CHALLENGER COMMUNITY NEWS by Challenger Community News

O U T R E A C H C E N T E R I N R O C H E S T E R A C C U S E D O F M I S T R E AT I N G B L A C K V E T E R A N S Page 2

June 9, 2022 | FREE | thechallengernews.com | Community News

Will Judge Grant Jonathan Parker A Hearing? Page 14

Page 11

Photo Street Legacy/Darvin Adams

United University Festival & Soul Concert Returns This Weekend! Page 12

Families of Massacre Victims Testify Before Senate: Speak Truth to Power Page 3

SANKOFA DAYS: Countdown to Juneteenth!

Page 10

INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

Teachers Put on Leave After Text Messages Exposed Roc Juneteenth 5K Run/Walk to Honor Kat

Community activist Howard Eagle.

Outreach Center Accused of Mistreating Black Veterans

ommunity advocates recently joined veterans to detail their complaints and call for a change of administration and other reforms they say are needed to address racism at the Rochester Veterans Outreach Center (VOC). Some former and current workers say they’ve witnessed the mistreatment of Black vets for years. “We heard a Black veteran who served this country say that this place put him out on one of the coldest days of winter,” said activist Howard Eagle who organized a protest outside the VOC. Marcus Thompson said a press conference that he was thrown out of the shelter because he complained about VOC staff going through his personal belongings while he was at work. “They ended up kicking me out,” he said. “I had to stay in my van. This was back in March, one of the coldest days of the wintertime.” Thompson says he almost lost his thumb due to frostbite. A former employee of the center said he resigned after witnessing the mistreatment of Thompson and other fellow veterans. “I served this country very well. I have two combat tours under my belt so when I see others say I need help, I feel the need to help that individual and this program just doesn’t do that,” said Adrian Reed. Reed served in the U.S. Army during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Laura Stradley the Executive Director of Rochester’s Veterans Outreach Center categorically denied any mistreatment of veterans and encouraged both veterans and employees to discuss their concerns with VOC staff and executives. Protest organizers said they plan to take further action.

Six teachers at School 17 in Rochester are on leave after a series of text messages were exposed calling students names—and in one instance—saying they hate some students. The mother of a student says students found the text chain Friday. The teachers met with students and parents in what the district calls district calls those “restorative circles,” faceto-face meetings meant to bring those who are harmed and those who did the harming together to see if they can resolve the problem. Superintendent Dr. Lesli Myers-Small says she found out about the texts on Tuesday. She says she saw screenshots of the texts. The teachers were put on leave Thursday.

JUNETEENTH 2022 Blood Drives There's nothing more primal than saving a life so please donate your blood during the Sickle Cell Fighters Juneteenth Weekend (June 17 & 18) Community Blood Drives. Friday, June 17 2PM-7PM FSW Union Hall 740 Driving Park, Rochester NY 14613 Saturday, June 18 10AM3PM Thomas P Ryan Jr Community Center, Community Rooms 1 & 2530 Webster Avenue, Rochester NY 1460 For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor keyword: GirlScoutSickleCellDrive or SickleCellFightersRoc Or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1800-733-2767). Bring ID! All donors receive a free health screening prior to donating.

Participants of the Sixth Annual Roc Juneteenth 5K Run/ Walk will no doubt be remembering the victims of the Buffalo massacre this year. The run/walk will take place at 1 p.m. in Genesee Valley Park on Sunday, June 19, Father’s Day. The cost of the virtual race is $10; the cost of the in-person race is $25 ($30 the day of the race). To register, click the link: https://juneteenth5k.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=9320 A team led by Race Director Gloria Johnson-Hovey and consisting of members of the Juneteenth planning team, is called BuffaloStrongKatMassey, in honor of Katherine “Kat” Massey. Ms Massey, a 72-year-old activist who lived and worked in the Buffalo neighborhood where the shooting took place, was a contributor to The Buffalo Challenger, a newspaper that reports on issues relevant to Buffalo’s Black community. The Challenger also reports on Rochester events of interest to the Black community here. She was among 10 who lost their lives and three who were wounded by gunshots at a Tops grocery store on May 14. A new aspect of this year’s run/walk is that the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival is joining the Roc Juneteenth 5K Run/Walk event this year to celebrate Juneteenth. The jazz festival is using the occasion of its own nineteenth-edition festival to honor the most significant “nineteenth” date in American history: June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in the country were freed by resistant slaveholders in Texas.

*Saturdays Public Market 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday *Thursdays International Market 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Sundays

Party in the Park Tickets on Sale: Free Admission at June 23 Concert

Celebrating its 25th year, Party in the Park returns to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park Memorial Park at Manhattan Square starting June 16. The concert series features a wide variety of popular national acts and some of the best in local and regional talent. “Party in the Park builds on Rochester’s renown for producing premiere arts and entertainment,” said Mayor Malik Evans. “Our reputation isn’t just local—it’s international. The live music, world-class talent and the tens of thousands of Rochester music lovers makes Party in the Park a special place to be.”

Massey and Other Victims of Tops Massacre

ADVERTISE YOUR ROCHESTER BASED BUSINESS CALL US AT 716 881-1051

GOOD NEWS!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

AREA BRIEFS Next Court Date for Community Activist Betty Jean Grant Set for Tuesday June 28 The legal travesty involving community activist Betty Jean Grant is scheduled to continue in City Court on Tuesday June 28 at 9 a.m. in front of Judge Andrew C. LoTempio. Mrs. Grant’s legal team thought the months of back and forth court appointments and postponements would end at the May 3 court appearance. However the final outcome of those proceedings was that the Judge would have to do more research on the case before rendering a decision. Her attorney, James A.W. McLeod is seeking an ACD to resolve the case and “dismiss it in the best interest of justice.” The well known community activist was initially charged with one count of a misdemeanor in relation to election law and one count of harassment in the second degree in what is widely seen as a politically motivated, bogus case against her.

State of the Black Family 2022 The State of the Black Family 2022 will be held Friday June 10 at 1423 Fillmore Avenue from 4-7 p.m. The topic is “Education: Where Are We? What Are The Next Steps? What Will We Look Like Next Year? Panelists include Janique Curry of NYC Charters; Duncan Kirkwood, motivational speaker and Parent Advocate; Dr. Cassandra Wright, and Naomi Cerre, Transformation Educator and Activist.

Valentino Dixon To Discuss Newly Released First Book at Burchfield Penney The Burchfield Penney Art Center will present a special edition of its Book Club as part of its M&T Second Friday festivities this Friday, June 10 at 5:30 pm. Artist Valentino Dixon will be on-hand to discuss his new book, The Soul of an Unfreed Man: Drawing My Way to Freedom and for a book signing. This is Dixon's first book detailing the raw and thrilling tale as Valentino finds himself arrested at the age of 21 for a murder he didn't commit and sentenced to 39 years to life. He must survive the notorious Attica Prison, a place designed to break spirits. Eight eyewitnesses and a confession from the real killer were not enough to clear him, so seven years into his sentence, his uncle told him: "If you reclaim your talent, you can reclaim your life". Through his gifted hands and a set of colored pencils, Valentino draws every day for the next 20 years. He eventually receives national attention after the Attica Warden asked him to draw his favorite golf hole. This book is about faith, love, and hope. It will give strength and inspiration to anyone facing a difficult time." The event is free and open to the public.

Even in Their Deepest Pain The Families of the Victims of the Tops Massacre Are Eloquent, Passionate and Determined in Their Quest for Justice

Families of Massacre Victims Testify Before The Senate Judiciary Committee: Speak Truth to Power

ust days after his 86-year-old mother was gunned down by a White Supremacist during the Tops Market Massacre along with nine other beloved members of this community, Garnell Whitfield cried out in anguish during a press conference, “What are we supposed to do with all this anger? With all this pain?” A few days ago he emotionally asked the same question before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C. during a hearing on domestic violence in the wake of the mass shooting. But Mr. Whitfield had some additional questions, and the very fact that he and other family representatives were there, was proof that they were going to channel the pain into making sure that the death of their loved ones Garnell Whitfield as well as the others who lost their lives in the carnage, would not be in vain. Whitfield also made it plain at the end of his testimony, that if those elected to serve did not want to do anyting to help eradicate the cancer of White supremacy and domestic terrorism, they should step down and allow men and women who did want to fight for change, to take their place. Describing his mother as “the heartbeat of our family and my father’s soulmate for 68 years,” he lovingly acknowledged her as the “ person who held us together probably just like your mothers did for your families. “Our lives are forever changed by an act of profound evil and nothing will ever take away the hurt, the pain or the hole in our hearts. For her to be murdered, taken away from us by someone so full of hate is impossible to understand and even harder to live with. But we’re more than hurtful. We’re angry. We’re mad as hell because this should have never happened." “Every enforcement charged with protecting the homeland has conducted risk and threat analysis and determined that White supremacy is the number one threat to the homeland. And yet nothing's been done to mitigate it or eradicate it. We’re people of decency. We’re taught to love even our enemies but our enemies don’t love us. “So what are we supposed to do with all our anger and our pain? You expect us to just forgive and forget over and over again? And what are you doing? “Is there nothing that you’re personally willing to do to stop the cancer of White supremacy and the domestic terrorism it inspires?" he continued. “Because if there is nothing, respectfully senators, you should yield your positions of authority and influence to others that are willing to lead on this issue. The urgency of the moment demands no less. My mother's life mattered…,” he said holding back tears. .. Your actions here today will tell us how much it matters to you.” -Roland MartinFollowing the hearings journalist/commentator Roland Martin on the #Roland Martin Unfiltered Daily Digital Show, pointed out that basically what the Republican Senators had to say during the hearing "gave the impression that they offered their thoughts and prayers but in many ways were defending actions that could stop Domestic Terrorism."

Continued Page 19

Council Calls on Government to Enact Sensible Gun Legislation The Buffalo Common Council adopted a resolution last Tuesday, “Pridgen & All Council Members" - calling for sensible Gun Control Legislation.” The resolutions requests legislators in Washington, DC agree on legislation to combat the horrific tragedies being seen across the nation. The mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde killed a combine 31 people, including children. Along with the recent tragedies, 79% of murders occur with firearms. These horrific acts have promoted the Common Council to request U.S. Representatives and Senators come up with solutions. “We can’t continue to go on like this,” said Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt. “We keep talking about thoughts and prayers, but thoughts and prayers aren’t enough anymore.” “It was really the encouragement of our President and Vice President that there be a statement from the local bodies of government across the United States,” adds Council President Darius Pridgen. “We hope we don’t have to lose more lives before the folks in Washington can pass some form of legislation.”

Rioters on the south side of the Douglas County Courthouse in Omaha, NE on Sept 28, 1919 raiding the building, scaling the walls and smashing windows to get one Black man.

Red Summer: When Racist Mobs Ruled On September 27, 1919, a mob of at least 10,000 white people stormed the courthouse in Omaha, Nebraska, demanding the sheriff turn over Will Brown, a 40-yearold Black man. They raided the building, scaled walls and smashed windows. When the mob’s initial demands were refused, they set fire to the courthouse, turning it into a seething furnace. Omaha Mayor Ed Smith tried to intervene, but the mob tried to lynch him. Smith escaped badly injured. From inside the courthouse, terrified white inmates threw down a note surrendering to the mob: “THE JUDGE SAYS HE WILL GIVE UP NEGRO. BROWN. HE IS IN THE DUNGEON. THERE ARE TEN WHITE PRISONERS ON THE ROOF. SAVE THEM.” The frenzied horde finally broke into the jail and dragged Brown out. They tortured him, dismembered him, tied a rope around his neck and hoisted him up on a pole on the south side of the courthouse. As his body dangled in agony, they shot him more than 100 times. After they were sure he was dead, they sliced the rope and Brown’s body dropped to the pavement. Then the frenzied mob, which the local newspaper referred to as a “lynching committee,” cursed, kicked and spat on the body of the Continued Page 10

HEALTH MATTERS

Black Wellness Is Resistance There Can Be No Black Liberation Without Black Health “There are many issues facing the African American

community, but if we don’t have our health, not much else matters”

n the wake of the heinous violation of our community,

and the subsequent murder of 10 Black individuals at the hands of a white supremacist, the burdensome question I ask myself is, “What do we do?” And the answer that comes from the depths of my soul is a resounding, “Resist, Retaliate, and Rebel.” And I respond with an AMEN, and ASE. When people think of resistance against white supremacy, the image that comes to mind is The Black Panther Party with their guns. And while this method of resistance is completely relevant, as a Black Health Activist, another form of resistance comes to mind. The ideal of health and wellness as an act of resistance. The original Black Panther Party(for Self Defense) has been inaccurately relegated to history as the group of angry Black men and women who wanted to “kill whitey and shoot pigs.” The truth is the Black Panther Party must be praised for the implementation of the community survival programs. The insistence upon self-sufficiency and self-determination in body, mind, and spirit is their greatest legacy and must become ours. There can be no Black liberation without Black health. If we are not healthy in our bodies, minds, and spirits, how will we be prepared to tackle the myriad of issues we face in our

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

communities? It is hard to do battle with white supremacy from a hospital bed, dialysis clinic or the waiting room of white doctors and specialists. How can we address the poverty, the unemployment and underemployment, and miseducation of our children when we are sick, diseased, and dying at the hands of a system designed to keep us sick while they get rich. Being healthy, happy, and whole is our birthright and we must learn to tap into the inherent power embedded in the fabric of our DNA to self-heal. Visit MelaninRichWellness.com and join the Underground Railroad for Health and learn how your health can become your greatest act of resistance.

