Challenger Communiry News February 3,2016

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February 3, 2016 • FREE

The

In Defense of the Urban League ENTERTAINMENT

The Whispers Interview 50 Years of “Rockin’ Steady” and Still Going Strong PG. 8

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BLACK VOTE: Who Deserves It? PG. 4

INSIDE ROCHESTER

LOCAL

Inspiring Beauty: ECC’s Men of Merit

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50 Years of the Ebony Fashion Fair on Exhibit at Memorial Art Gallery PG. 2

“Our History Did Not Begin In Chains (It Will Not End In Chains).”–Malcolm X

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Exhibit Now thru – April 24

Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair at Memorial Art Gallery

Eunice Johnson, 3rd from left.

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hristian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar de la Renta, Stephen Burrows, Patrick Kelly, Valentino, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen… These are just a few of the worldclass designers whose stunning creations were selected for Ebony Fashion Fair—a traveling spectacular that helped redefine the concepts of empowerment, pride and achievement for African Americans.

The show will run from Jan. 31 to April 24, in the grand gallery of the museum, featuring ensembles including haute couture, ready-to-wear gowns, feathered coats, and statement designs from the 1960s to the 21st century.

The Memorial Art Gallery is the only Northeast venue for the show, which is the first to explore the history of the Ebony Fashion Fair and the inspirational woman behind it, Eunice Johnson.

The traveling fashion show ran from 1959 to 2009, and Johnson, an executive at Johnson Publishing Co., served as producer and director of the show, reaching millions of people, until her passing in 2010.

The city of Rochester is a sponsor of the MAG event, and will offer free admission to the show Feb. 6, Feb. 21, March 5, and April 2.

In Rochester, it is presented by the Gallery Council of the Memorial Art Gallery and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Major support is provided by The Gouvernet Arts Fund at the Community Foundation, Abigail Riggs Collection, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust, and Wahl Media. Additional funding is provided by three anonymous donors, City of Rochester, COMIDA, FULL

MEA5URE, John D. Greene Endowment for Contemporary Exhibitions, Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Fund, and Nocon & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. In addition, Mayor Lovely Warren will also host an event, Feb. 6, during the exhibit, titled, “Empowering Young Women: The Mayor’s Red Carpet Affair,” which will allow 200 young women to meet accomplished women in the Rochester community.“This dazzling and vibrant exhibit offers a unique view on black history, and demonstrates how beauty and fashion can be an inspirational force for positive social change,” Mayor Warren said in a statement.

Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016

Mt. Ollivet Baptist to Host Black History Month Program “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories’’ is the theme of the 2016 Black History Month observance at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 141 Adams St. in the Corn Hill neighborhood of Rochester. Among the celebratory events over four weeks are a series of Black History Month Talks from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. each Sunday throughout February. Dr. David Anderson/Sankofa, a founding member of the Black storytelling League of Rochester and Akwaaba: the Heritage Associates, will kick off the history series on Feb. 7 by leading a discussion tied to the theme for the month. The series continues with other guest speakers from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 14, 21 and 28. Each of the talks will be followed at 11 a.m. by Mt. Olivet’s morning worship service.For more details on the history series and other activities scheduled for Black History Month, visit the church’s Facebook page or go to www.mt-olivetbaptistchurch.org. Submitted by Kevin Hicks

Around Town First Community Interfaith to Host Black History Month Program The first Community Interfaith Institute Inc. will present its annual Black History Month Program on Wednesday, February 17 at its 219 Hamilton Street location. The organization’s educational programs – the Charles Riley Tutorial Program and Ministry School of Doology – will be highlighted. The purpose of the Black History Month program, known as Supporters Day, is to advocate for the support of the Institute’s afterschool program and adult enrichment program.

For more information contact Minister Lawrance Lee Evans Sr. at (585) 461-0379.

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

*Black History Month Family Day, Memorial Art Gallery Sunday, February 21, noon to 5 p.m.Sponsored

by St. John Fisher College. *Where Coffee meets Culture:The Rochester Latino Theatre Company, Inc. (RLTC) presents its first 2016 Season performance: Cuentos Del Corazon/Stories of the Heart. Where Coffee meets Culture. Downtown Central Library, 115 South Ave, on February 6th at 1pm.

Free Admission.

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Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016

AREA BRIEFS Kamau Fields to Receive Eye On History Award

MAYOR TO DELIVER STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS: Mayor Byron W. Brown will deliver his 10th annual State of the City Address on Friday, February 5 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center in downtown Buffalo. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., lunch at noon and his address at 12:45 p.m.

Individual lunch tickets $50.

For more information call 217-0508 or MayorBrownsSOTC@gmail.com

Main Street Gallery Opens

The grand opening of the Main Street Gallery, located at 515 Main Street, was held January 22. The event showcased artwork from some of Buffalo’s finest artists. Local authors Lisa Brown and Benjamin Willis of Angels and Dreams Publishing, were also on hand. Special guests included Lorna Hill , founder of Ujima Theatre, Peter Jonson of Black Rose Films, Harry Lipsitz of Susie Noon Productions, actor Laverne Clay and Joe Giambra. Renowned bass player/musician Sabu Adeyola performed.

Lodina Clyburn is director and manager. Robet Trettel is the owner. For more information contact Ms. Clyburn at (716) 578-1702 or Lisa Brown at (716) 603-0014.

Kamau R.E. Fields will receive the Eye On History Award. during a presentation on Saturday, February 6, at the Merriweather Library. It will be included in the celebration program hosted by Columnist Eva M. Doyle in observance of the 37th anniverKamau Fields sary of the Eye On History Column. The program will be held from 2 -5 p.m. Brother Kamau Fields has documented the history of African Americans consistently through his three television programs that air on Public Access television. He is always seen filming important community events and speaking out on issues that affect our community. The program is free and open to the public.

For more information call 847-6010.

Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil Sees No Shadow, Predicts Early Spring Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog, emerged from his tree trunk cage in Punxsutawney, Pa. Feb.2 and did not see his shadow. The Groundhog Club emcee proclaimed, "There is no shadow to be cast! An early spring is my forecast!"

Jefferson Renaissance Meeting On Wednesday, February, 3 Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant & We Are Women Warriors will host a ‘Jefferson Avenue Renaissance meeting to help develop a revitalization and redevelopment Plan to rehabilitate Jefferson Avenue. The meeting will be held @ the Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue @ 5:30 p.m. The community is invited to participate. For additional information, please call Legislator Betty Jean Grant @ (716) 602-5877.

In Defense of the Urban League…

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t was a far cry from the public whipping the so-called “whistle blowers” expected.

Taking down an agency with the kind of stellar reputation and track record in the community like the Buffalo Urban League, and ousting it’s highly respected and capable President & CEO, Brenda McDuffie, proved to be more than a notion last Thursday during a “discussion” before the County Legislature in Old County Hall.

Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo, chaired the Finance ComTop left, Danny Hernandez and Lonnell Williams, and (right) Denise mittee hearing.

Houston show their support outside County Hall. Below, It was standing room only in- McMichael supporters listen intently during the “discussion” inside the County side. And at one point support- Legislature. ers waiting in line outside to enter the building, were turned away. The session, which lasted over two hours, was almost surreal at times – from the whistle -blowers weak (often personal) “testimony” to the way in which the session was conducted.

Several times Majority Leader Lorigo had to warn spectators who found it hard to believe what they were seeing and hearing - to keep quiet or face being dismissed.

After the whistleblowers “testified” about alleged improprieties at the Urban League ( the former workers whose complaints to the comptroller initiated the “investigation”), several of the legislators raised their own issues – but not about the League. . Shining light on the internal affairs of a not-for-profit agency, said Legislator Patrick Burke, went beyond the scope of the review. “Why are we doing this,” he asked. “I’ve never seen anything like it!” Calling it “unprecedented” and an “unusual attack on a not for profit” he said that every organization in the county can probably be improved upon.

“I’m beginning to feel like I’m sitting in a courtroom” Legislator Barbara Miller Williams chided, ”not a peoples chambers!” She then asked the whistleblowers if they could say anything about the league they appreciated and how things could if needed, be improved.

Legislator Betty Jean Grant questioned why County Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw, was not present, yet was recently on TV “using words like fraud and waste…he can be on TV…he should be here today!” she said.

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ECC’s Men of Merit Join for 2016 Opening Session Members of Erie Community College’s Men of Merit Program—established to foster excellence, distinction and integrity in the school’s male African-American, Hispanic and Native American students—recently welcomed M&T Bank vice president Thomas Beauford Jr. to kick off their 2016 Opening Session, held at the college’s City Campus on January 21.

Beauford (pictured above with attorney John Elmore) addressed the session on his life experiences and what steps he’s taken to become successful in both business and life. In his current vice president role at M&T, he’s a financial services executive responsible for regulatory compliance of the bank’s commercial investment, government, business, and professional banking groups. Prior to this role, he was senior vice president at Citi ; director of finance for the City of Buffalo; and vice president at HSBC Bank USA. ECC’s Men of Merit program was established to provide ambitious minority students the chance to pursue excellence through a wide array of services designed to maximize academic success, and chart a course to graduation often hindered by poverty, crime and unemployment within local and national minority communities. Members have access to advisers, mentors and leaders—from both ECC and the school’s extended community—who strive to prepare students for college success.

Program members also have access to support network comprised of vital ECC-guided services like academic readiness workshops, crisis counseling and career development.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson:

Carter G. Woodson: Father of Black History Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, distinguished Black author, editor, publisher, and historian (December 1875 - April 1950), believed that Blacks should know their past in order to participate intelligently in the affairs in their country. He strongly believed that Black history - which others have tried so diligently to erase - is a firm foundation for young African Americans to build on in order to become productive citizens of society.

Known as the “Father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson holds an outstanding position in early 20th century American history.

