Challenger Community News June 17, 2021 by Challenger Community News

T U E S D AY J U N E 2 2 I S P R I M A RY E L E C T I O N D AY. D O N ’ T F O R G E T T O V O T E ! W E W E A R T H E M A S K !

June 17, 2021 | FREE | thechallengernews.com | Community News

BLACK FATHER’S MATTER! A Heartfelt Father’s Day Wish For All That You Do!

INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

ROCHESTER SET TO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH! ROC Juneteenth 5K. Please join us on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm for the 5th Annual ROC Juneteenth 5K. This year we will be offering both LIVE and VIRTUAL options. The live race is being limited to 200 participants maximum and will take place in Rochester, New York at Genesee Valley Park, located along the Genesee River. rochesterheritagesite.org We continue to commemorate over 400 years of Perseverance 1619- present. ROC Juneteenth supports the work for equal justice through our dedication with our Run/Walk for Ahmaud Arbrey. Ahmaud, a black 25 year old young man who was pursued without cause and fatally shot in Glen County, Georgia on February 23, 2020 by 3 white men. We use the hashtag #irunwithmaud to demonstrate our support for justice for Ahmaud Aubrey.

•The Strong National Museum of Play , 1 Manhattan Square, will present free Juneteenth programming from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 19 The opening ceremony for the Strong National Museum of Play will include a drum call and performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” ; Black Storytelling League of Rochester will perform at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The YMCA Dreamseeds Jazz Band will play at noon and 1 p.m. Local authors Leslie C. Youngblood and Nykki Matthews will make appearances from 11 a.m. to noon and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., respectively. the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at 2 p.m. Visitors, who should use the museum's Howell Street entrance, also will be invited to make Juneteenth-themed crafts, help create a community mural and go on a self-guided Black History Artifact Tour in the museum’s exhibits. Common Ground Health will offer walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations throughout the event. •The ROC Freedom Riders bicycling group is hosting its annual 10-mile Juneteenth Bike Ride on June 19 starting at 10 a.m. from Howell Street near The Strong National Museum of Play and end at the museum around 12:30 p.m. The event is free. •A Juneteenth Mother and Daughter Walk starts at 10 a.m. June 19 at the Maplewood Park playground, 107 Bridge View Drive. In addition to the walk, the free event, which runs through 11:30 a.m., will offer information on building healthy mother-daughter relationships and the history of Juneteenth. The walk is being presented by Beautifully Made and Sankofa Family Counseling. For more, go to youarebeautifullymade.org. •A Juneteenth Celebration and Teen Poetry Slam starts at 6 p.m. June 19 in Highland Bowl, 1137 South Ave. Participant registration closes June 16. Fifteen contestants will compete for cash prizes of $50, $100 and $300. The event, presented by Save Rochester — Black Lives Matter, is free. For more, visit the Save Rochester Facebook page. •The 2021 Roc Juneteenth 5K Run/Walk starts at 1 p.m. June 19 in Genesee Valley Park, 1000 E. River Road, Rochester. People may register at juneteenth5k.itsyourrace.com. The cost is $25 ($30 the day of) plus a $3.25 fee. There also is a virtual 5K option. The town of Irondequoit and the Irondequoit Commission Advancing Racial Equality are hosting a Juneteenth event starting at 6 p.m. Friday, June 18, on the Town Hall campus, 1280 Titus Ave. feature music — including a performance by Womba Africa Drumming — speeches, crafts and food trucks. For more, visit the town’s website, irondequoit.org.

Black storytelling League of Rochester

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

HAPPY JUNETEENTH!

EXPERIENCE SOME OF THIS WEEKEND'S EVENTS!

FRIDAY JUNE 18: •A concert to celebrate Juneteenth and freedom at the Buffalo Museum of Science, 1020 Humboldt Pkwy.,7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.Registration/Tickets available via our website: buffalojuneteenth.com FREE, but must have ticket to enter. Masks will be required and social distancing will be in effect. Capacity is limited. •Africa's Gift To The World Art And Sculpture Exhibit 1-7 p.m. on Juneteenth weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday June 18,19 and 20 at Juneteenth Headquarters, 1517 Genesee at Moselle. It will also be open the following weekend June 25,26,27. The time 1-7pm each day.( See article this page).

"The Continual Evolution OF JUNETEENTH"

uneteenth -A Celebration of Freedom! Buffalo marks its 46th consecutive festival this year.

Although virtual for the second time in its history due to Covid, this year it is also supported by elements of the traditional outdoor festival with more great in-person and outdoor historical cultural and entrepreneurial events! This year’s theme "The Continual Evolution of Juneteenth" is fitting, as we are witnessing this Freedom celebration continue to grow and expand even in the midst of uncertainty. Last year Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation into law last October that made Juneteenth a State Holiday. This year 2021 we celebrate the first Juneteenth as an official state holiday. Additionally in Buffalo, Mayor Brown announced that for all City of Buffalo employees Juneteenth is also a paid holiday. And on Tuesday the Senate unanimously passed a resolution establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, a US holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Ahead of the Game Buffalo is a long way from Galveston, Texas where Juneteenth was birthed in 1865. But this culturally rich community in upstate New York has been celebrating Juneteenth for almost 50 consecutive years. It is one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country. It all began in 1976. That was the year America was preparing to celebrate its bi- Centennial. The BUILD organization of Buffalo, a leading civil/human rights organization which was at the time headed by William “Bill” Gaiter, sought to find a culturally relevant alternative to the country's Bicentennial Celebration. Historical research led to the discovery of the history of Juneteenth. The group blocked off part of Jefferson Avenue - the "Main Street" of Buffalo's Black community -- for a weekend celebration. That same year the Festival of Juneteenth was launched. After several years, the Juneteenth Festival outgrew Jefferson Avenue and was moved. It's now held in Martin Luther King Jr. Park at the intersection of Best Street and Fillmore Avenue. At one time the festival drew upwards of 10,000 people during the 2-day event.

•Community Clean Up 9:30am-11am with Canisius College, Juneteenth HQ 1517 Genesee Artists Pop Up www.BuyblackBuffalo,com SATURDAY JUNE 19 Join The Buffalo Juneteenth Festival, The African American Heritage Corridor, and The FreeTHEM Walkers for a celebration of a lifetime. Walk the last mile of Freedom with the FREETHEM Walkers into our historic corridor while being led by General of the New Orleans second line dance, Michelle Gibson for an AMAZING Celebration. Here are times you should know: 11am- Meet at City Hall 12pm- Walk to Corridor (if you need wheelchair assistance please email us: info@ projectmonashouse.com) 1:00pm- FreeTHEM Performances begins Go to projectmonashouse.com for more info • NOW YOU SEE ME opens June 19 and runs through June 25th presented by the African American Cultural Center’s Paul Robeson Theatre. Daytime and evening performances will feature characters known as "The Fam, Everybody's Momma, and Pops” (Sandra Clay, Chalma Warmley, Linda Barr, Yao Kahlil Newkirk, Tequoyah Newkirk & The Newkirk Dynasty). Tickets are $22 and may be purchased at www.YaoKahlil.com or by visiting and calling the Paul Robeson Theatre 716.884.2013. The Center/Theatre is located at 350 Masten Avenue.

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Enid Wright

AFRICA’S GIFT TO THE WORLD EXHIBIT

real treat is in store for African art lovers and those interested in African artifacts and crafts. “Africa’s Gift to the World,” an exhibit put together by retired Juneteenth Board member Enid Wright, will host treasures from at least 12 different African countries! Enid, who personally visited these countries, was a major contributor in selecting the pieces some years ago on behalf of Juneteenth of Buffalo after they received a grant to do so. The art has been in storage at least 10 years! Enid felt it was time for them to shine and to share the culture with the community. What better time than during Juneteenth? Most of the pieces in the exhibit belong to Juneteenth and are not for sale. However, Enid will have some of her personal African art and crafts on display for purchase. Enid, who is very knowledgeable about the culture, will also be on hand to discuss and answer questions about theexhibit pieces. Art, says Enid, is capable of evoking different emotions. “Sometimes we need to think about where we came from… we have a lot to be proud of and be thankful for…we’re still advancing…and surviving.” The exhibit will open from 1-7 p.m. on Juneteenth weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday June 18,19 and 20 at Juneteenth Headquarters, 1517 Genesee at Moselle. It will also be open the following weekend June 25,26,27 at the same time ( 1-7pm ) each day. You don’t want to miss it! And it’s free. Happy Juneteenth!

ENJOY THE VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE AND SUPPORTIVE LIVE EVENTS The Official 2021 Juneteenth of Buffalo Festival's 46th annual event will be a VIRTUAL experience this year with some supportive live events . Go to buffalojuneteenth.com for official event links, festival updates, official merchandise and head over to the official face book page to check out the festival on facebook.com/JuneteenthOfBuffaloFestival Also follow their official social media pages Twitter @juneteenthofbuf Instagram @JuneteenthOfBuffaloFestival Youtube @JuneteenthOfBuffaloFestival If you have questions or need more info contact their headquarters at 716 891-8801 or email them at buffalojuneteenth1976@gmail.com

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

African Heritage Food Co-Op Farmer’s Market

Receive a $25 Gift Card for Your Ideas! Help us Grow Food Policy from the Ground up in East Buffalo by Sharing your Perspective! A team of community leaders, residents, and researchers are working together to strengthen food access in East Buffalo. As we move forward, we hope to engage community residents to learn their views. Please share your views with us if you are a resident 18 years or older, the primary shopper of food in your household, and living in one of the following neighborhoods: Masten Park, Fruit Belt, Pratt-Willert, Broadway Fillmore, MLK Park, Delavan Grider, or Kensington-Bailey of East Buffalo. If you are a resident in one of these neighborhoods, you are welcome to share your ideas via a survey that will inform ways to better support Black and brown farmers and gardeners to increase access to food. Your feedback will help generate a broader understanding about the health, social connections, and networks of residents in several neighborhoods in East Buffalo. Responding to the survey will require about 1-hour of your time. You will be compensated with a $25.00 gift card. A team from the University at Buffalo Food Systems Planning and Healthy Community Lab (UB Food Lab) and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health will support community members in answering the survey; you may also see team members in your neighborhood distributing informational flyers or you may also receive an informational postcard about this survey happening in your neighborhood. If you have any questions, please email foodsystems@ap.buffalo.edu or call (716) 829-3782. If you are interested in participating, please register at: https://bit.ly/3cfGLOf We are “Growing Food Policy From the Ground Up!” -Allison DeHonney, Gail Wells, Rebekah Williams, and Come One! Come All! Samina Raja On behalf of Growing Food Policy from the The First Fruits Food Pantry Is Open! Ground Up team http://foodsystemsplanning. ap.buffalo.edu/project/growing-policy-from-the-groundup-building-deploying-andtesting-networks-to-strengthen-urban-food-systems

The African Heritage Food Co-op Farmer’s Market is now being held every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month beginning from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the corner of Ellicott & Goodrich Streets. Organic items available upon request. Face Masks required.