DID YOU KNOW Bananas are good for headaches because they deliver a dose of potassium, magnesium, B vitamins, and complex carbohydrates, all of which contribute to reducing headache pain. If a headache is due to dehydration, the fruits containing high water content can combat headache pain. "If You Want to Drink, It’s Your Business. If You Want to Get Sober, It’s OURS". Alcoholics Anonymous 716-853-0388 www.buffaloaany.org Download free AA Meeting Guide app

SEXUAL HEALTH SUPPORT For men and women Call 716.852.5969 or visit CASWNY.org

"Knowing when to stop you can avoid all danger." -The Tao

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

Celebrating 35 Years of Excellence in African American History

rs. Crystal Boling Barton has served for 35 years as Principal of McKinley High School. Principal Boling Barton is the first African American, the first Female, and the longest standing Principal in the 110+ year history of McKinley High School. Mrs. Barton's first year as The McKinley High School Principal of McKinley High "Mack High" family is seek- School 1987-1988. ing to rename our school auditorium to "The Mrs. Crystal Boling Barton Auditorium". Mrs. Boling Barton is a mother figure to all who have walked through the doors of McKinley High School. Despite countless attacks to her character, Principal Barton has stood strong and tall, and won every battle (court case). Principal Barton is a great fighter for justice and equality. She has been a tough leader who always commands respect from and for students, teachers, and staff. Many McKinley High School Alumni have shared the wonderful impact Principal Barton has had on them and how she has invested an immense amount of time and energy supporting them at critical moments in their lives. Principal Barton has been a "Shadow Cheerleader" who dedicated 35 years of impeccable leadership to McKinley High School and over 40 years to the Buffalo Public School System. If you would like to be a part of the planning and/or celebration, please contact Ms. LaQuida Shedrick at (716) 275-9222.

e believe that reading and studying is food for the mind, but the body also requires nurishment. In light of recent atrocities in our community, we are reminded of a quote by Sam Yette: "There are other ways to kill a people or colonize them, but none is more certain than the denial or control of their food." •Don't Cry For Me: A Novel by Daniel Black •Finding Me by Viola Davis

A March for Peace—A Cry for Our Lives Submitted By Ekaete Bailey (East Side resident & Diversity professional); Deidra EmEl (WNYPC Executive Director); Melissa Leitzan (MFOL Volunteer); and Victory Ross (WNYPC Board Co-Chair)

ur community knows all too well the cost of gun violence. Given the horrific levels of such violence, both historically and recently, with the hateful, racially driven mass shooting/massacre at Tops on Jefferson Avenue on May 14th, it is past time to shine a light on the numerous contributing factors to such violence. One essential element for prevention is gun responsibility. Come march with us in solemn solidarity, honoring those most impacted and remembering those whose lives were tragically cut short. Help us stand up for common-sense gun legislation, including but not limited to: universal background checks; assault weapon bans (local, NYS, and federal); and the full repeal of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA; which prevents to entire gun industry from being held accountable or liable). Together, we say NO MORE!! The Buffalo-Niagara March For Our Lives will be on June 11th at 10:30am to noon. We will assemble at Jefferson Avenue at Glenwood, proceed with reflective remembrance by the site of the Buffalo massacre, then continue down Jefferson to Riley for a celebration of life. We are one of over 300 marches nationwide joining the DC March For Our Lives. March For Our Lives was organized in 2018 by the surviving students of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida. Despite this and other activism, lobbying, and mobilization – all very persistent ever since the Sandy Hook massacre – the need to make our voices heard is even greater. Since the beginning of the year, there have been over 200 mass shootings; and gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children, surpassing automobile accidents. Our local march was organized by Ekaete Bailey (East Side resident and Diversity professional), Cat Moores (Nazareth Community College freshman), and the WNY Peace Center, with numerous other volunteers, and cosponsors: Bury The Violence, Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition, Lifesavers (STVC youth group), Muslim Public Affairs Council - WNY, NAACP – WNY, Open Buffalo, PeaceJam Buffalo, Riverside Salem UCC/DC, Stop The Violence Coalition, SSJ Sr Karen Klimc-

•Homecoming: Overcome Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole, Authentic Self by Thema Bryant, PhD. •Isn't Her Grace Amazing: The Women Who Changed Gospel Music by Cheryl Wills •The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini (Children's Book) •A Revolutionary for Our Time: The Walter Rodney Story by Leo Zeilig

New Juneteenth Book For Children By Buffalo Author

•Unequal: A Story of America by Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Faveau

Buffalo author Alliah Agostini has penned a new book about Juneteenth "The Juneteenth Story.' She was ecently featured in Buffalo Spee Magazine (June 2022 Issue. A book signing and social will be held Friday, June 17 at the MerriwetherLibrary at 5p.m.

•The Violin Conspiracy: A Novel by Brendan Slocomb •White Lies: The Double Life of Walter F. White and America's Darkest Secret by A.J. Baime

Zawadi Books is locaated at 1382 Jefferson Avenue

zak Center for Nonviolence, Voice Buffalo, We Are Women Warriors, and more. For more info on the march, action steps and resources, please go to wnypeace.org. At the root of gun violence are many other types of violence and malevolence: white supremacy, patriarchy, predatory capitalism, and oppression and domination of many kinds. We’ll work together to eradicate that root violence/ domination/oppression, and to #unitethestruggles, #unitethevision, and to truly #Unite. #OneLove.

FAITH & FAMILY

The Bahá’í Community Celebrates the Race Unity Day The Bahá’í Community will celebrate Race Unity Day during a picnic Sunday June 12, from 12 noon to 5 PM at Ellicott Creek Park, Pavilion 14. There will be music, food, games, discussions and more. Everyone is welcome including children. For reservation contact Dennis at (716) 908-6535 Race Unity Day was inaugurated in 1957 by the governing council of the American Bahá’í community.

Mt. Hope Helps Feed Community Mt. Hope Community Church has been collaborating with Buffalo City Mission, Lorigos Meats, WTB Assoc, to help provide over 150 bags of groceries to the community who were once catching the NFTA over to Tops but cannot any longer. Pastor Walker has partnered with various companies to bring some much needed relief by way of bags of groceries, fresh bread, pampers, water, snacks and Bibles for our community while going through this difficult tim.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

Find Joy in the Journey at 3rd Annual Champion Made Empowerment Summit on June 25th On Saturday, June 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., MWB Ignites, LLC will host the third annual “Champion Made Empowerment Summit” at Aqua Banquets at2002 Niagara Street in Buffalo. The adult-only event encourages attendees to find joy in the journey to fulfill their personal and professional vision. “We are all born Champions,” said Morgan Williams-Bryant, CEO, MWB Ignites, LLC. “The goal is to allow our faith in God to overpower our fears and to do it scared. The Champion Made Empowerment Summit is not a regular conference, it is an experience where God shows you the essential ingredients to get out of your own way.” The Champion Made Empowerment Summit will feature the following local leaders who will share their personal

journey, trials and triumphs in the journey to success:

Keynote Speakers: o Venus Quates is a Servant Leader, Forward-Thinker, and a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force. As the President & CEO of LaunchTech, she leads and empowers a diverse team of experienced professionals to Solve the Present and Launch the Future of technology in the Space, Financial Services, Healthcare, and Public Sectors. o Rev. William Blackford IV is an award-winning Leadership Coach/Consultant with Franklin Covey. William believes in every person’s ability to achieve life-changing results. He will speak about learning to manage when God interrupts your plan for His. Continued Page 7

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

Transition of Beloved Evangelist Missionary & Mother of Community Advocate, Lenny Lane

true Soldier for The Lord has transitioned from her beloved Western New York community to her Heavenly Home. Mother, Evangelist Missionary Thelma L. Lane will be celebrated for her life well-lived before God and all those whose lives she touched through prayer, kind words, mentoring, and the love that emanated from her heart that easily illustratThelma L. Lane ed the Love of God, Who she served with determination and steadfastness for nearly all of her 83 years. The devout wife of Elesta Lane, Sr. (deceased) and mother of 6 children, including Darryl (deceased)(Sandra); Michelle; Elesta, Jr. (Johnnie Mae); Leonard (Felicia); Gary, and Kevin Lane; and Gerri McKnight, 28 grandchildren, 1 great-great grand, and host of , relatives, and friends, was celebrated Monday, June 6, 2022, at Antioch Baptist Church, 1327 Fillmore Ave followed by her homegoing service at 12 noon.

EMPOWERMENT SUMMMIT

CONTINUED ·

Panelists:

Elder Carlette Bradley is the CEO of The Masterpiece Project, a professional and personal development consulting firm. Carlette is also a Learning and Development Consultant in the healthcare industry. She will speak on bouncing back after experiencing grief. Dr. Shelitha Williams is the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services/ Chief Diversity Officer at Genesee Community College. She will speak about balancing when you get the long awaited answer to your prayers. Michael Woodruff, Jr. is a Mortgage & Forbearance Coordinator with M & T Bank. He will speak about bouncing back after being unexpectedly arrested. “We spend a lot of time wishing, hoping, and dreaming of putting all our talents and wonderful ideas to use and then … fear stops us. This faith-based summit will help in identifying and acknowledging fear and taking the first step to eliminate its control, added WilliamsBryant.”

Invade Heaven Prayer Call! Join Evangelist Bruce Warrick and Trust God Ministries every Monday, Wednesday and Fridayfrom 5:30-6:30 A.M. for “Invade Heaven Prayer Call.” Dial In Number: 3392096984; EVANGELISTBRUCE82@ ICLOUD.COM, 716-2382471,WWW.TRUSTGODMINISTRY16.COM

Celebrate Juneteenth at the Historic Michigan Street Baptist

Church

Tickets for the event are $50 and can be purchased at mwbignites.com/events. Breakfast will be served.

Homeownership more affordable. M&T has options to help you achieve homeownership. You may be eligible for solutions to help: • Reduce the cash needed at closing • Lower monthly payments • Save thousands by paying less interest • Qualify with a less-than-perfect credit history Get started with one of our mortgage specialists by calling 1-888-253-0993 or visit us at mtb.com. Equal Housing Lender. Certain restrictions apply. Subject to credit and property approval. ©2022 M&T Bank. Member FDIC. NMLS# 381076. AMP-2091-A 220513 VF The Challenger: 5.105” x 5.5”

The 3rd annual Champion Made Summit is sponsored by: •Pearl Level Sponsor: MMB Realty Group, Aaron's Landscaping, Redd Solution's, Friendship Baptist Church, KeyBank, Ike & BGs Restaurant -•·Sapphire Level Sponsors: Buffalo Urban Development Corp, Open Buffalo, Northtown Auto, Developments By JEM, RL Experience (Empower 716 Talk Show), Bank on Buffalo, G.I.R.L.S Sports Foundation, Window Source WNY •Diamond Level Sponsor: So Sassy Founded in 2011, MWB Ignites, LLC is a global company headquartered in Buffalo, NY. Offering individuals and organizations leadership development training, planning and empowerment workshops to achieve champion level results through Empowering, Activating, and Tackling personal and professional development.

The families touched most nearly by the mass shooting on Jefferson Avenue have our prayers and support.

WE VOW TO MAKE SURE OUR LOVE AND GOODNESS SHOUTS LOUDER THAN THE EVIL THAT FUELED THE SENSELESS ACT OF HATE-DRIVEN EXTREMISM. Everything that unites us as a Roswell Park community stands in forceful defiance of the hatred and hopelessness that motivated the horrific crime. What brings all of us to Roswell Park — workers, scientists, clinicians, volunteers, patients, caregivers — comes from love, hope, trust, goodness. To all of you who are hurting because of this senseless act, the hearts of your Roswell Park neighbors continue to enfold you with support.