Woodson authored numerous scholarly books on the positive contributions of Blacks to the development of America. He also published many magazine articles analyzing the contributions and role of African Americans. He reached out to schools and the general public through the establishment of several key organizations and founded Negro History Week (precursor to Black History Month). His message was that Africans should be proud of their heritage and that other Americans should also understand it.

He was born in New Canton, Buckingham County, Virginia, to former slaves Anne Eliza (Riddle) and James Henry Woodson. Although his parents could neither read nor write, Carter G. Woodson credits his father for influencing the course of his life. His Continued Page 11

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LOCAL + NATIONAL + WORLD

Who Deserves the Black Vote?

Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are fighting it out to see who will be the Democratic nonimee for President. The Black vote is critical.

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ith the Iowa Caucus behind us, Hillary Clinton winning a marginal victory, goes into New Hampshire as the favorite.

Neither of these mostly White states are of much consequence to the Black voter, but the dynamics that are developing among the Democratic Party rivals are significant. On the one hand, Clinton was expected to win the nomination with ease, until Sanders came along. In the end, the Black vote will determine who gets the Democratic nomination. The question that remains is, will Black people continue to provide their unwavering support to the party, or will they make the candidates hustle for their support? And exactly what would it look like to make politicians earn Black votes?

On the one hand we have Hillary Clinton, who is the clear favorite among African-Americans. As a number of commentators have noted, this would appear to be a paradox, given the Clintons’ rise to power was based on throwing Black folks under the bus. As Corey Robin points out in Salon, for those political analysts, observers and pundits who were around in the 1990s, Hillary and Bill Clinton conjure up images of welfare reform and the Omnibus crime bill, both of which were punishment for Black people. Then there was Bill Clinton’s repudiation of Black rapper and activist Sister Souljah, comparing her to KKK leader David Duke for her comments on Black-on-White racial violence during the 1992 Los Angeles riots. And there was his decision to return to Arkansas to oversee the execution of Ricky Ray Rector, a mentally ill man who saved the dessert of his last meal for later.

“And beyond — really, behind — all that, the desperate desire to win over white voters by declaring to the American electorate: We are not the Party of Jesse Jackson, we are not the Rainbow Coalition,” Robin wrote.

Amanda Girard ... in U.S. Uncut, argues that the Clintons based their legacy on White supremacy, while positioning themselves as the champions of Black people. As Arkansas governor, she notes, Bill Clinton did not oppose Confederate Flag Day, which honors the Confederacy. Further, while he was president, the 1992 Democratic Party platform made no mention of racial injustice for the first time in half a century. As Girard argues, federal and state prisoners increased 673,000.

And citing Michelle Alexander, law professor and author of The New Jim Crow, federal funding for public housing dropped $17 billion, while money to prisons jumped $19 billion and $1 billion in state spending was redirected from higher education to prison construction. Alexander broke it down in a Facebook post: “If anyone doubts that the mainstream media fails to tell the truth about our political system (and its true winners and losers), the spectacle of large majorities of Black folks supporting Hillary Clinton in the primary races ought to be proof enough. I can’t believe Hillary would be coasting into the primaries with her current margin of Black support if most people knew how much damage the Clintons have done — the millions of families that were destroyed the last time they were in the White House thanks to their boastful embrace of the mass incarceration machine and their total capitulation to the right-wing nar-

rative on race, crime, welfare and taxes. There’s so much more to say on this topic and it’s a shame that more people aren’t saying it. I think it’s time we have that conversation.”

To smooth things over for his wife’s presidential candidacy, Bill Clinton apologized for his role in mass incarceration at the NAACP convention. But is that enough?

Meanwhile, Bernie Sanders, the socialist senator from Vermont who also supported the Clinton crime bill, would hope to peel off some of Clinton’s support among AfricanAmericans.

As The New York Times reported, Sanders at one point was dismissed as a leftist fringe candidate. But with over $28 million in cash to Clinton’s $38 million, the contest is by no means over.

In Iowa, Sanders performed well among younger voters and independents, while Clinton scored among moderates, women and older voters, gained points for tacking to the left on trade, the environment and gay rights, but losing some ground for her Wall Street ties and political pragmatism.

Writing in the Washington Post, Paul Waldman predicts that the Black vote could spell doom for Sanders unless he finds a way to win over large numbers.

Clinton has years of AfricanAmerican support behind her, Waldman argues, and has been able to portray Sanders as insufficiently loyal to President Obama.

Meanwhile, Sanders does well among White liberals and progressives. However, the only states where White liberals constitute a larger share of the primary vote are Iowa, New Hampshire and Vermont. After that, Blacks make up a much higher proportion of the vote. Waldman says the key to winning the Black vote is not “about hopes and dreams” but “nuts and bolts: the social networks, the key endorsers and officials, the neighborhood institutions, the systems that have been built up in the most trying circumstances to get people to the polls.” He adds that “you can’t blow into town a week before election day with a bunch of eager white 20-something volunteers from somewhere else and win their votes.”

DO YOU REMEMBER…

Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016

Sanders — who, like Clinton, has been taken to the woodshed by #BlackLivesMatter activists — hired a Black woman activist as his national press secretary, and has received support from Cornel West; former Ohio lawmaker Nina Turner; the daughter of police brutality victim Eric Garner; and a number of Black South Carolina lawmakers. Further, Sanders may have undermined his efforts to help build and consolidate his base of Black support when he unequivocally came out against slavery reparations, arguing that it would not pass through Congress, and offered economic policies to help African-Americans instead. Although Clinton may agree with Sanders, she was wise enough not to mirror his answer, giving a more nuanced — however noncommittal — response to the issue of reparations.

Jonathan Capehart of the Washington Post issues a warning to Democrats in the

midst of the Clinton-Sanders race. He says that if a Republican president is elected, Democrats would only have themselves to blame. Democrats lost the House and Senate in 2010 and 2014, respectively, because voters of color and white progressives did not go to the polls — not because working-class Whites fled the party. Capehart invokes Steve Phillips of the Center for American Progress, who says Democrats need to shift their emphasis from winning White swing voters to capturing the “New American Majority,” a 51 percent share made up of 23 percent voters of color and 28 percent White progressives. This translates to 81 percent people of color and 38 percent of Whites, according to Phillips. When this majority is not given a reason to vote — including Blacks, who in the Obama era had a voter participation rate surpassing Whites — the consequences are clear.

(Excerpted :The Atlanta Black Star)

Humboldt Parkway before the construction of the Kensington Expressway?

National Black Republican Association Endorses Trump The National Black Republican Association, a self-proclaimed “grassroots activist” organization committed to “returning African Americans to their Republican roots” released a statement recently announcing its endorsement of Donald J. Trump for President of the United States of America.

The Florida-based organization founded in 2005 say it supports Trump because he shares its values.”

NBRA Chair Frances Rice detailed their reasoning further, saying that over the last 60 years, Democrats have run Black communities into the ground, turning them into “economic and social wastelands.”

This is the same organization that called for President Barack Obama’s impeachment just a few months ago.

ROCCBuffalo.org (716) 883-0529

Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016

LEGAL NOTICE Supplemental Summons SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Index No.: 813796/2015 Date of Filing: January 8, 2016 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ERIE HSBC BANK USA, N.A., Plaintiff,

Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF -against- (MORTGAGE COMPANY) CELESTINE HICKS WYLIE AS AND FILING THE ANSWER HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF WITH THE COURT. KIN OF STANDFORD T. WYYOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON LIE; MAURICE WYLIE AS HEIR NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATAT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF TEMPTING TO COLLECT A STANDFORD T. WYLIE; JOHN DEBT, AND ANY INFORMADOE 1 THROUGH 50; JANE TION OBTAINED WILL BE DOE 1 THROUGH 50, INTENDUSED FOR THAT PURPOSE ING TO BE THE UNKNOWN TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEHEIRS, DISTRIBUTES, DEVIFENDANTS: SEES, GRANTEES, TRUSTThe foregoing summons is EES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, served upon you by publicaAND ASSIGNEES OF THE EStion pursuant to an Order of the TATE OF STANDFORD T. WYHonorable Dennis E. Ward of LIE WHO WAS BORN IN 1926 the Supreme Court of the State AND DIED ON JUNE 20, 2013, of New York, signed on JanuA RESIDENT OF THE COUNTY ary 6, 2016, and filed with supOF ERIE, THEIR SUCCESporting papers in the Office of SORS IN INTEREST IF ANY the Clerk of the County of Erie, OF THE AFORESAID DEState of New York.

FENDANTS BE DECEASED, The object of this action is to THEIR RESPECTIVE HEIRS foreclose a mortgage upon AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, AND the premises described below, SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST executed by STANDFORD T. OF THE AFORESAID CLASSWYLIE to DEVERE CAPITAL ES OF PERSON, IF THEY CORP. bearing date October OR ANY OF THEM BE DEAD, 6, 1995 and recorded in Liber AND THEIR RESPECTIVE 12681 of Mortgages at Page HUSBANDS, WIVES OR WID6255 in the County of Erie on OWS, IF ANY, ALL OF WHOM October 6, 1995. Thereafter AND WHOSE NAMES AND said mortgage was assigned PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE to FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS UNKNOWN TO THE PLAINLOAN & ASSOCIATION OF TIFF; et al.,; COMMISSIONER ROCHESTER by assignment OF ADMINISTRATION AND FIof mortgage bearing date OctoNANCE; SERVICE EXPERTS ber 6, 1995 and recorded unHEATING & AIR CONDITIONder Liber 12681 of Mortgages ING LLC; ‘’JOHN DOES’’ and at Page 6275 in the County ‘’JANE DOES’’, SAID NAMES of Erie on October 6, 1995.

