The charters have their own admissions criteria and process, which the out-of-time schools students would have to follow. My concern, my questions and those of the community should be focused on: What about the students? Aren’t they entitled to their buildings and assets? How are our students going to benefit from losing their schools to these charters? Secondarily, how will all of our students be impacted by the additional costs that these arrangements will add to a budget that is already stressed? Will charters save the out-of-time schools? Not likely, at least not in a way that will help the students who are in those schools today. And it’s not likely that they’ll save any of the students any time soon if they get these school buildings. The students in the out-of-time schools will have to go elsewhere to continue their education and vital resources will be lost to other students in the district. In the justification to their own stakeholders some charter school leaders have even admitted that this expansion is only to benefit their student body and to save money in their own budgets. Remember that these are budgets that are already funded with public dollars. There’s a question of equity in this situation and if approved it begins the implementation of one board member’s vision: the “disassembling” of the Buffalo Public Schools.
Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015
Passing of a History-Maker Earl Dean Gist, one of the first African Americans in upstate New York to earn a state insurance broker’s license and the first Black upstate to be certified as a bail bond agent, died January 11 after a long illness at the age of 90. Mr. Gist, an independent insurance agent and bail bond agent, was born and raised in Buffalo. He served in World War II and upon returning from service opened an eatery at Broadway and Jefferson in 1947; was a door-to-door salesman; a factory worker and a life insurance salesman. He and his wife opened Earl D. Gist Insurance at Jefferson and East Utica in 1964. The following year he passed the state exam to become a licensed bail bond agent. His family continues to operate his business to this day, the Greater Buffalo Bail Bonds Agency. He was a member of Bennett Wells Post 1780 American Legion. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, the former Dolores “Beechie” Richardson; a son, Frank; two daughters Laura “Kitty” and Cynthia; four grandchildren and a great granddaughter A Mass Christian Burial was offered last Friday in St. Martin dePorres Catholic Church.
Need a Job? Don’t Have a High School Diploma? The University at Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is accepting applications for Spring 2015 tuition-free High School Equivalency Readiness Classes from individuals interested in getting back into the classroom and preparing themselves to obtain their high school equivalency (formerly the GED®). The state’s new TASC™ (Test Assessment Secondary Completion) exam will challenge students with Common Core Standards that have been integrated into the exam. Now is the time to get better prepared for the new exam. EOC offers HSE Readiness classes designed to help students recognize the content, difficulty and format of the new exam and provide them with a classroom experience that will help them perform more effectively on the exam. Enrolled students can also access EOC job and college placement services as well. For more information call 645-1900. REQUEST FOR QUOTES
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The Board of Commissioners of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority requests quotes to provide PLUMBING SUPPLIES as needed to maintain BMHA properties. Specifications may be obtained from the BMHA Central Office, 300 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 or by calling Susan Faulise at 855-6711 ext 230. Submission Information: Date Due: Monday, February 9, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. Location: Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, Plumbing Supplies Bid, 300 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 All sealed bids must be mailed or delivered. No faxed bids will be accepted. Period of Contract: 1 year. Multiple contracts may be awarded. Contacts: For questions about the bidding procedure: Susan Faulise (716) 855-6711 ext. 230 For questions about individual items: Ronald Wagner (716) 855-0081 ext. 15 Opening: Monday, February 9, 2015 at 11:00 A.M BMHA Board Room, 300 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 Because BMHA will have to calculate extensions and totals, no apparent winner will be announced at the opening.
