Challenger Community News March 4, 2015 by Challenger Community News

CHALLENGER

SERVING BUFFALO, ROCHESTER, NIAGARA FALLS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

| F R E E | MARCH 4-9, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

The Rise of The Empire’s “Cookie Monster” PG. 9 INSIDE ROCHESTER

Dr. Freddie Thomas: Rochester’s “Silent Leader”

Buffalo’s “Blood Sunday” Connection PG. 10

PG. 2

Urban League Releases Statement in Response to Accusations PG. 3

Public School Choice Transfer Period Now Underway PG. 3

Farrakhan Takes on Giuliani and deBlazio’s Haters PG. 4

Mayor’s Summer Youth Program Job Applications NOW AVAILABLE! PG. 10

INSIDE ROCHESTER

New Book Released

Dr. Freddie Thomas: Rochester’s “Silent Leader”

rown Publications, a local independent publisher, has released the greatly anticipated biography documenting the life of Rochester’s Dr. Freddie L. Thomas, The Biography of Dr. Freddie L. Thomas-Silent Leader by Rodney Brown. A book signing will be hosted to launch the Dr. Thomas story on Saturday, March 7 from 11 a.m 3 p.m at the school named in his honor, the Dr. Freddie Thomas Learning Center, 625 Scio Street. Dr. Freddie L. Thomas excelled in more fields in one lifetime than most people would in two or three.He was a historian and a scientist, an inventor and an author, a book collector, a composer, and a scholar, who mastered the art of teaching. His base of knowledge was broad; to call him a giant is no overstatement. His knowledge ran deep. As a scholar, he was driven to share what he knew with whoever showed any interest in wanting to learn. Many still remember the home of Dr. Thomas and his wife on Skuse Street as a center of learning, discussion, and inspiration for the community. The focus of the biography is not specifically centered on the scientific aspects of Dr. Thomas’s life, but also the political and social environments of the communities he encountered. Equally significant, he reached out to young people, both from prominent and poor families (including gang members) to teach them, the importance of obtaining a quality education. He spent an enormous amount of time with youths teaching them everything from basic rudiments of English and mathematics to complex mathematics, physics, philosophy, and religion. It was his way to seek out youngsters in the streets, get them interested in learning and then teaching them, if they were willing to apply themselves. He tutored all kinds of people in all kinds of places. Although, he never had a teaching certificate and never received any financial compensation in return. He didn’t do it because he was after any gain of money or power. It was his natural way of living. He was indeed a “Silent Leader.” Born in Virginia, he studied at Virginia State University, Wagner College, Albany Medical School, and the University of Rochester. He did significant biological research at the Eastman Kodak Company and at the University of Rochester, but was also known as an authority in Afro-American and Jewish cultural history. (More at www.drfreddiethomas.com)

Challenger Community News • March 4, 2015

AROUND TOWN *March 7, 6pm, A Taste of Ghana: Independence Day Celebration: The Stock Exchange Restaurant, 28 East Main St. #120. $25/adult and children over 12; $12 ages 4-12; under 4 years old free.RSVP ghanaassociationwny@gmail.com or 585.205.8835

Rochester Board of Education Events March 12th at 6:00PM: Special Meeting, expected to convene in Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter – Superintendent’s Conference Room, 2nd floor of Central Office Building at 131 West Broad Street *Community Forum: Making The School-To PrisonPipeline Visible. Saturday, March 14 at 1-3pm Frederick Douglass Resource Center.

Morehouse College Glee Club from Atlanta to Perform in Concert The Morehouse College Glee Club of Atlanta, Georgia will perform in concert at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 10 at Aenon Baptist Church, 175 Genesee Street in Rochester. There is no admission charge. However a free-will offering will be received during the 90-minute program. Dr. David Morrow, a native of Rochester, and a Morehouse alumnus, has been director of the glee club nearly 30 years. The 46- voice touring ensemble is part of the school’s 90-member organization. This year marks the 104th anniversary of the glee club’s founding. Morehouse College is the only, all-male historically black college in the United States. Rochester is one of only I four cities in New York State N INCOME TAX, C on the glee club’s current tour schedule. Albany, New York City and Mount Vernon WE GUARENTEE are the others. Boston, ChatTHE tanooga, Cleveland, Norfolk, LOWEST Philadelphia, and WashingPRICES* ton, D.C. are among the other and the tour stops. largest refunds

BURGOS

allowed by law. Serving our community since 1991

Rochester Hispanic Youth Baseball League Registration

The Rochester Hispanic Youth Baseball League for boys and girls ages 4-18, is hosting registration days on: *Saturday, March 14, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Hudson Ave. Engine 16 Fire House, 704 Hudson Ave. *Saturday March 21, 1230 – 3:30 p.m., Lyell Branch Library, 956 Lyell Ave. *Saturday, April 11, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., St. Michael’s Community Room, 869 Clinton Ave. Scholarships and payment plans available. For more information call (585) 339-9187 or visit www.RochesterHYBL.com The league is celebrating 20 years of service to youth! Volunteers welcome!

Al Burgos, Enrolled Agent

*Lower than national firms

1816 Clinton Ave North at East Ridge Rd 1042 Norton Street

(585) 266-2680 9am to 7pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm

OFF TAX

PREPARATION FEES PLUS:

FREE NY State FREE E-File Expires 4/16/15. Cannot be combined with other offers.

728 University Ave. www.thebaobab.org *Film: Bury the Hatchet March 6, 7 pm A portrait of three Mardi Gras Indian “Big Chiefs.” Following the Mardi Gras Black Indians over the course of five years - before, during and after Hurricane Katrina - filmmaker Aaron C. Walker explores their art and philosophies, as well as their struggles within their communities. *SAVE THE DATE: Barakoa: The African Maquerade April 26th, 2015 RIT’s Student Alumni Union AL DAVIS ROOM, 3pm-5pm *Film:Voices of the Orishas Mar. 13, 7 pm Dialogue following film facilitated by Clyde Morgan. Filmed in Havana among AfroCubans who practice Santeria (African spiritism), the video documents an important Guemilere, a ritual ceremony that features dancing, singing, praying, and drum beating, and in which the pantheon of 22 deities, or Orishas, of the Yoruba religion are invoked.

No Tickets sold at the Door

For Ticket Information Call 585-436-4809 or 585-235-5967

Support Our Advertisers!

Challenger Community News • March 4, 2015

AREA BRIEFS

Urban League Releases Statement in Response to Accusations:

“We ...reject any and all claims that the Urban League knowingly engaged in improper billing practices.”

Responding to accusations of submitting inflated bills for social services to Erie County, the Buffalo Urban League has released the following statement. On Tuesday, November 18th, the Buffalo Urban League was made aware that current and former staff members had submitted a letter to the Erie County Comptroller alleging irregularities with billing, procedures, and staffing with our Preventive Services contract. We categorically reject any and all claims that the Buffalo Urban League knowingly engaged in improper billing practices.

ITS GIRL SCOUT COOKIE TIME! The Zion Missionary Baptist Church Girl Scouts will be selling Girl Scout Cookies on Saturday, March 7 from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. at Mandela Market, 272 East Ferry St., corner of Jefferson Avenue. Come out and support our Inner City Girls Scouts!

Majority Leader Demone Smith Delivers Commencement Address at BETC Demone Smith, Majority Leader and Masten District Councilmember addressed the 41st, 42nd and 43rd classes of the “Steps to Succeed Program” administered by the Buffalo Education and Training Center on March 2. The “Steps to Succeed Program” is geared towards helping convicted felons and individuals recently released from incarceration to rejoin the workforce and make positive contributions to society.

African American Inventors Exhibit at Buffalo Museum of Science The Buffalo Museum of Science is presenting the exhibit, “Their Innovative Spirit: African American Inventors Solving Problems with Innovative Solutions” now through April. Presented by the Buffalo Museum of Science, the exhibit was done with George Purnell and scholar/researcher Debra Johnson.