BEING FICTITIOUS, PARTIES Plaintiff, HSBC BANK USA, INTENDED BEING POSSIBLE N.A. was formerly known as TENANTS OR OCCUPANTS MARINE MIDLAND BANK sucOF PREMISES, AND CORPOcessor by merger to FIRST RATIONS, OTHER ENTITIES FEDERAL SAVINGS LOAN & OR PERSONS WHO CLAIM, ASSOCIATION OF ROCHESOR MAY CLAIM, A LIEN TER. AGAINST THE PREMISES, DeSaid premises being known as fendants. and by 181 FLOSS AVENUE, TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEBUFFALO, NY 14211.

FENDANTS: Date: December 30, 2015 YOU ARE HEREBY SUMBatavia, New York MONED to answer the comVirginia C Grapensteter, Esq. plaint in this action and to serve ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOa copy of your answer, or, if the CIATES, P.C. complaint is not served with this Attorneys for Plaintiff summons, to serve a Notice Batavia Office 26 Harvester of Appearance on the PlainAvenue tiff’s attorney(s) within twenty Batavia, NY 14020 (20) days after the service of 585.815.0288 this summons, exclusive of the Help For Homeowners In Foreday of service, where service closure is made by delivery upon you New York State Law requires personally within the State, or that we send you this notice within thirty (30) days after comabout the foreclosure process. pletion of service where service Please read it carefully. Mortis made in any other manner, gage foreclosure is a complex and in case of your failure to process. Some people may apappear or answer, judgment will proach you about “saving” your be taken against you by default home. You should be extremely for the relief demanded in the careful about any such promiscomplaint. es. The State encourages you NOTICE to become informed about your YOU ARE IN DANGER OF options in foreclosure. There LOSING YOUR HOME are government agencies, leIf you do not respond to this gal aid entities and other nonsummons and complaint by profit organizations that you serving a copy of the answer on may contact for information the attorney for the mortgage about foreclosure while you are company who filed this forecloworking with your lender during sure proceeding against you this process. To locate an entity and filing the answer with the near you, you may call the tollcourt, a default judgment may free helpline maintained by the be entered and you can lose New York State Banking Deyour home. partment at 1-877-BANKNYS Speak to an attorney or go to (1-877-226-5697) or visit the the court where your case is Department’s website at www. pending for further information banking.state.ny.us. The State on how to answer the summons does not guarantee the advice and protect your property. of these agencies.

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Charter School Of Inquiry To HEALTH MATTERS Hold Open House Natural Sources of Vitamins for Health...

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he Charter School of Inquiry (CSI) will hold an open house on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 from 5 to 6:30 pm for parents and children entering Kindergarten through third grade. The open house will include classroom visitations, meetings with teachers, and refreshments. The event features an Interactive Conversation with Parents About Inquiry-based Learning organized

by Peter Dow at 6:00 pm. Dr. Dow is a CSI founder and board member, nationally known expert in the field of inquiry learning, and co-founder of First Hand Learning, Inc., a non-profit corporation dedicated to inquiry-based learning, teacher professional development and collaboration between cultural institutions and schools.

CSI offers a unique inquiry-based approach to guide the entire teaching and learning process. CSI students are engaged in their own learning through a constant process of exploration and questioning, conducting their own research, and presenting what they’ve learned. CSI’s students learn at an early age to think critically, problem-solve, and work collaboratively with others. These are the skills that educators and employers consistently name as the skills needed for success in the 21st century.

In addition to a rigorous, inquiry-based curriculum, CSI’s instructional elements include an intense focus on literacy across all subject areas, collaborative team-teaching with a teacher and teaching assistant in each classroom, supported by a literacy coach, and a longer school day and school year.

CSI is located at 404 Edison Street, Buffalo, NY 14215. The school, which opened on August 31, 2015, is the newest charter school in Buffalo and is adding a grade level each year to become a K-6 school by 2019. Students who reside in the city of Buffalo are warmly welcomed. , For additional information, call the school office at 716-8333250 or visit www.charterschoolofinquiry.org.

*Vitamin A-Fights infections, nourishes the skin, strengthens the immune system. Plentiful in dark green leafy vegetables; orange and yellow foods. *Vitamin B Complex- Essential for a well functioning nervous and digestive system. Plentiful in whole grains and seaweed. *Vitamin C-Essentially a body cleanser; eliminates toxic waste. Also maintains the elasticity of the skin. Plentiful in citrus fruit, strawberries, green peppers, kale. *Vitamin D-Necessary for strong bones and the proper deposition of Calcium. Sunshine is the best source of this vitamin.

Seaweed sardines and eggs are also good sources. *Vitamin E-Essential for good blood circulation. Plentiful in nuts and oils; almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts; wheat germ, sesame and safflower oils. *Vitamin F-Essential fatty acids; Omega 3 (fish oils), Omega 6 (vegetable oils) and Omega 9. Omega 9 is obtained from seeds (Borage, Evening Primrose and Black Currant oil) and has been used to thin blood and relieve arthritic pain.

BGSAD to Host Genealogy Workshop The Buffalo Genealogical Society of the African Diaspora (BGSAD) will conduct their third Annual James Huff Memorial Genealogy Workshop at the Lutheran Church of our Savior at 26 Brunswick, Blvd. on Saturday, February 13 from 11 AM to 1 P.M. BGSAD presenters will explain the methods they used to trace their roots to their free and enslaved ancestors, their locations and family names. Genealogy charts will be displayed. Others will talk about their ancestors who fought in the Civil war in the U.S. Colored troops as well as in White regiments.

Information on how to begin your genealogy search will be available. Preregistration for this free event is encouraged but not required. email bgsad@verizon.net Dr. Sharon R. Amos is President of BGSAD.

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Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016

FAITH & FAMILY

Do Black Lives Matter to White Christians? Survey Reveals a Sad Truth

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ost polls don’t matter much. But this one does. A recent Public Religion Research Institute survey has revealed a devastating truth: While about 80 percent of Black Christians believe police-involved killings -- like the ones that killed TamirRice, Laquan McDonald, and so many more -- are part of a larger pattern of police treatment of African Americans, around 70 percent of white Christians believe the opposite ... that they are simply isolated incidents.

And before many begin disassociating with the term “white

Christians,” we should look deeper. The numbers include 72 percent of White evangelical Protestants, 71 percent of White Catholics, and 73 percent of White mainline Protestants. This is about all White Christians.

What’s worse? Take away the moniker of “Christian” and the numbers drop to around 65 percent. The survey reveals that White Christians are as a whole less likely to believe the experiences of Black Americans than non-Christian Whites.

Honoring Members of Our Own Outstanding Music Ministries!

Local Churches will be honoring some of their own from their Music Ministry.

The Event will take place on Saturday February 5 at Midtown Bible Chapel, 1722 Main St. The guest preacher will be Rev. George C. Woodruff of the Durham Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church.

Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016

Bishop T. Anthony Bronner to Keynote Black Man’s Think Tank Dinner

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ishop T. Anthony Bronner, Pastor of Elim Christian Fellowship will be the keynote speaker at the United Black Men’s Think Tank of Buffalo, Inc. ‘s 5th Anniversary Black Tie Dinner Party fundraiser on Saturday, February 20th.

The event will be held at the Grapevine Banquet Facility, 333 Dick Road starting with a VIP Reception at 6 p.m. followed by an awards ceremony and dinner party from 7 - 10 p.m.

The following awards will be presented: * Leadership Award: Murray Holman, Chairman, Stop the Violence Coalition. Honorable mention to additional members of the Peacekeepers organization. *Appreciation Award: Honorable TimBishop Bronner othy Kennedy, Senator 63rd District, State of NY. and Mr. Nagi Awass and the Arab American Business Association. *Black Woman of the Year Award: The Honorable Betty Jean Grant, Erie County Legislature, 7th District for her “outstanding performance in public service to citizens in her district, and the City of Buffalo.”

Senior Think Tank advisor, John Tarver will co-chair this years event, with founding Black Think Tank member, Rev. Dr. James A. Lewis III serving as Master of Ceremony.

Patron advertisement in a Souvenir Journal is also offered in conjunction with the dinner. The organization is hoping to raise $10,000 at this event from professional and corporate sponsors to help us establish their Buffalo Making A Difference Youth Program (BMAD), which they plan to implement later this year.

Tickets are $75 per person ; $100 per person for the VIP Reception; and $750 for a table reservation of 10. All proceeds over the cost of the event will directly benefit the BMAD youth program. For more information or to request a sponsorship package or tickets by mail please contact the Black Think Tank at 716- 884-3312. Please make your reservations no later than Monday February 15th as space is limited for this event!

Family Movie Night at Mt. Zion Family Movie Night at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church will present “War Room,” on Friday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. Mt. Zion is located at 1334 Calumet Avenue in Niagara Falls, NY. For more information call (716) 282-3655.

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Professor Charles Ogletree to Keynote UB’s Annual MLK Event

The University at Buffalo has booked Harvard Professor Charles Ogletree to keynote their 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration event, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 11 at 8pm in Alumni Arena. The Commemoration program is part of the university’s Distinguished Speakers Series.

Ogletree is the Jesse Climenko Professor of Law at Harvard, and the Founding and Executive Director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice, which focuses on a variety of issues relating to race and justice. Ogletree is a prominent legal theorist who has earned an international reputation by taking a hard look at complex issues of law and working to secure the rights guaranteed by the Constitution for everyone equally under the law. A noted author, he was twice named by Ebony Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans. He received the first ever Rosa Parks Civil Rights Award, given by the City of Professor Ogletree Boston, and in 2005, was honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award for National Service.

Ogletree, who earned his JD at Harvard, holds several honorary doctorates in law as well.

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Entertainment/Lifestyles Interview The Whispers:

50 Years of “Rockin’ Steady and Still Going Strong

F

By Matt Bauer

ans of classic R&B will be in for a Valentine’s treat when legends The Whispers perform for two shows (5 & 8 p.m.) at The Tralf, February 14. Known for classics like “(Let’s Go) All The Way,” “(Olivia) Lost and Turned Out, ” “And The Beat Goes On,” and “Rock Steady,” among many others, the group has been a permanent and innovative fixture on the R&B scene for over a half century.