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EMPLOYMENT
BUSINESS MANAGER
The College at Brockport, Brockport Studen Government is seeking an experienced Busine Manager. Duties include accounting, payroll budgeting, customer service and supervision. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance requir For a complete job description visit: http://www.bsgonline.org/
Extending Search for Founding Head of School Charter School of Inquiry, Buffalo, NY
The Charter School of Inquiry, a new K-6 charter school in Buffalo, NY with a whole school approach to interdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning is searching for an inspirational leader to become its first Head of School. The successful candidate will have a steadfast belief in the ability of urban chilWNY ROCHESTER dren to excel; a deep understanding of inquiry-based learning embodied 1/21motivate due 1/16 in a thematic interdisciplinary curriculum; the ability toIssue: engage, and inspire teachers and students to be excited about teaching and learnSize: 1/32 page ing; and a welcoming attitude toward parents and community as active partners. Five years of successful work in a school setting, with a minimum $76.47 of 3 three years in an urban elementary school and NYS certification as a school administrator are required. Please send a letter of intent explaining your interest, and a resume to charterschoolofinquiry@gmail.com. For a complete job description and facts about the school, go to www.charterschoolofinquiry.org. For questions, call 716-866-3876.
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Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015
RADNEY’S SPORTS UPDATE
NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS
3-WAY
Choice of Ryan as New SUN 1/11 MON 1/12 TUES 1/13 WED 1/14 THURS 1/15 FRI 1/16 SAT 1/17 Head Coach For Bills is a MID -126 MID-206 MID-592 MID-928 MID -958 MID-773 MID-755 Promising Development EVE-670
EVE-510
EVE-106
EVE-205
TAKE 5
12-17-22-24-35 7-17-21-35-36 1-3-6-17-38 7-14-15-19-26 16-17-30-31-39 5-7-12-20-23 6-10-13-23-39
HOT TIPS
416
663
471
181
356-890-012-789-054-245-132-987-326-190237-487-780-435-378-261-189-328-198-436335-567-920-845-213-576-800-108-457-915 490-256-588-749-654 0069-2980-7690-5050 “Believe in miracles but don’t depend on them”
JANUARY MONTHLY VIBES
523-923-632-145-234569-657-137-830-173
MID -5317 EVE- 5987
2-15-16-29-37-53 #40
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MID- 5247 EVE- 9032
EVE-272
MID- 6237 MID- 1722 EVE- 2586 EVE- 9241
LOTTO
MID- 1656 EVE- 1543
EVE-061
WIN 4
MID - 1364 EVE - 4396
EVE-374
“its In The Stars”
Aquarius -681-972-897 Pisces - 136-663-169 Cancer - 285-123-018 Aries - 699-370-790 Taurus - 796-312-661 Gemini-652-106-305-257 Leo-210-840-345-312 Virgo -562-174-748 Libra -238-865-117 Scorpio - 679-411-956 Sagittarius - 147-685-923 Capricorn: 583-269-508
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 JANUARY Picks 435-780-912-789-085-689-657-989-
Best Triple for Month of January 888 “Hit it Straight!”
Doubles - No Mo’ Troubles! 443-588-202-335 Bee’s Pix: “All My Children”
412-225-654-402-201-471-557
MID-9297 EVE-6374
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Challenger Hits Midday
755 Bee’s Pix Box 592 Quick Money Straight
Evening
061 Gemini Box, Number Book Box 374 Number Book Box 205 Number Book Box 106 Gemini Straight, Number Book Box LUCKIE DUCKIE
335 -2015-4444 $more $more! 134-431-143
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981-989-970-990-080800 390-196-102-581-752319-408-378-352-126
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322-522-412-432-421423
3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year
01/31/2014 Evening 01/31/2014 Midday 01/30/2014 Evening 01/30/2014 Midday 01/29/2014 Evening 01/29/2014 Midday 01/28/2014 Evening 01/28/2014 Midday 01/27/2014 Evening 01/27/2014 Midday 01/26/2014 Evening 01/26/2014 Midday 01/25/2014 Evening 01/25/2014 Midday 01/24/2014 Evening 01/24/2014 Midday 01/23/2014 Evening 01/23/2014 Midday 01/22/2014 Evening 01/22/2014 Midday 01/21/2014 Evening 01/21/2014 Midday
2014
6-2-2 0-6-4 9-5-5 1-9-8 3-5-7 7-6-6 1-0-8 2-0-3 9-5-0 9-6-5 7-1-9 8-7-3 2-6-7 6-7-0 9-3-8 3-2-0 1-0-6 4-6-5 2-2-0 4-3-7 2-1-2 0-7-4