When the Urban League was made aware of the allegations, the Board of Directors, led by the Executive Committee along with the President & CEO, began immediately conducting internal reviews of all related systems and procedures. This review has reinforced our confidence in our systems and procedures. The seriousness of the allegations also prompted the Urban League to take the additional step to engage an external agency to provide an independent third party review. Based on the internal review, the Urban League is confident that all contractual requirements were appropriately met; our services under the contract to families are of the highest quality; and we are fully committed to working with the County officials. Since the November letter, an entrance conference was scheduled by the Erie County Comptroller’s Office for December 15, 2014, which was attended by representatives of the Buffalo Urban League, Erie County Department of Social Services,

and the Erie County Office of Management and Budget. The Comptroller’s Office convened a follow-up meeting of the same parties on January 26, 2015 to clarify the details of the review process. Subsequently, the Buffalo Urban League received an e-mail from the Comptroller’s Office dated February 6, 2015 outlining a request for specific information, and we are working to provide the requested information as soon as possible. The Buffalo Urban League has an obligation to protect the confidentiality of client information, and we take that obligation seriously. Preventive Services provides support to families addressing child abuse and neglect. Our responsibility to preserve the confidentiality of these families is outlined by state laws and regulations as well as our contract with the Erie County Department of Social Services. With support from our counsel, Continued Page 12

Buffalo Public School Choice Transfer Period Underway Online application must be completed by edn of March. 27,000 Buffalo Students in 45 Failing Schools Eligible to Request Transfer Parents of 27,000 Buffalo Public School students who attend one of Buffalo’s 45 Failing Priority/Focus Schools have received a letter informing them of the right to request a transfer to a school in good standing. The Transfer period begins today and ends on March 31, 2015. Because of expected changes to the ESEA No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation by Congress this year, it could be the last opportunity that parents of Students in Failing schools will have to get their children into schools in good standing. The Board of Education Majority has proposed many new options to create additional seats in Buffalo Schools and it is widely expected that Dr. Gary Orfield in his Office of Civil rights recommendations are going to call for expansion of Buffalo’s Criteria Based Schools, as well as ensure that minority students have more opportunities for seats in those schools. Seats that could be created in new school options proposed by the Board of Education majority include: •Annexing City Honors, Hutch Tech and Davinci. •Expansion of Emerson and Middle Early College •Creation of pre-k – 4 at Performing Arts •Creation of a Montessori 5 -`12 Middle/High School •Expansion of Charter School seats at Charter School for Applied Technology and Health Science Charter School in District Buildings. Governor Cuomo in his Education Reform agenda has proposed giving children in failing schools a preference in charter school lotteries. In order for students to benefit from potential opportunities, Parents must sign up and be on the transfer list. To get

on the list a parent must go to http://www.buffaloschools.org/spotlight. cfm?sp=197&school=0 and press the NCLB button, and complete the application. Support sessions are held at Central Registration Center, 33 Ash Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 as follows: *March 2 thru March 31, Monday thru Friday, 830 a.m. – 4 p.m. *March 3: 4-6 p.m. *March 11 4-6 p.m. (Translation services will be available in Arabic, Burmese, Karen, Nepali, Somali, Spanish and Swahili) *March 19: 4-6 p.m. *March 23: 4-6 p.m. (Translation services will be available in Arabic, Burmese, Karen, Nepali, Somali, Spanish and Swahili) The Community Action Organization (CAO) Better Schools/ Better Neighborhoods program will also be assisting parents Monday thru Saturday 9am to 8pm at Rafi Greene Masten Resource Center Computer lab at 1423 Fillmore Ave. You can call for 716-332-3773 for assistance. For additional information, contact Mr. Samuel L. Radford, III, President of Buffalo’s District Parent Coordinating Council at (716) 578-3571.

C.R Patterson, Born a Slave, Built Automobiles Before Henry Ford The Pattersons of Greenfield, Ohio, were an AfricanAmerican family who, beginning in 1915, manufactured automobiles, buses, and trucks. They called their line the ‘Patterson-Greenfield’ and produced vehicles until the 1930s, when they could no longer compete with the large Detroit companies. The family was established by Charles Richard Patterson, a blacksmith who escaped from slavery in West Virginia just before the Civil War by running away to freedom in Ohio. He bought into a blacksmith business, took it over, and founded the Charles R. Patterson Carriage Co. which built various horse-drawn vehicles beginning in the 1860s. When Patterson died, his son Frederick Douglass Patterson took over the company and decided to produce the new “horseless carriage,” an early name for automobiles. They manufactured their first car in 1915. It sold for $850.Without the financial ability to expand on a large scale, the company built only 150 cars and began to make specialized buses and trucks. Frederick Douglass Patterson died in 1937.You probably never rode in a Patterson-Greenfield, but the few rare surviving automobiles are now valuable collectors’ items, and you might just see one of these vehicles built by African Americans at an antique car show.-Monetta Bailey. For complete story go to minglecity. com/forum/topic/cr-patterson

LOCAL + NATIONAL + WORLD

Farrakhan Takes on Giuliani and deBlazio’s Haters By Leroy Baylor Special to The Challenger Community News

he strongest rebuke of Rudolph Guiliani’s coded attacks on President Obama’s loyalty to America took place last Sunday in Chicago during the annual Saviours’ Day speech by Minister Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam. It was a web-cast speech seen nation-wide in over 190 cities, Canada, the Caribbean, Minister Louis Farrakhan West Africa, London and Paris, France In his address, “The Intensifying, Universal Cry for Justice,” the Muslim leader became the only national voice standing up for President Obama in the absence of strong defenses by Black, or white Democrats of national, state or local stature. His rebuke of Guiliani came as he was explaining how European nations have grown rich off of their former colonies in Africa, and how their refusal to give justice to the poor, while depriving nations of independence was fueling world-wide terrorism. Farrakhan posed the question of how the former, unpopular mayor grew up. “You grew up on the sweat and blood of Black men and women who made America before your fathers got here. All of you Europeans, you recent immigrants that have found a home in America and you are so happy. But you’re walking on our blood. Our blood soaks the soil of America. We picked the cotton till our fingers were cut up and bruised. We bailed the cotton and you sold it all over the world and you got rich and we got nothing.” Farrakhan said that President Obama’s Black experience provided an understanding most Whites don’t have. “He understood the error America made in its foreign policies that robbed nations of their wealth. When he came into office he had a desire to help America by admitting that America did something wrong. But, the moment he said, ‘We did something wrong,’ Guiliani said Obama was talking down on America. Well you should come see me because I’m not a president and not running from you or none like you. America has been wrong like two left feet.” Farrakhan spoke on the assassination of the three foreign born Muslims in North Carolina. He referred to the shooter as a “wolf.” The first time the wolf came to their door he showed them his gun, he stated. “The wolf showed them his teeth; that’s the time to knock those teeth out of his mouth. The wolf shows you his teeth, you better not be afraid to show him your teeth. They love life, like we love death.” Minister Farrakhan’s theme, the denial of justice throughout the world, led him to speak on the fear that mothers have for their sons’ safety and Mayor deBlazio’s dilemma as the father of a Black son. “Mayor deBlazio is a White man married to a Black woman,” he explained, “ask them in the police department who are coming down on him, what their wives look like. Mayor deBlazio’s wife is not a mulatto. So when he married her, he had to come into the Black experience. He’s different from the rest of you White people. He gave her and she gave him a not White son. Look at that boy. You see his afro. Now deBlazio’s got to protect him from his own people who hate Black. So when he became Mayor he didn’t hate the police. But he had to teach his son how to guard against that kind of policeman who would kill him.” Minister Farrakhan’s 2 ½ hour speech wove Scripture and current events. He said it is contemporary truth fortified by Scriptural prophecy. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” gives you the understanding of why the ruling nations are terrified by what they see coming, he explained. “Jesus said you sow the wind, you reap the whirl wind. We are in the day of Judgement; the day of battle. As Malcolm said, ‘The chickens are coming home to roost,’ ” he concluded to a standing ovation.

Brazil: “We have a Ferguson every day” Police Killings of Black People Worse Than in U.S. With a Black population of 75 million, Brazil has the second highest number of Black people in the world after Nigeria. The country has long boasted that it is free of racism because of a “racial democracy” that doesn’t see and acknowledge skin color. But behind that myth, the real story is much different. Though police killings of Black men have roiled the U.S. in recent months, the problem is actually much more rampant in Brazil. Brazilian police killed 2,212 people last year, according to a study by the Brazilian Forum of Public Safety, a national think tank, released last November. That’s an average of six a day. Between the Brazilian state and federal police violence, they have killed more Brazilians in the last five years (11,200) than did all U.S. police combined in the last 30 (11,090). The predominant targets of the Brazilian police are Black people. A 2009 study by economist Daniel Cerqueira found that twice as many Blacks as whites were victims of police violence. “Our police kill by the hundreds,” Ignacio Cano, a sociologist who specializes in the study of crime and police violence, told Bloomberg News. “We have a Ferguson every day. Posted by Nick Chiles Atlanta Black Star

Triumph for Internet Neutrality The Federal Communications Commission last week ruled that the Internet should be regulated like a public utility, with no fast or slow traffic lanes. “The Verizons and Comcasts of the world wanted to create a class system on the Internet,” said Kevin Zeese, of Popular Resistance. Far from opening the way for a government “takeover” of the Internet, “this is more like the First Amendment for the Internet, where people have freedom of speech and equal access.”

“Our story did not begin in chains...it will not end in chains...