When asked if he could have predicted the group’s longevity, Walter Scott simply replies via phone from Los Angeles, “we didn’t have a clue and we had no idea that this would have a 50 year legacy. At that time Walter and Wallace “Scotty” Scott we were like most young people, we were into Motown the Four Tops and the Temptations.

If anybody said you’re going to be singing 50 years later we would have laughed at them.”

Formed out of the vibrant Los Angeles talent show scene in 1963 by Walter and his twin brother Wallace “Scotty” Scott, the recently departed Nicholas Caldwell, Gordy Harmon (who would be replaced by Leaveil Degree in 1971) and the late Marcus Hutson, the group recorded nine singles for the Dore label before releasing their first R&B Top 10 hit “Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong” for the Janus label in 1970.

The albums Bingo and One For The Money followed in 1974 and 1976. Both recorded in Philadelphia and utilizing the production and songwriting skills of Philly Soul legends Bunny Sigler, Norman Harris, and Alan Felder the pair remain unsung to all but the most die-hard Whispers fans. Scott, however, feels they’re deserving of a re-appraisal. “It was just an incredible situation that we got to be around different people who produced different types of music and we were never guided by producers of that stature up to that point,” he says.

The Whispers’ turning point occurred when their manager, the late impresario Dick Griffey created the Soul Train Records imprint with Don Cornelius specifically for the quintet. Upon Cornelius’s departure the label would evolve into SOLAR ( an acronym for Sounds of Los Angeles Records) and after a decade and a half, the fellows would experience their first major hit with the 1979 post-disco boogie classic “And The Beat Goes On” which reached the top spot on the R&B chart while their eponymous 1980 album went platinum. “ The luckiest thing that ever happened to us was to have Dick Griffey as our promoter and friend,“ explains Scott regarding the group’s commercial heyday at the label which helped define R&B in the early 1980s and remains influential over three decades later. “ We developed a bond and Dick Griffey wanted to imitate Berry Gordy and start his own label like Motown. The success was for the owner to give freedom to the artists that were on the label. While at SOLAR records it was an incredible time for the group Dynasty, Shalamar, Lakeside, Leon Sylvers and Dick let everyone flourish. It was our greatest time and we were in our prime and most of those acts were in their prime and out of that came incredible songs.”

The hits just kept on coming with exhilarating dance-floor fillers such as “It’s A Love Thing,” This Kind Of Loving” “In The Raw” and the LA Reid and Babyface co-penned and produced “Rock Steady” in 1987 which would be the group’s biggest hit.

And when the bedroom beckoned, the quintet offered such scintillating quiet storm staples such as “Lady” and “Say Yes” both written by Caldwell.

While the hits cooled in the 1990s, the group released For Your Ears Only in 2006 and their first Gospel album Thank-

Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016

ON STAGE *Ujima Presents El Hajj Malik by N. R. Davidson; Directed by Lorna C. Hill February 19 - March 6, Performances:Alleyway’s Main Street Cabaret, 672 Main Street,Feb. 19 through March 6. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m. $25 general • $20 seniors • $15 students;Ujima Company, Inc.,515 Main St., Buffalo, New York, 14203-1712 Tickets online: ujimacoinc.org Box Office No.: 716-2810092 Administration, Subscriptions and Group sales.

Sales: 716-281-0093 - or -ujimacoinc@me.com *Comedian Tracey Morgan of saturday Night Live fame, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016, Seneca Niagara Casino 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45/ Ticketmaster. Now returning to the stage after a near-fatal car crash, Tracy is back and better than ever!

*Kahil El’Zabar’s New Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, The 9th Ward, 341 Delaware Ave, Tuesday, February 16, 8 p.m., 854-694, WWW.HALLWALLS.ORG *R. Kelly, Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, Valentines Day, 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14. Tickets @Ticketmaster. *Tyler Perry Madea On The Run” IN BUFFALO @ Shea’s, Friday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. & Sunday, Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. & 7:30 ; IN ROCHESTER Sat. Feb. 20 Rochester Auditorium Theatre at 4 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Tickets @ Ticketmaster. *Whispers Valentines Day Show, Sunday, Feb. 14 for Two shows at the Tralf, 5pm and 8pm Reserved Tickets on sale Ticketmaster.com / Wal-Mart / Tralf Box Office 716.852.2860 / Tralf.com

Alemaedae Theater Productions Auditions Alemaedae Theater Productions is hosting auditions for various film projects on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at 1412 Main St. Casting for the following projects: *“Daddy’s Girl Club” TV Series (Shooting Early to late April 2016). Need several actors and actresses with ages ranging from 18 to 70. *“The Call” Comedy Feature Film (Shooting Mid May 2016 through Mid July 2016). Need several actors and actresses with ages ranging from 18 to 70. *“Sins of Racism” Drama Short Film (Shooting Mid to Late August) Need several actors and actresses with ages ranging from 25 to 50.Those interested in auditioning should contact. atpgalaxy@gmail.com.

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9 Entertainment/Lifestyles 28 Friday & SaturPaul Robeson Theatre Presents “Fetch Clay, Make Man” February day at 8 p.m. and Sunday 4

Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016

WHISPERS continued ful in 2009. Marcus Hutson passed away in 2000 and Nicholas Caldwell sadly succumbed to congestive heart failure on January 5th of this year.

“It’s been a trying time,“ confesses Scott of the last few weeks. “It’s pretty hard dealing with the fact that you’re going to miss someone that you’ve been dealing with for over 50 years. We had a very close relationship but we’re going to move on because we know that’s what he would have wanted and that’s where we stand.”

T

he Paul Robeson Theatre (PRT) continues its 48th Theatre Season with an intriguing production – Fetch Clay, Make Man by Mr. Will Power, directed by Mr. Lavern Clay.

In 1965, Muhammad Ali sent for Stepin Fetchit to join

his entourage and teach him the secrets of the great Jack Johnson. Life, love, friendship, and faith shape their worlds as these two men work together to craft their own images under the weight of being a Black celebrity in America.

This true story is a powerful and poetic portrayal of Clay himself while also a humorous and irreverent as Fetchit’s signature act. The director, Mr. Clay, has assembled a cast of thespians such as Fisher, Courtney Turner, Johnny Rowe, Jo-

seph Giambra, and Leon Copeland - all accomplished actors. Come out and enjoy the improbable bond that forms between these drastically different, influential cultural icons.

Fetch Clay, Make Man will open February 5 and run thru

p.m. with talkbacks on Sunday after the show. A special rate of $20 per person is offered February 6, 12, & 21.

Visit www.aaccbuffalo.org for information or contact Paulette D. Harris, Artistic Director at paulrobesontheatrebuffalo@gmail.com

As the Scott brothers and Degree continue on and are hoping to have new music out by the middle of this year, The Whispers remain a vital presence on the live circuit. “We start right at the beginning and we bring it all the way up to now,” says Scott of what audiences can expect on Valentine’s Day. “You have to be there to experience it. We still have a live band and no pre-recorded sounds.

The grandmothers and grandfathers, they know the early Whispers and midway through the young people know only the stuff from SOLAR right up to’ Rock Steady.’ We’re incredibly fortunate to have this type of career and we don’t take it for granted.”

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10

Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016

Vendors & Speakers & Performers Wanted for Black History Month Vendors, speakers and performers are wanted for an upcoming Black History Month Event to support the Stop Bullying Film Campaign If you’re a true positive speaker or performer and can speak on the topic of Black history, anti bullying or Black men (stop) killing Black men then we want you!!!

If you’re a vendor - Lock in your vendor spot immediately because space is limited!!!The Black History Month Event will be held on Saturday Feb. 20th, at the CRUCIAL CENTER , 230 Moselle St. from 1 - 5pm. For more information Contact 716-563-5515

URBAN LEAGUE continued Urban League Board Chairman Michael Reville outlined the League’s importance to the area’s poor, and staunchly defended the agency and McDuffie’s leadership. He condemned the Comptrollers public criticism of the Buffalo Urban League, calling it “totally without merit.”

“I call on the Comptroller to correct the public record,” he said. “The Board stands completely behind Brenda McDuffie 100 %!”

Mrs. McDuffie, decrying the onslaught of “hearsay, misinformation and speculation,” was clear, composed and unwavering in her defense of the agency, its record of service and its actions in light of the Comptroller’s report and the media frenzy surrounding it.

Making it plain, she pointed out that fact that what is being referred to as an “audit” was actually a review or report .

There was never an audit, as it has been referred to by the media she said. And the use of words like fraud , mismanagement, waste and “taxpayers money” have been used to add to the hype.

While acknowledging that like any responsible organization that serves the community, “the Buffalo Urban League always welcomes constructive criticism,” McDuffie added that the Comptroller’s public statements have been nothing less than “destructive and distractive and not in our best interest.”

When it’s all said and done, she continued, there was only one substantial– error - a $20,000 contract error – that was found “and we took immediate action to correct it.”

“We paid back every penny- that was about10 months ago,” she continued.

The Comptroller’s statements, said McDuffie, have been “destructive and distractive.”

She then made a public appeal to Comptroller Mychajliw to “do what’s right and honorable…close the gap and make it clear that the report based on a review and was not an audit!... (and) a one time error was not systematic fraud.”

Addressing whistleblowers she noted that not only did they not take their grievance through the agency’s internal whistle-blower process – but went directly to the Comptroller with their complaints and allegations. She also pointed out that they both filed complaints with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Heath Administration and the state Division of Human Rights and that those complains were dismissed as unfounded.

Rev. George Nicholas, Pastor of Lincoln Memorial Church said the “report” released by the Comptroller’s office “would not help one poor child and family.”