B
By George and Julian Radney
ills General Manager Doug Whaley along with new Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula have decided to bring in tough talking, veteran coach Rex Ryan as the 18th head coach. It’s a huge step up from Doug Marrone, who was mediocre at best with a very inferior offensive coaching staff that let the team down. Most people outside of Western NY consider the Bills an afterthought franchise. With the character that is Rex Ryan, I guarantee people will know about Buffalo next year hopefully by their play but definitely by Ryan’s mouth. The Bills already have an all-pro 3-4 readymade defense and no matter what you say about Ryan, the man knows defensive football. To be the best you have to beat the best. No one frustrates Tom Brady like Rex Ryan. Back when Ryan was the defensive coordinator of the Ravens he used to make Brady and Co. earn every yard they got. The Jets won some games vs New England and always played them tough under Ryan. As the Bills new head coach Ryan will need to bring in an established offensive coordinator. My choice would be Marc Trestman! Wishful thinking would say the Bills would be able to pull Hamilton from the Colts and add him as the OC under Ryan. That would be a heck of a transaction if that happened. I know Christmas has already come and gone, but miracles happen every day! We will see what transpires. The Pegula’s also made a good decision by giving more control of the team to Doug Whaley, who led the search for the Buffalo Bills Head Coach position. Whaley should be named V.P. of Football Operations for the Buffalo Bills sometime down the road, but that should be sooner rather than later. He is highly qualified with many years of experience and will lead Buffalo Bills in the right direction with the right head coach working with him in tandem to produce a winning team in Buffalo for years to come. On another note, we look forward to covering Super Bowl XLVIX in Phoenix, AZ and giving our readers an inside view of this historic game. Yes, we will be interviewing Rochester native Chandler Jones of New England Patriots and many more during the week! (Note: Pep Hamilton, a highly intelligent man hailing from Charlotte, NC where he played QB at Howard University would have been our choice for the Bills head coach, had they not picked Ryan. Hamilton, being an ex QB, is able to articulate to his QB’s what he wants them to do on the field and he understands what the QB is seeing out on the field from opposing defenses. At just 40 years old he is young enough to vibe with his players and at this point in his career has the cache to have guys respect him. ) Twitter: George Radney@GeorgeRadman
Free Rabies Clinic
The Erie County Department of Health 2015 Free Rabies Clinic, will be held at the North Buffalo Community Center, 203 Sanders Road (off Colvin Ave.) on Wednesday, January 28 from 3-7 pm. The clinic will offer free rabies shots for Dogs, Cats and Ferrets. Please bring pets on a leash or in a carrier, and if possible please bring a copy of your pet’s vaccination record. Please be advised that: 1. Pets must be at least three months of age to receive a rabies vaccination. 2. Proof of previous rabies vaccination must be provided to receive a three-year Certificate, otherwise a one-year certificate will be issued. 3. All dogs, cats, and ferrets must be restrained using a leash and/or pet carrier. 4. No person shall be allowed to have more than three pets in line at one time. For more information call (716) 961-6800 or www.erie.gov/ health, or Legislator Peter J. Savage III (D-Buffalo) neighborhood district office at (716) 832-0493.
Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015
Dr. Rose to Deliver Hilbert College’s MLK Commemoration Lecture Dr. Tricia Rose will deliver the 6th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Lecture on Thursday, January 29 at 4 p.m. at the Colleges William E. Swan AuDr. Rose ditorium. A reception and book signing will follow. For more information or to make reservations contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at oma@hilbert.edu or (716)926-8835.