Challenger Community News • March 4, 2015

HEALTH MATTERS

Mount St. Mary’s Neighborhood Health Center Expands Free Community Program Set for March 10 Multiple Myeloma and African Services For The Community

hen Mount St. Mary’s Hospital invested $1.7 million to construct a new Neighborhood Health Center on 9th Street in Niagara Falls in 2010, the goal was to expand services and double the number of patients it could serve. Now, just five years later, that goal has been exceeded with more to come. Located on the corner of Profit Lane and Ninth Street, the facility is designed to focus on providing primary health care services and a medical home to the community, the facility features primary care physicians, ob-

stetricians/gynecologists, pediatricians, and other services. A dental program was launched in 2013 in cooperation with Niagara Cerebral Palsy. In addition to working with patients at the Neighborhood Health Center, the program also works with clients of the Heart, Love and Soul Food Pantry in Niagara Falls. The Neighborhood Health Center is not only a clinic, but it is also a place where the staff offers more than health services. NHC staff aid people who are homeless or living without electricity, or even living with no furniture or food or diapers

for their children, no toilet paper, (which cannot be purchased with food stamps), or insurance. Staff meets families who are not only in need because they are unemployed or infirm or suffering from some other debilitating circumstance, but also encounter men and women who are among that group of people known as the “working poor,” men and women who each month must decide what bills to pay and which bills can be put off for another month. The quality of the services and care have led to the facility’s designation as a Patient Centered Medical Home by

Americans: A Rare Blood Cancer We Need to Know More About

the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The patient-centered medical home is a way of organizing primary care that emphasizes care coordination and communication to transform primary care into “what patients want it to be.” Primary Care services are provided by Medical Director Dr. John Sauret, Lisa FincherMergi, Nurse Practitioner; and Sr. Nancy Murphy, Physician Assistant. Obstetrics and Gynecology Services are provided by Obstetricians/Gynecologists Dr. Daniel Burns, Dr. Sharmilee Thota and Dr. Faraj Touchan. Pediatric Services are provided by Pediatricians Dr. Tej Kaul, Dr. Robbertus Salis, and Dr. Mary Jo McDonnell.

frican Americans are more than twice as likely as Whites to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma. This rare form of blood cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths among African Americans and has one of the most striking ethnic disparities in incidence and outcomes. There is little explanation for this occurrence. Education is essential. A free program, “Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Diagnosis, Treatment and Side Effects Management” will be held on Tuesday, March 10 at Ephesus Ministries, 341 Grider Street in the Education Building behind the church. The program begins with 5:30 registration, presentation and dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. and a question and answer period from 7:30 top 8 p.m. Pre-registration is required on or before March 9. Contact Mary Walls at 349-3004 or mary.walls@lls.org The objective of the program is to educate the community on the incidence of the blood cancer Multiple Myeloma and make residents familiar with the symptoms and resulting treatment options.

In addition, Sr. Nora Sweeney, DC, provides assistance with social services and Sr. Judith Terrameo provides spiritual care. Staff is also available to help with facilitated insurance enrollment and financial assistance. For information or an appointment, call 284-8917.

Traditional Chinese medicine called this the “superior herb” and the Taoist tradition calls this the “mushroom of immortality.” Medicinally, it’s the red reishi that is most commonly used. Reishi not only increases energy levels, but it improves the heart, stops immune disorders, improves arthritis pain, and is super effective against cancer. Reishi mushrooms stimulate brain neurons, prevent the development of new fat cells, and destroy cancer cells.

herb of the week

REISHI

FAITH & FAMILY

Ministers Wives and Widows to Host Evening of Elegance Gala “An Evening Of Elegance: A Black And White Affair” sponsored by the Ministers Wives and Widows of Buffalo and Vicinity will be held on Friday, March 20 at 6 pm at The Hotel Lafayette, 371 Washington Street downtown Buffalo. For more information call Amaza Savage 704-5429, Joyce Reid 3818610, Sandara Baines 881-1973.

Eagle Landing Summit...

The Eagle Landing Summit is coming to First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church 467 William Street, June 24-26.

Challenger Community News • March 4, 2015

Humboldt Parkway Baptist to Celebrate Rev. and Mrs. John T. Hilliard’s 43rd Church Anniversary The Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church, 790 Humboldt Parkway, will celebrate Reverend and Mrs. John T. Hilliard’s 43rd church anniversary with the church family on Sunday, March 15 at 11 a.m. The morning speaker will be Minister Jason Keith. The celebration will culminate with a banquet at the New Golden Nugget located at 2046 Fillmore Avenue at 4 p.m. For more information call 896-4363 or fax 896-4364. The deadline for banquet reservations is Wednesday, March 11.

“Chicken Soup for Your Soul” New hope C.O.G.B.F. to Host Free Lunch For All in Need! The New Hope C.O.G.B.F. Outreach Ministry, 175 Woodlawn Avenue, will host a “Chicken Soup for Your Soul” free lunch for all in need on Saturday, March 21 from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m.. The meal will consist of chicken soup, a sandwich, a slice of cake and juice. Prayer will be available too! Please join us! “For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Challenger Community News • March 4, 2015

First Shiloh Set to Celebrate 8th Anniversary of Pastor Staples

pastoral anniversary is a spiritual landmark in the life of a pastor and a congregation. We will pause on Friday, March 6, and Sunday, March 8, to celebrate The 8th Anniversary of Pastor Jonathan R. Staples at First Shiloh Baptist Church, 15 Pine Street, as follows: •Friday, March 6 at 6:30 a.m. Early Morning Prayer and Praise: “Service of Prayer for our Pastor,” followed by a continental breakfast. •Sunday, March 8 at 10 a.m.

Worship Service, with guest preacher the Reverend Floyd J. Purdy, Pastor of the Faith Missionary Baptist Church in East Palo Alto, California. •Sunday, March 8 at 4 p.m. Worship Service, with guest preacher the Reverend Quentin Chad Foster, Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Buffalo. A reception in the E.J. Echols Fellowship Hall will follow the afternoon service. About First Shiloh Baptist Church Nearing its Centennial Celebration, First Shiloh Baptist Church is an historic congregation on an historic site where there is a marker commemorating the abolitionist William Wells Brown. Only

A Festival of Two Firsts:

First Black Priest, Absalom Jones~and~ First Black Bishop, James Theodore Holly

A Festival of Two Firsts was held on Saturday, February 14th at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 139 Pearl Street, B u f falo. This B l a c k History Month e v e n t celebrated the life and legacy of the First Absalom Jones B l a c k Priest, Absalom Jones; and the First Black Bishop, James Theodore Holly, who briefly lived and worked in Buffalo. The event was sponsored by Bishop James Theodore Holly Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE), Wayne A. Blassingame, President, in collaboration with St. Philip’s and the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York. African style attire was encouraged. For more information, please call 716-380-2558 or 716-8330442.

Pray for PEACE

Pastor Jonathan and First Lady Tanya Staples.

blocks away from Michigan Street, the church grounds are also the southernmost point of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor. About Pastor Jonathan R. Staples Pastor Staples was called to the First Shiloh Baptist Church following 11 years of service at Jerusalem Baptist church in East Palo Alto, California. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Stanford University and a Masters of Divinity Degree from the Princeton Theological Seminary at Princeton University. He is married to Tanya Staples.

MARCH MADNESS: Pastor C.M. Jenkins II and the Zion Missionary Baptist Church invites the community to join them at the Church, 179 E. Ferry Street March 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. nightly for “March Madness.” The theme is “The Mission of the Minister” and will feature Min. Joe Adams and Min. Gregory Brice of Zion Missionary Baptist Church and Min. Julius Groomes of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Lackawanna (pictured above l-r).

Trinity Baptist 10th Anniversary Celebration of Pastor Jemison Continues Trinity Baptist Church continues their celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Pastor Bennie D. Jemison, Sr. on Sunday, March 8 at 4 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 2930 Bailey Avenue. Reverend Joe Fisher, Pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and his congregation will serve as honored guests. Reverend Fisher will also deliver the preached word. Banquet tickets are available at the church by calling 716-835-5955.

NYC Shopping Trip The Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church Mass Choir is sponsoring a Shopping Trip to New York City on March 22-25 (FriMon) departing at 8 a.m. from the Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church, 790 Humboldt Parkway. The trip will include three breakfast servings, three dinners and two guided tours of New York City.

ENTERTAINMENT

Challenger Community News • March 4, 2015

ON STAGE

THE FOREVER CHARLIE TOUR!

Charlie Wilson definitely stole the show during his performance here with Joe and Kem. The crowd roared as they received hit after hit with his new “State Of The Art Production” - complete with costumes that were all lit up. It was like being at a huge party. The most memorable moment was when Charlie gave his living testimony and took everyone to church! Charlie is truly gifted and living his destiny. It was an excellent sold out show despite the below zero temperature and bad weather conditions. That didn’t stop the people from Buffalo, Rochester and Canada who turned out to see Uncle Charlie Turn it Up! (top left Charlie Wilson, bottom Kem, above Uncle Charlie and the ladies. Photos & text Kay Taylor

*Kenny Woo presents The East Side Soul Jam featuring 5 Bands: Evolution, The Trinity Band, Too Sexy (new female group) Karisma, and The Unity Band, Keeping James Brown Alive featuring Claude Kregg on Saturday, March 7 at 8 pm at the Golden Nugget, 2046 Fillmore. Doors open at 7. &15 advance, $20 at the door. Tickets available at the Golden Nugget and Mikes Lounge. *All American Mosaic Festival of American Music, 7:30pm Saturday, March 7, Rockwell Hall Buffalo Statre Cpollegte, 1300 Elmwood Avenue; V Doreen Rao, music director, with guest artist New Beginning Choral Ensemble, Ella Robinson, founder and music director. *Ujima Theatre’s proaduction of Topdog/Underdog starring Preach Freedom and Amilcar Hill, on stage now thru March 15 At Hallwalls, 341 Delaware Ave.* www. ujimacoinc.org * ujimacoinc@mac.com

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE, TICKETMASTER.COM, ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS INCLUDING THE HOUSE OF GUITARS OR CHARGE BY PHONE 1-800-745-3000

WHO WILL SAVE THE NEW WORLD? The Road Less Traveled Productions presents the world premiere of Jan Elson’s “After America: Wasteland 2015.” The performance, which opens March 13 thru April 4 at the theatre in the Market Arcade downtown, will star Danica Riddick (above), Lisa Vitrano, Peer Palmisano, Steve Brachmann, Monish Bhattacharyya and Kelsey Mogensen. Performance times are Thurs., Fri. and Sat. 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 and $17 for students. For tickets and more info visit www.RoadLessTraveledProductions.org or call (716) 6293069.