He said his plea is for “the Comptroller and the Buffalo Urban League to come together and develop a plan to move forward.” The innuendoes and attacks on the Buffalo Urban League and who should run the agency, he concluded, was helping no one.

Everyone’s focus he said, should be on the children and families.

Moving Our Families Forward in the Right Direction!

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he wonderful response for the last article was encouraging and heartwarming. I am looking forward to possibly turning this information into an online presence also.

Some of the topics we covered in our initial article included a general overview of parentchild relationships, best practices for young families raising children in this day and age, Godly wisdom of our Grandma’s and Grandpa’s, the great value of extended family units, growing up in the Buffalo/Western New York region and how to handle every situation life hands us. We established that the Lord has All the answers and as a first course we must follow His Word and obey His Will for our lives and our family’s lives. How can we possibly know the right way, the path that leads to joyful, abundant life without hearing from God and following His instructions to us? Giving full authority to the Word is really the only means for ensuring a whole, healthy, blessed life this side of heaven.

I want to challenge parents and grandparents to raise this next generation in a way that guarantees good success. At the very end of my last article I listed a key scripture reference from Joshua 1:7. It reads as follows: “Do not let this word of the law depart from your mouth, you will meditate in it day and night.

Then will you make your way prosperous and then you will have good sucKatie HARROD cess.” So much to focus on here, but I want to draw your attention to the last two words, good…success. As an attorney, I am fascinated by words. My first thought here was, is there anything that could ever be termed as “bad success”.

If so, what does that look like as compared to the Lord’s promise of “Good” success. The dictionary definition of success is, “the achievement of something desired, planned or attempted; the gaining of fame or prosperity.”

So now without going too far into this word search game…what does “good” mean (you know this is why people don’t like lawyers…they break down obvious meanings of small simple words…but this what law school trains us to do) anyway…in the original Hebrew text this word means, “to be wise or to do wisely”. We can apply this meaning to bringing up our children by recognizing there is wisdom in teaching our children how to be successful in life. Teach them how to make wise choices early in life. I do mean early. Little Johnny or Sue do not have to “fall out” in the store isle because you said “NO” to getting that “Ultra Fudge Sugar-Puff and Red-Sprinkles Cereal.” Wisdom says they should hear and understand the word No from you frequently, at an early age and sometimes for no other reason than… “Cause I said so!” It nurtures and teaches discipline which is the backbone of success later in life. I don’t know about you but I heard my Mama say No, ALL the time! And she didn't even care about my "feelings" (small Violins playing). A firm "No" teaches children that we do not always get our way in life and it is the beginning of character building which is so lacking in society today.

So then what about the notion of “Bad Success”? Could it simply be that outward appearance of success with no peace, no joy, no solid foundation in Our Lord Who “Makes us rich and He adds no sorrow to it” (Proverbs 10:22. See also Proverbs 13:7). Being rich only in material things might depict the word success but may not ever include that full definition of “Good Success.”

I believe the following are some building blocks for good success. Our grandparents and great grandparents routinely used these building blocks appropriately , consistently (never wavering), intentionally and cleverly (with a slight sense of humor).

1) Teach children to take full responsibility for their actions. Do not allow them to skate away from responsibility like "Urckle" used to do on the Sit Com, "Family Matters"; with that casual, "Oh, did I do that?! The response should have been, "Look, you KNOW you did, now apologize and clean that mess up!!" But hold on...come to think about it...did we ever even see his parents on that show? There is also the notion of being responsible. That can be taught in a number of ways.

One of the best is by assigning regular chores. AND of course 4 and 5 year olds can do chores.

Yes, we must help them and maybe the wash cloths won’t not be folded perfectly or the covers on their bed may be a little crooked….but that's OK. 2) Teach children at an early age what it means to show respect and to be respectful. I'm not sure when that business of children addressing adults by their first name started (I'd better look that up).

But we lost a sense of respect for authority slowly but surely as we removed some “guideposts” for what it means to give proper respect. Teachers, coaches, etc. and those in whose care we place our children deserve to be treated with respect. How many times have I observed (I did some substitute teaching, remember) the parent who storms into school because her 7 year old only got 2 cookies at snack time instead of three but that SAME parent was too "busy" to show up for the Parent/Teacher Conference. There are many ways to instill that sense of respect in our children. Leading by example is one big way. (Also, be sure to choose teachers, coaches, tutors, etc. very wisely) 3) Teach children to be resourceful. If they are supposed to do something, insist that they not allow anything or anyone to stop them. Teach them to find a way. Keep their word. Follow through!

The old saying, "There's more that one way to skin a cat" (ugh-oh you cat lovers please forgive my great grand dad I'm sure he didn't mean anything literal), or the adage, “Where there's a Will there a Way”; “if at first you don't succeed try, TRY again!” Let’s create a Culture of Success. Refuse to allow for lame excuses. The dog ate my homework. What? Get another piece of paper out and redo it!

Small changes can make a big difference as we focus on good success. Let 2016 be the best year yet for moving our families forward in the right direction.

(You may contact me through the website, TheChallengerNews. com or my e-mail address at: Katieharrodlaw@yahoo.com or (716) 352-4396. Until next month, be Blessed!

VOICES

Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016

The Flint Water Crisis and Love Canal

Commissioner Elia, State Education Officials, and the Strategy of Ignoring …

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ebster’s defines “ignorance” (n) as (a) “lack of knowledge, understanding or education.” On the other hand, the word “(to) ignore” (v) means “refuse to take notice of; or acknowledge; disregard intentionally; pay no attention to; fail to consider or reject”.

Barbara Seals lth o u gh Nevergold A t h e s e w o r d s have the same root, “ignore” does not mean to be in a state of “ignorance.” Last week I wrote about the frustration of being ignored by the State Education Commissioner and other education and state officials, which I described as a “strategy of ignorance.” I went on to say that they hope by “ignoring” me/us that we would just go away. At this juncture, my dear readers, you may be asking the question, what’s the point of this discussion?

As an educator I feel compelled to provide accurate information and to correct mis-information when warranted. In light of the foregoing definitions, I need to restate that what I and others have encountered is not a strategy of “ignorance” but one of “ignoring.” It’s an important distinction.

When confronted by the former, we could educate, inform or raise the awareness of the State officials through dialog, communicating new information and/or teaching. With the latter, however it’s not possible to initiate a dialog as attempts to communicate, in-

WOODSON continued

father, he later wrote, insisted that “learning to accept insult, to compromise on principle, to mislead your fellow man, or to betray your people, is to lose your soul.”

He received his Bachelor of Literature from Berea College, Kentucky, studied at the Sorbonne University in Paris, in 1908 received his M.A. from the U.of Chicago, and in 1912, he received his Ph.D. in history from Harvard.

“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

form, raise awareness or teach are refused, rejected or simply not acknowledged. Ignoring is deliberate, calculated and willful in its intent.

Since mid-December I have been vocal in asking for answers to a number of straightforward and critical questions concerning the future of our school district. I am not alone in raising these questions.

In fact, advocates here and across this state have many of the same concerns. State imposed receivership threatens to strip our communities of local control of our schools.

The recent release of Governor Cuomo’s Common Core Task Force recommendations, however, raises considerable doubt about the validity of the standardized tests, which were used to identify the receivership schools. An additional caveat is that most of the receivership schools are located in urban school districts, which are disproportionately poor and of color.

Urban communities are under siege throughout this country. They are targeted for takeover under emergency management, receivership or other tactics designed to limit local democratic agency. We only have to look to the tragedy unfolding in Flint to understand the importance of not tolerating a strategy of ignoring.

It is not my intention to compare our situation to the deplorable one in Flint, but what has happened in Flint should be instructive and demonstrative of what can happen in any community whose voice is ignored and marginalized. For example, there were red flags raised years before the catastrophe, which were met by indifference, dismissiveness and rejection. We see a tunnel vision response that labeled questioners as complainers or whiners and their concerns as insignificant or baseless. Advocates were discounted and disenfranchised because they lacked the resources, and or status, to make their voices heard. There was a top down bureaucracy that had little respect for or valuing of the opinions of the “little” guys.

In many instances, stakeholders were not even given the courtesy of an acknowledgement of their letters, peti-

tions, calls, etc. Does this sound familiar? It’s the “art of ignoring” as practiced in Michigan as well as in our own State by agencies and individuals who should be responsive to constituents.

What makes this strategy of ignoring even more salient and troubling in the case of Buffalo School advocates is that my colleagues and I are publically elected officials, informed and very involved Board and community members. However, even these credentials aren’t enough to warrant a professional, informed, timely response from State Education officials, to our questions about receivership, the use of standardized tests results and the Common Core Task Force recommendations. (With one notable exception; I want to thank Senator Timothy Kennedy, who took the time to meet with me last week. He listened to the issues and the rationale for the request to the Commissioner and the Board of Regents. He has promised to look into the matter) Last week, I posted an online petition for supporters of the request for an open, transparent and inclusive process that would engage the community in a dialogue about the implications and implementation plans of the Task Force recommendations. I’ve been requesting this dialogue with local and state educational officials since the Task Force Report was released in December 2015. This online petition has received nearly 500 signatures since being posted on January 24th. These are in addition to the 115 sent to Commissioner Elia and Chancellor Tisch last week.

Thanks to all who joined us to bolster this request. You can still sign the PETITION. Commissioner Elia, the strategy of ignoring is unproductive and ultimately detrimental. Over 600 education stakeholders are asking NOT to be ignored; disregarded; or rejected. We are asking that you pay attention to our questions and our concerns.

We are asking that you acknowledge us and we look forward to hearing from you!

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

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• • • •

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n January 16th President Obama declared a federal state of emergency in Flint Michigan because of its polluted water.