Candace S. Johnson, PhD President, CEO, and M&T Bank Presidential Chair in Leadership

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

KeyBank’s KeyBus Is In Buffalo!

eyBank has launched a new initiative to promote access to banking and financial wellness using a transformed city transit bus. The KeyBus kicked off its year-long tour in early May during a ribbon cutting event in Cleveland, home of the bank’s headquarters. The KeyBus is currently visiting Buffalo, this month, home of KeyBank’s Northeast Regional Headquarters. The KeyBus will travel the country, stopping in many of KeyBank’s markets, to promote financial education through savings and checking account setups, financial wellness reviews and classes for community members. The bus is a fully self-contained computer lab and classroom on wheels. The computer modules not only give clients access to financial wellness tools, but they also provide people an opportunity to search for a job. Without access to these services, many people would have to leverage alternative financial solutions to make ends meet instead, which may not have their best financial interests in mind. Attendees do not need to have a pre-existing KeyBank account to visit the bus and/or learn about personal finance. “This initiative is part of our commitment to you - the communities we serve,” said KeyBank Buffalo Market President Michael McMahon. “The goal here is simple – to provide greater access to banking and financial literacy. We’re working hard to bridge the gap of financial wellness that historically exists within underserved communities. This bus is an opportunity for us to assist community members with an array of banking needs and offer people access to technology to assist with job searching and educational needs. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish when we work together – and for our communities.” As highlighted in its 2021 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report, financial inclusion remains a priority for Key. In 2021, KeyBank partnered with the Financial Health Network to help identify more opportunities to support equitable financial health outcomes. Key also introduced a new, senior role focused on increasing banking access for LMI communities. The KeyBus is part of KeyBank’s ongoing effort to improve access to financial services. Some events the KeyBus will be at in Buffalo include: •June 11 – University District Festival (Rotary Field at UB South Campus) •June 14 – Community Mission of Niagara Frontier – Niagara Falls, NY •June 16 – Music on Piers – Dunkirk, NY •June 19 – Juneteenth Festival – Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Share your photos of the KeyBus on social media using #keybus! CFMA #220511-1571979 All credit products are subject to approval. @2022 KeyCorp. All rights reserved. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

EAT TO LIVE!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

Meet your local bankers Crystal Morgan

Huge JuneteenthBlack Business Community Leaders Call for Public and Private Networking Event

Community Office Manager

VISIONARY: Alelxander Wright (center) the co-op's founder, addresss the press.

Investment into African Heritage Co-op

A Press Conference was called last week for public and private investment into the African Heritage Food Co-op and 238 Carlton Street at the Carlton street building. Supporters included the Fruit Belt Advisory Council, African Heritage Food Co-op, Black Love Resists in the Rust, Fruit Belt Community Land Trust, and Fruit Belt leaders and residents The supporting organizations released the following statement: The Fruit Belt is a historically Black neighborhood that has been disinvested in and red lined for decades. In recent years, it has been under constant threat of speculative gentrification brought on by its close proximity to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. The Fruit Belt community organized a successful campaign to found the first-ever Community Land Trust in the city of Buffalo in 2017 to practice self-determination and community resilience, including access to permanently affordable housing and control of the commercial corridor to support businesses of and from the community. In 2018, the Fruit Belt called for the preservation of 238 Carlton Street and for it to be transferred to the African Heritage Food Co-op. The solution that it offered then as it does now: to provide healthy, fresh, affordable, and culturally relevant food to the neighborhood while providing living wage jobs for people in the immediate community, and a food secure neighborhood on Buffalo’s perpetually food insecure East Side. In the wake of the

white supremacist attack on Tops.This request for private and public investment must be expedited. The people of the Fruit Belt neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods need and deserve food access, equity, and justice now!

Darnell Haywood

Community Responsibility Officer

Capital Connect NY to provide massive funding to minority and women-owned businesses Minority and WomenOwned Businesses are the backbone of the community in Western NY. Through these difficult times, many community businesses have been providing the services and support that kept our city going. Capital Connect is happy to provide funding, technical assistance, and mentorship to help businesses across our community to grow. Capital Connect NY, a coalition of four Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) invested in the Western NY region: Launch NY, PathStone Enterprise Center, Pursuit, and The Westminster Economic Development Institute (WEDI) will host a free “Juneteenth Business Networking Event,” to create a space for collaboration, fun, and growth for local businesses.

Enter to win $1000 for you... ...and another $1,000 to donate to a local charity of your choice.

Join us for a

GRAND CELEB RATion!

Join us for refreshments, giveaways, fun, and a chance to win $1,000!*

Now through June 17th Monday-Friday 9am-4pm

Northland Avenue, within the Northland Workforce Training Center 683 Northland Avenue, Buffalo NY 14211 (716) 469-1117

Time: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm RSVP at: Capitalconnect6. eventbrite.com Location: The Innovation Center 640 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203

Qualify for premium interest with our WOW Checking account easily by performing 3 simple steps each calendar month**:

1. At least 12 debit card purchase transactions must post to your account 2. Have at least one Direct Deposit or ACH payment 3. Receive your WOW Checking account eStatement through eBanking

1.07% 0.50% 0.10% APY †

On your balance up to $99,999

AND

APY †

On your balance of $100,000 and over

APY †

If qualiﬁcations are not met

Full-service banking designed around you. *No purchase necessary. Must be 18 or older to enter/win. One entry per person, per day. Employees of BankOnBuffalo are not eligible to participate. Appropriate tax reporting will be required. Northland Avenue location only. Contest ends Friday, June 17th end of business day. Drawing held at noon, June 21, 2022. **Qualification cycle end date is the last business day of the month. With or without the use of a PIN. †Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 1.07% is applicable for qualifying balances between $0 and $99,999.99. Qualifying balances of $100,000 and over will have an APY ranging from 1.07% and 0.50% depending on the balance in the account. If qualifications are not met, the APY will be 0.10%. Minimum balance to open account is $50. APY’s are accurate as of May 23, 2022 and are subject to change after account opening. Fees may reduce earnings. MEMBER FDIC NMLS ID #410748

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

Harambee! " Let's All Pull Together!" Juneteenth Elders Griot Village Committee to Host Senior Citizens African Attire Contest!

O DAYS COUNTDOWN TO JUNETEENTH! Sankofa Days Schedule 2022 FRIDAY JUNE 10

12:00 PM Flag Raising Niagara Square, Downtown Buffalo

SUNDAY JUNE 12

4:00PM-8:00PM FREE CONCERT “Between a Rock and a Hard Place” 143 Broadway (WUFO Parking lot) Featuring Ginjah “the Reggae Soul Man”; Enjoy Live Music, DJ, Vendors and More. Bring Your Own Chair!

MONDAY JUNE 13

Ginjah: Raggae Soul Man

5:00PM-7:00PM African Conscious Workshop, Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson @ E. Utica WEDNESDAY JUNE 15 •2PM-4PM Clean-Up Head Quarters /CRUCIAL, 230 Moselle St. • 5:30-7:30PM “Small Business Big Banking,” CRUCIAL, 230 Moselle St.

THURSDAY JUNE 16

530-7:30PM Genealogical Society, CRUCIAL, 230 Moselle St.

FRIDAY JUNE 17

5:30-7:30 PM Prayer in the Park , MLK Park

SATURDAY JUNE 18

11:00:00 AM - 8:00 PM Parade & Day 1 of the Festival , Juneteenth Headquarters to MLK Park

SUNDAY JUNE 19

11AM-8:00 PM Day 2 Festival MLK Park

GIT ON DA BUS! COVID changed our routine a little for the last two years, but we are ready to roll and our stories are ready to be told! Since 2004, the TRADITION KEEPERS: BLACK STORYTELLERS OF WESTERN NY has hosted GIT ON DA BUS!...a popular pre-Juneteenth event. We are prepared to take you on a storytelling mystery tour around the city where you will be entertained and educated at four mystery sites by our storytelling members. Each year, we travel to four different sites, honoring four different themes. We have never repeated the same sites twice nor repeated the same themes. Can you guess where we will go this year? Maybe this year's themes will give you a hint. Here they are: "Picture This," "Lifted Up," "And Still We Rise," and "Reaching for the Stars." Saturday June 11 is our date! We will have a bus, ready for boarding at 3pm at Lincoln Memorial Church, 641 Masten Avenue @Main Street. The tour will start at 3:30 SHARP! The bus will return to the church at 6:00 for the last stories and light refreshments. Donation is $25 per person. Get information from Karima, 716-834-8438 or Sharon, 716400-28-26. Sharon will have tickets at Zawadi Books, 1382 Jefferson Avenue on Saturday June 4, Wednesday June 8, and Friday June 10 between the hours of Noon and 4:00. Seating will be limited so GIT YO TICKET SOON for GIT ON DA BUS!

n Saturday, June 18th, the Juneteenth Festival Inc of Buffalo's Elders Griot Village Committee will host a bodacious, African Attire Contest where the senior citizen with the baddest or most creative African inspired attire or outfit will be awarded a monetary prize and a trophy! The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be announced, recognized and honored at the Elders Griot Village Tent during the 1st day of the festival, after the parade has ended. To find out more about the event or to register to be a contestant, please call Betty Jean Grant or Sherry Sherrill @ 716-602-5877. Applications are available @ Grant's Variety Shoppe, 1055 East Ferry St., Buffalo, 4-8 PM daily. The Juneteenth's Elders Griot Village Tent will be hosting senior citizens during the two days of the Juneteenth Festival and we will provide food, water, rest area and shuttle service to seniors who need assistance with mobility issues in utilizing the restroom or food or merchandise vendors.

Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo Announces Winners of “Council Member for a Day” Contest For the 47th consecutive Juneteenth of Buffalo Festival, students from Buffalo’s Public Schools were asked to write about what they would do for their community, if they were a member of Buffalo’s lawmaking board, the Common Council. Essays were submitted, reviewed and winners were chosen from District schools. These students will spend a day at City Hall where they’ll meet their Council Members, see their offices, and learn the scope of work that’s involved when you’re a City of Buffalo Council Member. The visit will also include a reception, honoring the students, followed by their attendance at the Council meeting, in the Council chambers. They will end their day with photo opportunities while standing with the council members on Tuesday, June 14 at City Hall at 11 a.m. at City Hall. The winners include: •School 19 (Native American Magnet School): Gerald Kwasnieski •School 31 (Harriet Ross Tubman School): Joseph Maracle Bald and Nyjuan Kearney •School 53 Community School: Mykel Milon, Semaja Ray, Jen Carlos Rodriguez, Jannatul Sayma, Yaziel Vele and Zyaira Wilson

Celebrate Juneteenth at the Historic Michigan Street Baptist Church Planning to go to the Juneteenth Festival? Make sure to take one of their free shuttles to the Corridor! The bus will leave MLK park at 2 PM and at 4 PM. If you want to visit before you head to the festival, The Michigan Street Baptist Church will be open Saturday June 18 from 11 AM - 4 PM with pay what you can admission.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Black man. Still, the mob of thousands of white men and women was not finished with the lynching. Someone found a new three-quarters-inch rope and tied Brown’s body to a car. Then they dragged his corpse slowly through the crowd, over glass and stones, through the streets to the edge of Omaha’s Black neighborhood, as a symbol of their rage. There, the “lynching committee” poured kerosene on Will Brown. And lit his body with fire. As they witnessed burning flesh, hundreds of the welldressed men stood back and grinned. They watched the contorted body of Brown, a 40-year-old innocent meatpacker, burn. A newspaper photographer snapped a photo of the petrified corpse, capturing one of the most horrific photos of racial lynching in U.S. history. That year, Omaha would become one of at least 26 cities across the country where barbaric white mobs attacked Black people and Black communities during a reign of racial terror that author James Weldon Johnson labeled “Red Summer.” The massacres and lynchings that occurred during “Red Summer,” ... were sparked by disparate events, but the common denominator was racial hatred against a people who had recently risen out of enslavement and prospered. During “Red Summer,” thousands of Black people were fatally shot, lynched and burned alive. Hundreds of Black-owned businesses and homes in Black communities were obliterated in fires fueled by racism and hatred. Millions of dollars of Black businesses and generational wealth were stolen. Some historians claim that the racial terror connected with “Red Summer” began as early as 1917 during the bloody massacre that occurred in East St. Louis, Illinois,..that would eventually set the stage for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst episodes of post-Civil War racial violence ever committed against Black Americans. The Tulsa Massacre left as many as 300 Black people dead and destroyed more than 35 square blocks of Greenwood, an all-Black wealthy community.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