*Comedian Katt Williams “Born Again…Again” Tour, Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, March 14; tickets @ Arena box office, Ticketmaster. com, all Ticketmaster outlets; charge by phone 1-800-7453000. *Battle of the Bands,, Rochester & Buffalo every Wenesday, The Groove Lounge, hosted by Regina Stannard & WBLK’s Todd Anderson, 1210 Broadway. No admission fee. *Doo Wop Legends: Shirley Alston Reeves of the Shirelles & Shades of Blue, March 14, 7:30 p.m., Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., N. Tonawanda; 692-2413; www.Riviera Theatre.org

SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!

Challenger Community News • March 4, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

Colored Musicians Club Line-Up

Cookie Monster: How Cookie Lyon Became the Most Compelling Character on Empire

*Sunday: 3pm-Ladies First Big Band; 8pm-Open Jam Session *Monday: 7pm-George Scott Big Band *Tuesday:7pm-Larry Salter Big Band *Wednesday:8pm-Open Rehearsal *Thursday:8pm-Carol McClaughlin Band

Whether you love the show or hate it, we can all agree that Cookie, played by Taraji P. Henson, is the breakout star of Empire.

Colored Musicians Club Museum

Open Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Groups and field trips are welcome, call 842-0969Admission $10 for adults, discounts for children and seniors

Suppport Our ADVERTISERS!

“All Natural Hair & Beauty Convention”

By Michael Arceneaux

f all of Empire’s critics—and admittedly, I’ve been among them—there has been one aspect of the show that fans, skeptics and those residing somewhere in between have all agreed on: Cookie, played by Taraji P. Henson, is the best thing about the show. Cookie is the ex-wife of Lucious Lyon—a drug dealerturned-rapper-turned-Jay Zlike figure with Motown-era hairstyles—who helped foster Lucious’ dream of running a major record label by providing the seed money she procured through selling drugs. As a new parolee, Cookie is out to get what’s hers: her piece of the company and her charting her own success within the music industry. The Fox hip-hop-centered soap opera, which continues to make gains in the ratings, has been rightfully described as the Oscar-nominated actress’s moment. For those who have watched Henson through the years, we knew she had a funny bone, by way of films like Baby Boy, along with the capability to tackle dramatic roles, thanks to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button; however, this is really the first time that Henson has had the opportunity to be the de facto showpiece of a project. She has made the most of it. Cookie is so many things— loud, blunt, hood as hell, smart, funny and savvy— and as such, she is the most fleshed-out character on Empire, and increasingly one of the most compelling ones on television. Much of that is testament to the talent of Henson, who has managed to turn what could easily have been described as a caricature into a multifaceted persona. In an interview with BuzzFeed, Henson told writer Kelley L. Carter: “I understand that mentality. I am from the hood. It wasn’t upper middle class; it was lower middle class. It was a garden apartment in the hood.” She went on to add that though she didn’t live in the system,

The University at Buffalo Step Troupe is hosting our very first “All Natural Hair & Beauty Convention” this Spring on Aporil 26 and we need your help! The Cookie Monsterr... she was around those who had, plus people who lost their lives to the crack epidemic that swept Black communities in the 1980s. “I have compassion for it because I was around it, so I can’t judge it. I can’t say, ‘Ooh, you’re a dirty bird because you did this, you did that!’” the Howard University graduate explained. Henson’s compassion is what makes Cookie so endearing. She manages to lend a voice not only to women of color who have been incarcerated—a rising population that’s only now really being represented recently in television—but also to lower-class Blacks in general. Yes, similar characters have been featured on reality shows like Love & Hip Hop, but so often the show and all its sensationalism makes it difficult for some viewers to look beyond that. Empire is no less messy, but it’s scripted, so perhaps that allows some to watch it without feelings of “guilt,” given that we know all of them are pretending—though one can never be too sure with whatever VH1 is airing Monday nights. Funny enough, Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta’s Joseline Hernandez thinks she’s a direct influence on Cookie. Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown and Mary J. Blige’s old wigs may argue otherwise, but even that speaks to the broad appeal of Cookie. I’ve read comparisons between Cookie and Olivia Pope. Frankly, those feel misguided. Olivia Pope is fine red wine in an oversized and likely overpriced glass; Cookie is like Hennessy, only served in a champagne flute or maybe a mason jar, depending on the day. We can get drunk on both, and it’s about time audi-

ences had the option. The Cosby Show sect of Black America has its nuanced depiction, thanks to the genius of Shonda Rhimes and Kerry Washington. Now those bopping in a lower tax bracket, thanks to socioeconomic status and/or student loans, can say the same. And while I find Being Mary Jane’s protagonist, Mary Jane Paul, to be an awful human being, it’s nice to see a Black female character on TV who, like Cookie and Olivia, is not pressured to be perfect. Cookie is a sympathetic and defensive mother to her gay son, Jamal but also, much like Archie Bunker, is rude and offensive in how she addresses both her son and his boyfriend, Michael. She’s also dually antagonistic, yet the moral compass of the show. She’s complicated ... like the rest of us. I don’t know where she’s been all my life, but I’m so glad she’s in it. All hail Cookie. All hail Taraji P. Henson! Michael Arceneaux hails from Houston, lives in Harlem and praises Beyoncé’s name wherever he goes. Follow him on Twitter.

We are looking for local professional hair stylists, naturalistas, barbers, yoga instructors, nutritionists, cosmetologists, as well as natural product entrepreneurs to attend the convention, answer questions, and give advice to attendees regarding natural hair, transitioning hair, relaxed hair and everything in between. Even though we are promoting the beauty of being natural we would love to have insight on relaxed hair as well as weaves. We are also looking for vendors to set up tables and sell their natural/organic hair care and beauty products. If your business has a small service that can be provided for discount prices to attendees to help promote your business such as eyebrow waxing, edge ups, etc., we would love to have a table set up for you as well! If your business is interested in vending, providing a service to our convention, or has any questions please contact us at ubst1992@gmail. com or contact UBST Events Coordinator Yanava Hawkins at (716) 602-8697. If you are transitioning from relaxed to natural and tired of your relaxed ends e-mail us for a chance to be our big chop contestant!

ROC Stars Talent Auditions Announced

The City of Rochester, in partnership with Nazareth College and the Rochester Area Community Foundation, has announced audition dates for this year’s ROC Stars Talent Show. Singers, rappers, dancers, poets and visual artists are invited to compete for a place in the Show and a chance to win cash prizes. In-person auditions will be held from 6 to 8:00 p.m. on March 10, at the Thomas P. Ryan Community Center, 530 Webster Avenue. City students ages 10 through 19 are eligible. Visual artists may submit one piece of artwork via email as a high-resolution image along with a completed registration form to: harrist@cityofrochester.gov, by April 3. The ROC Stars Talent Show will be held on Saturday, April 18 at the School of the Arts, 45 Prince Street. The cash prize for first place winners in each category is $200; Second place $100 and third place winners will receive $50.For more information visit www.cityofrochester.gov/talentshows, or contact Tremain Harris at 428-6360.

Challenger Community News • March 4, 2015

Mayor Summer Youth Program Job Applications Now Available! Mayor Byron W. Brown has announced that the application process for the 2015 Summer Youth Internship Program is now underway. The program will provide six weeks of meaningful employment and work readiness training to city youth this summer. He also called upon local businesses to join him in his goal of providing an increased number of summer youth employment opportunities in the City of Buffalo. Young people between the ages of 14-21 will be employed for six weeks in the summer with the majority working from July 6 to August 14, earning $8.75 per hour. Buffalo youth interested in applying for Summer Jobs can download an application at www.city-buffalo.com or pick one up at Buffalo City Hall in room 1701. The applications must be returned by Friday, May 1, 2015. To be eligible for this program you must be a City of Buffalo resident between the ages of 14 and 21 and CITY OF BUFFALO you must turn age 14 by May 1, 2015. If you have any questions regarding the application please contact (716) 851—5887 or 851-4001. Incomplete applications will EMPLOYMENT not be accepted “Bloody Sunday” March 7, 1965 Private sector businesses can participate in the program by hiring youth who have submitted applicationshttp://www.city-buffalo.com/jobs with the Mayor’s program Those businesses that hire city youth may also be eligible for tax credits. If a business or any individual would like to sponsor PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES Hattie A. Martin Mays and Mattie B. Craig Thornton a youth for the summer employment opportunity, they may do so through the Mayor’s Fund to Advance Buffalo. Not-for-profit and http://www.city-buffalo.com/bids community based organizations can also participate by providing a structured and supervised work environment for the summer, and through sponsorship and donations the City of Buffalo will subsidize the wages of youth employed in these areas.

