Rochester Firefighter Reaches Settlement Over Racism Lawsuit
On Monday July 8 The City of Rochester agreed they will pay $150,000 to Jerrod Jones, the former firefighter who sued over being taken to a racist spoof Juneteenth party by his then supervisor Captain Jeffrey Krywy.
According to a report, the suit payout includes $75,000 now and $75,000 upon his retirement four years from now. He will remain on leave while earning his full pay of $92,000 a year plus full benefits, ultimately making the total settlement $521,000.
As part of this resolution, Mr. Jones has elected not to return to his duties as a firefighter,” reads a joint statement on the resolution. “This was Mr. Jones’ decision, and the city is respectful of this choice.”
It was back in 2022 when Jones came forward with his story saying he and other colleagues were forced to go to a party by their supervisor while on shift . When they arrived the said there was a large Donald Trump cutout, flanked by two Juneteenth celebration flags on each side, and not to far from that were buckets of Kentucky friend chicken.
He also noted that the party guests were eating fried chicken , drinking cognac, and that there was a person dressed as Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart suggestively dancing burlesque.
After coming forward to the RFD about the incident and not getting satisfactory results Jones pursued his federal lawsuit in 2023 and last Monday a resolution was reached.
Jeffrey Krywy who took Jones and others to the party retired in 2022 under duress before his set termination proceedings began.
In a joint statement Monday, Jones and the city said it was wrong for him to have taken his crew to the party, which had "wholly inappropriate political and racial overtones."
The lawsuit also documented numerous other allegations of discriminatory practices at the RFD department.
Teen Fellowship at The Avenue Black Box Theatre
Join the Avenue Black Box Theatre Teen Fellowship Program. The Summer Session is from July 11 through August 19 for ages 14 and up. All programs are free for City youth. Eligible teens are paid stipends!.
The A.C.T. Project workshop and paid opportunities include: performing arts, theatre tech, visual arts, event production and social justice. Donations are welcome and appreciated for health snacks supplies and program costs so reach out to the theatre to see how you can support the avenue's youth programming.
Learn more at avenuetheatre.org , call 585.491.6730 or email |info@avenuetheatre.org ( above image from avenuetheatre.org)
"WADE IN THE WATER” Screens in July Ahead Of 2024 Summer Olympics
The Black Cinema Series, a partnership between the Rochester Association of Black Journalists (RABJ) and the Little Theatre, presents the motion picture “WADE IN THE WATER: A JOURNEY INTO BLACK SURFING AND AQUATIC CULTURE” on Wednesday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m. at The Little (Theater 1), East End District, 240 East Ave., Rochester, NY. Doors open at 7 p.m.
The film is being screened two weeks before surfing at the 2024 Summer Olympics is scheduled to take place, which is July 27 to Aug. 5 in Teahupo'o ,Tahiti, the French overseas territory of Polynesia in the southern Pacific.
Most of the athletic competitions for the Summer Olympics will be in the host city of Paris, France (Friday, July 26 to Sunday, Aug. 11).
Braiding historical accounts with modern-day testimonials, "WADE IN THE WATER" showcases the 1,000-year-old tradition of Black surfing and aquatic culture from Africa to the Americas.
The film attempts to dismantle the racial barriers of conventional surf culture, while also exploring the current movement — inspiring the next generation of Black surfers through equitable access to surfing in BIPOC communities, women’s surf clubs, and public policies that promote environmental stewardship and protection.
After the film, there will be a zoom post-screening panel discussion and Q&A Session. Tickets are available online in advance, at the box office during open hours, or at the door the day of the screening. Admission is $11/ $7, Senior, Student & Military. For more info on the film go to: thelittle.org/ wadeinthewater/
ROCHESTER CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETINGS
•July 11, Public Safety Committee, 4:30 p.m.*
•July 15 ROC Against Gun Violence Coalition Meeting**
•July 18 Public Hearings/ Speak to Council 6 p.m.
•July 23 Council Meeting 6 p.m.*
•July 25 Police Accountability Board Work Session 5:30 p.m.
PARTY IN THE PARK IS BACK
The annual Party in the Park concert series returns to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park at 6:45 p.m. this Thursday, July 11, with two Grammy nominated co-headliners, The Record Company & The North Mississippi Allstars.
New this year are Party in the Park Pre-Parties to get the party started earlier, thanks to partnerships with local businesses who are offering live music and drink specials at nearby venues on East Avenue and Marshall Street.
Party in the Park continues every Thursday through Aug. 15. Gates open at 6 p.m., and after July 11, all performances begin at 7 p.m. at 353 Court General admission tickets $7 (children 12 and under are free). Visit RochesterEvents.com for tickets, lineup and other updates for Party in the Park
R-Night Out with Family Movie Night Thursday, July 11
R-Night Out events at the Rochester Community Sports Complex will take place from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. on the following Thursdays:
July 11 – Family Movie Night featuring “Trolls Band Together” (all ages)
July 25 – Silent Disco & Carnival Games
Aug. 1 – Karaoke Night
Aug. 8 – Slip ‘n Slide Game Night
Aug. 15 – Adult Game Night (Adults only, 25+)
Attendees will walk through a security scan upon entry. There will be no re-entry and no bags will be allowed into the events. Bag check will be available. For more information, email RcenterInfo@CityofRochester. Gov.
Pictured: Former Firefighter Jerrod Jones during press conference in 2022 when he came forward with allegations. ( Youtube screenshot /WHEC TV )
AREA BRIEFS
Everhart Announces Push to Establish Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Masten District Council Woman Zeneta B. Everhart held a press conference in front of City Hall Monday to announce her resolution to establish the first ever Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the City of Buffalo, named the ‘Buffalo Initiative for Safer, Organized Neighborhoods (B.I.S.O.N.)’.
This initiative is driven by the urgent need to address gun violence in Buffalo, underscored by several tragic incidents, including the May 14, 2022 mass shooting, the recent shooting of six teenagers in May 2024, and the death of a threeyear-old in June 2024. The U.S. Surgeon General's advisory on the public health crisis of gun violence and the establishment of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention highlight the nationwide significance of this issue, prompting cities like New York, Los Angeles, and New Orleans to take local action.
The B.I.S.O.N. Initiative aims to provide ongoing support and resources to families impacted by gun violence, implement evidence-based interventions, facilitate community engagement, and collaborate with law enforcement to address illegal firearm trafficking. The resolution requests that Corporation Counsel, the Mayor's office, and the Office of Administration and Finance work together to establish and resource the B.I.S.O.N. office. It also calls for collaboration with various stakeholders, including the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and local community groups, to develop comprehensive strategies for reducing gun violence. The goal is to have the B.I.S.O.N. office operational by December 31, 2024, following the submission and approval of the necessary local law.
Naia E.R. Marrow Is Uncrowned Queens Scholar
The Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research and Education for Women Inc. recipient of the 2024 Ida Fairbush and Mary Chappell Scholarships is Naia Ellison Reese Marrow. Naia, a distinguished student at Buffalo Performing Arts, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship. This prestigious honor was presented by Dr. Daphne C. McNab, Ed.D, during a ceremony on June 13. Miss Marrow, recognized for her exceptional academic performance, is ranked fourth in her class. In addition to the scholarship, Naia was presented with roses and two certificates of honor, acknowledging her outstanding achievements, dedication and hard work. Naia aims to further her education at the Rochester Institute of Technology in the area of art. The Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research and Education for Women Inc. Scholarship committee includes Desirée Breckenridge-Barnes, Woody Brandy, Dr. McNab EdD., Richard Pysczczek, and Sandy White.