Offering Healthy Food Options Free To The Community

NEW TIME! Tuesdays 4-6 PM & Saturdays From 10 A.M. To 12 NOON Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, 641 Masten @ Northland No Forms To Fill Out, No Proof Of Income Or Residency Etc. Just The Blessing Of Good Food! While You’re There Check Out The Lincoln Memorial. Clothes Closet! “Fighting Food Insecurity & Meeting the Needs of The People.” Rev. George Nicholas, Pastor, Lincoln Memorial UMC Rita Hubbard Robinson, Coordinator, First Fruits Food Pantry

SUMMER HOURS @ MANNA FOR DINING IN & TAKE OUT! Tues. & Wed. 9AM - 6PM • Thurs. & Fri. 9AM -9PM Sat. & Sun. 11AM-4PM • Closed Mondays

TO PLACE YOUR ORDER CALL (716) 253-2100 or ORDER ONLINE at mannacarryout.com 633 Northland Ave. (Between Fillmore Ave. & Grider St.)

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

SUMMER HEALING On the summer solstice, June 21, the sun rises the earliest and sets the latest, giving us the longest day and the shortest night of the year. Summer is a time of joy, celebration, expansiveness, connectedness, reaching outward as we thrive on the sun’s light and the increase in yang energy. Take advantage with outdoor exercise, socializing and travel. The organs and tissues associated with summer are the heart, small intestine, gums, tongue, blood vessels and blood. Our heart is the center of compassion and stores the spirit, reflected in the brightness of the eyes and is associated with insight, love, faith and creativity. -Summer FoodsSome foods that remove residues of fat and cholesterol from the arteries: Mung beans, mung bean sprouts, sunflower sprouts, soybeans, tofu, tempeh, lentils and other legumes and peas, rye, oats, hot peppers, garlic, onion, scallion, cabbage, spinach, dandelion greens, kale, broccoli, parsley, asparagus, bell pepper, rosehip, tomato, citrus, celery, seaweeds, cucumber, almonds, walnut, sardine, Salomon, raw honey, cayenne, peppermint, ginger. Good Foods for summer: apples, watermelon, salads, sprouts, fruit, cucumber, lemons, limes. Hot spicy food including cayenne, hot peppers, fresh ginger, horseradish, black pepper. Foods to Avoid: Avoid heavy foods in summer - meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, fatty food.

Dr. Jonathan Daniels, a Buffalo Native, Joins Urban Family Practice Urban Family Practice Recently hosted a Press Conference at the 1315 Jefferson Avenue location to welcome the new pediatrician, Dr. Jonathan Daniels, to the practice. Dr. Jonathan Daniels, a Buffalo native, joins Urban Family Practice with over 20 years of experience as a pediatrician. Dr. Daniels has served as the National Medical Association president for the last two years. Immediately following the press conference, the community joined Urban Family Practice for a Health Fair. Urban Family Practice Medical Staff was available to administer vaccines, conduct blood pressure checks, and A1C screenings. Attendees may also register for primary care as new patients. Community partners, including REACH, United Healthcare, Girl Gang, Circuit Clinical, Second Chance COVID Outreach, BETC, and Maternal Stress Free Zone, will be on site to answer questions and offer assistance.

CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH

5 6 e 8 1 n , 19 ju y Juneteenth is a 156-year-old holida celebrating the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the U.S. It is celebrated on June 19 because on that date in 1865, the Union Army landed in Galveston, Texas and informed slaves that the Civil War had ended and slavery had been abolished!

G-Health cultivates hope and quality healthcare in our communities. Niagara St Bldg #2, Buffalo, NY 14201

Main Office: (716) 604-0488

FAITH & FAMILY

" 24 Hours Prayer Assembly Prayer in the Park"

"Every Setback is a Setup for a Miraculous Comeback -Part 4"

Friday, June 25, 2021 - 7:00 am until Saturday, June 26, 2021; 7:00 am.

rayer in the Park will be Live on: zoom; Facebook; facetime; Instagram "Please call in for prayer" at (716) 533-3807 (716) 603-9564 (716) 715-1969 . Please continue to pray and fast for the prayer in the park ministry; and the building church/ tabernacle for the Lord as we continue to; pray, fast and walk by faith. Ezekiel 22:30 “God looked for a man, woman, boy or girl to stand in the gap, on the wall, in the city, state, country, your home and pray!) (Matthew 16:18 upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail; thus says the lord thy god”. Exodus 20 "Keep the lord's commandments" We are still, "celebrating "19th anniversary"! Yes, all year; and, to God be the glory! *Donations are greatly appreciated & accepted. Please directly contact: the prayer in the park ministry of Buffalo & Niagara Falls, NY: especially due to the multiple heinous hate crimes we have endured, bias, discrimination, identity theft, prejudice, & theft! Please RSVP for the upcoming: "Prayer in the Park - Back in the Park Prayer Breakfast and Revival" God bless and thank you to everyone who has prayed and supported this ministry of the lord's for over 19 years! Minister Wanda L. Strong Howard, Senior servant & visionary. Minister sister Barbara Johnson Kirk, assistant to senior servant .

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

Faith Leaders Throughout Georgia Merge On State Capitol For Mass Prayer And Rally Promoting Voting Rights For All Atlanta, Georgia –Over a month after calling for a boycott of Home Depot, days after the nation witnessed Republican lawmakers in Texas follow yet another statewide racist attempt to block the voting rights of African-American voters, and with a congressional vote for the John R. Lewis Voting Right Act on the horizon, Georgia faith leaders announced a faith rally at the Georgia State Capitol’s Liberty Plaza that took place on June 8. Those organizing attending the event represent tens of thousands of Georgia parishioners and include AME Georgia Bishop Reginald Jackson; State Senator (Rev.) and Chair Georgia Black Caucus Tanya Anderson; State Representative (Rev.) Karen Bennett; State Representative Billy Mitchell; Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale, founder and Senior Pastor of the Ray of Hope Christian Church; Rev. Dr. Bernice King, CEO, The King Center; Reverend Timothy McDonald, III, Senior Pastor of the First Iconium Baptist Church, founder of the African American Ministers Leadership Council, and President of the African American Ministers In Action of People for the American Way; and Bishop Lionel Catchings, State Bishop of Georgia for Full Gospel Baptist Churches.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

Willie L. Warren

A Tribute To "Mr. Black Wall Street" Willie L. Warren Represented the concept/history of Black Wall Street in Buffalo long before it became popular, as he constantly urged Blacks to Do for Self and support their own. “He made his transition on June 13. He was 85 years young.

illie Warren journeyed from Tuskegee, Alabama to Buffalo, New York in the early 1950's. Young, gifted and Black, Willie was seeking a new horizon. A husband of 55 years, he mourned the passing of his wife, Bobbie J. Warren on March 21, 2021. Loving father of the late LaWeldon Warren, Marcus (Carmen), and Nicholas (Allison). He also leaves to cherish his memories in the hearts of his grandchildren that he adored, LaWeldon Jr., Nicholas Jr., Mason and Madison.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 18, 2021, 4PM - 7PM at THOMAS T. EDWARDS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 995 Genesee Street, where the family will receive friends Saturday June 19, 2021 at 11AM. A Homegoing Service will follow at 12 Noon. Interment St. Matthew's Cemetery. Mr. Warren was in business for many years (well over 40, maybe 50) at the helm of Warren’s Auto Service, 1001 E. Ferry Street. He served over 30 years as co-host of the Black community’s longest running radio talk show on WUFO, “The

OPEN BUFFALO: Devon Patterson, Jordan Jackson, Temara Cross, MyQuan Greer, Jillian Hanesworth. Challenger Photo

Open Buffalo, Council Member Wingo Support The People Act Voting Rights Legislation Councilmember Ulysees O. Wingo Sr .joined Open Buffalo and other concerned community stakeholders in calling on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring critical voting rights legislation for a vote in the U.S. Senate On Tuesday, June 8, the Buffalo Common Council unanimously passed a resolution sponsored by Masten District Councilmember Ulysees O. Wingo Sr. in support of the For the People Act (HR.1/S.1) in Congress. Hundreds of residents across Western New York are calling on Senate Majority Leader to Schumer bring this critical bill to a vote in the Senate. A number of community stakeholders and concerned citizens gathered for a press conference about this issue on, June 10. at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Utica Street. The For the People Act is a critical piece of legislation that would protect our democracy and expand voting access for poor, working class and people of color across the nation. Recent headlines have shown how fear mongering and misinformation have led various states to roll out voter suppression bills that threaten access to voting and weaken our democracy. The For the People Act would include the following: •Expand access to the ballot for tens of millions of Americans. •Lessen the undue influence of a small group of extremely wealthy donors by empowering small donors. •Ban what’s known as “partisan gerrymandering” where politicians draw their own district lines and instead puts in place uniform standards for congressional redistricting that include stronger protections for communities of color. •Create automatic voter registration, same-day voter registration and stop voters from being kicked off the voter rolls.

Willie L. Warren. He "counted his blessings daily, one by one."

Community Hour.” He was a GOD fearing man who praised the GOD he served for the things He’s done, as he “counted his daily blessings, one by one." He was well known for his tireless advocacy of Black entrepreneurship because, as a son of the south, he knew that a people or community cannot be free or obtain equality unless they control their own economy. As a family man he understood that just as the defense of a nation from natural calamity and external attack depends on a strong economy, defense of a family from the same things requires that a man create his own income stream. A man who totally depends on another man for money to provide for his family, places his family in jeopardy and himself in a type of de facto slavery, he concluded.. Mr. Warren was a prophet who preached the perils of a people who fail to build businesses. Indeed, economic equality is the next promised land that Mr. Warren believed we should work to reach. But he wanted us to come to the reality that no post modern Moses was going to come to lead us there. As he advanced in years exasperation could sometimes be heard in his voice. He wanted to see the once vital corridors of the Black business community such as Jefferson and Fillmore revitalized but he realized that he may not see it in his lifetime. At those times he would seem to echo Dr. King: “I may not get there with you. But I want you to know... that we as a people will get to the promised land!” The children of Israel had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years in order to free their minds from a slave mentality.