Selma, Alabama: Buffalo’s “Blood Sunday” Connection

On March 7, many in the United States will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the “Bloody Sunday” march in Selma for voting rights. President Obama, Congressman John Lewis, and 95 members of Congress will join community and faith leaders and ordinary citizens this weekend to march through Birmingham, Selma, Montgomery, and Marion. Two local Buffalo residents, Hattie A. Martin Mays and Mattie B. Craig Thornton ,who were childhood friends , grew up in the infamous Selma Alabama and took part in the march on that historic day. They will both return this weekend to commemorate that historic anniversary. Here is their story.

We were childhood friends who grew up in the Infamous Selma Alabama. At the age of 15 we were knee deep involved in the 1965 civil rights movement. The meetings took place at Brown Chapel AME Zion Church 24/7 with the likes of Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. and wife Coretta, Rev. Ralph Abernathy and wife Juanita, Andrew & Jean Young, John Lewis, Julian Bond, Rev Fred Shuttlesworth, Rev. C. T. Vivian, Rev. Hosea Williams, Rev L. L. Anderson, Mrs. Amelia Boynton, Rev. Frederick Reese, J. L. Chestnut, Mrs. Marie Foster, Ernest Doyle, James, Gildersleeve, Rev. James Bevel, Stokely Carmichael and so many more that played an integral part in this movement. We are currently finalizing arrangements with family and friends to journey back home in Celebration of the - 50th Year Jubilee Anniversary of the March 7, 1965 - Bloody Sunday Massacre Attack on local Selma residents which included Hattie's brother, Profit Lee Austin and Mattie's grandmother Mrs. Marie Foster . The Massacre was seen all over the world and Selma, Alabama was never the same. We were both arrested so many times until we lost count! We, along with countless others, many of them young people, were placed in the local jail, and prison camp and when they became too crowded we were sent to Thomaston State Prison Camp in Thomaston, Alabama. The last time we were sent to Thomaston we were jailed for about 12 days where had to sleep on the naked cold floor with no cover. It was only 60 or 70 young ladies housed in this particular unit. It was degrading for the human race. To top it all their meals included Black Eyed Peas for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When Hattie was released and went home, her mom had cooked Black Eyed Peas. It was years before she would eat them again! A 27 year old civil rights activist by the name of Jimmy Lee Jackson had been shot by Alabama State Trooper James Bonard Flower in a town about 20 minutes from Selma called Marion, Alabama without provocation. He died several days later at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Selma. His death was the inspiration for the Selma to Montgomery March on March 7, 1965. President Lyndon B. Johnson sent the National Guard to Selma to protect the citizens. Hattie's Brother Profit Barlow and Mattie's Grandmother Marie Barlow marched all the way to Montgomery, Alabama and remain proud of the great history and legacy they left their family. We don't mind sharing with the world the fact that without the mobilization of the Selma Youth there would not have been a successful nonviolent movement. The youth were the ones that were arrested over and over and over again. We stand proud of our great heritage that we so played a great part in. Still standing tall in the Name of Jesus. When you see us "SHAKE THE HAND THAT MARTIN & CORETTA SHOOK!". Humbly submitted as they are known, with their names seeded from their grandmothers, Hattie and Mattie .

Challenger Community News • March 4, 2015

Buffalo Schools at the Crossroads:

Herman”? Inspires Paladino

es, it was another contentious week in the Boardroom. Carl Paladino continues to instigate intimidating and bullying attacks on anyone who disagrees with him. Now, he’s threatening to sue Dr. Theresa Harris-Tigg, Ms. Sharon Belton Cottman, Rashondra Martin, Esq. (the Board’s attorney) and me for slander. This latest threat came in a February 25th email alleging that we had called him a “racist and sexist” and putting us on notice of his intent to pursue legal action against us. This is the latest in an escalating series of assaults on the African American women on the Board and on the staff. This is clearly part of a coordinated plan to create distractions Barbara Seals designed to take the focus away from the NEVERGOLD serious issues that we need to address in this District. \ Not one to leave well enough alone, Mr. Paladino subsequently published a copy of an email that he received from “Herman,” an individual he identifies as a friend. In fact, “Herman” is an African American friend, who decided to weigh in on the subject of the nature of Black people. And I quote from “Herman’s” email: “I applaud you for your efforts to help fix the Buffalo School system, but you have a hinderence (sic). Blacks think different, we are comfortable playing the part of being the VICTIM, and always blaming others for things we should be doing for our self…..We always make accusations of racism, when in fact Blacks are more racist than anyone……We (Blacks) don’t understand capitalism, economics or investments. We are selfish, and have intention of taking responibility (sic) for our self…. All we want is to have things given to us…..when it comes to the miniority (sic) school board members (ignorance). You are an intellegent (sic) man, but you will never come across to those idiots. This is why, we are at the bottom of the food chain.” Mr. Paladino’s response: “Wow, Herman that was inspiring.” This was followed by his own prediction that “The Board majority intends to lead them (a reference to the minority Board members) kicking and screaming to the promised land.” Normally, I wouldn’t dignify this latest instance of Tomfoolery with a response. As an educator and community historian, however, I’m compelled to address a number of issues raised by “Herman’s” email. It’s significant that “Herman’s” missive arrives as we are concluding the observance of African American history month. It offers a striking, contemporary, example of the age-old ploy of pitting one African American against another. Before I go further, I should acknowledge that African Americans are certainly not a monolithic group who always agree. And “Herman” does have the right to voice his opinion. But, we also know that the manipulation of one (or more) African Americans, whether his name is Herman, Tom or Harry, to denigrate, berate and undermine the integrity of other African Americans has historical roots in an era that was damaging to all; Blacks and Whites. It’s a strategy that allows expressions that might otherwise be considered inflammatory, if voiced by a white person, to be attributed to intra-group diversity and yet validate outer group assertions. “Herman’s” anonymity compounds the problem. It makes him and his message suspect. Most of us would ignore a letter from an anonymous source or at least question its intent and veracity. After all, it’s difficult to believe someone who does not have the courage or the integrity to stand by his words by signing his name to such an impactful communication. In fact, people have told me that they question whether “Herman” really exists or is just the figment of someone’s imagination. Continued Pag 15

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

Media Silence on Libya By Margaret Kimberley

espite the all-encompassing belief in democracy and a free press, Americans have very little democracy left and perhaps the worst media in the world. Even people who make efforts to be informed don’t know what is happening domestically and internationally because of the constant lies and disinformation they are exposed to by the corporate media. They act as spokespersons for the powerful instead of providing analysis and information for readers and viewers. The result is a world turned upside down, with lies being sold as the truth. Libya is just the latest example of press malfeasance. In 2011 the leaders of NATO appeared to pull off the perfect crime. That year they used the Arab Spring democracy movement as a cover to destroy Libya, kill its president, Muammar Gaddafi, and turn that nation over to jihadists supported by the Persian gulf monarchs. Regime change was the only issue ever on the agenda. They used the dubious doctrine of Responsibility to Protect, R2P, as a means of getting away with murder. This was no mysterious conspiracy either. The American secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, said quite publicly that her government wanted Gaddafi dead. “We hope that he can be captured or killed soon,” said the characteristically undiplomatic diplomat. After the deed was done she again spoke openly about killing a head of state. “We came, we saw, he died.” The American government unleashed a race war in the intervention and, to this day, African migrants and darker skinned Libyans are at risk of assault and death. The town of Tawergha was turned to rubble and inhabitants who survived the assault were forced to flee. America’s first black president was responsible for this terror. 2011 was the year that Barack Obama made his bones and a fiendish re-election campaign commercial by going on a killing spree in the Middle East. Osama bin Laden, Gaddafi and American citizen Anwar al-Awlaki were all victims of the U.S. hit squad, in a clear violation of law.

“African migrants and darker skinned Libyans are at risk of assault and death.” Now Libya is back in the news and this very recent past is never mentioned by corporate media. When ISIS decapitated 21 Egyptian Christians the horror was separated from American involvement in that country. The murder of the American ambassador in 2012 is used by Republicans as a club to beat Obama but none of them question the very premise of American involvement there. Libya is now a ruin. As Vladimir Putin pointed out, everything America touches will end up the same way. The once prosperous country is now in a tumultuous civil war, with war lords fighting for their own piece of the action and ISIS using the media to spread fear and outrage. None of this would have taken place had NATO left Libya alone. One wouldn’t know this of course from watching the news or reading the newspaper. The United States role in the destruction of Libya has been shoved down the Orwellian memory hole, never to be seen or discussed again. Boko Haram’s rampages in Nigeria and jihadists incursions in Mali are all a result of the fall of the Gaddafi regime. Death was unleashed not just in Libya, but throughout the region. The killing of the United States ambassador at Benghazi in 2012 was a harbinger of things to come as the jihadists repeat their standard operating procedure toward their benefactors. Now Libyans and Egyptian migrant workers pay the price for western aggressions.