Update/Perspective
The NAACP is Seeking Help for Jefferson Avenue
Mayor Brown denies the role he played in blocking the NAACP’s efforts to secure a $25,000 ECIDA grant. The funds would be used to convene a national advisory panel to examine what has been holding back development and economic growth in the Jefferson neighborhood and its historic Black business district. Despite the setback, the Civil Rights organization says “the door is not closed, just delayed.”
The photo (right) speaks volumes about the state of Jefferson Avenue; a once vibrant commercial strip in the Black community which has been largely ignored over the years as other parts of the city enjoyed growth and stability.
A former councilmember described it best several years ago when he called the East Side “the hole in the donut,” as we watched cranes rising all around us in the distance and wondered if our turn would ever come.
To add insult to injury, for the last almost 20 years, under a Black mayor, we’ve seen little progress.
The Manhattan Project was an unprecedented, top-secret World War II government program in which the United States rushed to develop and deploy the world’s first atomic weapons before Nazi Germany. The Project took shape at three secret locations across the country: Hanford, Washington; Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
The African American “hutments” in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, were some of the lowest forms of housing during the Manhattan Project.
It took a racially motivated massacre in 2022 by a young White supremacist inside Tops Market and the death of 10 innocent Black people to bring attention to the Eastside of Buffalo and Jefferson Avenue in particular.
City and state leaders enjoyed a nationwide media circus in a blighted neighborhood on a deteriorating street (Jefferson). They should have been embarrassed.
A lot of money poured into this community as a result of that tragedy but you can’t tell by looking at what we have today. Everybody was talking about the "food desert," "food inequity" and "food apartheid" on the Eastside. Black folks got a lot of free food but we still only have one major supermarket in the area.
The local chapter of the NAACP recently sought a $25,000 grant from the Erie County Industrial Development Agency(ECIDA) to help convene a national advisory panel to examine what has been holding back development and economic growth, and to come up with a series of “action steps” to spur revitalization in the Jefferson neighborhood and its historic Black business district. It seemed like a good idea.
But obviously not to Mayor Byron Brown, who, according to the Buffalo News, “ told the Erie County Industrial Development Agency that the expert panel is unnecessary and that there is already a cohesive plan in place for the Jefferson Avenue corridor" to the tune of $150 million in public and private investments. The News continued that “ he described the language of a letter from NAACP Buffalo Branch President Rev. Mark Blue as ‘insulting’ for implying that nothing was being done.”
Blue has insisted that the letter and proposal was submitted in good faith and was not in opposition to anything the mayor was doing. If anything, the NAACP’s proposal could only help a community that’s been on the back burner for the majority of the mayor’s tenure.
As a result of Brown’s objection the plan was tabled. Classic politricks.
Yet Rev. Blue remains optimistic.
“The door was not closed," he told the Challenger. “It was just delayed.”
We hope he's right. -A.B.
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?
Imagine being a United States government employee working on one of the most revolutionary wartime undertakings in history. Your contributions, vital to the war effort, helped to drastically change the world. Yet, you were forced to live in dilapidated housing and were not allowed to access the same goods, services, and entertainment opportunities as many of your co-workers. For many African American Manhattan Project workers, this disparity was unfortunately all too common.
A “colored hutment area” was located on this site. Hutments were the lowest form of permanent housing for workers and only housed a few White men but mostly Black men and Black women. Hutments were 16x16 foot (4.8 meters) structures made of plywood with screenless windows with shutters and a central oil stove. Residents experienced sweltering summers and freezing winters in
NEW HOURS! DINE IN & TAKE OUT! MONDAY & TUESDAY CLOSED! Wednesday 9AM-6PM • Thursday 9AM-8PM, LIVE JAZZ & OPEN MIC
The Manhattan Project's "Colored Hutments"
From the streets, to the sidewalks, to the empty buildings along the strip, Jefferson Avenue needs all the help it can get. A recent walk from Woodlawn to Dodge Street revealed about 10 large empty lots.
Councilwoman Everhart
Soul Shop for Black Churches
Soul Shop for Black Churches will take place on Saturday, July 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Abundant Harvest Church, 318 Broadway Street. A one-day workshop, it's designed for clergy, staff, para-church ministries, congregants and faith-based clinicians in the Black Church. Soul Shop provides training to help gatekeepers work with community members impacted by trauma and struggling with mental illness that may place them at risk for suicide.
A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. To register visit soulshopjuly-givesmart.com
Please call Anne Bradbury at (716)852-5065 ext. 183 for more information. (See their ad page 5)
4th Annual Pilgrim Family Fest!
Get Ready for the 4th Annual Pilgrim Family Fest that will take place at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Pilgrim Field 665 Michigan Ave. This year's theme is "Where I'm From."
•August 2 Party Time & DJ's featuring DJ Popa & DJ Crenshaw 6-9 p.m.
This is a free event for the community. Bring your family, your friends, your children, and have a wonderful time. There will be vendors, health teams, car show, bounce houses for kids and more. There will be gospel music, youth performances, and later that evening, national recording artists along with our own Reverend Frank Bostic, who will perform his new single “GOTTA MAKE A CHANGE “ along with his EP that’s out now “ WHERE I'M FROM “ and many more. It’s going to be a good time!!
Reverend Frank Bostic
UB’s EOC Honors Alumni’s Path To Success
Four graduates of the Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center (BEOC) exemplifying the agency’s vision and mission of “redemption stories” were honored at the organization’s 2024 graduation.
“We are always so proud of the accomplishments of our graduates and alumni,” said Ben Hilligas, executive director of the BEOC, which is dedicated to transforming lives through education for underserved populations.
“BEOC students have such resilience and creativity. We are never surprised but always amazed by their achievements academically, in business, in their personal lives and in providing service to the community. It is our honor to be associated with this year’s four award winners,” he added.
The awardees include Tyra Blodgett and Retha Jones (both recipients of the Arthur O. Eve Education and Community Award), and Raquel Calhoun and Toyolene Wallace (both recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award.)
Tyra Blodgett: Dental Assisting, 2012
Blodgett’s faith and service to our community is central to her life, according to the BEOC officials. Her devotion to elevating the spirit of those in need is demonstrated through her selfless acts, they said.
She currently works as an allied health assistant in the BEOC dental assistant and registered medical assistant programs. Blodgett’s allegiance to advocate for those in need is displayed through her church ministry and community service as a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Lackawanna. Her volunteer work includes being a mentor at Jericho Road Community Health Center
“I believe people just need a little help to be the best they can be,” she said. “I devote my time to serve the less fortunate.”
Jones has seized opportunities and has overcome adversity, BEOC officials said. Her life experiences include being a 20-year-old mother of three when enrolled in the BEOC high school equivalency program; a domestic violence survivor; a recovering addict who this year celebrates 23 years being clean; a certified nursing assistant at Grace Manor Nursing Home for eight years; a patient navigator at Greater Buffalo Accountable Healthcare Network; and Niagara Frontier Transit Authority paratransit bus operator.
Jones is a New York State Insurance Fund customer service representative. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mental health advocacy from Empire State College and an associate degree in general studies/social science from SUNY Erie.
Her volunteer efforts have included Buffalo City Mission, the Veteran’s One Stop, the Buffalo Community Police Advisory Committee, and the Family Justice Center.
She is a motivational speaker and comedian. The Buffalo Helium Club has voted her “One of Buffalo’s Funniest Comedians.”
Raquel Calhoun: Dental Assisting 2012
Calhoun is a risk-taker who visualized a dream and realized it, BEOC officials said. An entrepreneur, she is the owner/operator of Calhoun Custom Creations LLC, a homebased custom bakery.
Calhoun dropped out of college upon becoming pregnant and enrolled in the BEOC dental assisting program. She worked as a dental assistant, an orthodontist assistant and clinical manager before being furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic and decided to turn her hobby of baking into a business.