How long will it take us?

BACK IN THE DAY! Pictured (top left hand corner) is Sister Akua(left) and the legendary poet Leroi Jones (Amira Baraka) in MLK Park. The other photos depict the Juneteenth parade, which initially went down Fillmore Avenue into the park (still giving it a street festival flavor) , shortly after the festival moved from Jefferson Ave. The parade later moved to Genesee Street into te park where it continues today. Photos courtesy of the legendary Judson Price! Happy belateld 90th Birthday Mr. Price!!

Assembly Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes and Senator Kennedy Passes Bill that Grants a Retroactive Retirement Date from State and Local Retirement Systems for Cariol Horne On the final day of the New York State legislative session, lawmakers New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and New York State Senator Tim Kennedy co-sponsored a bill that passed both houses which grants a retroactive retirement date of August 5, 2010, from the New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System for Cariol Horne, which is rightfully deserved. Horne, a former Buffalo Police officer, says was fired from the department and subsequently lost her pension after intervening when a fellow officer attempted to choke a suspect. This year, Horne won a case in the New York State Supreme Court that vacated a previous ruling upholding Horne’s firing. This bill rectifies the situation by providing that within one year from the effective date of this act, Cariol Horne may file with the New York State and Local Police Retirement System an application for service retirement benefits with an effective date of retirement of August 5, 2010.

Urban Air Buffalo to Donate 100 Books on Resilience to Students at Tapestry Charter School Urban Air Buffalo has purchased 100 copies of Rerouting: Resilience Tools and Tactics written by local author Duncan Kirkwood for students at Tapestry Charter High School. Resilience is a skill that youth need more now than ever. This gift will help equip graduating seniors with the skills they will need to succeed in college. Urban Air Buffalo and Tapestry Charter School will hold a press conference at 8:30 AM at the school, 111 Great Arrow Ave, to drop off the 100 books and hear remarks from invited guests. Urban Air Buffalo is part of a national chain of children centered entertainment complexes designed to create a fun and safe atmosphere for youth to play and connect. Scheduled speakers include Principal Eric Klapper, Author Duncan Kirkwood, Urban Air Buffalo Owner Rachelle Nurse. Invited Dignitaries are NYS State Senator Tim Kennedy, US Senator Chuck Schumer

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AT COMMUNITY ACCESS SERVICES Giveaways, food trucks, music, free STI testing for attendees Community Access Services (CAS), an affiliate of Evergreen Health and a not-for-profit organization that helps communities of color in Buffalo and Erie County access healthcare, announced that it will host a Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Juneteenth is celebrated each year to commemorate June 19, 1865, a day which marked the end of slavery in the United States. “One hundred and fifty-six years later, Juneteenth continues to be a major fixture in Black culture. On June 19 of every year, we celebrate how far communities of color across the U.S. have come. We invite the community to come together to celebrate ourselves, our ancestors, our culture, and easily accessible healthcare for the Black community,” said Kimberly Brown, executive director at CAS. “The work to dismantle systemic racial inequality is far from over, and while we reflect on the past in acknowledging Juneteenth, CAS and Evergreen also look inward to address diversity, equity and inclusion within our organizations, so that we can best serve our patients and the community in an equitable way,” CAS’ Juneteenth celebration will be an in-person event with health information, giveaways for adults and children, the Dirty Bird food truck and music by DJ Eurowe, as well as linkage to healthcare services and free HIV and HCV testing for attendees. The event is free and open to the public. Current COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. Learn more about the Juneteenth celebration at CAS. ABOUT COMMUNITY ACCESS SERVICES Community Access Services (CAS) is committed to addressing the epidemic of HIV and other diseases that challenge the welfare of urban communities in Buffalo and Erie County by assuring the availability of comprehensive care services, including prevention education and treatment. ABOUT EVERGREEN HEALTH Evergreen Health fosters healthy communities by providing medical, supportive and behavioral services to individuals and families in Western New York – especially those who are living with chronic illness or who are underserved by the healthcare system.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

The Annual Home Maintenance Checklist" "Happy Father's Day" this month with a "Heartful of Love!! Well "Congrat's" again, you've closed on your "Dream Home." You have keys in your hand and now what is next, I imagine you are saying. As new and seasoned homeowners, the fun of annual and regular maintenance begins ! Let's get started" Spring: Most of the time we desire to open the windows and clear our closets. It's also a time to give your house, inside and out, a good once-over. Leaves must be raked from the winter and then place some mulch in the flowerbeds and beneath hedges. A thin layer of mulch will protect plants from drought and weeds nearby. Turn the outside faucets to make sure they are operable. If you have a contractor for these items, renew the contract at this time. Most of them will be getting busy soon. For trees, make sure branches are at a safe distance from the roof. If any are close, contact a licensed arborist (specialist on trees) for assistance. Also, National Grid can be contacted with regards to branches close to electric wires on your property/ backyards as well. Lawnmower: Keep in mind to service before use. Annual tune-up, sharpen blades, change spark plug etc. Estimated cost under $75.00. Include other tools for care of the exterior as well. Outside of Your Home - Roof: Check roof signs of loose, raised and broken shingles. Look up at the chimney for shifting bricks/motor condition Gutters/downspouts: To be cleaned two times a year. Be safe doing this yourself and ask for assistance to steady the ladder. Close to 70,000 people required medical attention. Professionals est. fee $75.00 to $225.00 Paint: Look for signs of peeling and chipping. Touch ups are good in the spring and before the end of summer. Also, give the house a "good scrub", wash windows and any exterior house items as needed. Be mindful of power washers that may damage the exterior. A garden hose will do. Use garden friendly/organic materials to protect your vegetation, flowers and wildlife as well! Sidewalks: review them for safety and correct as needed. When a tree is at the curb level and has raised / broken the concrete/blacktop, contact the city for their assistance. Also, where grass or weeds are appearing in the crevice of the sidewalk/driveway...use regular boxed salt/also salt for ice removal. You will be surprised with the easy and healthy results. Deck/Patio: Garden hose, a broom and light cleaning harmless solution is best. If it's wood, it can be treated with borate. It's as harmless as table salt. Borate is water soluble, which means rain or contact with the ground can allow it to become mobile. Let the deck dry before staining. Pool: Hire a pool specialist for service. Est cost $242.00 Inside the house: HVAC systems~ central heat and air conditioning est. biennial $348.00 Plumbing requires check for leaks,ceilings,faucets and the toilet tank flapper. Fix what you can and call a licensed plumber for assistance. Sump pump requires proper draining ~ take care before winter thaw and rainy seasons Chimney inspection annually (gases )even if not in use to keep air breathable Detectors: Smoke Alarm and carbon monoxide detectors batteries to be changed annually. As an easy reminder, consider "at daylight savings time" / "mothers day," to make the changes. Smart detectors are linked in the home to give a voice alert, not just an alarm. Enjoy your homes and surroundings more each day. Hawwao Wajed / Real Estate Salesperson~Notary askhawa@kw.com / 716~867~4377 Cell Keller Williams Realty Office: 716~ 832~3300 5500 Main Street, Wlms., New York 14221 Suite#108

1413 FILLMORE AVE.

"... To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." - Nelson Mandela 1918-2013 Anti-Apartheid Revolutionary, Political Leader, South Africa's First Black President HAPPY JUNETEENTH!! MANDELLA MARKET Jefferson & Ferry • Broadway & Jefferson

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

FULL MOON WATCH

The Full Moon June 24, Will Increase Your Intuition Intuitive powers will increase as we approach the June Full Moon on June 24. This is a time to gather and harvest things you've planted earlier this spring. Winds of Change are in the Air! The spiritual meaning of full moon June 2021 relates to good fortune, optimism and generosity. Now more than ever its time to stay in the present moment. Manifest within your heart and soul the spirit of Love and Light and send it out to the world that is filled with great darkness. As this full Moon falls close to Father’s Day I feel it’s a good time to use the analogy of what a father is in terms of how our Heavenly Father helps us. To me a father is a man who loves his children enough to let them make mistakes. A father is a guide and teacher, but he also cares enough to say “no” to his child even when he or she might hate him for it in the moment. That’s because a father tries to do the right thing, not the easy thing. I think this brings into perspective how our Heavenly Father works with us. Often we can’t understand why we didn’t get something that we worked hard at or really wanted and it’s because it was not going to be the right thing for us. Many people blame God when things go wrong. Instead think of him just like an earthly father that he loves you enough to say no. This full moon is used as a signal It's time for you to pick your intentions. Allow yourself to let go of any frustrations and don’t allow them to hold onto you. Be like water and allow yourself to flow through your day. Feel the cool of the water and the gentleness that it carries.