OVER 55 BLACK RESTAURANTS PARTICIPATING IN THE 2022 BLACK RESTAURANT WEEK ! NOW THAT'S GOOD EATN'

t’s that time again! A time for peace, love, support, and food lovers to prepare their taste buds for the 5th annual 2022 Black Restaurant Week from June 12th through June 19th. This year marks the highest number of participating businesses than all of its years combined and includes a delicious, soulful mix of 58 amazing Black owned restaurants, eateries, chefs, caterers and bakers from the community of Buffalo and WNY ready to serve you for this special week of supporting what they love to do … Cook! From southern style and traditional cuisine with a twist to Caribbean and African style dishes and sweet confections, the options are endless as these business owners prepare to bring all this yummy to your plate this week and year round! Presented by Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals, President Mark Overall, along with his team, worked hard to bring this opportunity to showcase the culinary talents that hail from the Black community, encouraging all to engage in support during this annual eating experience around WNY. “Every year, many new restaurants open that even long-time Buffalo residents may not have heard about or visited, particularly if they don't exist in a resident's immediate area or vicinity and especially if they don't drive. Having these businesses participate in BRW this year only broadens local and cultural awareness about just how many Black food/beverage establishments exist.” said Mark. “There's an added revenue boost for the participating businesses for both that week and beyond, as they gain so much more exposure and recognition to ALL residents and visitors of the Greater Buffalo area.” This year, Black Restaurant The 2022 Black Restaurant Week Longevity Awarded Recipients Week dates were purposely include:Doctor Bird Caribbean Rasta-Rant , Ike and BG's, Pine Hill scheduled June 12-19 to flow Halal Market and Mike's Steak House. Challenger Photos along simultaneously with Juneteenth. “Black Restaurant Week is about solidarity, love, and community. Moving it to Juneteenth Week and highlighting that we are not in competition with each other, but that we are all here to support each other gives people the assurance and confidence that prospective restauranteurs can still open a business here, if they are inclined to do so, and that they will be welcomed, supported, and patronized by our community. Bringing people together for food, fun, and fellowship has always been central to the Black experience and there is no grander display of this in the Buffalo area than Black Restaurant Week and Juneteenth.” As special added highlight for the 2022 Black Restaurant Week, four longstanding businesses will be "given their flowers" and presented with the Black Restaurant Week Longevity Award including: Doctor Bird Caribbean Rasta-Rant , Ike and BG's, Pine Hill Halal Market and Mike's Steak House. These longstanding businesses have weathered many storms and to this day stand strong dedicated to serving families in the community for years to come. Each participating business will be doing something special so don’t miss out! Be sure to check out their websites and social media pages, where you can find more about their hours and other details about their business. Search for them on your favorite food delivery services like GrubHub, DoorDash, UberEats and others or give them a call if you have any questions.

For one-click restaurant list access visit www.blackrestaurantweek716.com. You can also follow @blackrestaurantweek716 on social media for updates about this experience . Follow the Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals on social media @bulypny.

Ok Enough Said! Dig Into this Soulful list of Good Eatin’ from A-Z ! @Eleven Wings & Cuisines 3225 Main Street 716 899-2011 On fb @ At Eleven Wings & Cuisines Bee Sweet Cakery 716 471-4876 On IG @beesweet716

Brothers Restaurant and Bar 475 Ellicott St 716 322-0084 On fb @ 716brothers

Big Mama’s Hustle and Soul 934 Niagara Falls Blvd. 716 834-3434

Buffalo Soul 454 Pearl Street 716 852 0396 On fb @ Buffalo Soul Catering

Blazin’ Barbeque Smokehouse 1202 Broadway 716 259-9696 On fb @ Blazin Barbeque Smokehouse

Buffalo Plant Burger On social media @ Buffalo Plant Burger

Cake Crazy Bakery 2525 William Street 716 235-8002 www.cakecrazybakery.com

Caribbean Experience 2897 Baily Ave. 716 838-5131 On fb @ Caribbean Experience Carine’s Caribbean Cuisine Contact Chef Carine at 716 536-3370 On fb @Carine’s Caribbean Cuisine Crenshaw’s Chicken & Waffles 701 Kensington Ave 716 220-5752 On fb @ Crenshaws Chicken and Waffles

Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles 6004 Buffalo Ave. 716 564-7161 On fb @ Dirty Bird Buffalo Doctor Bird Caribbean Rasta-Rant 3104 Main St. 716 837 6426 On fb @ Dr Bird Caribbean Rasta-Rant Down The Way Chop Steak Shop 1179 Broadway 716 370-0042 www.dtwchopsteakshop.com Four One Six 416 William St. 716 436-2570 On fb @ Four One Six-416 Freddy J’s BBQ 195 Grant St. 716 424-2926 On fb @ Freddy J’s BBQ Genesis Rising 927 Kensington (corner Norfolk) 716 939-2086 On fb @ Genesis Rising Golden Cup Coffee 1323 Jefferson Ave 716 883-7770 www.goldencupcoffee.com Golden Hour Treats & Things 735 Sycamore Street 716 768-7486 On fb @Golden Hour Treats & Things Guud & Evul Vegan Eats 21 Main Street 716 260-2278 On fb @Guud and Evil Vegan Eats Hyde Park Café 311 Hyde Park Blvd. Niagara Falls Ny 716 297-7687 On fb @ Hyde Park Cafe IKE and BG’s Restaurant 1646 Genesee Street 716 892-4301 56 Niagara Street 716 322-0330 www.ikebgsrestaurant.com Je Ne Sais Quoi 1633 Hertel Ave. 716 440-1065 or 716 4447914 On fb @j Je Ne Sais Quoi – “Taste Like Something” Jeoni’s Wingstop 1085 East Ferry Street 716 551-6161 www.jeonis-wingstop.business.site Jukebox Bar & Grill 1738 William St. 716 248-1872 On FB @ JukeBoxBar & Grill

Kalypso Restaurant 12 Winspear Ave 716 834-3663 On fb @ Kalypso Restaurant Kerns Ave Bowling Center 163 Kerns Avenue 716 892-3331 www.kernsbowlingcenter. com Khari’s Café 128 Fargo Avenue 716 404-9796 On fb @ Kharis Café Ny Lloyal’s Famous Lasagna 1122 Elmwood Ave 716 931-5264 On fb @ Lloyals Famous Lasagna with a touch of soul Lucy’s East African Cuisine 916 Tonawanda Street 716 597-2305 www.lucyeastafricancuisinebuffalo.com Luxor Steak & Lobster 3199 Main St 716 381-9306 www.luxorsteak.com

Pine Hill Halal Market 2286 Genesee Street 716 597-0002 Pinehillhalalmarket.com Poize Restaurant & Lounge 2081 Niagara Street 716 551-6062 On fb @poizelounge.org Pudgy Potatoes 716 398-2238 On fb @ Pudgy Potatoes Radah Baked Goods 25 Grant Street (in West Side Bazaar until June 30) www.RadahBakes.com Sharelle’s Place 716 245-4715 www.sharelles.com Solo Eats 261 East Ferry Street 716 886-7656 On fb @ Solo Eats Sunshine Vegan Eats 893 Jefferson Ave. 716 725 0284 www.sunshineveganeats.com

Manna @ Northland 683 Northland Ave. 716 253 2100 www.mannaatnorthland.com

Sweet Assassin 716 514-9492 On fb @ Sweet-Assassin

Margie’s Soul Food 999 Broadway Street 716 322-1748 www.margiessoulfood.com

Sweets Lounge 2 Schreck Ave 716 893-1473 www.sweetsloungeny.com

Meme’s Place 173 High Street 716 322-7135 www.memesplacebuffalo. com

The Flaming Fish 535 Main Street 716 322-5480 www.theflamingfish.com

Mikes Steakhouse 3355 Baily Ave 716 403-4797 Ms. Goodies 1836 Bailey Ave. 716 936-3690 On fb @ MS. Goodies Nate’s Place 1038 Smith Street On fb @ nates-place Pandora’s Sports Bar & Restaurant 2261 Fillmore Ave 716 803 1335 On fb @ Pandoras Sports Bar Restaurant Park Vue Soul Food Bar & Restaurant 34 S Crossman St. 716 262-0384 www.parkvuesoulfood.com

The Groove Lounge 1210 Broadway 716 939-3149 www.thegrooveloungebuffalo.com The Heights Experience 3148 Main Street 716 510-4438 On fb @ The Heights Experience 716 The Juice Lounge 716 860-7209 2234 Genesee St. On fb @ The Juice Lounge The Rose Bar & Grille 199 Scott Street 716 424-2007 On fb @ The Rose Bar & Grille Top Class Eatz 716 510-7486 On fb @TOPCLASSEATZ

PAUSA art house 19 Wadsworth Street 716 697-9075 www.pausaarthouse.com

Unapologetic Coffee 1375 Main St. 716 768-5016 www.unapologeticcoffee.us

Phat Catz 965 Kensington Ave. 716 235-8549 On fb @ phatCatz of WNY

WRA Buffalo Wing Spot 426 Hertel Ave 716 877-0101

www.wrabuffalowingspot.com

Entertainment

United University Festival & Soul Concert Returns This Weekend!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

“The University at Buffalo is pleased to welcome the University United Festival back to UB this summer and looks forward to hosting this great, family-friendly event on our South Campus. UB’s Office of Community Relations has had the pleasure of working closely with Councilmember Wyatt over the years, and we are glad to be a part of the fabric of the University District. The councilmember and his office have been working hard to plan a wonderful event for the neighborhood, and we hope everyone is as excited as we are to see the community back together for this special tradition,” said Dylan Steed, University at Buffalo Community Relations Specialist. The festival will also have community resources from KeyBank, the Erie County Health Department, Evergreen Health Services, the New York National Air Guard and other community groups. There will also be a free KIDS ZONE which is sponsored by KeyBank that will have free snacks, activities, and attractions for kids of all ages. For more information visit www.universityunitedfestival.com. Concerts

United University Festival bringing some heavy hitting headliners like Bobby V, Maya , The Whispers, Joe, Darcel Blue, Leandria Johnson, Fred Hammond also featuring NBC's "The Voice" Cami Clune and Commedian Gary Wallace

BUFFALO, N.Y. - The University United Festival Committee and University District Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt held a press conference June 2, 2022 from University at Buffalo South Campus Rotary Field to discuss the 2022 University United Festival, festival security, and unveil the full entertainment lineup for the free, familyfriendly, community festival. The 2022 University United Festival will be a two-day festival that will take place Saturday, June 11, 2022 and Sunday, June 12, 2022 from University at Buffalo’s South Campus Rotary Field. The festival will open Saturday at 2:30pm with an opening ceremony honoring the University District Block Clubs followed by a musical lineup featuring local and national recording artists. The University United Festival Committee also announced that due to the recent events across our country, and in our community, extra security precautions will be in effect throughout the duration of the event to ensure a safe event for all. The 2022 University United Festival lineup is as follows:

Little Anthony & The Imperials plus the Crystals & The Marcels Sunday

The Rose Bar and Grill Tony Terry comes to the June 12, Riviera. Theatre, 67 stage at The Rose June 11 Webster St. North Tonawanda. for a night of R&B Tickets rivieratheatre.org . at Doris Records or at The Herbie Hancock Live in Concert at Rose 199 Scott Street. Kleinhans June 17 @ 8:00 9:30 p.m. Kleinhans Music Art On View Hall, Tickets at bpo.org.

Upcoming Shows At Artpark There are a ton of great shows in the lineup at Artpark this summer. Check the line up tickets are going fast! •June 14 Trombone Shorty's Voodoo Threauxdown •June 21 Patti Labelle •July 31 Earth, Wind & Fire •August 10 Ziggy Marley Go to artpark.net for more info on shows and tickets.

Saturday, June 11, 2022 (emceed by local comedian Gary Wallace with University District Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt & Erie County Legislature Chairwoman April Baskin) ●Cami Clune (from NBC’s ‘The Voice’) ●Bobby V ●MYA ●The Whispers ●JOE Sunday, June 12, 2022 “Gospel Day” (emceed by Bishop Darius G. Pridgen & Pastor D’Mott) ●Darcel Blue Eliminate that unwanted chin, lip, leg hair ●Le’Andria Johnson & more through safe, permanent Electrolysis ●Fred Hammond by Biyyah Beauty located at: “The University United Festival is fast-becoming one of the Sinclair's Salon & Spa must-see events of Buffalo's summer, and we are beaming 700 Main Street • 12 Noon to 6 PM with pride that we can offer this free, family-friendly event Wednesday, Thursday & Friday To Schedule a Consultation Call or Text to the residents of the east side. We also want to emphasize 716.249.1346 that our festival is more than just a concert series, this is a safe event for all where the community can come together and have a great time,” said University District Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt. “The University United Festival is officially back stronger than ever! This event is more than just a festival or a concert series, it provides the residents of the City of Buffalo the opportunity to receive free resources such as financial literacy, mental health services, and free COVID vaccines. This year we are proud to have 2 days of a family filled weekend with music, food, a KIDS ZONE and much, much more. As the Chairwoman of the festival, it brings me nothing but pride to see the impact that his annual event has on the community,” said Taisha St. Jean, Chairwoman of the University United Festival.