Calhoun is a UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership student in the Minority and Women Emerging Entrepreneurs Program. She is also a volunteer consultant at IC Success and is in her third round of mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs.
Calhoun’s husband passed away recently, and she is now the mother of five children, ages 2 to 15. She said she relies on her professional and business development skills, and her renewed courage and confidence to meet life’s transition again to build her and her children’s lives.
Toyolene Wallace: Dental Assisting 2013
Wallace exemplifies the definition of self-empowerment, BEOC officials said.
“I came from nothing, a Black girl in the projects,” Wallace said. “I decided it was time to take that narrative out.”
She was a single mother on social services and pregnant when she decided to make a major life move and enroll in the EOC’s dental assisting program. While a student, Wallace maintained her overnight position as a residential aide at Baker Victory Services. She balanced motherhood, her job and class work, including 300 hours of required clinical experience. After graduation, Wallace worked full time as a dental assistant but had to leave both her dental career and her work Baker Victory Services due to a debilitating health diagnosis.
In 2020, she completed her associate’s degree in liberal arts at SUNY Erie. She then earned a bachelor’s in health care management in May 2023 at Trocaire College. She is taking online courses at Hilbert College, anticipating graduating in December with a master’s in public service administration and a concentration in health care, while also working full-time at Erie County Medical Center.
Anita Jones: Getting Involved In The Mission to End Cancer
Anita Jones is what we like to call a fundraising ‘gogetter.’ She knows Ride for Roswell isn’t just about Ride Day, but rather what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared mission of ending cancer. She’s gained perspective of the difference the dollars can make at her first Ride for Roswell 21 years ago, and she’s been hooked ever since.
Anita has participated in the Ride every year for more than two decades. Even when an injury prevented her from riding, she still raised funds for the cause. She reflected on what got her involved initially.
Getting Involved in the Mission to End Cancer
“I was working for a State Farm agent, and at the time his father was going through cancer. So, he formed a team. I love to ride my bike anyway, so I was like, ‘Okay, I’m all for it! and I’ve never stopped.”
After crossing the finish line for the first time, she knew the experience would stick with her. To this day, that is still one of her favorite parts of Ride Weekend. As she recruits new riders to the cause, she tells them about that impactful moment.
“I say, at the end, you may get emotional because you’re looking at all the names that are on the road that are written down. Either they’re survivors or in memory of someone. Then at the finish line, everybody’s ringing the bells and sometimes you might see a patient who is without their hair or you see little kids and you can’t help but get welled up with emotion because they’re saying thank you, and I’m thinking this is the least I can do, ride my bike. It is nowhere in comparison to what you’re going through.”
Fundraising for the Cause
Every year, people in Anita’s life know the request for a donation is coming. She believes people appreciate her dedication year after year, and some even reach out to her before she has a chance to solicit.
“I’m a Roswell Park supporter for life. It’s just something that I do, and people know that. When they see me, they’re like, ‘Are you doing the Ride again this year?’ I’m like, ‘You betcha! I’m there.” Her advice to other fundraisers: Don’t be afraid to ask.
She utilizes Facebook and Instagram to garner donations, and she goes through all the contacts on her phone to see who might be able to support her efforts.
“If they don’t, that’s fine. I say, ‘Please say a prayer for me on the day of the Ride.’” Anita has raised more than $17,000 through the Ride, and this year alone, she’s striving for $5,000.
“It’s still not enough until cancer is one of those things that we don’t have to worry about anymore.”
Finding Purpose through the Ride
The more Anita learns about the impact of the Ride, the deeper she dives into the movement. This Ride Season, she attended Ride Kickoff, which was held at Roswell Park for the first time.
“I went through the tour and it just blew my mind. The research that Roswell Park does — it never ceases to amaze me. Everybody is so invested and it’s one of those things that you can’t help but
care. You can’t help but invest your time because it means so much to so many.”
She says the Ride has become much more than a summer tradition, but something that truly is a part of who she is as a person.
“This is something that has become one of my missions in life. Everybody tries to think of, why? What’s your purpose? Why are you here? I always think my purpose is to motivate people. If I can motivate people to contribute, whether they like me personally or whether they just get behind the cause, I think that’s part of my life’s mission.”
When asked how long she plans to participate in the Ride, Anita didn’t hesitate.
“As long as God enables me to be healthy, if I can ride, I’ll ride. When it comes to a time when I can’t ride anymore, I’m going to volunteer. I’m going to do something with Roswell Park,” she added. “It’s just a great cause, a great mission. I hope one day we can say, ‘Cancer? What is that?”
White For Lung Cancer
The Virginia D. Moore Rainey Fighting Lung Cancer Inc. Board Directors will host its 7th annual White for Lung Caner event on Saturday, July 13 at the Tewksbury Lodge, 249 Ohio Street. Doors open at 6 p.m. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, DJ Daren (Doc) Thomas, vendors and Soca-Salsa dance with the Caribbean Experience Band. Donation $60. Tickets available on Eventbrite or by calling (716)507-8696 #2.
Michigan Street African Heritage Corridor Happenings
FARMERS MARKET
•Every Tuesday 136 Broadway, featuring fantastic vendors and more!
•FREE CONCERTS at the market July 16 and July 23. Bring a lawn chair. Interested in becoming a vendor at any of these events? Email aclark@michiganstreetbuffalo.org.
•URBAN GARDEN TALK, July 24 at 6 p.m. 136 Broadway featuring Teresa Speight author of Black Flora: Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture’s New Vanguard and The Urban Garden: 101 Ways to Grow Food and Beauty in the City.
Summer City Fitness at Johnnie B. Wiley Every Saturday!
Summer City Fitness at Johnnie B. Wiley continues every Saturday now through September 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., weather depending at the Johnnie B. Wiley Amateur Athletic Sports Pavilion 1100 Jefferson Avenue. Join Body of Wealth for a free total body workout for all levels of fitness. Enjoy music, and fun giveaways. Free fruits supplied by Urban Fruits and Veggies will be provided to participants.
"I LOVE YOU BLACK MAN!"
I Love You Black Man annual event created by Shantelle Patton is on Saturday, July 13 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Greater Faith Bible Tabernacle, 390 Edison Avenue in Buffalo. Tickets are $20 for one, $30 for two (Dinner Included). For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Eventbrite. Let’s come together to say, “I Love You, Black Man,” and continue the vital conversation on mental health and self-care!
Anita Jones
Revitalizing The East Side of Buffalo: A Summer of Community Empowerment and Rebuilding
The East Buffalo Development Corporation (EBDC), proudly supported by a Community Connectors national grant through Smart Growth America, is excited to announce a summer initiative aimed at revitalizing the Bailey community, This ambitious effort unites a coalition of dedicated organizations and leaders to present a series of impactful community-betterment events. These initiatives are designed to strengthen community bonds, foster neighborhood pride, and showcase the vibrant and resilient spirit of the people of East Buffalo. They include: Empowering Block Clubs for Neighborhood Beautification Five neighborhood block clubs— Easton Block Club, University Dis trict Block Club Coalition, Winslow Block Clubs, East Lovejoy Coali tion of Neighbors Block Club, and Godfrey Block Club—have been awarded $5,000 each through the Block Empowerment grant pro gram for neighborhood beautifica tion projects set to be completed by fall. Funding includes $1,000 for youth participation stipends. Barrett & Benitez, a local Blackowned development firm, will assist with project development and planning, while The Tool Library will support hands-on implementation. These projects will enhance the visual appeal and community spirit of each neighborhood, fostering a sense of pride and ownership among residents.
Sharpen Your Axe: The Power of Rest and Relaxation
Welcome to our monthly column, where we provide success tips in a quick story form. In this column, we will share stories of individuals who have achieved their goals by implementing effective success skills. Our aim is to share tips on how to achieve success in both personal and professional spheres.