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free"

Frederick Doouglass

•Centered: Trading Your Plans for a Life That Matters

by Jason Brown •The Ground Breaking: An American City and the Search for Justice by Scott Ellsworth •How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith •How to Navigate White Privilege in the Workplace by S.J. Brown FNP •On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon Reed •The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America by Carol Anderson •Unceasing Militant: The Life of Mary Church Terrell by Alison Parker •The Untold Secret by Douglas E. Hopson •Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall

Here's Where You go To Vote Early EARLY VOTING IS JUNE 12-20. CITY OF BUFFALO EARLY VOTING SITES •Erie Board Of Elections Main Office 134 W Eagle St. •Buffalo Community Center 203 Sanders Rd. •St Columba-Brigid, RC 75 Hickory St •Matt Urban Center 1081 Broadway •Hennepin Center 24 Ludington St. •Delavan Grider Community Center 877 E Delavan Ave . •Salvation Army West Side Community Ctr. 187 Grant St. •Northwest Buffalo Community Center 155 Lawn Ave. •Tosh Collins Community Center 35 Cazenovia St. •Gloria J Parks Community Center 3242 Main St. Also: LACKAWANNA •Senior Citizens Center, 230 Martin Rd. CHEEKTOWAGA •Cheektowaga Senior Center, 3349 Broadway Ave. AMHERST •Amherst Senior Center, 370 John James Audobon Pkwy. HAMBURG •Moose Lodge 992, 45 Church St. KENMORE•Kenmore Municipal Bldg., 2919 Delaware EARLY VOTING DATES AND TIMES: Saturday, June 12th & Sunday, June 13th - Noon to 6PM June 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th - Noon to 9PM Saturday, June 19th & Sunday, June 20th - Noon to 6PM FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: elections.erie.gov OR CALL (716) 858-8891 NIAGARA FALLS/NIAGARA COUNTY EARLY VOTING SITES •Saint John De LaSalle Center, 8469 Buffalo Avenue •Cornell Cooperative Extension (Niagara County Fair Grounds) 4487 Lake Ave., Lockport *Both sites are accessible to voters with physical disabilities

Primary Electiom Day Is Tuesday June 22

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Juneteenth/ Fathers Day Boating Event - The Urban Rowing League is proud to

ARY HA M I

NEIGHBORHOOD SALE! Leslie’s Boutique and Anderson’s Flower Designs is having a Neighborhood Sale this Juneteenth weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday June 18,19,20 from 11 am - 5 pm just In time for Father’s Day. They’re located at 14741476 Fillmore. Stop by for great savings on items from shoes and clothing to glass ware and more!

host a special Juneteenth challenge for Dad's - which is called a Mile in the Nile, the father of African rivers beginning at 10am at Hoyt Lake. There are prizes for Dads and its free to rent the boats and participate. Contact Dewitt Lee at 716-294-7904 for information.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

SEE YOU IN NOVEMBER! Despite being knocked off the ballot in the race for City Court judge in this month’s primary, popular attorney and judicial candidate Joel C. Moore, according to his facebook page, remains optimistic, in good spirits, and proud of the 1,890 signatures he and his team collected and encourages everyone to get out and vote! “ I’m still in good spirits and I still secured the conservative line. I’m a democrat whose name will appear on the conservative line in November,” he explained. More details will follow. “ I want to thank all of the people who carried petitions for me, as well as, those who signed my petition. You can still support me in November…there are some other very important races to vote for on June 22, 2021. Please be sure to still go vote in the primaries!” Street

Legacy Photos by Darvin Adams

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

JUNEENTEENTH EVENTS CONTINUED SATURDAY JUNE 19 •Typography of Women will stream over Facebook Saturday, June 19th and Sunday, June 20th, a dramatic enactment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic commentary on racial injustice in his “Letter From A Birmingham Jail,” (See Page 18)

Other Celebratory Events Happenings During Juneteenth Weekend Outside Of The Official Virtual Juneteenth Festival Here Are Other Celebaratory Events Happening During Juneeteenth Weekend The Freedom Festival Saturday June 19 10am – 6pm The Freedom Festival 2021 at Johnnie B Wiley Sports Pavilion 1100 Jefferson Ave. The Jubilee begins at 10am at Madella Market pm East Ferry and Jefferson with a parade that will make its way up Jefferson to the Johnny B. Wiley Stadium. The festival will take place at the stadium from 12noon until 6pm where there will be live entertainment, food trucks and vendors to celebrate our independence day. For more info contact ourfreedomfest@gmail.com June 19 5pm -6:30pm The Michigan Street Baptist Church 511 Michigan Ave Commemorative celebration for Bishop William Henderson With Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Celebrating the legacy and life of Historian Bishop and Leader with song, words of life and video footage Saturday June 19 Girl Gang Entertainment Supporting Black Owned Businesses through a Unique Poolside Picnic ‘N Paint Event We are supporting all local small businesses! -Paint session facilitated by The Left Handed Bandit -Charcuterie boards: Board In Buffalo -Wine: Paradise Wine Info and ticket price options at: picnicnpaint.eventbrite.com and follow them on social media @GirlGangEnt Wakanda Alliance Celebrates Juneteenth and will lead conversations to connect Juneteenth and Kwanzaa by highlighting the 7 Principles for each month in between. This is a continual virtual highlight . Find out more on Facebook and Instagram - The Wakanda Alliance and www.thegalactictribe.org." Sunday June 20 12 noon BSuite Podcast celebrates Juneteenth and the FreeTHEM walkers with a live in person event . outside at the Northland Workforce Training Center 683 Northland where you can hear all about the FreeTHEM Walk and meet the walkers! Visit @bsuitepodcast.com and follow their links on social media @bsuiteposdcast RSVP required . Seating Limited . . 6pm- The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, 825 Depot Ave and The FreeTHEM Walk team captain Kelly Diane Galloway will be hosting an up-close conversation with overcomer, author and motivational speaker Cyntoia Brown about her victorious story, her book with music by @drea_dnur! Purchase your tickets at www.thefreethemwalk.com or buy them at the door on the day of the event! Follow them on social media @niagarafallsugrr Continued Page 16

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

Did you know a major way to celebrate Juneteenth includes listening to lectures and visiting exhibits on African American culture, to help instill a sense of heritage and pride in Black youth. The EOC was created over 50 years ago by Deputy Speaker Arthur O Eve and his colleagues to ensure that economically disadvantaged individuals have an opportunity to obtain their educational and vocational goals. Contact our Admissions office at 645-1900 (buffalo.edu/eoc) for information on how to apply, also staff will be available onsite for in-person applications by appointment only.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

Buffalo Freedom Gardens Commemorating Juneteenth June 25 and 26! To free yourself, you must feed yourself.” Buffalo Freedom Gardens is commemorating Juneteenth on Friday, June 25 and Saturday June 26th with two initiatives. On June 25th at 4pm in the Jesse Clipper Park located on Michigan and William, as part of the Just Buffalo Literary Center’s “Civil Writes Project” Grassroots Gardens, the CopperTown Block Club and Freedom Gardens will be reading books to children that teaches them about the Underground Railroad. Each child will receive two free books, Frederick Douglass, The last day of slavery, and the Patchwork Path and will be given seeds and tools to start their own garden! On Saturday, June 26th Freedom Gardens volunteers will be distributing Earth Boxes to the 2021 Buffalo Freedom Garden recipients. If you would like to assist contact Gail Wells at yourfreedomgarden@gmail.com

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

JUNETEENTH 2018:Happy scenes

from Juneteenth 2018 above. That following year, 2019, would be the last time we were able to come together as a community for a traditional celebration because of the Covid Pandemic. But Juneteenthfh continued "virtually in 2020. This year, 2021, our 46th consecutive year of the Freedom Festival, the virtual celebration continues but with a lot more great in-person events. Looking forward to seeing you in the park next summer for one amazing reunion! Happy Juneteenth

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

Typography of Women Honors Juneteenth 2021 by Presenting a Dramatic Enactment of Letter From A Birmingham Jail: If Martin Luther King, Jr. Were Here Today And The Spirit of African Dance in America On this year’s Juneteenth weekend, Saturday, June 19th and Sunday, June 20th, Typography of Women will stream over Face Book a dramatic enactment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic commentary on racial injustice in his “Letter From A Birmingham Jail,” written during his 11 days of imprisonment in Birmingham, Alabama, dated April 16, 1963. It is considered by many to be a benchmark moment in the civil rights movement of the 1960’s. Dr. King’s letter is as relevant today as it was in 1963 amid protests of police brutality, unfair wages, inadequate housing and outright discrimination illustrated by the “White Only” signs in hotels, motels, and restaurants and segregated seating on busses. The letter is six full type-written pages that were ultimately published into a small book for distribution. Typography of Women’s production acknowledges this relevancy by bringing two Dr. King’s to the stage. The King of 1963 and the King of 2021 supporting the Black Lives Movement and its declaration that police brutality and the racial injustice that prevails in our nation must stop. Both civil rights movements were held together by a cross section of people, across all ages and races as we witness today watching the Black Lives. Matter peaceful protests. Dr. King also stated that Freedom songs were/are integral to the movement offering strength, courage, and comfort to his followers and allies. In this production, actor, poet, musician, Brandon Williamson portrays Dr. King, 2021 and the multitalented Gabriel Robere delivers the portrayal of Dr. King, 1963. Mary Craig, a long-standing, respected member of our theater community offers the Freedom

songs accompanied by another highly regarded musician, Abdul Rahman Qadir. The production also showcases the musical talent of Lorenzo Parnell, a talented young stage performer from our own Queen City. Following the Birmingham Letter presentation, Ntare Gault, PhD, a poet, playwright, and author will lead a conversation on Dr. King’s letter that will be open to anyone on Face Book who would like to participate in the discussion. Although born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Ntare is now a lecturer

at Arizona State University in Africana Studies, where his wife, Erica Gault, PhD, is also a professor. On this year’s Juneteenth weekend, Saturday, June 19th and Sunday, June 20th, Typography of Women will stream over Face Book a dramatic enactment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic commentary on racial injustice in his “Letter From A Birmingham Jail,” hosted by Just Buffalo Literary Center as part of their 2021 Babel Series. His novel, The Water Dancer, takes place in pre-civil war America and

centers on Hiram Walker, a mixed-race slave who possesses superhuman powers that allow him to transport himself and others across vast geographic distances (conduction). This ability is triggered by thoughts of his mother who was taken and sold when he was a young boy and he discovers he can remember her and see her dancing in water as a result of his superpower and his gift of a photographic memory. He meets and gets involved with Moses (Harriet Tubman) and the Underground Railroad. Robin and Griot Saar will offer some insight and history on the spiritual connection of traditional African dance and its layers of rhythms in African song and dance. Both presentations are free, Face Book live events and made possible with a grant from Just Buffalo Literary Center Civil Writes Project and in-kind support from the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. Typography of Women is a project created by artist and arts advocate Celeste M. Lawson as a vehicle to express aspects of the human condition through the cultural arts. Typography of Women’s production of Letter From A Birmingham Jail: If Martin Luther King, Jr. Were Here Today, was conceived and directed by Celeste M. Lawson.

Blanc Photographie

The Community’s Portrait & Event Photographer. 716.319.8979 • Facebook: Blanc Photographie • Instagram: @blanc_photographie

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Present. Represent. Celebrate creative progress. The Langston Hughes Center for the Visual and Performing Arts and its founders revolutionized access to the arts for young people. Their collective vision was part of an emergence of legendary black cultural institutions in the 1960s and 1970s.