"The Bridge" Solo Show

Stop by Burchfield Penney Arts Centr where artist Edreys Wajed solo exhibit explores the culture and language of Hip Hop. Show up until July 31. Visit burchfieldpenney.org

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

Chappell Supports Families of Tops Massacre Dave Chappell did his Tthing at the Shea’s Sunday night and more!He donated All the Proceeds to the Families of the Tops Market Massacre It was vintage Dave Chappell last Sunday evening at Shea’s as the legendary comedian brought on-point insight, truth and inspiration wrapped into a hilarious comic routine.. Chappelle, who booked a last-minute show here, said from the stage that he had done so to honor to the 10 victims of the racist massacre at a Tops supermarket in the heart of the Black community by an 18-year old white supremacist almost four weeks ago. At the end of the performance, Chappelle said family members of the victims were in the audience at his invitation and that he was donating proceeds from ticket sales to them. Shea’s Performing Arts Center, a 3,019-seat venue, hosted the event. Tickets went on sale on the Live Nation website at 10 a.m. last Thursday and sold out within an hour. Chappelle last played Shea’s in 2016, and that show also sold out.

BLACK WHOLE - Tour Stops in Buffalo During Juneteeth Weekend! Black Whole (meaning the sum of Black music ) is an outstanding assemblage of talent paying homage to ancestral sound. The ensemble explores reimagined sound with fresh arrangements rooted in Jazz while simultaneously working to uproot it. The musicians of Black Whole include (pictured above l/r) Rishon Odel on bass, Walter Kemp on piano, Allan Mednard on drums, Scott Tixier on violin, Loops Brent Brickhead on altoflute and clarinet. After their NYC date June 15 at the famed Zurcher Gallery,the tour stops in Buffalo June 17 & 18 at Pausa Art House 19 Wadsworth street go to pausaarthouse.com for times and ticket info. From there they head to West Falls Center for the Arts on June 22, Cleveland Ohio Bop Stop June 23 and Toronto at the Rex Hotel June 24! Don't Miss This Experience!

GEICO HOSTS JUNETEENTH EVENT JUNE 17 In celebrating the history of our African American & Black Community in Buffalo, we're inviting you to celebrate Juneteenth with GEICO on Friday June 17th from 12:00-7:00 PM. This is a great time to come together to spend time appreciating the unity we have around us and supporting one another as a collective community. GEICO is hosting this event to commemorate this historic day by supporting local Black owned businesses. There will be food, music, vendors, a kiddie corner, activities, and prizes! We have many vendors from the community that will be showcasing their products. In addition,there will be a variety of Black owned food vendors participating in the celebration. With music by DJ Kenny Kutz. The location of this gathering will be at the local GEICO Office Parking Lot which is, 300 Crosspoint Pkwy., Getzville, NY 14068. We are looking forward to bringing our community together for a wholesome and memorable event!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

This Silence is Wrong, Hurtful Finding the Light, Through the Darkness By Aymanuel Radford and Disrespectful By Bobbie E. Jackson

SUPPORT TEAM: Among the speakers who addressed a recent press conference in support of Jonathan Parker was Rev. Denise, Tyrell Ford, Kelly Galloway, Tiffany Thornton, Bob Goldstein and more ( not necessarily pictured here.) Street Legacy Photo Darvin Adams

Will The Court Grant Jonathan Parker A Hearing? New Group Rallies for Man Incarcerated for Murdering Buffalo Police Officer 25 Years Ago

n Monday, a crowd gathered behind the Erie County Court building at 25 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, supporting a man imprisoned for murdering a Buffalo police officer 25 years ago. The group, Justice for Jonathan Parker, is petitioning that Erie County Judge Bargnesi grant an evidentiary hearing at Tuesday's oral argument concerning Jonathan Parker.

In response to the recent horrific events that occurred at Tops market on Saturday May 14, several elected and law enforcement officials have consistently highlighted and emphasized the fact the Tops shooter was not a resident of Buffalo, N.Y. or any WNY community. This I believe alludes to the premise that this extent of evil does not or has not existed in Buffalo N.Y. This failure to acknowledge Buffalo's violent and deadly history of a racial hate crime is immense disrespect to the legacy of those murdered, their surviving families and the entire black community. Why I ask, has it not been mentioned that seven black men were murdered by self-proclaimed racist Joseph Christopher, who was given the moniker "The 22 Caliber Killer". In September of 1980, 14 year old Glenn Dunn was the first victim, shot outside of a "supermarket" in Buffalo. Demon Christopher's killing spree continued in 1980 and into 1981 compiling a total of seven black males in Buffalo and surrounding communities. He went on to desecrate and mutilate some of these victims by cutting out their hearts. This monster also murdered four black men in New York City. It's believed his murderous hate spree took the lives of 12 black males. Failure to presently acknowledge this horrific period of racist hatred is a gross denial of violence and racism, which has festered in our communities as well as the nation for many, many decades. Awareness, information and knowledge are powerful components of social capital that can breed beneficial conversations for our citizens of every community, to combat racism and theories of white supremacy. This is exactly the reason this historical tragedy should be acknowledged at this time.

The judge said that he will render a decision in 30 days. Parker was convicted of killing officer Charles "Skip" McDougald in 1997. The Justice for Jonathan Parker Rally aimed to bring awareness to Parker's case and demand that new evidence presented by his new defense team be reviewed. Exonerated activist Keyontay Ricks joined the group, with community organizer Tyrell Ford of Voice Buffalo, Director of Voice Buffalo Rev. Denise Walden-Glenn, Justice for Jonathan Parker organizer Tiffany Thornton, and Parker's defense attorney Steven Metcalf. "If any individual or case deserves a hearing on a CPL 440 application, it's Johnathan Parker's case", said attorney Steven Metcalf. "For the last 25 years, Mr. Parker has been in jail on a case where we finally received information supporting his innocence, which will shock anyone with a conscience after a hearing." Parker was arrested for murder at 19-years-old. For 25 years, he has maintained that he is innocent, although his attorney conceded guilt during his trial in 1997. At that time, Parker was at risk of receiving a death sentence. Within the last two years, witnesses have come forward in signed affidavits, admitting to lying under oath after being threatened or persuaded by Buffalo Police officers. Those witnesses testified against Parker during the trial. Parker and witnesses say there were corrupt officers involved in the case of Officer McDougald's murder. One witness said that former detective Andres Ortiz threatened to kill him if he did not testify. Parker's defense team has filed a 440 motion to overturn his conviction, have a new, fair trial, or be acquitted. Last week, Erie County D.A. John Flynn opposed reviewing the latest evidence and said he would do everything in his power to keep Parker in prison. "For 25 years, my cousin has been away from our family", said Tiffany Thornton of Justice for Jonathan Parker. "He has been wrongfully labeled and targeted as a "cop killer".

Jonathan Parker is not a cop killer. I am here to fight for justice and Jonathan's character. He was wrongfully convicted and deserves his freedom." Also attending the rally in support of Jonathan Parker were other exonerated men and their families. With an oral argument scheduled the following day between defense attorney Steven Metcalf and the Erie County ADA, Justice for Jonathan Parker had two immediate asks from supporters. First, the group wants supporters to write a letter to D.A. Flynn asking him to stop opposing an evidentiary hearing. After that, sign a petition to support Jonathan Parker's case being heard. The organization directed supporters to carry out those tasks online at JusticeforJonathanParker.com. The annual report for the National Registry of Exonerations recorded 161 exonerations in 2021. According to the report, wrongfully Continued Page 19

On May 14th, 2022, our community was attacked by an 18year old man who killed 10 people at the Tops on Jefferson Ave. This attack has been the center of focus for the community since it happened, and rightly so I must add. Often in dark times like this we look for something, anything to get us out of the dark cloud that hangs over us. On May 26th through all the darkness a little bit of light crept through. Hutchinson Central Technical High School hired Micah Harris as its head football coach. I know for some this does not seem like a big deal, what do we care about a local high school football coach? We should care!! A lot. This hiring came on the back of a community rallying around a football program that we knew deserved better. The Hutch Tech football program led by Tony Trulizio was 1-22 over the past 3 seasons. Three years ago, when the student athletes came out and said they wanted to keep their current coach and not Coach Trulizio. BPS ignored them. After a little bit of press and a light push back the community also ignored them. Because of that we owe the last 3 senior classes an apology, we owe them a debt of gratitude because of who we as a community forced them to play for. We are sorry young men but if there is any way you can find some solace in your sacrifice, no more Hutch Tech student athletes will be subjected to what you were, no more student athletes will go into seasons with the expectations of losing. We as a community must make sure that this NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN!!! When we are here the cry of our children, we must fight for them until we see the change that they deserve!!!! Special thanks to Nelson Mason, Dwayne Taplin, Sinclair Fabor, Ray Hall, Phil Richardson, and all those community members who fought for our children. When we fight together and fight hard as a community there isn’t anything that can stand in our way. STAND UP COMMUNITY!!!!

The Path Forward From May 14: Insights from Black Leaders Within Roswell Park As our community works to heal following the deadly May 14 racist killings at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center acknowledges the painful experiences that are a daily reality for so many of our neighbors, our employees and our patients. We mourn with the families of the 10 people killed by a young man poisoned by white supremacist ideology: Aaron Salter, Ruth Whitfield, Pearly Young, Katherine Massey, Deacon Heyward Patterson, Celestine Chaney, Roberta A. Drury, Margus D. Morrison, Andre Mackneil and Geraldine Talley. We stand with all those who were injured or traumatized through this senseless act of hateful prejudice at a neighborhood hub, a place vital to the community for more than just groceries. As our community comes together in forceful affirmation of the dignity of every person, we invited several Black leaders within Roswell Park to share their reflections on this moment in our community and what it means for our path forward. “I want to challenge everyone to remember we have choices. We have choices to see the good in people; we have choices to respect other people for their differences, and we have choices to love everyone in the way we would want to be loved. We’re all human beings. At the end of the day, we all want the same things,” says David Scott, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Roswell Park. Sustained commitment to change is critical.The demonstrations of compassion and togetherness on full display since the deadly attack must be a starting point. “It’s wonderful and reassuring to see how Buffalo neighbors from all walks of life have come together in the aftermath of this horrific tragedy, but that energy must be kept days, months and years from now to help create actual change,” says Dana Harris, Communications Project Manager. “Black people appreciate the sentiment and concerns of our friends and peers. We value them. But we also need everyone to see … we have not been making these things up. There are people out there walking this earth that hate us for the color of our skin. It’s heartbreaking, discouraging and we are just so tired of fighting alone every day and trying to prove our worth. When you ask what you can do to support us — get out and take action. Speak up when you see, hear or feel that something is wrong or unfair.” We also need to do our part, as a neighbor and as a presence in this city, to ask questions and listen to the answers, even if — especially if — they are difficult to hear. “It’s very clear there’s a problem. It’s not just this isolated incident,” says Richard Satterwhite, a Patient Engagement Specialist. “We need to be the ones to reach across and ask what we can do. We need to become a real ally. This is our community. We need to do a better job of taking care of people. This is an opportunity to truly engage and take care of the overall health of our community.” Next: "Racism Will Not Be tolerated ‘Racism will not be tolerated’

VOICES

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

I'm Just Sayin' by Darvin Adams

We Said No To A Methadone Clinic Now that the cameras and lights have gone, our Black leadership and some of the clergy can sto the showboating. The east side is still trying to heal from this cowardly act of domestic terrorism. Meanwhile lthe residents of the University District are still willing to fight Hopewell Health, which is an opioid clinic. Hopewell wants to place this facility in the Cleve-Hill Plaza, which is located on Kensington and Eggert Rd. To our knnowledge the project's administrators have failed to provide transparency and to obtain community approval before submitting any request to New York State. The community should have had some say so in this matter. The clients that will be serviced in this facility will transported in from places outsdie the community. Also, there is some problems with transparency as it relates to our local leaderships. How is it that no one knew about this? All the people were told was it’s a done deal and the lease was signed in March. The residents of the University are very concerned about increased traffic, loitering, the safety of the children going to and from school. There is also a concern for the elders and the women. This is not acceptable. Other municipalities, such as Amherst, Kenmore, Cheektowaga and the Allentown District has said NO! So it was decided to put in with the Black folks because they’re not going to say nothing. But no! We're fired up and we as a community SAY HELL NO. Enough is enough. We matter, our voice is just as golden as the next!. ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

Is It Possible That Something As Traumatic As The Event On May 14 Could Have Been Prevented ? Dear Editor: Considering what happened on Saturday, May the 14th I have, for the most part, maintained a level of silence. Honestly, my emotions have been everywhere. I am hurt, saddened, angry, and in pain. Some of you are aware that for almost two years I was the manager of the Family Dollar next door/across the street from Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, NY.