Meet David, a hardworking student who joined a summer youth program to help his community. Determined to excel, David was always the first to arrive and the last to leave. However, after a few weeks, David felt exhausted and struggled to keep up.
One day, David's mentor, Lisa, noticed his fatigue. She shared a story about a woodcutter who chopped trees nonstop without pausing to sharpen his axe. Over time, the woodcutter's job became harder and slower. It was when he took a break to sharpen his axe that his work improved significantly.
Lisa explained that rest and relaxation are like sharpening the axe. David wouldn't be able to perform well without taking time to rest. She also reminded him to enjoy his summer break before school started again.
David decided to change his routine. He began taking short breaks daily and spent his evenings and weekends relaxing and having fun.
Buffalo Community Connectors Farmers Market
Beginning July 14th and running bi-weekly until September 22nd, the Kensington Farmer’s Market will be held at 894 Kensington Ave (off Bailey, near Parkridge) from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Local farmers of color, along with partners like Buffalo GoGreen/Urban Fruits & Veggies, Lexington Coop, will offer a wide variety of fresh produce at no cost to Bailey neighborhood residents. In addition attendees can enjoy live food demonstrations and samples.Participants will also receive free bus tickets, courtesy of the NFTA.
Eastside Youth Bike Rodeos
The Eastside Youth Bike Rodeos, led by GObike Buffalo, kicked off on June 5th at Manhattan (Gleasner) Park. These monthly, family-friendly events provide children with a safe and supportive environment to learn basic bike-riding safety skills. All skill levels are welcome, and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The next rodeo will take place Tuesday, August 6th from 6 to 9 p.m. on Norfolk Ave. at E Delavan Ave. Youth participants who pre-register may be eligible to receive a free bike, helmet, and lock while supplies last (pre-register at bit.ly/rodeoseastside2024). Bikes provided by Eastside Bike Club.
Bailey Business District Maintenance
To maintain the improvements and ensure ongoing community pride, the program will fund regular maintenance services along the Bailey Business District corridor between Rt. 33 viaduct and Winspear Avenue. This includes bi-weekly litter removal from June through October 2024 and heavy snow removal. Huffscaping, a Black-owned landscaping and maintenance company, will manage these efforts and organize four large-scale cleanup events to promote collective community ownership and beautification.
Looking Ahead: Major Investments in Bailey Avenue
With a $102.7 million federal grant awarded for Bailey Avenue Bus Rapid Transit and streetscape improvements, EBDC’s events this summer are just the beginning of a broader vision for East Buffalo. These initiatives showcase the community’s readiness for investment and renewal after years of neglect. The East Buffalo Development Corporation is the Eastside’s Black-led community development organization. Their corporate office is located at 60 Clyde Avenue, Building 1, Buffalo,NY, 14215.For more information, event schedules, and ways to get involved, please visit buffaloconnectors.org.
The results were remarkable. David felt more energetic and focused. His work quality improved, and he handled tasks with greater ease. He also felt happier and healthier.
David's journey underscores the importance of rest in the pursuit of success. So, remember, taking the time to recharge and reset is not a luxury but a necessity for performing at your best. Now, it's your turn to sharpen your axe and take a step towards your own success story.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook. You can also email us at success.me.biz@ gmail.com or visit our website, www.successme.biz. We can't wait to hear from you!
BABJ 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION July 19th
The Buffalo Association of Black Journalists will be holding their 25th Anniversary Celebration Friday July 19 at 7p.m. at the Oakk Room, 1435 Main Street. The Association President Ijaz Jaciel is excited to invite the community to come and celebrate . Founded in 1999, the BABJ turns 25 years old this month. “Come out and join us to mix and mingle with your favorite local Black journalist and media professionals” said I’Jaz.” The celebration will have complimentary appetizers while attendees can learn about the exciting things BABJ has underway. This is a free event and open to the public.
Chef Darian’s 4th Annual Jamaican Market is Back !
Bringing People Together to Celebrate Jamaican Culture
Food, Music, Culture and Community are the centerpiece of the Jamaican Market experience. Now in its 4th year of celebrating Jamaican culture and bringing that One Love vibra tion back to the City of Buffalo again, Chef Darian Bryan will hold his JAMAICAN MARKET festival on Saturday July 20 at Larkin Square, 719 Seneca Street, from 4-8p.m. This is a free and family friendly event filled with good energy, great people, delicious food, vendors, live music, live art and as al ways Chef Darian will be in the house! Not to mention this years Market falls on his 33rd Birthday!
Darien launched the inaugural event in the summer of 2020 inspired by both Toronto’s Jerk Fest and Taste of Buffalo. The festival attracts thousands of people from all walks of life travel ing from both near and far to experience this unique event cre ated by one of Buffalo’s most hard working chefs that is redefin ing the possibilities of what a Chef can bring to the table and in his case to the City of Buffalo.
July 20th
“Originally I was inspired by Toronto Jerk Fest and Taste of Buffalo. Seeing all the people coming together I thought, I want to do something like that for Jamaican culture in Buffalo,” Said Darien. With the support of his wife Jessica and his family and sister Cherece he went for it. “This was the first big thing I’ve ever done and I thought, if people come they come.” And so they did! He attracted more than four thousand people his first year and the headcount keeps growing.
This year’s annual festival will boast over 40 vendors, some that you may know and others you will be glad to have found! From the delicious food brought to you by a mix of excellent local eateries, caterers, bakers, chefs and restaurants, including Darien’s own Bratts Hill, to specialty boutiques, artisans and other unique offerings by local businesses, there’s something for everyone at the Jamaican Market.
Darien, his team (that includes his wife Jessica), his mom, who relocated to Buffalo a few years ago and works with him at Bratts Hill, and his sister Cherece Lewis, who is the director of the festival, take great pride in presenting a little taste of Jamaica to the town, and they also take extra care of their vendors .
“All the vendors are doing something that has a Jamaican element that’s important to our theme,” continued Darien. We try our best to make their experience as seamless and organized as possible. I don’t charge them to be part of the event. I grew up with very little so why would I take money when there’s so little money that people are making nowadays? I believe in supporting small businesses and want to use the power of my voice and platform to help whenever I can because we are all in this together.”
Festival goers can also learn more about Chef Darien’s culture in the West Herr Jamaican Culture Tent . There are activities for children, the dance floor stays energized with DJ Ruption spinning the tunes and there's a live band set to perform as well.
“I love people," he said, "and I love bringing people together. The Jamaican Market means a lot to me for that reason. Being able to have my family, so many different cultures and walks of life come together to have a real good time, to support the small businesses and indulging in my culture is a beautiful thing man.Accomplishing that unity is what it’s all about!"
Since his humble beginnings growing up as a young man in the countryside of Clarendon Jamaica, in a home with 23 family members, Darien began his cooking journey working for his mom's Cookshop, eventually taking it over by age 16. He migrated to Buffalo at age 20 and attended ECC Culinary School then Buffalo State College for hospitality management, all while working in restaurant establishments to support himself through school. When he became executive chef at Prima Café’ in Hamburg his culinary future was forever changed. That is where he met former Bills player Vontae Davis (who we are sad to say died in April of this year) and quickly became his personal chef. Shortly thereafter he gained even more high profile clients. "I am forever grateful for Vontae. He opened many doors for me in the Buffalo world. He told everybody about me and that landed me so many opportunities. I was so sad to hear of his passing,” Darien lamented.
Chef Darien not only calls Buffalo home he treats it like one.
Aproud father of two, his love for people, personal style and cooking runs deep and he’s always ready to serve. He and his Plating Society team quickly mobilized when tragedy struck Buffalo ensuring warm meals reached families in the impacted neighborhoods during Buffalo’s blizzard of 2022. He also provided meals in response to the deadly racially motivated Top’s shooting on 5/14, a market he frequented for shopping.