Residents there cannot bathe in or drink the water, all children under the age of six have been exposed to lead poisoning and the national guard has been called in to help facilitate the process of getting clean/ donated water to the people.

According to USA Today Network Journalist Jessica Durrando, “Flint’s drinking water became contaminated with lead in April 2014 while the city was under the control of a state-appointed emergency manager. As a cost-cutting move, the city began temporarily drawing its drinking water from the Flint River and treating it at the city water treatment plant while it waited for a new water pipeline to Lake Huron to be completed.

Previously, the city used Lake Huron water treated by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department. The state Department of Environmental Quality has conceded it failed to require needed chemicals to be added to the corrosive Flint River water. As a result, lead leached from pipes and fixtures into the drinking water.”

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder who has been singled out as dropping the ball of this has stated for the record, “I’m sorry and I will fix it,” and “Government failed you at the federal, state and local level.”

Aside from apologies, what are the short and long term solutions to solving this problem that has effected so many lives, especially our children?

Like with many stories we see circulating in the news, some people view a crisis like this as having nothing to do with them. I beg to differ and refer you to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King who said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

In Niagara Falls, NY we had one of the worst environmental tragedies in American history happen in place community called the Love Canal.

From the early 1904’s to the mid-1950s Hooker Chemical Company, with government sanction, began using a partially dug canal as a chemical waste dump which equated to

By Saladin Allah almost 22,000 tons of toxic waste. After covering the site with dirt and selling the land to the Niagara Falls Board of Education for $1 with a disclaimer, construction of a school and homes began on this site. By the 1970’s this landfill was in proximity to approximately 800 single family homes, 240 low-income apartments and a public elementary school.

It was also during the late 1970’s that complaints of odors and substances seeping through the ground were taken seriously and it was discovered that toxic vapors and the contents from this chemical landfill began to were indeed seeping into the drinking water, soil and basements of the residents, for years. This exposure was linked to everything from asthma, seizures, cancer, miscarriages, birth defects and various other issues. As with present day Flint Michigan, President Jimmy Carter declared a federal state of emergency in 1978 and some of the families were evacuated. A second federal state of emergency was declared

by President Carter in 1981 to relocate the other families after being pressured by activists.

Like Flint Michigan, all municipalities, including the one where you live, cut costs and/or corners when it comes to its citizens. Publically it’s called “balancing the budget”, privately it’s oftentimes a very different conversation. In Flint Michigan, that cost/corner cutting, or should I say neglect, was in the area of waste water treatment/ management. In your city it may be the school district.

Somewhere else it may be infrastructure. Other places it’s a combination of cut costs/ corners, especially when a large segment of its population is poor, disenfranchised, unemployed or uneducated.

In many cases these communities are primarily people of color.

While some of your local and regional public officials are striving to do their best to serve you, many are not for various reasons. Sometimes they’re self serving and aren’t concerned about

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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.

the citizens. Sometimes they lack a consensus among their peers to get something done.

Sometimes they lack civic engagement or valuable input from their citizens. Most times there are layers of cost/corner cutting among city employees, department heads, city administrators, contractors and etc. that public officials have to strive to deal with, if they’re not a part of the problem. Although Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder must be held responsible for this water crisis, he did not act alone and public officials on the regional and local level must be held accountable too.

This should be more than a wake-up call for us to become more civically engaged where we live. If you or anyone you know wants to help the families in Flint with a monetary donation, you can do so at The Community Foundation of Greater Flint at: www.FlintKids.org. The city is striving to streamline financial efforts through the Community Foundation of Greater Flint; a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Saladin Allah is a Writer/ Youth Advocate who attended Central State University in Wilberforce Ohio and is the founder of A.S.I.A. www. atlantisschool.blogspot.com.

Tao Te Ching -66All streams flow to the sea Because it is lower than they are.

Humility gives it its power.

If you want to govern the people, You must place yourself below them.

If you want to lead the people, You must learn how to follow them.

The Master is above the people, And no one feels oppressed.

She goes ahead of the people, And no one feels manipulated.

The whole world is grateful to her.

Because she competes with no one, No one can compete with her Advertising /News/ Information/Inquiries a d ve r t i s i n g @ t h e c h a l l e n g e r n ew s . c o m or a l n i s a 3 3 @ ya h o o . c o m

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

12

Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016

Employment Update from The BETC

Are You Prepared for Job Opportunities?

J

Medical Secreob Opportunities tary, Community continue to come Health Worker, for those who are Certified Nurse asprepared to take adsistant and Home vantage of the opporHealth Aide along tunities present. Not with other various prepared? Take the demand driven time to enroll yourHealth Care Ocself in some training Demone cupations.

Inopportunities such as SMITH take is held every the Health Professions Opportunities Grant located Tuesday and Wednesday at 9:00am sharp at the Buffalo here at the BETC. HPOG provides funding for Employment Training Center training in health care fields located at 77 Goodell.

The NFTA Transit Authorsuch as Licensed Practical Nurse, Pharmacy Technician, ity Police Exam will be held

ATTORNEYS Terrence D. McKelvey Attorney at Law 181 Franklin St. Suite 101 (716) 847-2606

AUTO Ben’s Downtown Tire 50 Sycamore (cor. Elm) (716) 856-1066 or 894-1483

Colston Enterprises 716 E. Ferry (Near Fillmore) (716) 894-3910

CELL PHONES Ansar Cellular Communications & Fragrance Store 1371 Fillmore @ E. Utica (716) 884-2373

DOG TRAINING

Dogman’s K -9 Obedience Training 1963 Fillmore Avenue (716) 807-8163

ELECTRICIAN Empire Electric (716) 634-0330

FLORISTS Maureen’s Flower Market 441 Ellicott St. * 852-4600

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

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

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

Saturday, May 21, 2016 at the Buffalo Convention Center. The Application deadline is April 29, 2016. Applications can be obtained Monday-Fridays, 8:00am to 4pm at the TAPD Headquarters 1404 Main ST. Buffalo NY or TAPD Airport Division 175 Aero Dr. Cheektowaga or anytime at NFTA.COM. A STUDY GUIDE is available at: recruitment.iosolutions. org Search NFTA. Study sessions will be scheduled shortly check with BETC and nfta. com for details. Please read the complete job description before applying.

GENERAL MOTORS Tonawanda Engine plant is accepting applications: - The referral process period will end on MONDAY FEBRUARY 8th at midnight. The process will now be done online http://www.gm.appone.com Select TONAWANDA as Location for an hourly position, the information the candidate needs to have available is: • Email Address – EMAIL ADDRESS IS REQUIRED; • First and Last Name; • Social Security Number; • Home address (Street, City, State and Zip Code); • Home telephone number; • It will also be helpful to have an: o Alternate telephone number. Please note-A PERSON THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN ENTERED INTO THE SYSTEM FROM AN EARLIER REFERRAL PROCESS, EVEN IF THEY DID NOT PREVIOUSLY PASS THE ASSESSEMENT TEST, SHOULD NOT APPLY. If someone who has been previously referred reapplies, their name will not be able to be used for the candidate pool.

The Buffalo Employment and Training Center offers a wide variety of free services to job seekers and local businesses. These include employee recruitment, Continued Page 14

LEGAL NOTICE Bids

Scrufari Construction Co. seeking M/WBE subcontractors to quote Rehab of Pavilion Bldg., Cave of the Winds, Goat Island Bid Date: Monday, February 29, 2016 EEO Employer – 282-1225 LEGAL NOTICE City of Buffalo Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency Public Notice of the Housing Opportunity Fund In coordination with Evans Bancorp, Inc. and Evans Bank, N.A., The City of Buffalo will provide assistance to a limited number of residents through the Housing Opportunity Fund. The Housing Opportunity Fund shall be used to support activities including, but not limited to, homeownership, counseling, financial education, and asset building workshops for homebuyers, as well as restoration and development of affordable housing throughout Buffalo, including but not limited to the East Side of Buffalo. All funds will be made available through the City of Buffalo Housing Assistance Programs administered by the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA). Funds are made available in the form of a low interest loan. Household income must be within the federal low income guidelines, specifically, less than 80% of the area median based on family size. Applicants must meet program guidelines for eligibility in order to receive assistance. Space is limited.

For information on how to apply for the Housing Opportunity Fund, contact the agency assigned to your Council District: MASTEN DISTRICT contact FLARE Inc., 307 Leroy Avenue (716) 838-6740

LEGAL NOTICE BID

LEGAL NOTICE Bids

INVITATION TO BID Niagara Community Action Program, Inc. announces that bid packages for the Weatherization Program are now available.Sealed bids must be re turned before opening date which is Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Niagara Community Action Program Inc.’s Main Street office for the following: 1.Combustion Appliance Tune and Clean, Hot Water Tanks and Chimney Liners 2.Infiltration (Building Materials) 3.Weatherization Work (Insulation Exterior/Interior) 4.Electrical Service Bid packages can be requested from:Niagara Community Action Program, Inc., 1521 Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 (716) 285-9681 Ext. 120 or Ext. 112 (716) 285-9693 fax; weatherization@niagaracap. org (e-mail) ***PRE-BID MEETING FOR NEW HEATING CONTRACTORS (NEVER HAVING WORKED FOR WEATHERIZATION SERVICE) WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY, FEBUARY 12, 2016 AT 10:30 AM*** Minority and Women owned businesses are encouraged to apply. Your bid price must be all inclusive of any and all costs including mileage, taxes, surcharges, delivery, shipping etc.

Bids will be received by R&P Oak Hill Development, LLC for the Campus Square Project on February 18th, 2016 at 2:00 pm.

Please fax bids (716-822-4367) or email (bids@rpoakhill.com) prior to 2:00 pm. There will be a pre-bid meeting on February 4th, 2016 @ 9:00am in the R&P Oak Hill Development field office located at 38 Holloway Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14209. The scope of work includes select demolition, site work, concrete, masonry, steel, roofing, aluminum glass & glazing, flooring, painting, carpentry, doors, millwork, M/E/P/FP, specialties, etc.