Darnell Palmer

For almost 2 years I pleaded for the Buffalo Police Community Officers, activists, pastors, and other religious and community leaders to get involved because of the increasing rates of crime and violence in that area. I even offered to pay out-of-pocket for events in hopes of their presence in that community. I inquired about how to get on the community officers' rotation of driving around the area. My efforts, unfortunately, caused me to be looked at as a problem. I was considered a troublemaker for calling 911 for help when unlawful things happened. When BPD officers would eventually respond to the calls, I was told by many that there was nothing they could do! I can't make this up. Officers that did not look like me did not want to document the incidents nor give us a report number. They saw me as the problem for reporting and making the calls. October 2021 I was accosted and shot in the Family Dollar Store on Jefferson Avenue that I managed. The response time was slow and once the two BPD Officers, (that did not look like me) that I had encountered many times previously, showed up and sat in their patrol car until I, the shooting victim, came out of the store. I can't make this up. These were the same officers that felt I was the problem for calling and reporting the crime in the area. They hushed this up. In fact, they even accused me of shooting myself. There is so much more that I could share, including what happened to the last two Security Officers at Tops Friendly Market prior to the most recent who lost his life engaging fire exchange with the active shooter on May 14, 2022. The numerous call logs and reports of the many incidents that are documented for that area will validate what I am saying. Is it possible that something as traumatic and traumatizing as this event on Saturday, May 14, 2022, could have been prevented if the BPD, which talks about community policing had listened? Is it possible that if this community was on their rotation to patrol that this catastrophic event could have been avoided? After all, the shooter targeted this area, with knowledge of average police response time. Is it possible that this could have been prevented? Knowing what I know... I believe it very well could have been. I am not the only one. I speak the sentiments of others who work and/or live in this area as well. -Darnell Palmer Whatever afects one directly, affects all indirectly." -Dr. MartinLuther King

SPILL THE TEA

By Ava Carter, age 13

POETRY

ey, so I’m here to tell you all about the community and social media tea, so let’s look and see what’s going on. The first topic I’m going to talk about is a very sad and tragic event. As some of you might know George Floyd died May 25, 2020. George Floyds anniversary has just recently passed. The cause of his death was a police officer who had his knee on his neck. George Floyd repeatedly said “I can’t breathe” but the officer did not remove his knee. I’m going to ask everyone reading to take a moment to remember him. George Floyd was someone’s son, grandson and he was killed, so take a moment no one deserves to die like that. October 14, 1973, to May 25, 2020, R.I.P. Another tragic event that happened, happened right here in Buffalo. On May 14, 2022 innocent lives were taken at the Tops on Jefferson Avenue. The shooter was an 18-year-old boy, Payton S. Gendron. He walked into the Tops and shot 13 people ,10 passed away and 3were injured. This crime was racially motivated, or in other words a hate crime. To think someone could get up and go end lives without a care, this is just so ridiculous …how could someone even think this? May all of them rest in peace and may the injured be alright I am praying for all of them. R.I.P. So far, we have covered two scary and tragic events, we just have one more. On May 24, 2022, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos decided to enter an elementary school in Texas, shoot 19 children, 2 teachers and shooting his grandmother while she was trying to prevent it. He claims he did it because he was bullied, but my question is what did these children and teachers have to do with it? A girl had to cover herself in her best friend’s blood so she wouldn’t get shot. This is honestly so, so sad. Children are afraid to go to school, sometimes even I am. I make up plans in my head of what I’m going to do just in case something ever happens, where I’m going to run and hide. Children should not have to be afraid to go to school. May all of them Rest in Peace!

The eight-line poem Gorman wrote and shared has been retweeted more than 20,000 times and liked by 91,000 people already.

Black Minds Matter!

“The truth is, one nation under guns,” Gorman tweeted after sharing her poem.

Dear Editor: The U.S. Department of Education recently issued a Notice of Proposed Priorities that would harm charter schools. The proposed rules would limit important funding that many schools need. For instance, one proposed regulation would require proving traditional public schools were over-enrolled – but parents need charter schools for many reasons, even if their traditional public schools are not overcrowded. Please tell Congress that our families need more – not fewer – options in education. We need them to fight for us in Washington. Please go to the following site and Sign: https://p2a.co/ ujprcku Black Minds Matter is a national movement to celebrate Black minds, support excellence, and promote the development of high-quality school options for Black students. For more information visit blackmindsmatter@blackmindsmatter.net

manda Gorman, the 24-year-old who was named the nation’s first youth poet laureate, shared an original piece on Twitter only hours after the shooting in Texas. Schools scared to death. The truth is, one education under desks, Stooped low from bullets; That plunge when we ask Where our children Shall live & how & if

The poet continued to express her outrage and grief with a few more posts about the inexplicable loss of children. “It takes a monster to kill children,” she tweeted. “But to watch monsters kill children again and again and do nothing isn’t just insanity — it’s inhumanity.” Amanda Gorman, America’s inaugural National Youth Poet Laureate, has lived through an endless onslaught of mass shootings. We all have.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

FULL MOON WATCH

n June 14, 2022 we welcome The Strawberry Moon in the firesign Sagittarius. This week the intuitive powers increase as we approach the Full Moon. This is a time to gather and harvest things you've planted earlier this spring. The Strawberry Moon is a time of transformation as you continue to ripen. It's a time to pick your intentions. Winds of Change are in the Air! The ability to formulate goals, motivate yourself, enjoy life – that’s what will be important on the June full moon. You can believe in luck and luck, but it is better to rely only on yourself. Energy is in full swing, a person is at the peak of activity: there is nothing impossible. The full moon in June 2022 favors largescale affairs, helps to determine plans. You just need to look into the very depths of your soul, honestly admit your desires to yourself. This is a time of hopes, searches and discoveries: familiar things are seen from a different angle. It is important not to get confused here, if you hesitate a little – and the game starts over. While this has its own charm, life is cyclical: you can always catch up. Now more than ever it's time

to stay in the present moment. Manifest within your heart and soul the spirit of Love and Light and send it out to the world that is filled with great darkness. Ay wanted and it’s because it was not going to be the right thing for us. Many people Everything related to family, career aspirations becomes of great importance. Clean Out Your Life - Start With: •Cleansing Your Spirit •Clean out closets and drawers •Clean off the clutter around your sleeping area •Clean out old papers and re-

ceipts You can take your time and do this cleaning over the next few weeks. It will benefit you enormously on your spiritual path. Clutter tends to attract negative energy. That's why cleaning out your home or office is important as it frees up the energy and lets the light in. I feel that all full moons are

a special time for us to connect to the Great Spirit as well as the moon. Remember we’re fast approaching the Summer Solstice on June 21, 2022.

-Cherokee Billie

Vanessa Hall

WE HAVE 3,000 JOBS TO FILL

SUNY Erie at Northland Graduate

Great Careers in Manufacturing & Energy Call (716) 436-3229 or visit northlandwtc.org

Train for what’s next.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

We Cannot Change The Past, But We Can Work To Make Sure Something Like May 14th Never Happens Again ollowing the unprecedented attack on Buffalo’s Black community, F Chairwoman Baskin has been working diligently with her partners in government and community organizations to ensure that residents who

have been impacted have the necessary resources to process their grief. She is also calling for accountability in Erie County’s Anti-Gun Violence programming in order to ensure that the county’s approach yields real results. “There is obvious tension and distrust with the government right now. We can all think of the things that could have been done to stop this terrorist attack from happening, but right now we must keep looking forward. Forward to a day where we are not afraid to go grocery shopping, go to church, go to a movie theater or even just walk down the street. I am doing all I can to help our community, and as long as I am a Legislator, my work to help Buffalo’s Black community will not stop.” Chairwoman Baskin said. In last Thursday’s formal session of the Erie County Legislature, a resolution that Baskin sponsored to establish a permanent location for trauma counseling in the Black community passed unanimously. The location is still in development, so if you currently need help, please go to the temporary site at the Johnnie B. Wiley stadium at 1100 Jefferson Avenue. Buffalo’s Black community has been through life-shattering trauma and deserves professional help processing that trauma. Please reach out or encourage a friend or loved one to seek counseling if they are experiencing any mental health issues. The United States experiences gun violence at an extreme rate compared to other countries, and Erie County’s leaders are taking the matter seriously. Our community’s high rate of gun violence prompted Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz to declare it a public health crisis in July of 2021. In December 2021, Chair April Baskin added a new Community Coordinator position to the 2022 county budget for the purposes of assisting community anti-gun violence groups with data collection. The position, which is currently listed on erie.gov, will allow Erie County to collect impact data from programs who receive County funding and County contracts to do antigun violence work in the community. Last Thursday, a resolution Baskin sponsored that tasks the Commissioner of Central Police Services with developing and submitting an annual report that outlines the funding allocations and data outcomes of all programs and initiatives implemented by Erie County to reduce gun violence in our community passed unanimously. Once the legislature starts receiving these annual reports, they will use them to inform their understanding where our community experiences the most gun violence and help them as they develop programs and policies to combat it.

GERALDINE HORTON ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA ECONOMIC IMPACT:$2.1 MILLION

Bringing a meeting, convention, or sports event to Buffalo does great things for our community. If you belong to an organization that has an event coming up, contact Mike Even at even@visitbuffaloniagara.com or visit BringItHomeBuffalo.com and let’s make it happen.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

FAMILIES TESTIFY AT SENATE HEARING continued Attorney Benjamin Crump, who is the legal representative for the Whitfields, agreed. It was a sin, said Krump, that the "monster" killed the Buffalo Ten, but it was also “sinful how this senate has failed to act..." During the hearing Republican senator Ted Cruz even tried do take the focus off the subject at hand and talked about how historically the Democrats were the original KKK – which had nothing to with the Tops. Market massacre “That's why "we are very intentional and very "driven" to maker sure that what happened at a tops on may 14 remains current and that keep the focus where it is....” chimed in Michelle spright who was also on the s how and also lost family I the massacre. “ the focus is a white supremacists (wo was) very calculated, and very concise made a 180 page missive on how he was going to gun down and execute Black people who had no choice but to go to the only supermarket in this Black neighborhood that just so happens to reside in a food desert, “We have to keep the focus that White supremacy is not LEGAL NOTICE RFP just something that came up yesterday or even started on COUNTY OF ERIE 95 FRANKLIN STREET May 14. We're demanding acOFFICE OF HEALTH BUFFALO, countability at this point and NY 14202 we're not going to be silent.." County of Erie, New York However one of Martin’s Request For Proposals in-studio studio guests obThe Erie County Health Department served that the battle was inis seeking proposals from transporta-

APARTMENTS

tion companies to conduct transportation services for children with Special Needs aged birth - five years old. The RFP #2022-031VF can be found at: http://www3.erie.gov/purchasing/ requests-proposals-constructionbids, and a complete copy of the package can be obtained by contacting Mary Martin at 716-858-6360 or Mary.Martin@erie.gov All correspondence, communications and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this proposal shall be with Mary Martin. Prospective proponents, or their representatives, shall not make contact with or communicate with any representatives of the County, including employees and consultants, other than the designated person in regard to any aspect of this proposal. Final sealed proposals are due to the Health Department Special Needs Division at 95 Franklin St, ROOM 828 Buffalo, NY 14202 by 5:00 pm on July 18, 2022. Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any informality. Dr. Gale Burstein Commissioner of Health

EMPLOYMENT PIANIST NEEDED Pianist Needed for 10:00 A.M. Sunday Morning Worship Services. Approximately 3 Hrs./week = $75. University United Methodist Church 410 Minnesota Ave. (corner of Bailey, Buffalo 14215) Call Lucy (716) 462-8295

Taking It To The Streets Returns to MLK Park!

