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M&T ‘s Small Business Pitch Competition Winners
SAN Group Welcomes Toni DuBois Agency, LLC M&T Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab Pitch Competition Winners Announced
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Hampton, NH - Satellite Agency Network (SAN) Group, Inc., the largest alliance of independent insurance agencies in the Northeast, is pleased to announce that Toni DuBois Agency, LLC of Buffalo, NY has joined the network.
Founded in 2014, the Toni DuBois Agency offers a full range of insurance services including auto, home, renters, business owners, life, health, and disability. The office is located at 1439 Main Street and primarily serves the communities of Buffalo, Rochester, and surrounding areas. The agency also holds licenses in the states of New York, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Montana. Insurance specialists offer personalized service to both English- and Spanish-speaking clients and teach a DMV-approved Certified Defensive Driving Course to assist customers in reducing the cost of their auto insurance. The agency also employs students from local colleges and the Mayor’s Summer Youth Internship Program, providing job experience and mentoring future insurance agents and employees. “I'm excited to partner with SAN Group,” said agency owner Toni DuBois. “We pride ourselves on providing knowledgeable advice and outstanding service with transparency and honesty. Together with SAN, we are now able to offer a greater number of options to our clients and community.” DuBois has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry and was the first African American woman to own a Farmers Agency in the state of New York. She is a graduate of Medaille College in Buffalo, NY with a B.S. in Business Management, and holds the LUTCF designation. DuBois is active in her community, frequently spearheading fundraising events and presenting for local groups. Three Black-owned, Buffalo-based businesses were named the winners of M&T Bank’s Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab pitch competition and were awarded prize funding to accelerate their growth.
Franketta Willoughby Daycare was the top winner and received a $5,000 prize grant. Alicia and Alisa Officer of Unapologetic Coffee received the second-place $3,000 prize, and Brianna Clemons of BCW Dispatching and Consulting Group secured the $2,000 prize.
-Profiles-
Franketta Willoughby Daycare: Born and raised in Buffalo, Franketta Willoughby started her daycare company in 2015, recognizing the need to help single parents access high-quality, affordable care for their children. As the pitch competition’s top winner, Willoughby plans to use her prize funding to improve and grow her space so she can accept more children, hoping to expand from serving three to eight families in the next six months. She also wants to launch a website and improve her marketing.
Unapologetic Coffee: Inspired by their grandmother’s generous spirt and love of coffee, Alicia and Alisa Officer launched Unapologetic Coffee to make specialty coffee more accessible to Black and Brown people in Buffalo. Shedding light on the lack of representation in the coffee industry, the Officer sisters will provide a high-quality product in a welcoming environment while educating their customers and making them feel valued and appreciated. Unapologetic Coffee produces Fair Trade, small-batch coffee roasts and sells their products to other businesses and directly to consumers via online sales and subscription services. The company plans to use its prize funding to expand their social media marketing capabilities
Alicia and Alisa Officer launched Unapologetic Coffee
Franketta Willoughby Daycare Brianna Clemons of BCW Dispatching and Consulting
BCW Dispatching and Consulting Group:
A company that contributes to the global efforts to improve the efficiency of supply chains, BCW Dispatching and Consulting Group partners with owner-operator truck drivers to provide back-office services that empower drivers to maximize their deliveries and revenues. Led by CEO and Fleet Manager Brianna Clemons, BCW lives out its motto – “Focus on the road while we focus on you!” – by helping owner-operators secure freight, negotiate rates, plan routes and remain in compliance with regulations. With its prize funding, Clemons will explore upgrading BCW’s software and technology and hiring more dispatchers.