Clockwise from left: James Pappas, Allie Anderson, Clarence Scott, Hal Franklin, Wilhelmina Godfrey

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

AREA BRIEFS

Democracy for America Endorses India Walton for Mayor One of America’s Largest Progressive Organizations Throws its Support Behind Walton as Early Voting Begins Democracy for America (DFA), a member-driven, peoplepowered organization with more than a million members nationwide, recently announced its endorsement of India Walton’s campaign for Mayor of Buffalo.

Antoine M. Thompson and Tracey Webb will exchange wedding vows on Saturday.

Wedding Congratulations!

Antoine M. Thompson and Tracey Webb will exchange wedding vows on Saturday, June 19 in Buffalo. Both are originally from the Queen City. Ms. Webb is a graduate of Performing Arts, and University of Buffalo (bachelor of Science) and Georgia State University (MBA). She has spent most of her adult life and career as a project manager in Atlanta. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Mr. Thompson is a graduate of Bennett High School and SUNY Brockport (Bachelor of Science). He was elected as a New York State Senator for the 60th District and Masten District Council Member for the Buffalo Common Council. In 2021 Antoine was rated as one of Swanepoel 200’s Most Powerful People in the real estate industry in the U.S. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. The power couple are highly regarded as leaders in politics and in the real estate industry. They also own a consulting firm “Creative PMO Solutions.” The beautiful couple first met as youth at Cradle Beach Camp in Angola, NY. Congratulations!

Michael Johnson Named Director of Government & Community Relations for Roswell Park Michael Johnson has been named Director of Government & Community Relations for Roswell Park Johnson has worked in public service and community engagement for over three decades. He previously served as the regional director for the Office of the New York State Comptroller and, before that, Chief of Staff and Communications Director for then-State Senator Byron Brown. In his new role with the cancer center, Johnson has made it his goal to address health disparities in communities of color. His projects since joining Roswell Park have focused on education and outreach around COVID-19, and working with physicians and researchers to expand education efforts in colorectal and prostate cancers — two diseases that disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic/Latinx men. “I have seen the devastating effects cancer has had on members of my family and community,” says Johnson. “I hope to do all I can in this position to prevent or mitigate that for future generations.” Johnson is a graduate of SUNY Buffalo State College and lives in Buffalo with his wife and children.

“India Walton is exactly the type of leader that Buffalo needs right now. She is deeply connected to her community through her work as both a public school nurse and as a leader in building affordable housing. India is part of a new generation of leaders who are willing to take on politics as usual to do what is right. Democracy for America is proud to endorse her campaign and help her win on June 22nd,” stated Chris Scott, Chief Political Officer of Democracy for America. “With more than 400 volunteers and over 2,300 individual donations, we are running a truly grassroots campaign. It is an honor to receive the endorsement of Democracy for America, one of the biggest grassroots political organizations in the country,” said Walton. “We are running a different kind of campaign, one that’s not beholden to real estate developers or corporate interests, but one that answers directly to the people. After 15 years of failed leadership, it’s time for change in Buffalo.” DFA joins a number of other national organizations that have endorsed Walton’s campaign, including the Working Families Party, Run for Something, Her Bold Move, Elect Black Women, Grassroots Law Project, Our City Action Buffalo and more.

NATIVITYMIGUEL MIDDLE SCHOOL'S

ICE CREAM SOCIAL!

NativityMiguel Middle School of Buffalo is accepting applications for rising 5th and 6th graders. Come enjoy free ice cream & learn about our school at our ice cream social on Friday, June 25th!

FREE ICE CREAM FREE BOOKS FREE SWAG FRIDAY JUNE 25TH, 4-6PM NATIVITYMIGUEL ST. MONICA CAMPUS 26 WRIGHT AVE, BUFFALO BEHIND ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH

WWW.NATIVITYMIGUELBUFFALO.ORG | (716) 836-5188

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

In Honor of the 156th Juneteenth Celebration

THE MCKELVEY FAMILY Pays Homage to our Brave and Resilient Ancestors

Rubie Carlis-McKelvey, M.A. NYS Certified School Psychologist @ Performing Arts 450 Masten Ave. Buffalo, New York 14209 rmckelvey@buffaloschools.org

Terrence D. McKelvey Attorney at Law 181 Franklin Street Suite #301 Buffalo, New York 14202 terryatty@yahoo.com

(716)816-4220

(716)424-2070

“

It’s okay to be uncertain – nothing about the past year has been easy – but take time to find the answers to your questions and

stay informed.”

– Dee Johnson Witness Project

STAY SAFE. STAY SMART. GET VACCINATED.

RoswellPark.org/StartToHeal

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

Although the continuing pandemic prevented us from celebrating many of the Juneteenth events together during this 46th year in Buffalo, we still raised our flag in Niagara Square and are appreciative of the important virtual events that have been created. The national theme for 2021 is “The Continual Evolution of Juneteenth," and this year, for the very first time, I am proud to remind everyone that Juneteenth will be a paid holiday for all City of Buffalo employees - the most diverse workforce that has been employed in our City’s history. I also asked that other institutions assume their responsibility to help eliminate racial inequities and injustices, because change will only come if all of us work together. JUNETEENTH IS A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM AND A CELEBRATION OF BLACK LOVE. On this Juneteenth, I ask all Buffalo residents to reflect on the many ways a diverse and inclusive community enhances and enriches the lives of all of our residents. We have made significant progress, but there is still more work to be done, and I am respectfully requesting your continued support and your vote for me to lead the City of Buffalo for four more years.

ANY QUESTIONS? NEED A RIDE TO THE POLLS?

CALL 716.331.3521 Paid for by Brown for Buffalo

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

Roswell Park Employee Leaders Highlight the Meaning Behind Juneteenth Nearly 160 years after news of the national prohibition of slavery finally reached enslaved African Americans in Texas in June 1865, the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center team will come together for a day of celebration and reflection. While this year’s Roswell Park Juneteenth event is open only to Roswell Park employees and patients due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the team organizing the celebration is seizing this moment as an opportunity for education and coming together. “This will be our biggest Juneteenth celebration ever,” says Myia Cheatom, Special Events Program Manager for the African American Roswell Employee Network (AREN), an employee engagement group at the cancer center whose mission is to improve quality of life for all African Americans within the community. “Juneteenth is about my ancestors’ history and it is important to educate others on what it is and why it means so much to our culture.” These AREN leaders embrace the opportunity to share the history and resonance of Juneteenth with Roswell Park patients and team members. Juneteenth should serve as a reminder that it’s up to all of us to be part of the solution, for all of us to celebrate the holiday regardless of whether you identify as Black,” says Candy Doyle, Executive Secretary for Roswell Park’s Department of Internal Medicine and Executive Secretary, Communications Specialist of AREN. “It’s a call to action and it’s more important than ever because we’re still working toward racial and economic justice in this country as a whole. Just because slavery has been abolished, it doesn’t mean the work to end systematic racism is done.” One of AREN’s focuses is to highlight the progressively diverse and inclusive environment within Roswell Park and to support employees in all aspects of their culture, historical significance and societal relevancy. Throughout the year, Roswell Park hosts heritage and cultural celebrations to promote and highlight the diversity of the employees and staff within the center. Carl Thomas, Chief Organizational and Community Liaison for the cancer center and Vice President of AREN, has been with Roswell Park for more than 40 years and has seen the changes happening around cultural heritage and celebrations both inside the center and across the Buffalo area. “It is important for Roswell Park as a community of people to acknowledge the heritage of the people who work here and their cultural history,” he says. “It’s extremely important to me to know my employer cares about what matters to me most and my well-being,” adds Cheatom. Roswell Park’s Juneteenth celebration will feature dance and drumming by performers from the African American Cultural Center, poetry readings, a live onsite broadcast from WUFO-FM Power 96.5, and comments from AREN leaders as well as Roswell Park President and CEO Candace S. Johnson, PhD. While this year’s event will be only for Roswell Park employees, the organizers say it sends a strong message to the community at large that all are welcome, accepted and celebrated. In celebration of Juneteenth, Roswell Park also is creating a video highlighting historic sites along the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, to be shared on platforms including social media. “I cannot wait to see how we’re going to grow together and be bigger and stronger and better,” Doyle says. “Roswell Park is going to help the community and remain a beacon.”

“If the cruelties of slavery could not stop us, the opposition we now face will surely fail. Because the goal of America is freedom, abused and scorned tho’ we may be, our destiny is tied up with America’s destiny.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Hon. Shirley Troutman, Co-Chair Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission Associate Justice Appellate Division 4th Dept.

26 INSIDE ROCHESTER

GUEST SPEAKER: Julian Radney will be the guest speaker during the Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church CL Bullock Scholarship Sunday 10am Worship Service on Sunday, June 27.

J.U.S.T. L.A.W. Student Essay Winners to be Recognized at Virtual Awards Ceremony J.U.S.T. L.A.W. Student Essay Winners to be Recognized at Virtual Awards Ceremony - J.U.S.T. L.A.W., an initiative designed to promote better understanding between court officials and city youth, held its third annual awards ceremony June 15 to recognize the 12 students selected as 2020-2021 essay contest winners. The virtual ceremony took place via Zoom.

L.A.W) is a collaborative effort between the City of Rochester, the 7th Judicial District, radio station 103.9 FM WDKX, the Rochester Black Bar Association and the Rochester City School District. The initiative provides an opportunity for students in grades 6–9 to interface with judges and other court officials in an effort to better educate them about the U.S. legal system.

The event was co-hosted by Mayor Lovely A. Warren, the Honorable Craig J. Doran, 7th Judicial District Administrative Judge and Rochester City School District Superintendent Dr. Lesli Myers-Small.

During Tuesday’s virtual ceremony, each of the 12 honorees will recite their winning essays. Invited guests include parents, school principals, judges, Hall of Justice employees and members of the Rochester Police Department.

Justice, Understanding, Societal Trust and Literacy, Attendance, Writing (J.U.S.T.

Over the course of the program, judges from the 7th Judicial District visited

TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY

Julian, Assistant Director, Office of Admissions at Louisiana State University, is the son of George and Delores Radney of Rochester.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

students at 10 city schools to discuss how the justice system works and the role it plays in the community. Students shared their perspectives and experiences with the justice system, fostering an important dialogue between the court officials and participating youth. Following the school visits, students were asked to write a 250-word essay on the topic, “What Justice Means to Me.” 12 winners were chosen to mirror the 12-member jury selection process. The 2020-2021 J.U.S.T. L.A.W. student winners are: •Elizabeth Soffa, 6th grade, Francis Parker School 23 •Gregory Harvey, 7th grade, Nathaniel Rochester Middle School •Maeve Caine, 7th grade, World of Inquiry School 58 •Javier Sosa, 7th grade,

land Shelter. For more information or to RSVP, please send an email to: info@ rbbalaw.org. School administrators or students who would like more information about J.U.S.T. L.A.W. should contact Liliana Ruiz at (585) 428-7045.