34th annual Taking it to the Streets returns after two years of hosting a virtual festival due to the pandemic! The upcoming festival in MLK Park will take place August 20 and 21.For more information and applications call Founder Anita O. Williams at 716-507-1931 or 716-891-4760 or Angelita Allen-Bellamy, Executive Assistant at 716-400-6749.

PARKER Continued

convicted individuals spent 1,849 years incarcerated for crimes they did not commit- an average of 11.5 years per exoneree. The data also revealed perjury and official misconduct in nearly 70% of all cases. Official misconduct occurred in 77% of murder and manslaughter exonerations. A 2016 study showed that African-American prisoners convicted of murder are about 50% more likely to be innocent than other convicted murderers. African Americans constituted 47% of the 1,900 exonerations listed in the National Registry of Exonerations (as of October 2016), and the great majority of more than 1,800 additional innocent defendants who were framed and convicted of crimes in 15 large-scale police scandals and later cleared in "group exonerations." "It is impossible to have a fair trial when a court of law accepts false evidence," said exonerated activist Keyontay Ricks. Justice for Jonathan Parker is asking for donations to help pay for court costs, website maintenance, and support for Jonathan while he is incarcerated and when he comes home. So far, Justice for Jonathan Parker has received over $50,000 in donations. To learn more about Justice for Jonathan Parker, you can visit justiceforjonathanparker.com.

Baskin & Johnson Call for Investigation into Emergency Response Operators in Light of Complaints of Disconnected Calls to 911 During emergency situations, those who call 911 expect they will be connected to an understanding person who is prepared to assist them. That was unfortunately not the case for two individuals who called for help during recent crises. On May 14, in the midst of the mass shooting at Tops, a woman at the scene called 911 hoping to get help, but the call taker did not take her seriously and went as far as to hang up on her while they were cornered in Tops, terrified for their life. A similar situation happened at a birthday party for Zaire Goodman, a survivor of May 14th’s terrorist attack. When Marnetta Malcolm experienced a medical emergency during the party, another party guest called 911 and was ridiculed for not knowing the address where the event was taking place 911 employees should take every call seriously and respond appropriately, even if the caller is whispering or cannot provide all the details of their location. Last week, Legislators April Baskin and Howard Johnson sent a letter to Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz demanding a formal investigation into both of these incidents. As of today, there is an investigation into the actions of the call taker during the mass shooting at Tops, and the call taker who answered on Sunday, May 22nd has been fired. “To ensure something like this doesn’t happen again, Legislator Johnson and I are working with the County Executive’s office to launch an investigation and to implement sensitivity training to the E911 department. These call takers need to understand that no matter where a call comes from, whether the person is whispering, or doesn’t know the address they are located, they need to take the call seriously. Lives depend on it.” said Baskin. The Legislature will use the results of the investigation to guide their decisions as they work to establish new training requirements for emergency response operators.

20 LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY COURT : COUNTY OF ERIE IN THE MATTER OF FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS BY PROCEEDING IN REM PURSUANT TO THE IN REM PROVISIONS OF THE ERIE COUNTY TAX ACT AND THE RESOLUTION OF THE ITEM 4E-9 (2022) PAGES 145146 OF THE MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF SAID LEGISLATURE FOR THE YEAR 2022 PETITION AND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS ACTION IN REM IN REM NO.170 INDEX NO. 2022-600093 Please take notice that on the 9th day of May, 2022 the County of Erie pursuant to law, filed with the Clerk of the County of Erie a list of parcels of property affected by unpaid tax liens held and owned by the County of Erie which on such date had been due and unpaid for a period of at least two years after the date on which the unpaid tax liens were sold. Such list contains as to each such parcel (a) a brief description of the property affected by each tax lien, (b) the name of the last known owner of such property as it appears on the latest tax roll in the hands of the Director of Real Property Tax Services or a statement that the owner is unknown if such be the case, (c) a statement of such tax liens upon such parcel of property including any tax sale certificates owned by the County of Erie which shall have been due for less than two years, together with the interest and penalties due as of the list date and (d) a statement that the amount required to redeem any such parcel of property, and the amount to be recovered by the County of Erie, includes all tax sale certificates owned by the County of Erie and affecting such property, together with all interest, penalties, additions and expenses as in this act provided, and also includes an “in rem fee” of $500.00 per parcel to cover the presumptive cost to the County of Erie for reasonable and necessary attorneys’ fees, abstracts of title and other disbursements in connection with such foreclosure pursuant to law. The above-captioned proceeding was commenced to enforce the payment of delinquent taxes which have accumulated and become liens against certain property. The parcels to which this proceeding applies were identified on the List of Delinquent Taxes which was filed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office on the 9th day of May, 2022. Take further notice that the ownership by the County of the tax sale certificates set forth on the List of Delinquent Taxes is conclusive evidence of the fact that the taxes, assessments and other legal charges represented thereby have not been paid to the County. EFFECT OF FILING: All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in the List of Delinquent Taxes are hereby notified that the filing of said List constituted the commencement by the County of Erie of a proceeding in the County Court to foreclose each of the tax liens therein described by a foreclosure proceeding In Rem. Pursuant to Section 11-7.0 of the Erie County Tax Act, the filing of such List of Delinquent Taxes constitutes and has the same force and effect and is deemed to have given the same notice of such foreclosure proceeding as the filing and recording in the Erie County Clerk’s Office of an individual Notice of Pendency of a Tax Foreclosure Action and of the filing in the County Court of a separate and individual Complaint by the County of Erie against the owners of the real property proceeded against and described in the List of Delinquent Taxes. NATURE OF PROCEEDING: This proceeding is brought against the real property only and is to foreclose the tax liens described in the List of Delinquent Taxes. No personal judgment will be entered herein for such liens/taxes or other legal charges or

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022 any part thereof. PERSONS AFFECTED: This notice is directed to all persons having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in the List of Delinquent Taxes. Such persons are hereby notified further that a duplicate of this Petition and the List of Delinquent Taxes has been filed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office and the Office of Real Property Tax Services and will remain open for public inspection up to and including the date specified below as the last day of redemption. RIGHT OF REDEMPTION: Any person having or claiming to have an interest in any such real property and the legal right thereto may on or before the 6th day of July, 2022 redeem the same by paying the amount of all such unpaid tax liens thereon, including all interest and penalties and other legal charges which are included in the lien against such real property, computed to and including the date of redemption. Payments shall be made to: Director of Real Property Tax Services, Rath Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York, 14202, by CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, BANK CHECK or MONEY ORDER. In the event that such tax liens are paid by a person other than the record owner of such real property, the person so paying shall be entitled to have the tax liens affected thereby satisfied of record or to receive an assignment of such tax liens evidenced by a proper written instrument. LAST DAY OF REDEMPTION: The last day of redemption is hereby fixed as the 6th day of July, 2022. SERVICE OF ANSWER: Every person having any right, title or interest in or lien upon any parcel of real property described in the List of Delinquent Taxes may serve a duly verified Answer upon the attorney for the Tax District, as set forth below, setting forth in detail the nature and amount of his or her interest, and any defense or objection to the foreclosure. Such Answer must be filed in the office of the County Clerk and served upon the attorney for the Tax District, Margaret A. Hurley, Esq., Lippes Mathias, LLP, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1700, Buffalo, New York, 14202, (716) 884-3135, on or before the 26th day of July 2022. FAILURE TO REDEEM OR ANSWER: In the event of failure to redeem or answer by any person having the right to redeem or answer, such person shall be forever barred and foreclosed of all his or her right, title and interest and equity of redemption in and to the parcel described in the List of Delinquent Taxes and a judgment in foreclosure may be taken by default. DATED: May 9, 2022 ENFORCING OFFICER: SCOTT A. BYLEWSKI, ESQ. Director of Real Property Tax Services STATE OF NEW YORK ) COUNTY OF ERIE ) ss: CITY OF BUFFALO ) I, SCOTT A. BYLEWSKI, ESQ., being duly sworn, depose and say: I am the Director of Real Property Tax Service for the County of Erie. I have read this Petition and Notice, which I have signed, and I am familiar with its contents. The contents of this Petition and Notice are true to the best of my knowledge, based upon the records and tax roll of the County of Erie, in the hands of the Department of Real Property Tax Services. I do not know of any errors or omissions in this Petition. SCOTT A. BYLEWSKI, ESQ. Director of Real Property Tax Services Sworn to before me this 9th day of May, 2022. Notary Public: Amy Honan No. 01HO6348829 Notary Public, State of New York Qualified in Erie County My Commission Expires Oct. 3, 2024 ATTORNEYS FOR TAX DISTRICT: Margaret A. Hurley, Esq. Lippes Mathias, LLP 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1700 Buffalo, New York 14202 (716) 884-3135 May 19, 26, June 9, 16, 23, 30

LEGAL NOTICE PROBATE CITATION File No. 2022-351 SURROGATE'S COURT - ERIE COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: Renee Thompson, Shanise McCoy, Nautica McCoy, Myles McCoy, Donavon McCoy, Kala Rose McCoy and Ramona McCoy, Ramone McCoy if he and she be living, and if he and she be dead to their heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, if any such there be, all of whom and all of whose names, ages, places of residence and post office addresses are unknown to the Petitioner(s) and cannot after due diligence used be ascertained and HON. LETITIA JAMES - Attorney General of the State of New York and JENNIFER G. FLANNERY - Erie County Public Administrator. A petition having been duly filed by ANDRE SCOTT , who is domiciled at 1720 Wehrle Drive, Apt 3, Williamsville, New York 14221 YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate's Court, Erie County, at 92 Franklin Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, New York, on June 22 2022 , at 9:30 o'clock in the fore noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Claudia L Bridgers a/k/a Claudia Bridgers lately domiciled at 470 Best Street, Buffalo, New York 14208 admitting to probate a Will dated March 3, 2020 (a Codicil dated ,a copy of which is attached, as the Will of Claudia L Bridgers a/k/a Claudia Bridgers deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that X Letters Testamentary to ANDRE SCOTT Dated, Attested and Sealed May 9 , 2022 Hon. ACEA M. MOSEY Surrogate Kathleen A. Downing Chief Clerk Daria L Pratcher Attorney for Petitioner (716)541-8574 Telephone Number 37 Franklin Street, Suite 1000, Buffalo, New York 14202 Address of Attorney Attorney Email Address: dlpratcher@ dlpratcherlawoffice.com May 19, 26, June 9, 16

SUPPORT SMALL

BUSINESSES!

LEGAL NOTICE Bid COUNTY OF ERIE ERIE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS 4TH FLOOR I-PAD STORAGE AREA PROJECT NO. 2021-800-02 Sealed bids for: ELECTRICAL AND GENERAL construction for the above project will be received by the County’s Commissioner of Public Works in Suite 1400 of the Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 until 10:00 AM local time on TUESDAY, JUNE 21ST, 2022 at which time they will be opened and read aloud. NYS Vendor Responsibility Form CCA-2 A/B/C, NYSDOL wage rates MBE/ WBE, Apprenticeship program, and Local and Disadvantaged Workforce requirements may apply to this project. Additional information must be found at: www.erie.gov/dpw

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF ERIE NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE, LLC., V. JOSEPH HUNTZ, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JUDITH A. HUNTZ A/K/A JUDITH A. DYSON, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated November 5, 2021, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Erie, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE, LLC. is the Plaintiff and JOSEPH HUNTZ, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JUDITH A. HUNTZ A/K/A JUDITH A. DYSON, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the “CLOSING ROOM” OF THE ERIE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE, LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF 92 FRANKLIN STREET, CITY OF BUFFALO, STATE OF NEW YORK 14202, on June 27, 2022 at 10:00AM, premises known as 383 HOPKINS STREET, BUFFALO, NY 14220: Section 133.38, Block 5, Lot 52: ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE IN THE CITY OF BUFFALO, COUNTY OF ERIE AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 807326/2017. Joseph J. Terranova, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. May 26, June 9,16,23

LEGAL NOTICE RFP COUNTY OF ERIE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSAL Buffalo Niagara Convention Center Structural Assessment and Repairs Project No. 2022-818-03 County of Erie Department of Public Works seeking qualification statements and proposals from interested firms to provide A/E design and construction services for the above project. Qualification statements and proposals for the above project will be received by the County’s Commissioner of Public Works in Suite 1400 of the Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 until 2:00 PM local time on Thursday, June 16, 2022. RFQ/ RFP submission instructions may be found at: www.erie.gov/dpw/