“The once prosperous country is now in a tumultuous civil war, with war lords fighting for their own piece of the action.” It is staggering to see the depth of manipulation directed at the people of this country. If the president openly calls for the overthrow of a sovereign state, networks and newspapers go along and regurgitate every word. When the project goes south, no one who bragged about it in 2011 will now admit to their role in the disaster and the press continues to repeat official policy like the good little scribes they have always been. The ISIS story has been dumbed down to tired analysis about a clash of civilizations and whether or not Islam is a religion of peace. Muslims can be peaceful or warlike but the hand of American involvement and the silence about it is the real story. Therein lies the perennial problem. This is not the first time in history that an administration directed what the media does and doesn’t report. Journalists know that they have to play ball so to speak. If they want the good gig and access to senior officials they will write only what they are told to write. They won’t stray from the script or tell any inconvenient truths like the United States spending the last nearly forty years supporting jihadists who they later end up fighting. When the next ISIS video of immolation or beheading is released, the history of American involvement ought to be told too. But no one should hold their breath and think that the press will report on any such thing.

poetry The Mysterious Wishing Well I once saw a man toss a penny down the wishing well. "Unbelievable" is what I thought to myself. What makes someone believe in such a thing? Could it be tradition to listen to old folk tales? Or could it be the mystery within the wishing well. If you toss in a quarter will you receive 25 wishes? Or is it one wish per coin? How deep is the wishing well? Does it lead to another dimension? A portal of some kind, Where time you are allowed to rewind? In order for your wish to come true, Is tossing in a penny really all you have to do? What is it that grants our wishes? Could it be a genie or a fallen angel? If it is a fallen angel will our wishes still come true. Or will all wishes become intertwined, Along with yours and mine... By Pheadra Walls

Tao Te Ching -43The gentlest thing in the world Overcomes the hardest thing in the world. That which has no substance Enters where there is no space. This shows the value of nonaction Teaching without words, Performing without actions: That is the Master’s way.

Black Agenda Report editor and senior columnist Margaret Kimberley’s Freedom Rider column appears weekly in BAR, and is widely reprinted elsewhere. She maintains a frequently updated blog as well as at http://freedomrider.blogspot.com. Ms. Kimberley lives in New York City, and can be reached via e-Mail at Margaret.Kimberley(at)BlackAgendaReport.com.

Challenger Community News P.O. BOX 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 advertising@thechallengernews.com

P: 716 881.1051 F: 716 881.1053

• Published every Wednesday • News Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. • Ad Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. • Classified Deadline: Thursday 5 p.m.

We respectfully submit that the opinions expressed on the editorial pages of this newspaper are not necessairly those of Challenger Community News Corporation or its advertisers.

Advertising /News/ Information/Inquiries adver tising@thechallengernews.com or alnisa33@yahoo.com

Phone: 716-881-1051 Fax: 716-881-1053

Challenger Community News • March 4, 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

HONORED: Steve Finch and award presenter Tammy Golden, GM Director of Global Facilities.

FLORISTS

INSURANCE

MAUREEN’S FLOWER MARKET 441 Ellicott St. * 852-4600

Able Insurance Jeff Moore/Broker 1798 Main St. *883-5212

HAIR SUPPLY

SALONS

Main Hair & Beauty Supply 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247

2441 Delaware (716) 605-9211

TAILORS For More Info: advertising@ thechallengernews.com 881-1051

Ann Rhod’s Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave. (716) 838-5633

Credit Union: “People Helping People”

St. John United Federal Credit Union was established in 1973 as a Community Development Credit Union. As a community development credit union we are committed and we advocate for financial independence. Individuals and families are encouraged to become financially secure by saving, develop credit worthiness and financial education. Membership in the credit union is open to everyone who lives, works, go to school and worships in the city of Buffalo, New York and their families. We seek to maintain the credit union’s long-term financial stability to the community by being committed to “People Helping People” now and into the future. Member services include savings programs, loan campaigns, youth savings, direct deposits, and financial education. Sign up and attend our next 60 minute free financial education workshop this spring titled “Financial Growth: Planting the Seed” workshop. St. John United Federal Credit Union is located at 184 Goodell St. Buffalo, NY, 2nd floor. Office hours are Thurs days from Tonnie Logan is a Senior 5:30pm to 7:30pm and Saturdays from 9:00am to 11:30am. Training Manager at AT&T We welcome you to join the credit union - Stop by the credit in the Buffalo/Niagara area. union during office hours or visit us at Stjohnunitedfcu@aol. She attended Medaille Col- com or call 716-847-1815. lege where she graduated We encourage community residents to join the credit union, Cum Laude with a Bachelor become member/owners and remember there is strength in of Business Administration membership. We believe in “People helping People “to reach Degree, Business Administra- their financial goals. tion and Management. She is NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING an award winning team player NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Erie County Executive, with twenty years experience WANT TO START Mark C. Poloncarz, will hold a public hearing on March 18, in the highly competitive 2014 at 02:00 P.M. concerning: YOUR OWN telecommunications industry. A LOCAL LAW Intro No. 9-2 2014, a local law in relation to Ms. Logan, a former Wireless BUSINESS? the regulation of electronic cigarettes (“e-cigarettes.”) solutions sales consultant, is The hearing will be held in the 14th Floor Conference Room currently ranked the # 1 InThe business class starts located at 95 Franklin Street, 14th Floor in the City of Bufstructor for Gross Add Gener- Tuesday, MARCH 17, 2015 falo, New York. ation in the Nation and # 1 in from 6:00-8:00pm at the Matt On February 26, 2015, the Erie County Legislature adopted Total Recurring Revenue for Urban Hope Center, 385 PaErie County Local Law Intro. No. 9-2 2014. Copies of the the Northeast Region. Ton- derewski Drive, near the Cenproposed local law are available for public inspection in the nie Logan is the recipient of tral Terminal. Class will cover office of the Clerk of the Erie County Legislature, on the 4th numerous awards and honors business plans, types of busiFloor of 92 Franklin Street, in the City of Buffalo, New York. including the 2014 Business nesses, legal issues, financing, MARK C. POLONCARZ Influencer, which ranked her marketing, and bookkeeping. Erie County Executive Number One instructor na- Mentors will be available to tionwide. help you get your business (If you would like to be con- started after the program ends. NOTICE TO BIDDERS sidered for our Business Pro- The course is FREE! NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed proposals for the file, send your information in To REGISTER email sbenz@ Erie County Sewer District No. 2 Lakeshore Road Low Pres100 words or less and a photo daemen.edu OR call (716) sure Grinder Contract No. 86 will be received by the Division to advertising@thechalleng- 839-8524 of Sewerage Management (DSM) on March 26, 2015 until ernews.com) 2:00 P.M., local time, at 95 Franklin Street, Room 1034, Buffalo, New York, 14202, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud in Room 1004. URBAN LEAGUE The contract is located in the Town of Evans along 7815continued 7939 Lake Shore Road Bidders are advised that a pre-bid meeting for the construcwe will submit all requested information within these requiretion of this project is scheduled for March 12, 2015 at 10:00 ments. A.M., in said Room 1004. Plans are on file and may be examined at the office of the As an organization that has served this community since 1927, Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, 10th the Buffalo Urban League is committed to delivering the highFloor, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202. Related est quality services to individuals and families. We have poliinformation and a listing of prospective bidders can be found cies and procedures in place that guide employees on how to in Business Center, “Construction Bids” on the Erie County address concerns within the agency. Our greatest assets are Web Page @ WWW.ERIE.GOV our employees, and we value their help in identifying defiThe deposit for each set of contract documents shall be ciencies that may exist. This provides an opportunity for us to $100.00 in the form of two checks or money orders, each in improve services and operations. The Buffalo Urban League the amount of one-half the deposit, and made payable to the has an internal Whistleblower Policy which was not utilized Erie County Comptroller. Any bidder requesting a set of plans by the employees who approached the Comptroller’s office and and specifications mailed to their office must arrange for a the media, leaving alleged deficiencies without appropriate oppre-paid delivery service or mail carrier. portunity for further exploration by the Buffalo Urban League. Refer to the full notice included in the specifications book However, under no circumstance has any employee been subfor this project. ject to retaliation. Nothing has diminished our resolve to continue to support and value all employees. BY ORDER OF: Joseph L. Fiegl, P.E. Deputy Commissioner The Buffalo Urban League consistently observes the highest Department of Environment and ethical and professional standards for the benefit of its clients, Planning employees, volunteers and donors. Our focus is on delivering Dated: February 25, 2015 the important services that so many families depend on the BufPublished: March 4, 2015 falo Urban League to provide

Local Area Leader Honored by General Motors African TAMMIE LOGAN Ancestry Network GM Tonawanda Engine Plant Manager Steve Finch was one of nine honorees to receive awards and recognition at the 9th Annual General Motors African Ancestry Network celebration of Black History Month on February 22 at GM’s Global Headquarters in the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Mich. The “Leadership in the Community Award” was presented to Steve in recognition of his outstanding dedication, commitment and devoted humanitarian service to the community. Finch supports organizations that emphasize helping others achieve their dreams, especially young people. “I truly believe relationships matter and to whom much is given much is required,” Finch said. “My parents always taught me it’s important to give back when you are blessed, and had me involved at an early age.” “I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a program called ‘Success Looks Like Me,’ the premier program of Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative. We bring in Buffalo Public School students and spend time with them, and show them examples of leaders of color. Many of these kids are from single parent homes or disadvantaged backgrounds and only see negative examples of success. My mom died when I was 15, so I know what it’s like being in a single parent home as well. They can relate to me because I look like them. They learn where I’ve gone in my career and that with hard work, they too can succeed. It has been one of the most rewarding programs I’ve been privileged to participate in.” GM CEO Mary Barra said, “One of the keys to truly putting the customer at the center of everything we do is to embrace diversity of thought throughout our company. That’s the philosophy GM operates under, and that’s why GMAAN’s ninth annual celebration of Black History Month is such an important Continued Page 13 event at today’s GM.”