ReNew your business WITH THE BUSINESS RECOVERY TASK FORCE
Meet the Team
Learn how they can help you thewomensbusinesscenter.com
Running a business is difficult enough without a pandemic. But, when you add that to the mix of challenges, it can be overwhelming. Here Thankfully, the Women’s Business Center at Canisius College offers free programs to all WNY women-owned businesses through their “ReConnect. ReStart. ReGrow.” initiative. Visit our to help you website to find out how the WBC can help you. Canisius College | 2001 Main Street | Buffalo NY 14208 | 716.888.8280
Kente Claus, The International Afri-Centric Father Claus With A Cause Has A Full Weekend Ahead In The City Of Buffalo Dec 11 And 12 !
It’s Party Time With Foxie Brown and Men of Power! It’s party time with Buffalo’s own Foxie Brown and Men of Power back by popular demand on Saturday, December 4 from 12 noon-3 p.m. at the Broadway Market, 999 Broadway St. Enjoy music, singing old school, new school, line dancing and more. FREE! BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA BUY HOLIDAY TICKETS NOW!
John Morris Russell’s Jazzy Holiday Pops
Thu Dec 16, 10:30am | Fri Dec 17, 10:30am
Sat Dec 18, 7:30pm | Sun Dec 19, 2:30pm
John Morris Russell, conductor
Festive Pops favorites featuring sensational Buffalo singer
George Brown, Normal St. Entrance, Darlene Ceglia Dance
Project and an eclectic variety of carols plus seasonal music from popular song, film, musical theatre, gospel, and jazz. 21326 TICKETS (716) 885-5000 OR BPO.ORG
Kente Claus, who some may be familiar with and some learning about this year, has been traveling around North America to different areas of respected Black and Brown communities from the west coast to right here in the City of Buffalo spreading joy and the true spirit of Christmas for the past couple of years. You may have spotted him on his continued mission to get support to help boys and girls in Africa and the Caribbean, over in the African American Heritage Corridor or at popular COMIC DERAY DAVIS AT businesses around town raising awareness and building support for kids a little less fortunate. “What I hope to accomplish each and every Christmas is to remind everyone why we celebrate Christmas, to ignite the song ‘Joy To the World’ in their hearts and to educate the youth on who they are and where they come from,” said Kente Claus creator and performer Dewitt Lee . THE HELIUM DeRay Davis is a multi-faceted comedic force who's conquered everything from the stage to the big screen. Davis first made a name for himself in the stand-up world, winning Kente Claus offers spirited words of wisdom, hope and Comedy Central's Laugh Rispeaks life to children. ots Competition and appear “Every year it becomes more and more important to lift the ing in the Cedric the Enteryoung spirits of children as well as their parents. They who tainer Festival. Along the way especially have had a very difficult time, nothing warms the he made the leap to the big heart of a parent than to see their child smile,” he continued. screen with roles in the "BarWith stories of our ancestors from Egypt, Ghana and people bershop" trilogy, "Semi-Pro," of African descent across the world, Kente Claus aims to shift and "21 Jump Street." Most their focus from material gains to value what is most impor- recently Davis was tapped to tant and fundamental such as faith, family, future and most importantly for the children, to have fun. host the reboot of "Hip Hop Kente is inviting people in our city and around the world to join his mission of spreading hope and love through selfless acts of giving and now he has a fun-filled two-day weekend planned this holiday season. “This year’s Christmas message is to see today as a gift, the present .. so unwrap every day with great anticipation and no matter what you get, be grateful because it was given to us through love, the love of God,” concluded Kente Claus. This weekend ( as shown in the ad below) Kente will be out and about in Buffalo : On December 11 Kente Claus will be making some surprise visits to select community schools to spread joy and lift the spirits of children on his way through the city Squares" on VH1.Catch him on stage at the Helium: •Thu. Dec 16 @ 7:15 PM •Fri. Dec 17 For 2 shows 7 PM & 10 PM •Sat, Dec 18 for 2 Shows 7 PM & 10 PM •Sun. Dec 19 @ 7 PM Saturday morning. He will also be creating a special Christmas message and reading for families and kids that will be found Saturday evening on his social media page @kenteclaus on Facebook and Instagram and will also be found on the Challenger News social media pages.