LEGAL NOTICE RFP COUNTY OF ERIE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSAL Erie Countywide Hazardous Material Design, Sampling/Testing & Air Monitoring Project No. 2022-999-03 County of Erie Department of Public Works seeking qualification statements and proposals from interested firms to provide A/E design and consultant services for the HazMat Consulting Services. Qualification statements and proposals for the above project will be received by the County’s Commissioner of Public Works in Suite 1400 of the Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 until 2:00 PM local time on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. RFQ/RFP submission instructions may be found at: www.erie.gov/dpw/

INDEX NO.: 817312/2019 Date Filed: 12/21/2021 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS WITH NOTICE MORTGAGED PREMISES: 46 Pomona Place, Buffalo, NY 14210 SBL #: 123.64-3-20 Plaintiff designates ERIE County as the place of trial; venue is based upon the county in which the mortgaged premises is situate. STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF ERIE Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. Richard A. Miller, if living and if he be dead, his heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees, and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid defendants; and all heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees, and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid classes of person, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, and all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to plaintiff, except as herein stated; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; United States of America o/b/o Internal Revenue Service; John Doe #1 through #6, and Jane Doe #1 through #6, the last twelve names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants, tenants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING 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 (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $78,551.00 and interest, recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Erie on September 3, 2015, in Book 13736, Page 3250, covering premises known as 46 Pomona Place, Buffalo, NY 14210, SBL #: 123.64-3-20 The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. The Plaintiff also seeks a deficiency judgment

against the Defendants and for any debt secured by said Mortgage which is not satisfied by the proceeds of the sale of said premises. TO the Defendant, Richard A. Miller, if living and if he be dead, his heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees, and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid defendants; and all heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees, and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid classes of person, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, and all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to plaintiff, except as herein stated, the foregoing Supplemental Summons with Notice is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Jeannette Ogden, J.S.C. of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Erie, dated April 20, 2022. Dated: 05/02/2022 /s/ Kyle Jacobs Kyle Jacobs, Esq. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, New York 10170 Phone: 347.286.7409 Fax: 347-286-7414 Attorneys for Plaintiff, Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE. The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or visit the Department's website at www. dfs.ny.gov. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to "save" your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner's distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. June 9,16,23,30

SUPPORT SMALL

BUSINESSES!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

BRD Construction is Seeking Subcontractors for the Barcalo Green Roof Innovation Grant Program located at 225 Louisiana St. in the City of Buffalo The GIGP project is designed to manage stormwater runoff. The program will restore the natural hydrology of the project site by encouraging infiltration, evaporation, and transpiration; and by reducing runoff volumes and rates to pre-developed values. Reducing the carbon footprint by introducing plant material in this man-made landscape. The project will reduce energy consumption by removing storm-water from energy-intensive treatment plant technologies and it will use all passive energy techniques driven by gravity and the sun. Also includes the construction of Bio-Retention Beds located at both parking lots. This project will be tax-exempt and open shop. W/M/DBE participation is encouraged. Bids will be due 6/16/2020 at 2:00 PM. Walkthrough will be held on Friday June 10 at 9:00AM. For further information about the project, please contact Maz at mdesougi@brdconstruction.com or (716) 847-0042 Ext. 13 To be included on the Bid Invitation which will be sent to all interested parties through BRD’s Bidding Software Procore, please email Jennifer Tober at jtober@brdconstruction.

EMPLOYMENT Family2Family Specialist

Support

Provide resources and support to those Affected by someone else’s addiction. Positions available in both Erie and Niagara County. Min exp. Of 3 yrs. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, INC 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Stakeholder Meeting: At the podium, Jabril Shareef and his wife Ellen standing beside him. Street Legacy Photo/Darvin Adams

C&R Housing Making History on Pratt St. Housing Specialist (Temporary)

Assist individuals to apply & navigate Programs offered through Independent Living. Associate degree req. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, INC 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

NY Connects Independent Living Outreach Specialist

Help connect aging or disabled individuals and their Families to support groups and streamline access to Public benefits and application assistance. Asso. degree and human services exp. req. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc 3108 Main St Buffalo, NY, 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

C&R Housing recently hosted a Community Stakeholder meeting to unveil their ‘Historic Adaptive Reuse Project’ plans to the public.The vision for the 93,000 square foot building is a bold project that includes the beautification and preservation of the historic Ellicott District and surrounding areas. The commercial/industrial space sits on 1.43 acres and is currently located less than five miles from the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Roswell Park, Canalside, the Inner and Outer Harbor, Larkinville, the Historic Underground Railroad, Black Musicians Club, Jesse Nash House and many other downtown historic landmarks and nightlife. 230 Pratt is within mere walking distance from the Michigan Street Corridor.. From providing housing and construction services in the 1980’s, to the current FREE weatherization and energy efficiency assistance services they currently offer, the Shareefs have shown they are dedicated to serving the community. This venture includes plans for apartments, storefronts and office space for upcoming small-local businesses, creating opportunities for financial growth in the inner city. Mr. and Mrs. Jabril and Ellen Shareef would like to thank all who supported this venture. Among the notable attend-

ees were, Rev. Mark Blue, India Walton, Marcus Brooks, Tyra Johnson-Hux, Michael Alexander, as well the Offices of Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Brian Higgins and Tim Kennedy.

Linde Skills Pipeline Program

Increase Your Readiness for a Technology Career The Linde Skills Pipeline workforce development program provides funding to help train new technicians in a one-year curriculum. This program was developed to help meet the strong demand for skilled technicians.

Full Scholarships Available

Train for Careers in Manufacturing in one year

Information Sessions: June 16, July 9 Deadline to Apply – July 22 Web link: https://www.ecc.edu/linde

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

Stop DOCCS’s Attempt to Ban Family and Friends from Sending Packages to Incarcerted Loved Ones!

advertising@ thechallengernews.com

ATTORNEYS PRATCHER & ASSOCIATES Franklin Muhammad (Pratcher) Attorney 1133 Kensington Avenue (716) 838-4612

AUTO BEN’S Downtown Tire

50 Sycamore (cor. Elm) (716) 856-1066 or 894-1483

BAKERY Taste of Supreme 100% Gluten Free Vegan Goodies Contact the Supreme Bakers

(585) 285 - 5496

www.tasteofsupreme.com Rochester Public Market 280 N. Union St. BLDG. B #44

ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

FLORISTS MAUREEN’S Flower Market 441 Ellicott St. * 852-4600

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) Daily Vibrations 8880-910-987-954-232-465-785-309-187-095-416-576890-109-654-432-323-545-267-890-800-468-090-967680-072-547-691-063-323--353-563-934-094-305-401635-278-435-780-108-657-562-178-930-354-763-469012-757-689-208-645-785-454-678-612-579-905-436809-675-680-100-535-768-985-324-354-184-903-327254-756-801-645-580-234-532-791-065-990-456-435468-015-076-974-240-198-513-546-809-507-433-354760-919-512-891-558-001-064-247-091-547-910-104MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS! 168-985-678-198-256-890-054-

HONEY

698-679-943-001-202-147-001-

Davis Honey

Local Raw Honey Retail / Wholesale Rochester Public Market 280 N. Union St. BLDG. B

www.davisnaturalhoney.com (315 )730-5780

MEDICAID TRANSPORTAION WafersTransport.com Call (716) 249-4800

FLEA MARKET 1870 FILLMORE (near Kensington) Thursday & Friday 12-5 pm Saturday 9-5 PM Sunday 12-5 PM JEFF MOORE (716) 361-4900

865-732-855-648-514-996-202-

JUNE VIBES

490-235-678-321487-043

“It’s In The Stars”

Aquarius -496-235-165-579 Pisces - 056-362-237-694 Cancer - 482-372-895-718 Aries - 289-946-034-594 Taurus -258-231-026-695 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 - 389-701-234924 Capricorn:893-275-342-506

Challenger Hits

MIDDAY 5-1-4 ZR(box), Ma Ruth (straight), Luckie Duckie (straight & box) 6-4-3 ZR(box) 3-0-4 C a s h $ ( b o x ) , Aries(box) 5-2-8 Taurus(box) 8-7-9 ZR(box)

EVENING 6-9-7 Ma Ruth(box), #Book(straight) 7-4-5 ZR(box) 4-6-7 #Book(straight),

African Consciousness Workshop

Every Monday 4-6 p.m., Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. “Where we learn About Our Glorious Past & Present African Family.” (716)400-8644 Bro. Shango or kmtflix@gmail. com

Family and friends opposed to DOCCS’s attempt to ban them from sending packages must immediately contact NY Governor Kathy Hochul and demand that this ban be blocked as it was in 2017 under Governor Andrew Cuomo. Online: www.governor.ny.gov/ content/governor-contact-form Phone: 518-474-8390 Office Hours 9m-5pm Mail: Governor Kathy Hochul, NYS Capitol Building, Albany, NY 12224

TERRENCE D. McKELVEY Attorney at Law 181 Franklin Street Suite #301 Buffalo, New York 14202

CASH$$$$ 7890-0743-121

017-430-034-501483-656-491-248quick money 853-9961 189-809-444 THE NUMBER BOOK 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-098 511-005-201

584 - 049-012 360-211-842

0127 It's Coming! 708-469-801-066 781-980-194-580 LUCKIE DUCKIE 805-075-467-890 579-944-357-909 743-133-202- 335 -2015-44441871-0978 680-434-680-073 678-456-708-286 134-431--143230-110-781-009 648*123*104 920-536-580-697 075-356-579-498 980-422-809-981-

GAMMA’S JUNE PICS 410-568-490-540-367-218 BEST TRIPLE 999

989-970-990-080-800515-996-390-196-102581-752-319-408-378352-126-189-444-886514- 332-522-112-432421-423-154-039-524

GRANDMA'S JUNE- DOUBLES

776-001-557-338 Madam Ozlla's Predictions 249-752-239-501-381-953-382-935-472-843-795-841863-008-444-9967-5037-2156-3034-1342-1027

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRI. JUNE 10 The State of the Black Family 2022 at 1423 Fillmore Avenue from 4-7 p.m. Topic: “Education: Where Are We? What Are The Next Steps? What Will We Look Like Next Year?” SAT. JUNE 11 March For Our Lives will be on June 11th at 10:30am to noon. Assemble at Jefferson Avenue & Glenwood, continue down Jefferson to Riley for a celebration of life.

Annette Austin E4, 73C Finance. Basic training at Ft Jackson, SC. Army.

SUN. JUNE 12 Mother’s & Daughter’s Dignity Sunday Buffet Brunch 2-4 p.m., Main events Banquet Hall, 1420 Main Street. $15 meal ticket. Guests Jerome Williams and Deborah L. Robinson. (716)544-6160 to

register. SUN. JUNE 12 Race Unity Day Picnic : Sponsored by The Bahá’í Community Noon to 5 p.m., Ellicott Creek Park, Pavilion 14,Music, Food, Games, Discussions, Everyone welcome Call (716) 908-6535 for reservations. MON. JUNE 13 Hustle For Health Urban Line Dance Fitness at Gloria Parks C enter, 3242 Main St. 12 noon - 1p.m FREE ages55+ (716)832-1010 or HusteforHeath.com Salsa In The Park Summer Latin Dance w/ “Salsa” Sarah Haykel and Jerome Williams, 6:30-9 p.m. Rose Gardens Pavilion at Marcy Casino Delaware Park, Lincoln Parkway. $10 includes lessons and dance social to follow.

Support The Arts

TUES. JUNE14 Free Line Dance Class every Tuesday 11AM-12PM @ at Dorothy J. Collier Community Center, 118 E. Utica. CALL 882-060. WED. JUNE 15 Hustle For Health Urban Line Dance Fitness at Gloria Parks C enter, 3242 Main St. 11a.m.-12 noon FREE ages55+ (716)832-1010 or HusteforHeath.com Help Prepare MLK PARK for the Juneteenth Festival! Join the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy in cleaning up MLK Park to help prepare for the Juneteenth Festival June 15 at 3pm at the MLK plaza near the monument THURS. JUNE 16 WNY SUMMER JOB FAIR Northland Center, 683 Northland Avenue 11 a.m. to 3 p.m..

SUPPORT BLACK RESTAURANT WEEK!

READY. SET. PLAY THE FAST FAMILY. Loaded with prizes up to $500! Top prizes up to $500,000!

PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY.

You must be 18 years or older to purchase a Lottery ticket. Scan here to talk with someone now about your gambling. Call the HOPEline 1-877-846-7369 or text HOPENY (467369). Standard text rates may apply.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 9, 2022

CHALLENGER COMMUNITY NEWS

Articles inside

United University Festival & Soul Concert Returns This Weekend