MALIKEVANS

FOR M AYOR

My administration will be transparent and accountable to every resident of our city. By doing the following, we will build a Rochester where our people don’t just survive, but thrive: Attracting and Creating Jobs that pay a living wage and lead to fulfilling careers and secure families

Implementing Community First Public Safety to serve all residents with compassion and make our city safer

Advancing Economic Empowerment for all by expanding homeownership and helping residents build generational wealth

Restoring Trust and Transparency to City Hall by being honest and accountable to the public in good times and bad

“I am running for Mayor because I believe we must bridge the divides in our community.” Paid for by the Committee to Elect Malik Evans

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World of Inquiry School 58 •Aniya Lewis, 7th grade, World of Inquiry School No. 58 •Wadah Saeed, 7th grade, Dr. Charles T. Lunsford School No. 19 • Amari McGee, 7th grade, Dr. Charles T. Lunsford School No.19 •Yarielys Castro-Lopez, 7th grade, Dr. Charles T. Lunsford School No. 19 •Kenarvis Hurst, 7th grade, Anna Murray-Douglass Academy School No. 12 • Timyra Lovett, 8th grade, Anna Murray-Douglass Academy School No. 12 •Shavonne Burrows, 8th grade, Anna Murray-Douglass Academy School No. 12 • Yeriel Benitez, 8th grade, Anna Murray-Douglass Academy School No. 12 The students will receive a certificate of mayoral recognition, a J.U.S.T. L.A.W. medal of honor, an Amazon Fire tablet and a check for $103.90 at the J.U.S.T. L.A.W. mentor/mentee pairing event 1–4 p.m., Sat., June 19 at Ellison Park’s Is-

Vote in the Democratic Primary Election

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 POLLS OPEN 6AM – 9PM

WWW.MALIKEVANS.ORG 5/18/21 12:12 PM

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

Senate Unanimously Passes a Bill Making Juneteenth a Federal Holiday The Senate unanimously passed a resolution on Tuesday establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, a US holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The legislation has gained momentum since the massive Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd last year and the Democrats' takeover of the White House and Congress. But Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson blocked the bill in 2020, saying that the day off for federal employees would cost US taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Johnson dropped his objection this week despite his concerns, paving the way for the bill's passage in the Senate. "Although I strongly support celebrating Emancipation, I objected to the cost and lack of debate," said Johnson in a statement. "While it still seems strange that having taxpayers provide federal employees paid time off is now required to celebrate the end of slavery, it is clear that there is no appetite in Congress to further discuss the matter." The measure needs to pass the House and be signed by President Joe Biden to become law. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer tweeted that the chamber would vote Wednesday. "I look forward to bringing this bill to the Floor, and urge bipartisan support," Hoyer wrote thanking the bill's bipartisan sponsors. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, the end of slavery in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. In 1980, Juneteenth became a Texas state holiday. In the decades since, every state but South Dakota came to officially commemorate Juneteenth, but only a handful of states observe it as a paid holiday.

TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY New York State Senate, 63rd District

Juneteenth, now recognized as an official holiday across New York State, has been a long standing celebration of freedom in the Buffalo community for decades. It’s a great honor to celebrate such an integral part of our nation’s history. CONTACT MY OFFICE: Address: 37 Franklin Street, Suite 550 Phone: 716-826-2683 Email: kennedy@nysenate.gov Website: KennedyJobs.com

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

Platform for Progressive Change

"I am Prepared to Make a Bold Impact as Erie County’s First Black Sheriff "

By Myles Carter

orn and raised in Western New York, I am a fervent community builder, organizer, activist, intrapreneur, entrepreneur, and change agent. I have survived police brutality, homelessness, the wicked Erie County Foster Care system, lived in a domestic violence shelter with my six siblings, and helped my mother overcome her longtime battle with drug addiction. Because of the cards I was dealt early on, I was forced to advocate on my family’s behalf. These experiences have shaped me into the dedicated community advocate that I’ve become. I’m also a volunteer chaplain at the Erie County jails, motivational speaker, notary public, and a father of five amazing children. I am endorsed by Democratic Socialists of America, and I am prepared to make a bold impact as Erie County’s first Black sheriff. There’s a huge misconception that a law enforcement background is needed to become Erie County Sheriff. (The sheriff--like the mayor who oversees the Buffalo Police Department without a law enforcement background--is a policy making elected official.) For decades, the law enforcement mindset has driven Erie County jails and our community into a state of despair. What’s needed for true progressive change is an outsider that is a humanitarian, visionary, and a caring leader. As Erie County Sheriff, my ultimate goal will be to create a system of accountability, equality, and equity for the entire department. I will work to create a safe, just, diverse, and inclusive county. Most of the $126 million annual sheriff's department budget is spent on our jails, so jail reconstruction will be one of my primary areas of focus. On day one, I will implement Cariol’s Law to ensure deputies have a duty to intervene when a colleague uses excessive force or breaks the law. Additionally, I will halt the cruel practice of solitary confinement; further deprioritize marijuana; and ensure that incarcerated women at the jails are supervised by women, in response to the astronomical number of assault cases. Throughout the years, department funds have been spent unnecessarily on excessive employee overtime and countless misconduct and negligence lawsuits. Those are monies that can be allocated into our community to provide education, job training, mental health services, and other vital programs. Furthermore, with the abundance of missing persons cases in Erie County, the sheriff’s department has no missing persons list or task force. As sheriff, the implementation of these critical measures will be paramount. As a chaplain at the county jails, I’ve witnessed firsthand the utter disregard for humanity. Incarcerated humans have been maliciously targeted and subjected to inadequate services, neglect, brutality, and death at the hands of law enforcement. Since 2015, under Howard’s

command, there have been 36 reported deaths at the county jails. In 2019 alone, there were 400 instances of sexual assault and abuse that the sheriff’s department failed to report. India Cummings was a 26-year-old woman who died a horrific death at the Erie County Holding Center in 2016. The New York State Commission of Corrections Medical Review Board found the medical and mental health care Cummings received at the ECHC was "so grossly in- Image Caption: Myles Carter Leads Rally at Erie County competent and inadequate as Holding Center on June 9, Alongside Cariol Horne, Geneva to shock the conscience." Yet, Reed-Veal (Mother of Sandra Bland), and other no one was fired or arrested, Community Advocates. Image Tito Ruiz and my opponents have yet to acknowledge her wrongful death. Long before I decided to run for sheriff, I led rallies outside of the ECHC alongside other community activists and faith-based leaders. Our mission has been to create change and demand accountability from Sheriff Tim Howard and local and state politicians for the crimes against humanity committed at the county jails. Just last week, we held rallies for three consecutive days outside of the ECHC, in which the mother of Sandra Bland partook. Our recent call to action at the ECHC arose when I received a call that Devon Cottom was transferred to the ECHC on May 19, following the riots at the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden. He has since been held in solitary confinement with no paperwork produced to justify why. Mr. Cottom lost phone privileges and was denied visits with the jail chaplain and his attorney. Furthermore, other incarcerated people have made complaints of stomach Coninued Page 29

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

VOICES

Dominique Calhoun: "I Will Fight For Programs And Funding That Beaty For Sheriff Dear Editor Will Add To The Value And Quality Of Life For Everyone" Dear Editor As a Buffalo native, an active community member, a small business owner, and a mother, I am striving to be the change I want to see in this administration. That’s why I’m running for Erie County Legislator in the First District. I know my ideas will make a difference for thousands of people, families, and small business owners throughout Erie County. As a director of my own nonprofit, Sports Unlimited of Buffalo for 7 years, I have helped thousands of children succeed through hands-on workshops that promote work ethic, structure and financial literacy. It's provided them with the tools they need to succeed.

As a community advocate in the summer of 2020 I started a petition calling for an independent community police accountability board with subpoena powers. That petition received approximately 7k signatures. I also drafted the first police reform submitted called the Coalition of Concerned Citizens to the mayor, councilmen, legislature and assembly woman. I drafted this by using interviews, focus groups and surveys of community members of all walks of life and occupations, including police officers. Thousands of people

also signed in support of the reform and contacted their officials. The NYS attorney general responded and addressed many of the things that were requested in the police reform.

As the owner of Calhoun Consulting for the past 6 years I have helped small businesses and non profits in Buffalo with accounting, grant writing, and successful program development. I believe the Covid-19 funding process for housing and small businesses set up by Erie County lacked transparency and was not allocated equitably. As Erie County Legislator, I will fight to implement more effective Covid-19 protection policies with a focus on schools, jails, and community centers through out District 1. I will implement a plan to allocate funds to renovating abandoned houses and store fronts for minority ownership to combat gentrification. I will make it a priority to fight for laws that protect residents against police brutality and I will hold the people who violate those laws accountable. I will fight for programs and funding that will add to the value and quality of life for everyone. Thank you for all of your continued support! -Dominique Calhoun

Charter Schools Provide Families with Choice of Best School for their Children By Janique S. Curry Buffalo’s charter school parents, families and supporters agree with your editorial on June 1 arguing that Westminster Community and Enterprise charter schools should remain open, and that the Buffalo School Board’s March 31 closure decision be reversed. The unacceptable alternative for the 950 K-8 students in these two schools relegates them to likely lower-performing Buffalo public schools; denies parents the access to schools of their choice; and forces disruption during an already catastrophic time for families in Buffalo’s neediest communities. Working with a statewide organization that hosts 351 open and approved public charters and their 150,000+ students, we want to make sure your readers understand how charters are funded, and why the arguments that charters “siphon” funds from the Buffalo district are false and misleading – and certainly should not be used as a rationale to close two strong schools. Charter funding is calculated according to a state formula, and the funds are distributed via public districts, which are expected to pass these funds to the charter schools for their students, based on their enrollment. The district plays the important role of confirming student enrollment, but the money paid to charters is not the district’s money. If I saw you at church and asked you to give a mutual friend the $50 I said I owed her, that $50 wouldn’t be yours, even