From creating The Plating Society offering private dining experiences, take-out, meal prep, cooking classes, pop-up dinners, to launching his dream Jamaican restaurant Bratts Hill that has brought new life to Larkin Square and providing the ever growing annual Jamaican Market festival, not to mention the forthcoming launch ( on the day of the festival) of his online store the Cookshop that will cater to home cooks and professional chefs, Darien is a true visionary turning work into winning.
He looks forward to the Jamaican Market every year as it offers everyone a chance to enjoy a little bit more life and his culture in the four short and sweet hours of the festival.
“With so much going on in this world, from local tragedies, national disasters and international unrest, my goal with the festival is to give everyone a place to come, sit down take their mind off things and be in the moment and just fully enjoy themselves despite whatever they may be facing.” So, In the fashion of his favorite energetic cheer “Let’s Goooooo!” We will see you at the Jamaican Market! Stop by enjoy the festivities and wish Chef Darien Happy Birthday! – L.H. Follow @chefdarianbryan on social media Visit theplatinsociety.com and the restaurant on brattshill.com
COUNTDOWN TO THE PINE GRILL JAZZ REUNION AND MUSIC FESTIVAL!
We’re just 24 days (from the date of this weeks paper) to the African Cultural Center’s “Mother of all Reunions” - the Pine Grill Jazz Reunion and Music Festival - which will take place the first two Sundays in August at Martin Luther King Jr. Park August 4 and August 11. The daylong festival normally kicks off around 2 p.m. If you are interested in a shelter please contact the Cultural Center. They are $300 and there are two left for the first Sunday. The second week is sold out. However TENTS ARE ALLOWED IN THE PARK AND THERE IS NO CHARGE. Space is available on a first come first serve basis. According to organizers, the line up is currently being finalized. Watch The Challenger and other sources for more information in the coming weeks. The number at the African Cultural Center is 716)884-2013 or Africancultural350@gmail. com.
The PML JAZZ Collective Continues the tradition for their 29th Annual Pappy Martin Legacy - Masten Jazz Festival that will be held on the last two Sundays in July. The dates are July 21st and July 28th from 2 p.m.-8 p.m. The headliners for July 21st are Drummer Louis Hayes with his band and Giveton Gellin bringing his ensemble. July 28th will be The Kenny Garrett And Sounds From The Ancestors, Shenel Johns, and Curtis Lundy and UMOJA featuring Carmen Lundy. These will be complemented by five other wonderful performances who all promise to deliver what this festival was founded on, Real Jazz! The theme for this years festival is "Jazz Heals"! Bring your chairs and see you there!
Pappy Martin Jazz Festival!
-On Stage-
JAZZY NOTES WHILE POETS QUOTE: Smooth Jazz featuring Buffalo's incomparable saxophonist Will Holton (above), Buffalo's best poets, a catered dinner and open bar, will take place Friday, July 19 at The Metropolitan Entertainment Complex, 1670 Main St. Friday, July 19 from 6-10 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $60. For more information call 607)- 207-5269.
Summer Season at Buffalo Central Terminal
This Thursday on the grounds at 495 Paderewski Drive the second installment of the Summer Concert Series at Buffalo Central Terminal will take place. Bring a lawn chair or comfy blanket. Grab something delicious from our array of vendors, and then grab a place to sit!
•July 11
6 p.m.: The BPO String Ensemble • 7 p.m.: Universal Phunk, a nine-piece, musically diverse band led by drummer Deshawn “D-Ray” Jackson, takes it home with a blend of soul, funk, and R&B.
But that’s not it for July!
•July 25 5-8 p.m. DP on Drums (R&B)
•July 19 7-8 p.m. Shakespeare in the Park. with “A Midsummer Night’s Tour.”
•July 29 6 to 8 p.m. Movie Night featuring “The Goonies.”
Grandmaster Nancy Fernandez
Remembering a Buffalo Taekwon-Do Legend
(June 8, 1953–June 4, 2024)
Grandmaster
by Tito Ruiz / TRu iNk Media
Nancy Maria Fernandez, an international martial arts trailblazer and the esteemed founder of Buffalo Royal Taekwon-Do Academy died on June 4, 2024, at 70, leaving behind a five-decade legacy of dedication and service to the youth and marginalized of Buffalo’s East Side, West Side, and beyond. The mother of three, grandmother of 14, and greatgrandmother of six, was the first Boricua woman and Muslim woman to achieve an International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) ninth-degree black belt.
“Grandmaster Nancy allowed our youth—including my brothers—to excel in an art form they may not have had the opportunity to participate in otherwise,” said Erie County Legislature Chairwoman April Baskin. “She had a vibrant, nurturing spirit and always spoke life into people.”
Nancy’s Taekwon-Do journey began at the downtown Buffalo YWCA in 1971, where she took classes to learn to protect herself when gang activity was rampant. “I vowed to bring the transformational power of Taekwon-Do to my community if I ever earned my black belt,” she said in a 2020 interview. In 1975, she achieved her black belt and led more students to dominate the ITF open and closed circuit tournaments than any other Buffalo instructor. Until 1978, the ITF had no women’s division, so she fought and dominated in the men’s.
“Grandmaster Nancy was a strong matriarch within our community,” said activist Myles Carter. “She mediated family issues, counseled the youth, and ensured their confidence. Throughout the past ten years, she trained my five children. She will forever be a grandmother to them and a mother to me.”
In 1993, she established Buffalo Royal Taekwon-Do Academy on Hampshire Street, the West Side’s first Taekwon-Do school. Just blocks away, Nancy worked simultaneously as a drug treatment counselor at Lakeshore Behavioral Health Center on Niagara Street and introduced her clients and their children to martial arts.
In 2007, she retired from the Erie County Department of Social Services, where she worked as a bilingual social worker. Nancy then established Buffalo Royal Taekwon-Do Academy at two other West Side locations. During her final 10 years, she taught Taekwon-Do on the East Side at the Jami Masjid Mosque, the West Side at PUSH Buffalo, and in Puerto Rico.
“I’m proud of everything my mother has accomplished,” said her youngest, Naheem Fernandez, a fifth-degree black belt.
“She made tremendous sacrifices to keep Taekwon-Do accessible and often free to the community, even when detrimental to herself and her family. I will continue to push her legacy forward.”
2024 Rochester International Jazz Festival Review Part II
Wrapping up the Rochester International Jazz festival was a grand closing for the record books. Geoffrey Keezer & Gillian Margot:
I was pleasantly surprised by the relative ease of singing style and being able to reach all vocal ranges. She is vocally sound and possesses a wide range and a style that eschews jazz singer cliches’ in favor of original interpretive delivery. She’s a true professional artist, a student of Oscar Peterson, Freddy Cole, Carol Welsman and Norman Simmons. She had a flawless performance and I recommend a must see.
Giveton Gelin, Quartet
The 24-year-old Bahamian native is self-taught jazz musician with plenty of energy and charisma. He has been under the tutelage of some of world’s greatest jazz musicians like Wynton Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Eddie Henderson, and Roy Hargrove. Giveton continues to explore the music and with his quartet took us back to bebop era and brought us back to some sizzling up tempo jazz performance that blew his Rochester audience away.
Joe Lovano Trio Tapestry
Old school jazz styles woven into nice stories surrounding his illustrious career made for a very entertaining evening by Joe and his Trio. The Cleveland Ohio native made us feel like we were back in those famous night clubs in Rochester and Buffalo NY. It was being in the Pine grill or strolling down Clarissa Street listening to some fine-tuned tenor sax legend playing in the jazz music scene. Joe gave us an image of what it was like being in those clubs during their heydays.