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Classified

Challenger Community News • March 4, 2015

AREA LEADER HONORED continued Barra continued, “GMAAN’s focus on employee development, community outreach, product awareness and advocacy is a testament to the value of employee resource groups in general, and the leadership and vision of GMAAN in particular. They have provided clear evidence that diversity and inclusion make good sense and good business, too.” Finch manages the 3.1 million sq. ft. Tonawanda Engine plant with 1,774 employees and is active in various professional and communitybased organizations and was named by Buffalo Business First’s newspaper as one of

ROOMS FOR RENT Rooms for Rent: Delavan and Oakgrove ; Bailey and Delavan, everything included. Only things needed is your food and clothes. $325 - 450 plus deposit. Call 716-818-3410.

Request for Proposals REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The NFTA is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) for Maintenance and Service Agreement for Metro Elevators and Escalators, Project No. 25LZ1508. Proposals are due by 3:00 PM on March 23, 2015. www. nftaengineering.com

BIDS NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

4416 - TUNNEL WASHER TRUCK 4463 - PRE-FABRICATED BUS SHELTERS 4464 ENTRANCE FLOOR GRILLES AND FRAMES 4470 - FINANCING FOR CNG FUELING STATION Download Bids from www. nfta.com

the area’s “Most Influential Leaders”. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Buffalo and Eric County. In addition, he is a Board Member of the AAA of Western New York and the Buffalo Urban League, who in 2014 awarded him with their highest honor: the Whitney M. Young & William Evans Humanitarian Award.

Among other honorees at the event were: Xernona Clayton, chair, president and CEO Trumpet Awards Foundation; Brian McKnight, singer, songwriter and producer; Jenell R. Ross, president, The Bob Ross Auto Group; Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO United Way of Southeast Michigan. NFL Alumni and Founder of Warrick Dunn Charities, Warrick Dunn, was awarded the 2015 Trailblazer award.

EM P LOY M EN T

Advertising Pays advertising@thechallengernews.com

Buffalo City School District Advertisement for Bids Sealed proposals for the following project will be received at the Office of Plant Services, 403 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202. On Monday, March 30, 2015 at 2:00 p.m., proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud for the following projects, consisting of multiple schools being bid as one contract: BPS Pools Phase 1: P.S. 30/38 Frank A. Sedita Academy, P.S. 91 BUILD Academy, P.S. 200 Bennett High School, P.S. 307 East High School Bids will be opened for the following four (4) prime contracts: General; Electrical; HVAC; Plumbing. Beginning Monday, March 2, 2015, bidding document packages may be viewed and purchased through Avalon Document Services online planroom website at www.avalonbuff-planroom.com under “Public Jobs”, or ordered by phone at 716-995-7777. Owner can assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or other misinformation obtained via other bid document distribution resources. A mandatory Pre-Bid Walkthrough will be held on Monday, March 16, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at P.S. 307, East High School, 820 Northampton St., Buffalo, NY 14211. The final day for RFI questions will be March 23, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. Please note that required bid bond is 10%. The work will be subject to the equal employment opportunity requirements. Any questions regarding this project, please refer to Marcial Morales, Labella Associates, D.P.C., mmorales@labellapc. com. Paul McDonnell, AIA Director of Facilities Planning

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

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

Engineering

GPI/Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. is looking for candidates to fill two Assistant Team Leader Trainee positions that are part of our agreements with NYSDOT for the Region 6 Biennial Bridge Inspections and the Region 1-7 and 9 Overhead Sign Structure Inspections. Candidates must have an Associates Degree in Civil or Construction Technology from accredited program or 18-months of full-time acceptable engineering technology experience. This is an Equal EmploymentOpportunity, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or marital status. Minorities and women are urged to apply. Send resume to:Greenman-Pedersen, Inc., 4950 Genesee St., Suite 100, Buffalo, NY 14225, Attn: Kim Depczynski

BIDS Buffalo City School District Advertisement for Bids Sealed proposals for the following project will be received at the Office of Plant Services, 403 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202. On Friday, March 13, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud for: PROJECT 200-017 EXTERIOR RECONSTRUCTION & RELATED WORK P.S. 200 – BENNETT HIGH SCHOOL 2885 MAIN STREET BUFFALO, NY 14214 Beginning February 27, 2015 bidding document packages may be viewed and purchased through Avalon Document Services online planroom website at www.avalonbuff-planroom. com, under “Public Jobs”, or ordered by phone at 716-9957777. Owner can assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or other misinformation obtained via other bid document distribution resources. A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the facility on March 6, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Meet in the parking lot near the Boiler House. The Project Manager will be present. Eligible bidders are required to attend this walkthrough or another previously arranged & documented site visit with the Project Manager &/or District personnel. Please note that required bid bond is 10%. The work will be subject to the equal employment opportunity requirements. Any questions regarding this project, please refer to Jim Napora, 716-816-3026. Paul McDonnell, AIA Director of Facilities Planning

Woods-Beals Endowed Chair for Urban Education

Advertising Pays advertising@thechallengernews.com

Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Woods-Beals Endowed Chair for Urban Education. 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.

Communications Specialist Western Region

CSEA, New York’s leading union, is seeking resumes for a Communications Specialist based in our Western Region office in Amherst, NY. The multifaceted position works with the staff and leadership of the union to advance strategic communication objectives with various audiences, including the membership, news media, public policy makers and the general public. The ability to articulate positions and move people through verbal, written and multimedia presentation is essential. Must possess a valid New York State Driver’s License and car for business use. Starting salary $50,455. Qualifications: Graduation from a recognized college or university with a degree in journalism, communication, or marketing or other related subject and two years of satisfactory professional experience involving communication responsibilities; OR Five years of the experience described above if the candidate lacks college training; OR A satisfactory equivalent combination of the foregoing training and experience as determined by CSEA. Email cseajobs@cseainc.org or send resume to: Director of Human Resources, PO Box 7125, Capitol Station, Albany, NY 12224. Please note WRCS-NYPS on all correspondence.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Challenger Community News • March 4, 2015

RADNEY’S SPORTS UPDATE

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

3-WAY

MID- 2247 EVE-4821

WIN 4

MID- 1708 EVE- 5546

MID - 3895 EVE - 3823

MID- 9215 EVE- 4071

MID- 1731 EVE- 3200

MID -8423 EVE- 6572

10-12-19-20-38

11-19-20-22-29

MID-5940 EVE-5766

4-6-17-21-27

TAKE 5

3-4-10-32-35 7-10-12-26-33 4-6-24-34-35

HOT TIPS

888 055

216

000

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) 986-568-853-578-312-468-014065-768-981-852-679-254-756801-645-580-234-532-791-065Billy Bye Bye Sez: 189-901-659-514-1001447-1645-4444-8888 “Believe in miracles but don’t depend on them”

MARCH MONTHLY VIBES

874-254-594-890-347123

“its In The Stars”

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

quick money $$$$ THE NUMBER BOOK 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-525 583-269-508 Grandma’s MARCH Picks 302 176-743-435-165-270

Powerful New Energy Shift for Chinese New Year of the Sheep, Lucky Number “8” , This year marks 4017 Years of Celedration. “Watch your temper!”

Best Triple for Month of MARCH “666”!