On December 12
Kente Claus is having a special event and invites kids and families to meet at 2pm at Canalside Carousel to Board the Kente Claus Christmas Express at 3pm (free) for a ride to Fountain Plaza with a surprise guest who will board each of the stops. At Fountain Plaza, there will be Free(limited time only) Ice Skating with Kente! There will also be photos and storytime opportunities throughout the day at Oyoyos Picture Perfect Picnics, the only indoor picnic facility in the world located in the heart of the Theatre District. Bookings require an RSVP and time slots for this holiday is ONLY Sunday, Monday or Tuesday go to kenteclaus.com to secure Coffee concerts presented by your spot or call Natalie from Oyoyos at 716-5539908
ROOTS THE BAND: From the popular Larry Salter Soul Orchestra to his newest musical offering - Roots The Band - Buffalo's Larry Salter (pictured above on sax wearing shades) continues to prove himself to be the consummate musician and visionary. His latest musical venture, the establishment of "Roots The Band," premiered at the Broadway Market in November to an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. The multi-talented Buffalo born and raised musician's career spans over 50 years. He humbly gives credit for his success to the Creator. Play on Larry! Play on Roots! and Definitely Play on Soul Orchestra!
Street Legacy Photo by Darvin Adams
ON STAGE: The beautiful and talented Niagara Falls Music Hall of Famer Marsha McWilson returns to Batavia Downs Park Place Event Center for another great performance! It's a special Holiday Show you don't want to miss! Tickets are just $10, $15 VIP and av available at bataviaconcerts.com
ART ON VIEW
James G. Pappas: Relative to Music and Founders: The Early History of the Langston Hughes Center On View until May 1,2022 at Burchfield Penney Arts 1300 Elmwood burchfieldpenney.org
Difference Machines: Technology and Identity in Contemporary Art On View until Jan. 16, 2022 Albright-Knox Northland at 612 Northland Ave Albrightknox.org
Heather Hart Afrotecture (Re)Collection On View until May 21 2022 UB CFA Gallery 201 Center for the Arts ubartgalleries.buffalo.edu
Ed Bullins, Influential Playwright in Black Arts Movement, Dies
Ed Bullins, one of the most significant Black playwrights of the 20th century and a leading voice in the Black Arts. Movement of the 1960’s and 70s, died in his home November 13 in Roxbury Mass. He produced over 100 plays. He was 86.
Recovery IS Possible.
Call Today: 716-836-2726 Devastation Dance Company Creates a Positive Wholistic Environment For Young People
By Akua Kamau Harris
On Saturday, November 13, I had the distinct honor of being present to witness Devastation Dance company compete in a Majorette Dance Competition hosted by Damage Dance Crew from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at Woodland Hills Junior Senior High School in Church Hill, Pennsylvania. It was my first time attending this type of competitive dance. I was there because my granddaughter is a member of Devastation Dance Crew. She is 14 years old.
Having no idea of what Majorette Dance is I looked it up. For those languishing in ignorance like me, Majorette Dancing is high energy, synchronized, rhythmic dance moves that draw from ballet, jazz, modern dance, hip-hop and gymnastics. Devastation won 1st place in Creative Field Show. They were crowned the Overall Grand Champions and were awarded a thousand dollars in prize money. In addition, they won 1st place Senior Trio, 2nd place Junior Stands, and third place Junior Trio.
Devastation's commitment and focus is the wholistic development of every member. I know this personally, because of my great- granddaughters transformation. Prior to me urging her mother, my granddaughter, to allow her to join this dance company she was a seriously troubled student. Very smart, but in need of a disciplined outlet for her creativity. She was always dancing and her last move prior to joining Devastation was cartwheels in the classroom during instruction. Naturally, that disrespectful move led to a suspension. I asked her why she would do that knowing there would be consequences and she replied, " I was bored Granny."