Joe Dyson’s Look Within
My favorite new artist performance at the 2024 RIJF was this New Orleans native, Drummer Joe Dyson’s band. He performed songs off his album “Look Within”. Kenyatta Beasley on trumpet, John Chin, piano, and Barry Stevenson, stand up Bass formed a tight unit that took us into reality especially on the song “naysayers” and “Fleeting Fade”. The title cut “Look Within” gave us an urgency to look within ourselves for greatness and positive vibes. Joe Dyson’s father and Grandfather are ministers at Holy Faith Temple B.C. aka The Treme Church. in New Orleans and he brings spirituality to his music. He’s a graduate of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp. He’s one artist you don’t want to miss.
PAA KOW
This very talented Ghana, West Africa native performed with an 8-piece band that electrified everyone at Montage Grill. PAA KOW performed on drum kit of conga drums and symbols. He calls his music an Afro-Fusion sound that’s a deep groove and prodigious talent reveal a unique ability to speak to listeners with his drums inspiring a profound spiritual conversation.
Bill Charlap Trio
A Grammy Award winning pianist, Bill Charlap along with bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Kenny Washington performed several jazz standards and all I needed a was a glass of red wine (a Merlot) to go along with the straight-ahead music this trio produced at Kilbourn Hall.
EKEP NKWELLE
You might recognize her from NPR’s “Tiny Desk” series. This strikingly gorgeous 24-year-old Cameroonian native along with her Trio performed Jazz and R&B classics like Luther Vandross A House is Not a Home was superbly arranged and performed. The Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Howard University and Juilliard School graduate performed with ease, style, grace and confidence of a well-trained artist.
Olatuja Project
Read Radney's Entire review buffchallnews.com
Grandmaster Nancy Fernandez pictured above with young students)
Legislator Howard Johnson’s Surprise Resignation
Although news of County Legislator Howard Johnson’s resignation came as a surprise, he told veteran Channel 2 News Reporter Claudine Ewing in an exclusive interview, that it was not an abrupt decision, as he had been contemplating the departure for about a month after being offered the job as a deputy commissioner at the Erie County Board of Elections. Johnson is a Democrat.
‘Its an opportunity to take on a new role, ” he told Ewing. He will be replacing the retiring Arthur O. Eve Jr. Johnson will receive a salary jump from about $44,000 to over $100,000 a year, it was noted during the interview. However he said in an earlier News report that his salary was still being negotiated.
The Erie County Democratic Committee will appoint a representative for District 1 to serve for the remainder of Johnson’s 2-year term until an election is held in November.
When asked what he would say to his constituents who elected him to serve thru 2025 he responded: “They’ll see me a lot more now because what I want to do in this position is ensure that the Black vote is heard in a mighty way.”
He said he hopes that the person the Democratic Committee replaces him with will be “someone …who will listen to the people.”
According to Investigative Post sources, that person will be Lawrence Dupre, community coordinator for Erie County Central Police Services. He is also a former staffer for Lovejoy Councilman Bryan Bollman.
Legislator Howard Johnson was born and raised in the City of Buffalo.
He graduated from Buffalo State College with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and has previously worked in financial services at M&T Bank and HSBC Bank. He also served as a management consultant for the Erie County Division of Budget and Management. He honorably served for ten years in the Army National Guard.
In 2019 Johnson was Unanimously nominated by Democratic Committee members of the First Legislative District to fill the vacancy created when former Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams resigned to become interim City of Buffalo Comptroller.
During his tenure he chaired the Public Safety, Economic Development, and Minority and Women-Owned Business Committees.
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?
Remember Obama’s Miserable 2012 Debate Against Mitt Romney?
Still Our Ancestors Cry!
PART 2 Conclusion
In 2012, there were lots of people making not so nice comments about President Barack Obama when he did not do well in a Presidential Debate. I remember many of us rallied behind him. We could not allow Obama to be a one term President! The stakes for Biden are even higher in 2024. Democratic, voting rights, education, social security, diversity, Civil and Women’s Rights, worker’s rights, environmental protections and Democracy are at stake.
Here is what Politico reported after that 2012 debate between Obama and Mitt Romney:
DENVER — A stunned Obama campaign acknowledged Thursday that President Barack Obama delivered a lackluster and even ineffectual performance in his leadoff debate against Mitt Romney, mistakenly opting for a cautious approach to handling his opponent that all too often left Obama looking timid and disengaged.
Democrats close to the president privately acknowledge that their candidate appeared flat and uninspired against a more animated challenger, resulting in the worst debate showing he’s had since the early days of the 2008 campaign. Even more frustrating to many Obama supporters was the fact that the president’s muted tone was at least partly by design.
Multiple party strategists privately attributed Obama’s demeanor to an ailment that frequently affects incumbents: a fear of appearing too aggressive and risking a largerscale misstep that could transform the campaign.
But as a result, Obama allowed Romney to set the terms for much of their Wednesday night faceoff at the University of Denver. Startling his supporters, Obama did not deliver almost any of the sharpest attacks that have defined his campaign against Romney… Antoine Thompson is a former NYS Senator and former Chaplain Unity 9 PAC
What has been your experience in dealing with white people caught doing wrong? So now we come to the point of talking about the harms. Forcibly taken from our homes, by gun, sword, trick or manipulation, it was done against our will. Then came the rapes and the hanging, all instruments of war to break and subdue people who became captives. Then the starvation. Then the three-month journey in the bowels of ships, packed like sardines stripped naked without regard for male and female gender. Then the process of dehumanization that was engaged in when shore was reached in the Caribbean which the enslavers used as breaking ports.
There, in those breaking ports Africans were subjected to public hanging, public castrations and public disembowelments in order to instill extreme fear in the minds of captive Africans who were forced not to speak their own languages upon the threat of having their tongues cut out. These were planned and executed systemic engagements against Black People and we were forced to use only hand signals and grunts to communicate. That is how our People, The First Hueman Beings on this planet were stripped of our huemanity as they were made into entirely new beings that would be called and treated as chattel, enslaved Negroes. Think about that part for another moment, My People. What is chattel? What is a Negroe? Is there a place called Negroe land? Well, according to my studies chattel is property, inanimate and not human and there ain’t no place on the planet called Negroeland! That designation and treatment of Hueman Beings had never been engaged in.
There had always been servitude that resulted from conquest where captives were made to serve the conquerors for a period of time and then either die or move forward in whatever social system, they found themselves in. For example, before white racism infected Arab culture. Bilal was an Abyssinian that had been captured by Arabs and for a time he was held captive and made to serve his captors but there came a time when his worth was recognized and he was elevated to a stature equal to most of his captors, even to the point of marrying one of their best and most sought after and beautiful women in Arab society, and given the esteemed honorable position of the caller to prayer for all Muslims in that area of the world. In that example we must think about and remember that everywhere the white man has gone on this planet he has infected that population with white racism. Any place or civilization on the planet white Europeans have raped the women and enslaved the children and men. That is what they would create for the Africans they enslaved. They would set the tone of convincing themselves and then convincing us and the rest of the world that we were other than human, hueman. We did say we would talk about the Maafa, right?
Yes, well these are the truths of experiences of our Ancestors as they were forced into the transatlantic slave trade. It is their bones that lay at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean floor from Africa here to North America, from Africa to Brazil and Africa to every other so-called European nation on earth where the slave ships landed by our enslavers or by us when we took over slave ships and made our way to land.
Yes, that is a part of our story as well. Some of us were able to take over the ships from our Captors and sail to other parts of the world and yet everywhere we went when the Whites got there, they fought to infect the land and people there with their ideology of race and their delusion of white supremacy which they first had to lie and convince themselves of and then keep us in the lies and convince us of. So, Today, My Beloved Black People we are defying all the lies and embracing the truths of Black Huemanity which requires us to study.