The contract documents may be examined at Construction Exchange or can be purchased at Avalon Printing, (P: 716995-7777). This project is open shop. ***W/M/DBE participation is encouraged.

FILLMORE or LOVEJOY DISTRICT contact Matt Urban Center, 1081 Broadway, (716) 893-7222 ELLICOTT DISTRICT contact Ellicott District Community Development, 644 William Street, (716) 856-3262 UNIVERSITY or DELAWARE DISTRICT contact University District Community Development Association, 3242 Main Street, (716) 832-1010 NIAGARA DISTRICT contact Heart of the City Neighborhoods Inc., 251 Virginia Street, (716) 882-7661 SOUTH DISTRICT contact Old First Ward Community Association, 62 Republic Street, (716) 856-8613 NORTH DISTRICT contact West Side Neighborhood Housing Services, 359 Connecticut Street, (716) 885-2344

ADVERTISING

PAYS

ROOMS FOR RENT: Delavan-Humboldt area, Bailey-Delavan. $325$480. Everything included.

(716)818-3410.

Classified

Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF NAMES OF PERSONS APPEARING AS OWNERS OF CERTAIN UNCLAIMED PROPERTY HELD BY THE COMPTROLLER OF ERIE COUNTY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 601 of the Abandoned Property Law of the State of New York, that,The undersigned, as Comptroller of the County of Erie has on deposit or in his custody certain moneys and property paid or deposited in actions or proceedings in the several courts in the said County.

The person(s) or actions set forth below appear from the records of the said County Comptroller to be entitled to certain such properties of the amount of $50.00 or more.

DEPOSITED IN ACTIONS OR PROCEDINGS IN THE BUFFALO CITY COURT JACQUELINE W. STANLEY VS ARTHUR LEWIS AMY RYAN VS JOSEPH RICHEL- PRESTIGE GROUNDS MAINTENANCE JONATHAN CLARK VS CAROLYN USHER JOSEPH LASPRO VS ALTHEA LAZROE SKIER EAS INC VS DREAMSCAPES LANDSCAPING EARTHCO DEVELOPMENT INC VS DREAMSCAPES LANDSCAPING CLYDE E WATKINS VS DENNIS HALBROOK DEPOSITED IN ACTIONS OR PROCEDINGS IN THE SURROGATE COURT ESTATE OF WILLIAM FLETCHER BEQUEST TO MORRIS FLETCHER ESTATE OF ELAINE JACOBS BEQUEST TO ROGER JACOBS JR ESTATE OF KATHLEEN R SHAFFER BEQUEST TO KIMBERLY BECKER ESTATE OF CAROL A. RITCHEY ESTATE OF MARIE BARNEY BEQUEST TO LILLIAN MURDTER & FLORENCE MURDTER ESTATE OF JULIE TOBIN ESTATE OF WILLIAM H SMALLWOOD SR BEQUEST TO LARRY WALKER DEPOSITED IN ACTIONS OR PROCEDINGS IN THE SUPREME COURT KEN-HILL PROPERTIES INC. VS ALLEGANY COOP INSURANCE CO NIAGARA FRONTIER COUNSEL OF AMER YTH HOSTELS VS AMERICAN YOUTH HOSTELS INC COLONIAL CREDIT CORPORATION vs JILL LATACKI HSBC MORTGAGE CORPORATION vs MICHAEL J CANTON, ET AL JEFFERY ROTH VS WING PROPERTIES, LLC CHIMERA WALKER VS SARAH WORRELL, ET AL DOCUMENT AND PACKAGING BROKERS, INC. VS ABSTRACT IMAGEWORX, INC AND BILL RUFFINO BOARD OF MANAGERS BROOKVIEW CONDOMINIUM VS JANET L SMITH BOARD OF MANAGERS WILLIAMSBURG CONDOMINIUM VS ISABEL M STRACHAN CARL HASSELBACK vs DERRICK CORPORATION TANNERY BROOK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. vs DIESEL PERFORMANCE ENGINES CORP ET AL DEPOSITED IN ACTIONS OR PROCEDINGS IN THE ERIE COUNTY COURT FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#41 DISTR#9 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#42 DISTR#10 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#43 DISTR#2 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#43 DISTR#3 CITIMORTGAGE INC. vs LYNNE LYNCH FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#43 DISTR#4 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#43 DISTR#5 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#43 DISTR#6 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#43 DISTR#7 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#43 DISTR#8 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#43 DISTR#9 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#43 DISTR#10 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#43 DISTR#11 M&T - ERIE TAX CERTIFICATE vs JOHN & MARY ANN TREHY, ET AL M&T - ERIE TAX CERTIFICATE vs JERALD H ERON, ET AL M&T - ERIE TAX CERTIFICATE vs DONNA KIERNAN, ET AL FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#43 DISTR#12 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#43 DISTR#13 WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. vs MARY TEAGARDEN, ET AL M&T - ERIE TAX CERTIFICATE vs MICHAEL PAPPAGALLO M&T - ERIE TAX CERTIFICATE vs PAUL & KATHRYN STUTZ, ET AL M&T - ERIE TAX CERTIFICATE vs CHRISTOPHER SKORKA, ET AL M&T BANK VS ALAN & ERICA LEDFORD, ET AL FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#44 DISTR#1 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#44 DISTR#2 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#44 DISTR#3 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#44 DISTR#4 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#44 DISTR#5 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#44 DISTR#6 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#44 DISTR#7 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#44 DISTR#8 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#44 DISTR#9 M&T - ERIE TAX CERTIFICATE vs PHYLLIS CARSON, ET AL M&T - ERIE TAX CERTIFICATE vs SCOTT MANAGEMENT GROUP LLC, ET AL FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#44 DISTR#10 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#44 DISTR#11 DANA HUGHES vs JEROME COLEY ET AL ANNA SADOWSKI, LLC vs SEAN AYLER FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#45 DISTR#2 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF TONAWANDA IN REM #11 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#45 DISTR#4 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#45 DISTR#5 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#45 DISTR#6 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#45 DISTR#7 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#45 DISTR#8 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#45 DISTR#9 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#45 DISTR#10 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS COUNTY OF ERIE IN REM #159 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#45 DISTR#11 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS COUNTY OF ERIE IN REM #159 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#45 DISTR#1-14 HSBC BANK VS RICHARD COMEAU ET AL FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#45 DISTR#12 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#45 DISTR#13 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#45 DISTR#14 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS CITY OF BUFFALO IN REM#45 DISTR#15 FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS VS COUNTY OF ERIE IN REM #159 TO TAKE FURTHER NOTICE: (A) A list of the names contained in this notice is on file and open to the public inspection at the Office of the Comptroller at No. 95 Franklin Street, in the City of Buffalo, State of New York; (B) Any such unclaimed moneys or other property will be paid or delivered by him on or before the thirty-first day of March to persons establishing to his satisfaction their right to receive the same; and (C) In the succeeding month of April, and on or before the tenth day, thereof, such unclaimed moneys or other property still remaining will be paid or delivered to the State Comptroller and the undersigned shall thereupon cease to be liable therefore.

DATED: Buffalo, New York Comptroller County of Erie Phone 858-4944

LEGAL NOTICE Bids COUNTY OF ERIE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Rath Building Department of Social Services 1st Floor Renovations Project No JH-15-01 Separate sealed bids for: General, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing construction work for above project will be received by the County’s Commissioner of Public Works in Rath Building, 95 Franklin Street, Suite 1400 Buffalo, New York 14202 until 2:30 PM EST on February 23, 2016 at which time they will be opened and read aloud. MBE/ WBE requirements may apply to this project. Additional bid information at: www.erie.gov/dpw/

LEGAL NOTICE Bids

13

EM P LOY M EN T Classroom Teacher

The Aloma D. Johnson Charter School is seeking applicants for the position of Classroom Teacher. The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Education, ability to demonstrate oral and written expertise and NYS Teaching Certification. A minimum of two years’ experience and a Master’s degree is preferred. Resumes should be submitted to Search Committee Chair, 15 Jewett Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14214 or jpotter@adjcharter.org by 2/12/16.

Application Administrator The Enrollment Management Office at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Application Administrator.

For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

The Matt Urban Center Notice Of Request For Bids

The Town of Cheektowaga Office of Community Development and The Matt Urban Center announce the opportunity for qualified General Contractors to submit proposals for a residential housing rehabilitation project located in the Town of Cheektowaga. The property is listed below: 18 Stratford Place All proposed work must meet the Town of Cheektowaga, Property Maintenance Code. The purpose of the project is to fully rehabilitate the property and correct each item to comply with applicable sections of the codes.

Proposals should include all information specified in the bid package. To request a bid package, or submit questions, please contact The Matt Urban Center at lvishwanath@urbanctr.org.

Bid Deadline for this project is 2/19/2016 at 4:00 PM EST.

LEGAL NOTICE RFP REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING SERVICES

The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority requests sealed proposals to provide all professional Architectural/Engineering Services necessary or incidental to provide site investigation, design services, preparation of plans and specifications and construction management services for the bidding and implementation of the following project:Architectural / Engineering Services to Renovations at Scattered Sites “C”, BMHA Job #AE-16-01.The Request for Proposals may be obtained at the BMHA Capital Improvements Office located at 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204.

Sealed proposals must be received by 3:00 PM, local time, on February 25, 2016, at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Proposals received after this time will not be accepted. Perspective offerors are strongly encouraged to attend a pre-submittal meeting. The presubmittal meeting will be held on February 16, 2016 @ 10:00 AM @ 320 Perry Street 14204. The contract for professional services will only be awarded to a single professional firm; no joint ventures. The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority reserves the right to waive irregularities and to reject any and/or all proposals submitted.