MYLES CARTER continued from page 28 illness, skin rashes, and stated that they have been deprived of food and medical attention. For several years, there’s been a series of local community working groups assembled to address the concerns created by systemic oppression via law enforcement and incarceration. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with them to review and discuss solutions. Even with the incre-

if you held onto it for a few days until you saw our friend. Funding for charters is no different; the state passes these funds through the district to Buffalo’s 20 charter schools for their 9,500 public school students. It may feel painful to pull out that $50 the next time you see our friend, or for the district to write the state-mandated checks to public charters serving Buffalo students, but that money was given for safekeeping, not ownership. Public resources belong to students and their families, not to districts. We should also keep in mind that the Buffalo district is receiving an additional $387 million in state and federal stimulus funds related to COVID recovery; the very timing and nature of these funds underscores the argument that this is not the time to close two well-performing charter schools. There are more, and more pressing priorities – for district students, as well as charter students – than forcing students and families to make a transition to schools not of their choosing. The idea that charter schools take away money from public education is false – especially since they are public schools themselves. What charters do is give parents choice for where and how they want their children educated. Janique S. Curry, a former Buffalo School Board member, is Community Engagement Manager for the New York Charter School Association.

mental progress that we have achieved, there is still so much work to be done. Voting for Myles Carter is a vote for the real change in the Erie County Sheriff’s Department our community so desperately needs. To learn more about Myles Carter’s platform, leadership experience, and community service please visit www.linktree. com/mylescarter

A community notification: Kimberly Beaty, candidate for Erie County Sheriff, has my vote. She is qualified-personified! I'm personally urging all who want the best person for the job to do the same. -KAT MASSEY

Why I Am Supporting Beaty for E.C. Sheriff For decades, it seems, the Erie County Hoding Center has been a topic of discussion or concern for those of us who might have been arrested or detained there or who may have had a loved one or member of our family held in the county lockup until trial or remanded to the county correctional facility in Alden, NY. We all read with sadness and disgust about the horrendous treatment endured by a young woman named India Cummings who was jailed, abused and finally murdered at the hands of her jailers for a crime of stealing a car! Not only did the current sheriff allowed this atrocity to happen under his watch, he also was the chief manager and law enforcement officer where at least 32 other detainees have died by abuse, murder or suicide. India Cummings' death was not the first one to happen in the holding center but I am sure that it is one of the few death to be declared a homicide by the NYS Department of Corrections. What Erie County needs in its next sheriff is a public servant who will be just, fair, inclusive and serve with compassion and integrity. What the residents and taxpayers of Erie County do not need is a sheriff who has already earned a record of abuse, when he was suspended by his superior for hitting a handcuffed and restrained black man under his custody in the Cheektowaga Police Dept Lockup, in 2017. Any officer of the law, who would abuse a restrained prisoner in his custody, has no right running for office to run a county facility where over 70 per cent of the detainees and inmates are minorities and around 80 per cent have mental and emotional health problems. And yet those allegations of physical abuse to a handcuffed prisoner were found out, researched and documented by several media outlets in the area. The voters of Erie County can elect a man for sheriff who has already shown his disdain for respect and decency that should be afforded to all under his care and management. Or they can elect a woman who has risen through the ranks of a male dominated law enforcement agency from street patrol to Deputy Commissioner of the Buffalo Police Department. The Voters of Erie County need to elect a sheriff with the courage to of a Cariole Horne, the community rapport of a Moe Badger, the integrity of a Justine Harris and the leadership of a Marian Bass. These are all current and former police officers, some of them were collegeaues of Erie County Sheriff candidate Kimberly Beaty. I have already voted during this June12-20th Early Voting period and I proudly cast my ballot for the next sheriff and the 1st black and female sheriff to run and manage the Erie County Holding Center and the Alden Correctional Facility. That person is Ms. Kimberly Beaty. The Primary for Democrats is Tuesday, June 22, 2021.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

From (L to R) Damian Woodall, Robert Cornelius, Omar Overstreet, Ethan Grant, Wiley Simmons III

Celebrating KeyBank’s Commitment to the Community

rom the teammates they hire and the clients they serve, to the suppliers they use and the communities that welcome them, KeyBank has a long-standing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in Buffalo and all of the communities they serve. Recently this earned KeyBank the #23 place on the 2021 DiversityInc “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” list. This commitment continues to come to life through KeyBank’s investment in Buffalo, totaling more than $729 million through its National Community Benefits Plan. KeyBank’s team of bankers leads this investment as they work to help clients each day. As our community celebrates Juneteenth, we recently spoke with five of KeyBank’s branch managers in Buffalo to highlight the work they do, their roles in our community, and the impact their service has on them and others. Ethan Grant – Manager – Chippewa Branch - 250 Delaware Avenue, Suite 120 “I was born and raised in Buffalo and I take great pride in helping build a community that I hold dear. A lot of the clients that I see are people that I know and have grown up with and it’s great to help them with their personal finances or explore solutions for small businesses. That familiarity helps me relate to and speak to them at a very comfortable level. I’ve also found that people look up to me in my role as a branch manager. I enjoy talking with people about my career path, opportunities in banking and take a lot of pride in inspiring them. I love to see people move forward both professionally and financially.”

We are pleased to announce national accreditation status By the Council on Occupational Education Professional Culinary Academy believes that quality career education can lead to a successful and rewarding future. Our programs are designed to help you learn the skills needed for entry level employment in the culinary field, as well as develop the habits of lifelong learning needed in today’s ever-changing world

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Wiley Simmons III – Manager – Bailey Amherst Branch - 3134 Bailey Avenue “Working in the community, helping people build their futures and achieve their dreams are what drive me every day. There are a good mix of businesses in the area that our branch is in, both new ones and ones that have been passed down through generations. Helping guide parents as they pass their businesses to their children is very rewarding. We also have a lot of seniors in the neighborhood. Seniors need a lot of help these days and they need someone to listen to and help them. Helping them learn about and use our digital products is really special too. Robert Cornelius – Manager – Conventus Branch - 1001 Main Street, Suite 120 “I love helping out the small businesses in our community, watching them grow and being with them every step of the way. Being able to go with them and work with them hand-in-hand, stepby-step and provide them with the ideas and solutions that can help them grow. The joy for me is going to a new business and seeing their dream when it’s just on paper and walking them through their paperwork, account openings, and then seeing them cut the ribbon and open the doors is really special and very rewarding.” Damian Woodall – Manager – East Delavan Branch – 752 East Delavan Avenue “We opened our East Delavan branch about two years ago and this location continues to have a super impact on the neighborhood and community. You can see how much our clients appreciate us being here and I, along with my team, really enjoy being a resource for this area. Being able to sit down with people and knowing that you are making an impact on someone’s life by helping them open an account is rewarding every day. We still have people coming in saying how beautiful the branch is and how happy they are that we are here and how impressed they are with the technology we have.” Omar Overstreet – Manager – Broadway Market Branch – 1017 Broadway “I’m managing a branch in the neighborhood I grew up in. I know the area and love working with the many small businesses that are located here to help them develop their business and grow. I also love working with my partners at the branch who do retirement planning, helping people save, develop a plan and guiding them through that process. This area is a mosaic of people from diverse backgrounds and growing up here has helped me develop relationships with the businesses and neighbors who live and work here. Key has always given me the flexibility and opportunity to get out into the community and have discussions with our clients.”

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

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Equal Housing Opportunity LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF ERIE TBG FUNDING LLC, Plaintiff -against- MAZEL ON MAIN LLC, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 20, 2020 and entered on December 9, 2020, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Erie County Clerk’s “Closing Room”, located at 92 Franklin Street, 1st Floor, Buffalo, NY on June 25, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. All bidders must comply with current COVID 19 guidelines. Premises to be sold in individual parcels or in bulk by the Referee: Said Referee shall offer Parcel I and Parcel II as follows: PARCEL I situate in the City of Buffalo, County of Erie and State of New York, being part of Lot No. 120 of the Stevens survey, described as follows: BEGINNING at a point of the intersection of the southerly line of Delavan Avenue with the westerly line of Greenwood Place; being a plot 65.40 feet by 74.50 feet by 56.84 feet by 75.00 feet. Section: 88 Block: 83 Lot: 6-7 Said premises known as 277 WEST DELAVAN AVENUE, BUFFALO, NY PARCEL II: situate in the City of Buffalo, County of Erie and State of New York, being part of Lot No. 121 of the Stevens survey, described as follows: BEGINNING at the point of the intersection of the southerly line of Delavan Avenue with the easterly line of Greenwood Place; being a plot 80 feet by 100 feet by 80 feet by 100 feet. Section: 88 Block: 83 Lot: 5-1 Said premises known as 283 WEST DELAVAN AVENUE, BUFFALO, NY Approximate amount of lien $1,035,499.16 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 807975/2018. DARIA L. PRATCHER, ESQ., Referee KRISS & FEUERSTEIN LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 360 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1200, New York, NY 10017

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Workplace Literacy Center 160 Edward Street at Elmwood Buffalo, NY 14201 Please come and complete an application. Bring the following: -Social Security Card -Three (3) residency documents -Valid photo identification with current address required

Other acceptable documents include lease or mortgate agreement; vehicle insurance card; certificate of title to motor vehicle; NYS vehicle registration card; bank statement within three (3) months; utility bills within three (3) months.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021 STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY COURT : COUNTY OF ERIE IN THE MATTER OF FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS BY PROCEEDING IN REM PURSUANT TO THE IN REM PROVISIONS OF THE ERIE COUNTY TAX ACT AND THE RESOLUTION OF THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE AS SHOWN BY RESOLUTION NO. 50 ADOPTED AT THEIR 6th SESSION HELD ON MARCH 18, 2021