Don’t just believe what I say, take it on as a mission to find out for yourself.
All I ask is that you reject the lie of our inferiority and do the work of studying our history to erase the mystery and find the truth of our Huemanity.
Your Brother/Servant, BaBa Omowale Eng
“Our history did not begin in chains. It will not end in chains.”
Malcolm X
Demand For Restoration of Humboldt Parkway Is Demand For Reparations
By Sherry Sherrill
One side of the debate about the NY Route 33 Kensington Expressway Project, is actually a call for reparations. The other side is a determination to complete a rushed cover-up.
The Black community has a right to demand that correct and proper solutions become applied to the myriad of problems that public policies have caused our community. The NY Route 33 Kensington Expressway is a very big problem to us. City of Buffalo residents, due to owning homes and living in the Humboldt Parkway Neighborhood and the Kensington Expressway Corridor, have been battling a host of ailments like Cancers, Leukemia, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Asthma, Bronchitis, Upper Respiratory and Heart Diseases, Sarcoidosis, Lupus, and Low Birthweight and Premature and Still Births, etc. In all these cases, the common denominator is, was, and always will be: the Kensington Expressway. Now that America's households have become increasingly aware that living within a 1000 feet of a freeway like the Kensington Expressway, anywhere, can and does and has made many people sick, everywhere, it is crucially important that we not tolerate any half-baked ‘solution’ to be applied to the Kensington Expressway dilemma. Here, a tunnel proposal is being fraudulently promoted as though it is some kind of blessing to our community. It isn’t a blessing, at all. Instead, the tunnel and the fake 3/4 mile-long park used to ‘sell’ it to us, are false ‘band-aids.’
This generation’s Kensington Expressway Project, as proposed by New York State Department of Transportation [NYSDOT], is a multi-year spanning construction megaproject. Along with the expressway continuing to make people sick, the project will greatly disrupt life in Humboldt Parkway Neighborhoods, and throughout the Kensington Expressway Corridor all over again.
That means another onslaught of trauma is in store for nearby households. What is more, studies have established that living within 5,280 feet, or up to one mile, of a high-speed freeway like Route 33, is harmful in and of itself. Yet, NYSDOT is parading the fraudulent promise that the tunnel’s concrete deck, and the deck’s fake park, and a mere 500 feet of clearance from the ‘improved’ expressway, will be enough to protect residents.
Make no mistake about this: From its start to its completion, the Kensington Expressway Project is going to increase - NOT DECREASE OR IMPROVE - the existing harmful air quality issue on the East side. Community. That is fact.
. New lawsuits have been filed on their behalf, including by the New York Civil Liberties Union [NYCLU]. The broad range of sicknesses caused by the NY Route 33 Kensington Expressway are a grave condition that also exists in and throughout the Fruit Belt Neighborhood, and within every single City of Buffalo Neighborhood that borders Route 33, including the Hamlin Park Neighborhood.
Up to now, the deaths and suffering have largely taken place in relative silence, because no public elected official has ever lifted a finger, or used his or her voice, or office, to, for example, officially demand that anything constructive be done to address the issue. It is also a wonder if any physician has ever made the connection.
Freeways like the Kensington Expressway exist all across America, and may be a link to the African American health disparities phenomenon. A public health or community health study is needed to determine if that might actually be the case.
This past Spring I asked University at Buffalo if such a study might be convened. I am still awaiting a definitive reply. I also inquired if a law clinic might be arranged at UB’s Law School, benefitting Humboldt Parkway neighborhood residents. That request was denied. Fortunately, East Side Parkways Coalition has been very busy at trying to raise funds so legal representation has been gained, nonetheless. ESPC is a racially diverse group of citizen-activists demanding the full restoration of both Humboldt Parkway and MLK Park.
To quote an elder Humboldt Parkway neighborhood resident: “Before the Kensington Expressway was built, we never heard anyone talk about respiratory illnesses, After construction, air quality was a huge concern for our families, and now today, I’m one of many who has asthma and lung cancer. This project should make us safer and healthier, not the opposite. If the state doesn’t study the environmental impacts and take action to reduce the harm, my life, and many others will be put further at risk.”
That quote is of paramount importance, and expresses what very many Humboldt Parkway Neighborhood Residents feel about the Kensington Expressway, and about this generation's $billion megaproject. It puts me in mind of the 1921 Massacre that crushed the (then) successful Greenwood Commercial District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The neighborhood was once widely celebrated as “Black Wall Street” but a racially-motivated domestic terrorism attack was launched against the thriving community. Black bodies crammed into unmarked mass graves are still being discovered there today, due to the human rights disaster that was inflicted against those Black and African American residents.
The Black Community in America is still trying to gain justice in that horror, too. See: https://www.tulsahistory.org/exhibit/1921-tulsa-race- massacre/#flexible-content
We Need Term Limits in The County Legislature!
The Erie County Legislature recently held a public hearing regarding a proposal to implement term limits for elected county offices.
I did an analysis of the Erie County legislature elections held from 2001 to 2023. Of the 154 elections held, incumbents won 145 and lost 9. In 22 years only 9 incumbent legislators lost. An amazing win rate of 94%!
We don't have competitive elections for Erie County offices and we should. What we have instead is a game of elected positions being filled when politicians retire or jump to other offices manipulated by political party bosses
The power of being an incumbent elected official is virtually impossible to beat. Term limits level the field by creating an open seat where an incumbent is not running, which rarely occurs.
Of the 11 currently serving Erie County Legislators, 9 of them came into office due to a vacancy created by a legislator leaving. Typically when a legislator leaves office, political party bosses determine who gets appointed to a vacant seat, which allows their choice to run as a sitting legislator for election. Running as a sitting legislator is a huge advantage. Instead of having elections we have coronations.
Only 2 current legislators came into office by beating an incumbent (Frank Todaro & Lindsay Lorigo).
County Legislators have recently voted to boost their pay by $20,000 and will be extending their terms from two years to four years. Longer terms of office will only increase the power of incumbency and the ability for political party bosses to appoint legislators when a vacancy occurs.
In the past 33 years only two incumbent County Executives have lost (Dennis Gorski & Chris Collins). The last open seat for County Executive where an incumbent was not running occurred in 2007.
In the past 64 years there has only been two open seat elections for County Comptroller (2005 & 2019).
In at least 33 years, there has not been an open election for Erie County Clerk. The past three Erie County Clerks have left office before their term expired to move to other political positions (David Swarts, Kathy Hochul, Chris Jacobs).
We need competitive elections that are not controlled and manipulated by political party bosses. We need an 8 year term limit for all elected county offices.
I studied the terms of all Erie County legislators who served in office from 2000 until now. Over the past 24 years, the average term length was 7.6 years. Twenty percent of legislators served more than 12 years. Thirty-three percent of legislators served more than 8 years. Public office should not be a guaranteed job, where you continue until you want to leave, which is what we currently have, with a 94% win rate for incumbent legislators.
I support a limit of two four year terms for all elected county positions. A twelve year limit is too long. The President of the United States is limited to two four year terms and there is no reason that an Erie County elected official should serve more than eight years.
Paul Wolf, Esq. Paul Wolf
Attorney Wolf is President |New York Coalition For Open Government paul.wolf@nyopengov.org
“Knowing when to stop, you can avoid any danger.” -Tao Te Ching
VOICES
Disturbance at Juneteenth Needs to be Investigated
Dear Editor, The going-on at Juneteenth both days needs to be investigated. I am referring particularly to the unsupervised and ill protected innocents acting only as props and audience for a heretofore deadly mix of estrogen, testosterone and likely frustration, as a post pandemic loss of character and self respect.