Date: February 3, 2016

B Si Is

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

Assistant Director of International Education The International and Exchange Programs Office at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Director.

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.

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center 77 Goodell St., Buffalo, 856-5627/ Fax 7856-5670 www.workforcebuffalo.org The BETC is here to help with your job searching needs.

Free services to all jobseekers looking to find better paying work, an exciting new career, or wanting to upgrade skills to become more marketable in today’s marketplace.

Orientation Times: Monday – Thursday, 10 am or 2 pm.

B

14

Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016

RADNEY’S SPORTS UPDATE

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

SUN 1/24

MON 1/25

TUES 1/26

WED 1/27 THURS 1/28 FRI 1/29 SAT 1/30

Super Bowl Media Day

It was an exciting opening night at Super Bowl 50 in San Jose California. Denver Broncos and Carolina Panther players MID-934 MID-112 MID-483 MID-346 MID-716 MID-287 MID-702

both seemed relaxed and ready for Media 3-WAY Day. Panthers Defensive Back Josh NorEVE-879 EVE-312 EVE-066 EVE-394 EVE-672 EVE-498 EVE-566 man said” we are preparing well for the upcoming game and can’t get too excited about Super MID- 5004 MID -5615 MID - 0925 MID-4456 MID -7537 MID-8434 MID-0621 Bowl 50 EVE9432 EVE-9642 EVE 3604 EVE-7438 EVE4819 EVE6179 EVE-3402

before SunWIN 4

day!”

Panthers defensive tackle Dwan

By GEORGE TAKE 5 1-12-15-24-31 7 -11-12-24-37 3-11-17-31-34 Edwards and RADNEY

7-8-14-19-34 4-5-10-35-39 6-10-15-17-31 14-16-19-32-37 a former Buf falo Bill noted, “we came together in trainLOTTO ing camp and have continued to

10-36-46-48-54-56 #30 1-24-27-43-48-50 #7 build on that.” The 12 year veteran also said having everyone healthy and no off the field dis tractions can also be attributed to HOT TIPS the team’s success. He was referring to the Greg Hardy situation from a year ago.

Challenger Hits Yes, both teams seem to be loose and enjoying the spotlight of Super Bowl 50 Media Day. The Denver Broncos have an outstanding defense and running game while Carolina Panthers are playing excellent football in all phases of the game.

Midday I’m going with Carolina Panthers 31 – 17. Cam Newton will 107-428-467-779-051-074-556-897-844-658-791-017-234be named MVP of the game. Get ready for some football and 346 ZR (bx) 256-789-310-856-792-876-429-654-423-157-910-443-167I will be recapping many activities including Fritz Pollard and 483 Thursday Week-Day Hit (bx) the John Wooten Awards along with the Super Bowl Gospel 578-918-953-546-478-213-361-189-328-198-436-335-567Celebration.

920-845-213-578-800-108-457-915-234-569-657-137-830 (Pictured above, Dwan Edwards (left) and columnist and Evening radio commentator “The Mighty Oba,” Pat Freemam of The “Its In The Stars” Billy Bye Bye Sez: Criterion and WUFO.) 394 Quick Money (straight) Aquarius -496-235-165-579 180-283-760-1954 066 ( Number Book (straight) Monday WeekPisces 056-362-237-694 1447-5780-9966-6888 Day Hit (bx) Cancer - 482-372-895-718 “With Sgt. Hyder’s Hits You JOB OPPORTUNITIES 312 ZR , Taurus , Leo, Lucky Duckie (bx) Aries - 561-236-164-469 Cant Miss” 879 ZR , Grandma’s Pick (bx) Taurus -258-231-026-695 continued from page 12

4018

202

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648

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Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR)

February Vibes

891-145-549096-326-437

Gemini-495-257-694-508 Leo-345-213-157-201 Virgo 385-291-431-170 Libra -247-723-179-501 Scorpio - 453-253-571-597 Sagittarius - 389-701-234-924 Capricorn:893-275-342-506

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 Picks 235-409-509-776-123-

4-Way February Hot Tips

5767-8866-5252-7788-2018-1871-1303 Best February Triple - 333 Special Doubles - 228-252-202

WEEK DAY HITS! mon 606-tues 721-wed 592thurs 384-fri 295-sat 621

LUCKIE DUCKIE

202 335 -2015-4444 134-431-143

648*123*104

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981-989-970-990-080800-515-996 390-196-102-581-752319-408-378-352-126

189-444-886-514

322-522-412-432-421423

3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year

02/12/2015 Evening 02/12/2015 Midday 02/11/2015 Evening 02/11/2015 Midday 02/10/2015 Evening 02/10/2015 Midday 02/09/2015 Evening 02/09/2015 Midday 02/08/2015 Evening 02/08/2015 Midday 02/07/2015 Evening 02/07/2015 Midday 02/06/2015 Evening 02/06/2015 Midday 02/05/2015 Evening 02/05/2015 Midday 02/04/2015 Evening 02/04/2015 Midday 02/03/2015 Evening 02/03/2015 Midday

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

2015

on-the-job-training, job search assistance, career counseling, paid job training at local schools and training institutions, High school equivalency diplomas, re-entry services, upgrading in computer, math and reading skills and workshops designed to help job seekers be successful. No appointment is necessary orientation times are Monday through Thursday 10:00am and 2:00pm. We are open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 6:00pm and Friday from 8:30 to 4:30pm. Check out our website at www.workforcebuffalo.org or join us on Facebook and LinkedIn at Buffalo Employment and Training Center or Twitter at BETC

2016 Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo Planning Meeting Kick Off Event When: Wednesday, February 10@ 6 p.m.

Where: 1517 Genesee Street, Why: Hotep! It’s Juneteenth Festival Celebration Season! Join us, as we kick off the 2016 planning meetings and festivities for Black History Month!

Take a tour of the building, get involved with one of our committees, Get Ready for our journey through the Harlem Renaissance as we Present Harlem Nights!

2016 applications for vendors, parade and sponsorships will be available, and open to the public. Light Refreshments and Spoken Word to Music will also be shared! www.juneteenthofbuffalo.net • 716.891.8801

Black History Month Events Submitted by Sharon & Kenneth Holley of Zawadi Books

Sunday, February 7 African American Read-In Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue 2 - 4 pm.

Readings from African American authors, open to all; sign up to read for 3 min.

Friday, February 12 Burchfield-Penny Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Ave. Storyteller - Sharon Holley in the "John Brent Exhibit" 5:30 - 6:30 pm. FREE Saturday, February 13 "Along This Way: Storytelling in the African Tradition" Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. Storytellers: Karima Amin and Sharon Holley with Joyce Carolyn and Seku Harwell, 2 pmFREE Saturday, February 13 3rd Annual James Huff Memorial Genealogy Workshop Sponsored by the Buffalo Genealogical Society of the African Diaspora Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 26 Brunswick Blvd.11 am - 1 pmFREE - register at bgsad@ verizon.net

Wednesday February 3

Friday February 5

Monday February 8

Wednesday February 10

Career Training & Job Fair: 555 Ellicott St. hosted by EOC and BETC;10am-1p.m.

Free Family Movie Night: “War Room,” Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist, 1334 Calumet Ave, N.F., 6:30pm

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

Dorie Miller Rifle and Pistol Club, Inc. Meeting: 5:30 p.m., Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave.

Khametic Ascendants: 9-10 a.m. & 12:30 a.m. (after midnight), Channel 20.

The Durham Central City Baby Café: every Wed. and Thurs. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 200 E. Eagle. 885-6348.

Line Dance Fitness For Seniors: Gloria J Parks Community Center 3242 Main St 11am - 12pm Thursday February 4 EOC Open House & Go Red Day: 10:00am – 1:00pm Friday February 5 Mayor Byron Brown State of the City Address: 12 Noon Buffalo Niagara Convention Center; 217-0506 .

see you at the events!

Saturday February 6

15

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016

Wednesday February 10 Public Meeting Notice: Board of the Westminster Community Charter School 3 p.m. at M&T Bank, One M&T Plaza - 19th Floor.

Buffalo Public Schools College, Career and Scholarship Expo: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Bennett High School, 2885 Main St. Maritime Charter Open House: 10 a.m. – noon, 266 Genesee St; 842-6289.

A Conversation Between Generations: 11a.m. Brunch Free Pizza and Wings, 12 p.m. Group Conversations, 1:30 p.m. Community Conversation, Alphonso Rafi Green, Center, 1423 Fillmore Ave. Info contact Bill Peoples 716-892-3462.

Columnist Eva M. Doyle 37th Anniversary of the Eye On History Column: Frank E. Merriweather Library 1324 Jefferson Ave. 2 to 6 p.m. Free.

M&T SECOND FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 12 | 5:30—7:30PM Through These Gates: Buffalo’s First African-American Architect, John E. Brent Join us at The Center for this unique exhibition and enjoy a FREE event including art making, storytelling by Sharon Jordan Holley, and live music by the Herbie Small Jazz Quartet, presented by the Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society.

www.BurchfieldPenney.org

Thursday, February 18 Tour of Nash House Museum, 36 Nash Street Storyteller Pam Edwards tells historical stories before the tour 12:30; 1:30; 2:30 FREE 856-4490 Saturday, February 20 AWARD Program for Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest Sponsored by the Afro-American Historical Assoc. of the Niagara Frontier Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. 1 pm FREE Saturday, February 27 Tour of Nash House Museum, 36 Nash Street. Storyteller Carmen Swan tells historical stories before the tour12:30; 1:30; 2:30 FREE 856-4490

SAVE YOUR TIRES. Don’t put your tires to the curb.

Visit our website or call 311 for drop-off information.

CAN IT BE RECYCLED? Call 311 or visit BuffaloRecycles.org to learn more.

MAYOR BYRON W. BROWN

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Challenger Community News • February 3, 2016

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