Doubles - 662-788-919-322

Bee’s Pix:133

“All My Children”

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

COMBO: 252, 228

16-18-27-30-35

15-27-46-52-53-59 #26

LOTTO

SUN 2/22 MON 2/23 TUES 2/24 WED 2/25 THURS 2/26 FRI 2/27 SAT 2/28 MID -652 MID-037 MID-059 MID-458 MID -886 MID-201 MID-114 EVE-806 EVE-827 EVE-938 EVE-970 EVE-745 EVE-609 EVE-163

4-21-26-27-53-57 #16

721

888

858

Challenger Hits Midday

114-Scorpio (bx) *201-ZR, Leo, Luckie duckie #Book, (bx) All My Children , # Book (Straight)* *886-Quick $$ & Luckie Duckie (Straight)* 059-Grandma’s Feb. Pics(bx) 037-# Book & Aries (bx) *653- Gemini (straight); ZR & Vifgo (bx)

Evening

163-Pisces (bx) 609-Feb. Vibes (bx) 970-ZR & Aries (bx) 806-ZR & #Book (bx) LUCKIE DUCKIE

134-431-143

648*123*104

980-422-809

981-989-970-990-080800 390-196-102-581-752319-408-378-352-126

189-444-886-202

322-522-412-432-421423

03/12/2014 Evening 03/12/2014 Midday 03/11/2014 Evening 03/11/2014 Midday 03/10/2014 Evening 03/10/2014 Midday 03/09/2014 Evening 03/09/2014 Midday 03/08/2014 Evening 03/08/2014 Midday 03/07/2014 Evening 03/07/2014 Midday 03/06/2014 Evening 03/06/2014 Midday 03/05/2014 Evening 03/05/2014 Midday 03/04/2014 Evening 03/04/2014 Midday

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

New York, NY – The Jefferson Awards Foundation, America’s most prestigious and longest standing organization dedicated to activating and celebrating public service, today honors America’s most outstanding philanthropic achievements in 2015 at its annual gala in New York City. The gala will take place at Gotham Hall honoring the recipients for their dedication and accomplishments to helping those less fortunate. “Every year the Jefferson Awards Foundation honors the top social entrepreneurs and philanthropists in the nation with this By GEORGE gala,” said Hillary Schafer, Executive DiRADNEY rector of The Jefferson Awards. “It is an honor to have so many individuals from all walks of life dedicated to public service attend our event to be recognized for their continued achievements.” Fred Jackson Named Outstanding Athlete

202 335 -2015-4444

3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year

Buffalo Bills Running Back Fred Jackson Receives Coveted Jefferson Award for Public Service at NYC Annual Ceremony

2014

Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson will receive the Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service by an Athlete. Jackson, the Buffalo Bills nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year, spends much of his time participating in community service, and is an advocate for the Food Bank of WNY. The NFL running back is also a spokesman for the United Way, the Billieve campaign for breast-cancer awareness and NFL Play 60 for youth exercise. Jackson will join the ranks of Buffalo Bills Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly who received this award in 2012, former NY Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera and former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver James Thrash who both received this award in 2014.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Challenger Community News • March 4, 2015

Wednesday March 4

Friday March 6

Monday March 9

“SPEND SOME OF THAT BILLION DOLLARS ON THE EAST SIDE!” Forum: 5:30 – 7:45 p.m., Merriweather Library, Jefferson @ Utica; hosted by Legislator Betty Jean Grant and “We Are Women Warriors”; for info call Legislator Grant @ 6025877 or Karla Thomas @ 8940914.

UB STEP DAY OF SERVICE AT SCHOOL #80 HIGHGATE HEIGHTS: 9 a.m. to noon, 600 Highgate Avenue; volunteers needed; call UB STEP at 829-5676 or email to ubstep@gmail.com

The Golden Cup Documentary Series: 5-7 p.m., 883 Jefferson Avenue, “The History of Imhotep.” Discussion follows with coffee; 883-7770.

African Consciousness Workshop: 6-7:45 p.m., Merriweather Library; Jefferson @ Utica; every Monday. Public invited.

WomenEvents Women’s History Month Kickoff: The Salon, downtown Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square 4:30-6 p.m., free, but registration required ; following Salon, @ 5:30 p.m. 3rd Annual Confab networking event at the Pan American Grill, Hotel Lafayette. Tickets for Confab $20. To purchase tickets for Confab or register for Salon go to www.womeneventsbuffalo.com and click on Events.

Tuesday March 10

Khametic Ascendants: 9-10 a.m. & 12:30 am (after midnight), public Access Channel 20. The Durham Central City Baby Café: every Wednesday and Thursday 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 200 E. Eagle in the Durham Outreach Center. Dinner is free! Doris Gayles 885-6348. Health and Healing Circle: 2-4 pm 70 Harvard Place; for info: myhealthyadvantage@ yahoo.com or call 218-0373 Good for the Neighborhood Primary Care: Free, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Westminster Community Charter School, 24 Westminster Ave. hosted by Independent Health. For info 6354959. Thursday March 5 The Durham Central City Baby Café: every Wednesday and Thursday 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 200 E. Eagle in the Durham Outreach Center. Dinner is free! Doris Gayles 885-6348.

Saturday March 7 GIRL SCOUT COOKIE TIME! 9 a.m. – 3 p.m, Mandela Market, 272 E. Ferry cor. Jefferson. Support our inner city Girl Scouts! Gateway to Health Community Health Fair: 10 am – 2 p.m., UB Arthur O. Eve EOC Atrium, 77 Goodell St. Free Family-Friendly Pregnancy Expo: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Millennium Hotel. Space is limited. Call (716) 447-6205 to reserve. See You At The EVENTS!

Understanding Multiple Myeloma: 5:30 - 8 p.m., Ephesus Ministries, 341 Grider; free; pre-registration required @ 249-3004 . (See pag. 5) ECC to Host Information Session on Grant-Funded Training in CNC Precision Machining: 9 a.m., North Campus, rm. B401, Bretschger Hall. For info 270-5265, 270-468 or 851-2657. “Why We Fight” Series at El Buen Amigo: The first in the seven-film series, “Prelude to War (1942),” 7 pm. Admission is Free. Wednesday March 11 Board of Education Meeting: 5:30 p.m., Waterfront School, 95 Fourth Street. Wednesday March 18 The Women History Month Poetry Slam: The Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave.

“Why We Fight” Series Delavan Grider Community Center is Proud to at El Buen Amigo

Announce The Erie County Stay Fit Dining Sit

The Erie County Stay Fit Dining Sit program is open to all Erie County residents 60 years of age and over. A confidential contribution of $3 is suggested but no one will be turned away for lack of ability to pay. SNAP benefits are also accepted at this location. Meals are served Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. For more information call 896-7021.

Free Pregnancy Expo A free family-friendly Pregnancy Expo will be held on Saturday, March 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Millennium Hotel. Learn about all aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and babies! Space is limited. Call (716) 447-6205 to reserve your spot. The event is hosted by Catholic Health Mercy Hospital of Buffalo and Catholic Health Sisters of Charity Hospitals.

DR. NEVERGOLD: “HERMAN” continued Even the structure of the email itself, calls for a closer look at “Herman” and conjures up a picture of him that is not flattering. Shared as it was for public discourse, inclusive of its poor grammar and bad spelling, the email was sure to raise questions on those points alone. “Herman’s” statements condemn not just an entire group of people, but HIS people. No doubt, some will judge them as reprehensible, disloyal and fallacious although others may agree. But, until Herman decides to come out of the shadows of anonymity, it’s all debatable. One might also question the reputed friendship between the two men. After all, who would expose a friend to such scrutiny?

Academy-Award winning director Frank Capra’s Why We Fight series, produced for the U. S. War Department during World War II, is being presented at El Buen Amigo, 114 Elmwood Ave. The first in the seven-film series, “Prelude to War (1942),” will be shown from 7 pm, Tuesday, March 10. It covers the differences between democracy and fascism, Imperial Japan’s aggression in Manchuria, and Fascist Italy’s assault on Ethiopia, which presented challenges to global peace the League of Nations was unable to respond to. Fraud, Famine, and Fascism: The Ukrainian Genocide Myth from Hitler to Harvard, (2011, [1987]), by Douglas Tottle, a Canadian tradeunionist, labor journalist, and labor historian, will be available, among other books on political subjects. Admission is Free. The screening is sponsored by the Buffalo, New York, Branch of U. S. Friends of the Soviet People, An Educational and Cultural Exchange Organization.

Challenger Community News • March 4, 2015

IMAGES OF US

Presidents’ Day: During Black History Month Diversity In Democracy founder Dewitt Lee III organized the first ever President Barack Obama Breakfast and first Family Bowling Tournament. Momentum picked up around the idea and with the help of Bro. Robert Harris, Pastor Bobby Fonville and Pastor Anita O. Williams, who stepped out on faith, the Breakfast was organized and held at Mattie’s and the Family Bowling Tournament was held at Kerns. Both were great successes! The Diversity In Democracy team is currently working on a national strategy for the Black History Months Presidents’ Day celebration. If anyone would like to join this effort please e-mail us at DiversityInDemocracy@gmail.com

Happy Birthday Gloria! 65 never looked better as family and friends of Gloria Jackson celebrated her birthday last month with a lovely birthday dinner party hosted by her daughter Ebony at her Dunlop Avenue home .A delicious meal was catered by Harris Catering.

The Road to College Begins in Kindergarten School Highlights KCCS – a K-8 Charter School All graduates placed in elite Buffalo’s First Charter School – Established 2000

public & private high schools Newly Renovated Facility Extended School Day Athletics: Basketball, Track, Drill, Hockey, Swimming College Advisory Groups College Admission Support Throughout High School

Apply Online or in Person – Applications Due April 1st

A School in Good Standing

www.kccs.org – 156 Newburgh Ave, Buffalo, NY 14211 – 716-891-7912 !