Since then we have transferred her to another school. She has been a member of Devastation for over a year. Her attitude, demeanor, and focus has changed tremendously. I am writing this to say, there are many children in our community trapped in educational boredom. This is something, I witness every day, because I work in the Buffalo school district.
It is unfortunate, our educational system has become so boring and incomprehensible that our children are suffering. Parents, they are using the pandemic to keep you from seeing the methodology of what is passing for educational instruction. The methodology and material are killing our children's educational desires. We must define for our children what is best for their educational future and what meets in-depth learning standards. These are the thoughts that entered my brain watching hundreds of our children perform so discipline and joyously congratulating each other's accomplishments.
The Devastation staff: Director Dajion Johnson, Coach Sumer Mc Wilson, Coach Dajanae Johnson, Technical Coach Deja Gwan, Coach Balina Reyes, and the many parents who volunteer are to be commended for creating a wholistic environment for our young people of all ages to thrive and grow.
PEACE, LOVE & HAPPY HOLIDAYS
BILLS JOIN STUDENTS AT GRABIARZ SCHOOL FOR HOLIDAY
DINNER. The After School Program at PFC William J Grabiarz School hosted a Thanksgivings Dinner for students , families and staff. To the delight and appreciation for all in attendance, special guests were two star players from the Buffalo Bills football team, Levi Wallace #39 and Jaquan Johnson #46. STREET LEGACY PHOTOS BY DARVIN ADAMS
High school Juniors and Seniors in Western New York have the opportunity to learn about museum education while earning volunteer hours. Students will meet with two of Buffalo’s most influential, charismatic, and insightful artists, Edreys Wajed and Aitina Fareed-Cooke, and Curator of Public Art Aaron Ott as the Museum Ambassadors work on public programs for the In These Truths exhibition. Apply by January 3, 2022 Learn more and apply:
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Emerging from Pandemic Isolation, Youth Artists Lift Their Voices in Showcase of Talent
In the Spring of 2020, as the world retreated into lockdowns, a local open mic café teen program, called Can You Hear Me Now, had to shut down its exciting teen talent showcase scheduled for late March of 2020. Many of these teen artists continued to work on their original material in the isolation of the pandemic. Starting in September of 2021 about 25 young people returned to the Gloria J. Parks Community Center on Main Street to share with each other their original rap, rhythms, songs, and dance, and to prepare for a return to the stage.
The work is leading to a fourth annual Can You Hear Me Now? showcase performance on Monday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Burchfield Penney Arts Center Auditorium, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, next door to Buffalo State College. Tickets will be $10 at the door.
Can You Hear Me Now? is an open mic program that meets Monday evenings and Saturday afternoons to empower young performers to transition from performing covers of commercial songs to developing original poetry, rap, and movement. These young people come from public and charter schools around Buffalo. Although there are a few small venues that have opened in recent years that occasionally accommodate youth under 21 for open mics, there are very few spaces where teens can connect with their peers, while being challenged to deepen and refine their work.
The program is directed by Da’Von McCune, rap artist and owner of D Real McCoy Entertainment and Ashley Watson, a Marriage and Family Counselor, and owner of # Real Talk, a social emotional learning curriculum for youth. Michael Tritto, the Associate Director at Gloria J. Parks Community Center provides administrative support. This adult team creates a safe space for youth to enjoy each other’s company over dinner, while challenging themselves to express what really matters to them through their art forms.
This is not just a youth social outlet. This is an artistic laboratory, a personal development curriculum, and youth café wrapped into one.
High school juniors and seniors in WNY:
Learn about museum education while earning volunteer hours Work with two of Buffalo’s most insightful artists, Edreys Wajed and Aitina Fareed-Cooke, and Curator of Public Art Aaron Ott Plan public programs for In These Truths, an upcoming exhibition at Albright-Knox Northland
AK Teens is presented by KeyBank in partnership with the First Niagara Foundation.