Legislator Betty Jean Grant to Host MLK Day Event
Majority Leader, Legislator Betty Jean Grant will provide information on opportunities to enhance the quality of life for residents in the community during an “I Have A Dream: A Day of Focus on the Future,” Monday, January 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fillmore Leroy Area Residents Center FLARE), 307 Leroy Avenue.
Wednesday January 21
Wednesday January 21
Monday January 26
JOB FAIR: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Downtown Library, 1 Lafayette Square.
Community Forum on Foster Care: 5-7:45 p.m., Merriweather Library, Jefferson @ E. Utica; hosted by We Are Women Warriors; for info. Legislator Grant @ 602-5877 or Karla Thomas @ 894-0914.
FLARE MLK Event featuring Legislator Betty Jean Grant: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., 307 Leroy Ave.
Betty Jean Grant & We Are Women Warriors present “A Community Discussion on Foster Care & Elder Care” 5:30 – 7:45pm at Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave . info 602-5877 or 894-0914 Special Meeting of Board of Trustee’s of the Charter School of Inquiry (CSI) at 12 noon at 404 Edison St Board of Westminster Community Charter School Meeting 3pm at M&T Bank One M&T Plaza 19th floor 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.
SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Thursday January 22 Health and Healing Circle: 2-4 pm 70 Harvard Place; for info: myhealthyadvantage@ yahoo.com or call 218-0373. 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 Friday January 23 The Golden Cup Documentary Series: 5-7 pm., “Selma,” 883 Jefferson Ave. Discussion will follow with coffee. 8837770. Saturday January 24 New York State Golden Glove Boxing: 5pm. first bout.
Meeting of the Aloma D. Johnson Charter School Board of Trustee’s 6pm at 15 Jewett Parkway. 856-4390 African Consciousness Workshop: 6-7:45 p.m., Merriweather Library; Jefferson @ Utica; every Monday. Tuesday January 27 Film Preview: Mission to Moscow,7 PM at El Buen Amigo, 114 Elmwood Avenue. Admission is free. Wednesday January 28 Big Brother Big Sisters of Erie County Big Mixer and Information and Networking; 5:30- 7:30pm at Providence Social, 490 Rhode Island Street rsvp bigs@beafriend. org or call 873-5833 ext 240 more info www.beafriend.org
Free Home Ownership Event: PEACE Outreach for Survi10am -2pm at Bennett High vors of Homicide Victims at School, 2885 Main st. to reg- 608 William St. info 842-8700 or 218-5596 or www.PeaceT:10.25” ister 851-4361 for more info buffalo.org 828-8413
Rally and Press Conference to Save Bennett High School!
The Bennett Alumni Association, parents, students, elected officials and community leaders will host a rally and press conference to save Bennett High School on Thursday, January 22 at 4 p.m. in the Bennett High School Lobby, 2885 Main Street.
Legislator Betty Jean Grant Rob Harris, CEO Youth Prison Prevention Project And
We Are Women Warriors Present
"YOUTH PRISON PREVENTION MOVIE" DATE:
Weds. Feb. 18th, 2015
TIME:
5:30 PM
PLACE:
Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library 1324 Jefferson Avenue
The film asks 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:
Karima Amin (Prisoners are People Too) Eve Shipens (School Teacher) LaToya Reid (Youth Mentor) Dr. Willie Underwood (Cancer Patient Surgeon/Community Activist) Minister Daveed 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) Arlee Daniels (Community Activist and Youth Mentor) WE WILL ALSO HAVE A SPECIAL GUEST YOUTH PANEL!!!
For more info please call Rob Harris 716-563-5515
This film was commissioned by Buffalo State College and The Anne Frank Project
“The motorcycle overturned on my leg. Without health
T:5.5”
insurance, I would have been bankrupt.” –Amy, Troy, NY
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. ”
Don’t waste a minute. Find your plan at nystateofhealth.ny.gov. Or call 1-855-355-5777.
Proofreader Nb: NHYAHCH44000
©2014 NY State of Health
English HALF PG
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Challenger Community News • January 21, 2015