PETITION AND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS BY THE COUNTY OF ERIE BY ACTION IN REM IN REM NO.169 INDEX NO. 2021-6000090 Please take notice that on the 10th day of May, 2021 the County of Erie pursuant to law, filed with the Clerk of the County of Erie a list of parcels of property affected by unpaid tax liens held and owned by the County of Erie which on such date had been due and unpaid for a period of at least two years after the date on which the unpaid tax liens were sold. Such list contains as to each such parcel (a) a brief description of the property affected by each tax lien, (b) the name of the last known owner of such property as it appears on the latest tax roll in the hands of the Director of Real Property Tax Services or a statement that the owner is unknown if such be the case, (c) a statement of such tax liens upon such parcel of property including any tax sale certificates owned by the County of Erie which shall have been due for less than two years, together with the interest and penalties due as of the list date and (d) a statement that the amount required to redeem any such parcel of property, and the amount to be recovered by the County of Erie, includes all tax sale certificates owned by the County of Erie and affecting such property, together with all interest, penalties, additions and expenses as in this act provided, and also includes an “in rem fee” of $500.00 per parcel to cover the presumptive cost to the County of Erie for reasonable and necessary attorneys’ fees, abstracts of title and other disbursements in connection with such foreclosure pursuant to law. The above-captioned proceeding was commenced to enforce the payment of delinquent taxes which have accumulated and become liens against certain property. The parcels to which this proceeding applies were identified on the List of Delinquent Taxes which was filed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office on the 10th day of May, 2021. Take further notice that the ownership by the County of the tax sale certificates set forth on the List of Delinquent Taxes is conclusive evidence of the fact that the taxes, assessments and other legal charges represented thereby have not been paid to the County. EFFECT OF FILING: All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in the List of Delinquent Taxes are hereby notified that the filing of said List constituted the commencement by the County of Erie of a proceeding in the County Court to foreclose each of the tax liens therein described by a foreclosure proceeding In Rem. Pursuant to Section 11-7.0 of the Erie County Tax Act, the filing of such List of Delinquent Taxes constitutes and has the same force and effect and is deemed to have given the same notice of such foreclosure proceeding as the filing and recording in the Erie County Clerk’s Office of an individual Notice of Pendency of a Tax Foreclosure Action and of the filing in the County Court of a separate and individual Complaint by the County of Erie against the owners of the real property proceeded against and described in the List of Delinquent Taxes. NATURE OF PROCEEDING: This proceeding is brought against the real property only and is to foreclose the tax liens described in the List of Delinquent Taxes. No personal judgment will be entered herein for such liens/taxes or other legal charges or any part thereof.

PERSONS AFFECTED: This notice is directed to all persons having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in the List of Delinquent Taxes. Such persons are hereby notified further that a duplicate of this Petition and the List of Delinquent Taxes has been filed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office and the Office of Real Property Tax Services and will remain open for public inspection up to and including the date specified below as the last day of redemption. RIGHT OF REDEMPTION: Any person having or claiming to have an interest in any such real property and the legal right thereto may on or before the 7th day of July, 2021 redeem the same by paying the amount of all such unpaid tax liens thereon, including all interest and penalties and other legal charges which are included in the lien against such real property, computed to and including the date of redemption. Payments shall be made to: Director of Real Property Tax Services, Rath Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York, 14202, by CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, BANK CHECK or MONEY ORDER. In the event that such tax liens are paid by a person other than the record owner of such real property, the person so paying shall be entitled to have the tax liens affected thereby satisfied of record or to receive an assignment of such tax liens evidenced by a proper written instrument. LAST DAY OF REDEMPTION: The last day of redemption is hereby fixed as the 7th day of July, 2021. SERVICE OF ANSWER: Every person having any right, title or interest in or lien upon any parcel of real property described in the List of Delinquent Taxes may serve a duly verified Answer upon the attorney for the Tax District, as set forth below, setting forth in detail the nature and amount of his or her interest, and any defense or objection to the foreclosure. Such Answer must be filed in the office of the County Clerk and served upon the attorney for the Tax District, Margaret A. Hurley, Esq., Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman, LLP, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1700, Buffalo, New York, 14202, (716) 8843135, on or before the 28th day of July 2021. FAILURE TO REDEEM OR ANSWER: In the event of failure to redeem or answer by any person having the right to redeem or answer, such person shall be forever barred and foreclosed of all his or her right, title and interest and equity of redemption in and to the parcel described in the List of Delinquent Taxes and a judgment in foreclosure may be taken by default. DATED: May 10, 2021 ENFORCING OFFICER: SCOTT A. BYLEWSKI, ESQ. Director of Real Property Tax Services STATE OF NEW YORK ) COUNTY OF ERIE ) CITY OF BUFFALO )

ss:

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center / BETC • 716-856-5627 www.workforcebuffalo.org

(5/20,5/27,6/3,6/10,6/17, 6/24)

ILC-Independent Living Specialist Coordinate living skills, evaluations, And trainings for persons with disabilities. Associate Degree required. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc, 3108 Main St Buffalo, NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Come Grow With Us! HR Specialist HR Assistant Housing Program Coordinator Urban Farmer Child Development Specialist Substance Abuse Counselor Family Case Worker Community Crisis Specialist Health Coordinator Maintenance Associate Nutrition Associate Security Guard Teacher III Teacher IV Certified Teachers (Summer Program) Teacher I II Youth Services Counselor Youth Services Site Coordinator Program Coordinator Program Secretary Family Partner For full job descriptions, please visit our website www.caowny.org and apply now.

Assistant Director of the Honors Program Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Director of the Honors Program. For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences.

Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator. For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences.

LEGAL NOTICE BID Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Erie County Industrial Development Agency Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Update and Economic Recovery Plan for Erie County The Erie County Industrial Development Agency is soliciting proposals from professional consultants/ consulting firms with expertise in research, economic development planning, and data analytics for Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) planning services for Erie County, New York. To receive a copy of the Request for Qualifications interested firms may contact the ECIDA at (716) 856-6525 ext. 126 or visit the ECIDA website at http://www.ecidany.com/requests_ for_proposals. Proposals are due by 12:00 pm, July 2, 2021, to the offices of the ECIDA at 95 Perry Street, Suite 403, Buffalo, NY 14203, Attention: Lori Szewczyk.

I, SCOTT A. BYLEWSKI, ESQ., being duly sworn, depose and say: I am the Director of Real Property Tax Service for the County of Erie. I have read this Petition and Notice, which I have signed, and I am familiar with its contents. The contents of this Petition and Notice are true to the best of my knowledge, based upon the records and tax roll of the County of Erie, in the hands of the Department of Real Property Tax Services. I do not know of any errors or omissions in this Petition. LLC SCOTT A. BYLEWSKI, ESQ. Notice of Formation of a Domestic Director of Real Property Tax Services Limited Liability Company Sworn to before me this Name of LLC:Lavish Beauty Lounge 10th day of May, 2021. Notary Public: Amy Honan No. 01HO6348829 Notary Public, State of New York Qualified in Erie County My Commission Expires Oct. 3, 2024 ATTORNEYS FOR TAX DISTRICT: Margaret A. Hurley, Esq. Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman, LLP 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1700 Buffalo, New York 14202 (716) 884-3135

EMPLOYMENT

& Boutique Date of filing Articles of Organization with the NYS Dept of State:07/02/2018 Office of the LLC: Erie CountyThe NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of any proess to the LLC at: 21 Millicent ave Buffalo NY 14215 Purpose of LLC:(Any lawful purpose permitted for LLC's under NY Limited Liability Company Act) This LLC is to be managed by;Kendra Carpenter May 20,27 June 3, 10,17,24

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing of the County Legislature of the County of Erie, New York, shall be held in the Chambers of the Legislature located at 92 Franklin Street, 4th Floor, Buffalo, New York, in said County, on the 24th day of June, 2021, at 6:00 o’clock P.M., Prevailing Time, for the purpose of conducting a public hearing to hear public comment on the SUNY Erie Community College’s (“SUNY Erie”) 2021-22 Budget proposal. The SUNY Erie proposed 2021-22 Budget was submitted to the Legislature on the 3rd day of June, 2021. Copies of the Budget are available for Public Inspection at the Office of the Clerk of the Legislature, located at 92 Franklin Street, 4th Floor, Buffalo, New York. Dated: Buffalo, New York, June 11, 2021 By: Robert M. Graber, Clerk Erie County Legislature

Full-time Director of Philanthropic Support sought to work closely with Foundation staff and people of diverse backgrounds. Must have deep knowledge of and experience with nonprofit operations and capacity-building, with emphasis on Board governance. Ten+ years in or with nonprofits required including at least five years’ senior management experience; strong organizational skills; hands-on Board experience; excellent communication skills; and ability to collect and analyze information especially as it relates to nonprofit operations, problemsolve, and make decisions. Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) is required. Fund development and mergers and alliances experience a plus. Send resume and letter highlighting key qualifications to jobs@oishei.org by July 13. https://oishei.org/

Buffalo Niagara Partnership is hiring!

LEGAL NOTICE ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Dr. Gale Burstein, Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Health announced today, June 10, 2021 that a virtual meeting of the Erie County Health Department Board of Health meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 3:30 P.M. Included on the agenda will be a review of the January 14, 2020 meeting minutes, discussion on the Food Policy Council, Commissioner’s update COVID, duties and responsibilities of the ECBOH, review of the Sanitary Code as well as a old and new business.

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Event & Program Manager Assistant Event & Program Manager Membership Development Marketing Manager Manager, Workforce Development The BNP is the areas regional chamber of commerce and privately funded economic development organization. Apply today! For details visit: thepartnership.org

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

Need help with small business PPE expenses? Apply for a Grant from the ECIDA!

Homeownership more affordable.

ELIGIBILITY

✓ B us ines s or nonpr ofit mus t be l oc at ed i n Eri e Count y ✓ Max i mum of 50 empl oy ees ✓ Mus t be l oc at ed i n a Hi ghly Dis t r es s ed A r ea Cens us Tr ac t OR be mi nority - , womenor v et er an- owned ✓ M us t demons tr at e fi nanc i a l v i ability pri or t o Marc h 7, 2020 ✓ M us t doc ument bei ng negativ ely fi nanc i ally af f ec t ed by COVID - 19 s hut down

For information, call: (716) 856-6525 ext. 126 or visit www.ecidany.com

M&T has options to help you achieve homeownership. You may be eligible for solutions to help: • • • •

Reduce the cash needed at closing Lower monthly payments Save thousands by paying less interest Qualify with a less-than-perfect credit history

Get started with one of our mortgage specialists by calling 1-888-253-0993 or visit us at mtb.com.

★EQUALITY★JUSTICE

Challenger: 5.105” x 5.5”

INTEGRITY

REBECCA

TOWN

FOR BUFFALO CITY COURT JUDGE Experienced Public Defender, Community Advocate, and Working Mother

VOTE PRIMARY DAY JUNE 22, 2021

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 17,2021

Challenger Community News June 17, 2021

Articles inside

FRIDAY JUNE

CONTINUED