There is a plan to file a series of liability claims due to the failure to meet the demands of the contracted Public Safety services. In addition, if not more egregious, was the absolutely ill trained on display, to secure scenes of active violence involving easily 100's of Youth of all ages, unwilling to investigate and likely ill supervised with the result being the following, premeditated mayhem, instigated and supported by the acquiescence of those hired to perform the tasks committed to by oath.
MABY2K24
LEGAL NOTICE
Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Erie ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE Index #: 802063/2024 Rocket Mortgage, LLC F/K/A Quicken Loans, LLC F/K/A Quicken Loans Inc. Plaintiff, vs J.S. (Name Redacted Herein As Defendant Is A Minor) As Heir To The Estate Of Jefrey Sanchez, I.S. (Name Redacted Herein As Defendant Is A Minor) As Heir To The Estate Of Jefrey Sanchez, People Of The State Of New York, United States Of America On Behalf Of The IRS, Unknown Heirs Of Jefrey Sanchez If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff John Doe (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 101 Nason Parkway Buffalo, NY 14218 To the Above named Defendant: 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 Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental 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. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Erie. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Unknown Heirs of Jefrey Sanchez Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Debra L. Givens of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Tenth day of June, 2024 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Erie, in the City of Buffalo. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below, dated May 30, 2017, executed by Jefrey Sanchez (who died on November 21, 2020, a resident of the county of Erie, State of New York) to secure the sum of $74,690.00. The Mortgage was recorded at Book 13812, Page 7753 in the Office of the Erie County Clerk on May 30, 2017. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed May 5, 2022 and recorded on May 12, 2022, in the Office of the Erie County Clerk at Book 14052, Page 2625. The property in question is described as follows: 101 Nason Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14218 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 Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1-800269-0990 or visit the department's website at WWW.DFS.NY.GOV. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME DURING THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PROPERTY IS SOLD AT AUCTION PURSUANT TO A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND SALE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW. 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. § 1303 NOTICE 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 a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: June 14, 2024 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 81359 June 27, July 11, 18, 25
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 COUNTY OF ERIE BY THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE AS SHOWN BY ITEM 4E-22 (2024) PAGES 145-146 OF THE MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF SAID LEGISLATURE FOR THE YEAR 2024
PETITION AND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS BY THE COUNTY OF ERIE BY ACTION IN REM IN REM NO. 172 INDEX NO. 2024-600166
Please take notice that on the 7th day of May, 2024 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 7th day of May, 2024. Take further notice that the ownership by the County of the tax sale certificates set forth on the List of Delinquent Taxes is conclusive evidence of the fact that the taxes, assessments and other legal charges represented thereby have not been paid to the County.
EFFECT OF FILING: All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in the List of Delinquent Taxes are hereby notified that the filing of said List constituted the commencement by the County of Erie of a proceeding in the County Court to foreclose each of the tax liens therein described by a foreclosure proceeding In Rem. Pursuant to Section 11-7.0 of the Erie County Tax Act, the filing of such List of Delinquent Taxes constitutes and has the same force and effect and is deemed to have given the same notice of such foreclosure proceeding as the filing and recording in the Erie County Clerk’s Office of an individual Notice of Pendency of a Tax Foreclosure Action and of the filing in the County Court of a separate and individual Complaint by the County of Erie against the owners of the real property proceeded against and described in the List of Delinquent
Taxes.
NATURE OF PROCEEDING: This proceeding is brought against the real property only and is to foreclose the tax liens described in the List of Delinquent Taxes. No personal judgment will be entered herein for such liens/taxes or other legal charges or any part thereof.
PERSONS AFFECTED: This notice is directed to all persons having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in the List of Delinquent Taxes. Such persons are hereby notified further that a duplicate of this Petition and the List of Delinquent Taxes has been filed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office and the Office of Real Property Tax Services and will remain open for public inspection up to and including the date specified below as the last day of redemption.
RIGHT OF REDEMPTION: Any person having or claiming to have an interest in any such real property and the legal right thereto may on or before the 8th day of July, 2024 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 8th day of July, 2024.
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 29th day of July 2024.
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 7, 2024
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 7th day of May, 2024.
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 23, JUNE 6, 13, 20, 27 JULY 11
LEGAL NOTICE
County of Erie Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry 95 Franklin St, Room 1260 Buffalo NY 14202
Erie County Department of Parks is seeking proposals, RFP #2024033VF, to provide golf course tee time and customer service software, due July 31st, 2024 by 2:00 PM. 95 Franklin St, Room 1260 Buffalo NY 14202
Contact
LEGAL NOTICE
Horizon Health –Terrace House Renovations
Bids will be received by RP Oak Hill Building Co., Inc. for the Horizon Health – Terrace House Renovations
Project on 7/15/2024 at noon. Please email (bids@rpoakhill.com) prior to 2:00 pm. The scope of work includes selective demolition, asbestos abatement, masonry, structural steel, millwork, roofing, glass/glazing, carpentry, flooring, painting, specialties, M/E/P/FP, site concrete, etc. The contract documents may be examined at Construction Exchange. This project is open shop. ***W/M/DBE & SDVOB participation is encouraged.
LEGAL NOTICE
NFTA PROCUREMENT
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS/ BIDS: RFP 230074 - 485 CAYUGA ROAD ROOF REFURBISHMENT FOR BAYS 1-5
Go to NFTA's Website to register as a supplier and for instructions to download the Procurement Document at https://www.nfta.com/departments/ procurement
LLC's
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Name of LLC: The BonTemps Firm Retail, LLC DBA Public Flower Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: 08/30/2022. Office of the LLC: (710 Kensington Avenue Buffalo, NY, 14215), Erie County The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at (232 Allen Street Buffalo, 14201). Purpose of LLC: (Retail). No specific duration attached to LLC.
JULY 11, 18, 25, AUGUST 1, 8, 15
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Big Blue Woodland LLC filed Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on January 12, 2024. Office Location: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served upon him or her to 272 Doncaster Road, Kenmore, NY 14217. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. No specific duration attached to LLC.
JULY 11, 18, 25, AUGUST 1, 8, 15
LLC's
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Name of LLC: Trinity Rose Trinity LLC. Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: April 10, 2024. Office of the LLC: 491 Dodge Street, Suite 2 Buffalo, NY 14208, Erie County. The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of the process to the LLC at Trinity Rose Trinty LLC 491 Dodge Street, Suite 2 Buffalo, NY 14208. Purpose of LLC: Investing. No specific duration attached to LLC.
JULY 11, 18, 25, AUGUST 1, 8, 15
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Name of LLC: The LFit Experience LLC Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: November 12, 2020. Office of the LLC: Niagara County. The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 767 Legacy Drive , Apt. 203, Lewiston, NY 14092. Purpose of LLC: Health and Wellness. No specific duration attached to LLC.
JULY 11, 18, 25, AUGUST 1, 8, 15
Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company
1343 JEFFERSON AVE 716 LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/31/2024. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1343 JEFFERSON AVE BUFFALO, NY 14208. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. JULY 11, 18, 25, AUGUST 1, 8, 15
Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company
EAST WEST MARKET AND DELI LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 3/22/2024. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 54 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda, NY 14223. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. JULY 11, 18, 25, AUGUST 1, 8, 15
Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company
1339 WALL STREET LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 5/7/2024. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1339 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14208. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.
JULY 11, 18, 25, AUGUST 1, 8, 15
Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company
CAITLIN ABDULLA LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 2/29/2024. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 50 FOUNTAIN PLAZA, SUITE 1400, BUFFALO, NY, 14202, Purpose: any lawful act or activity. July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15
Intake/Customer Service Clerk (Full-Time)
United States District Court
Buffalo, New York
The United States District Court for the Western District of New York is seeking an Intake/Customer Service Clerk. Intake/ Customer Service Clerks are the “face” of the Court to much of the public and attorneys who practice in the Court and help create positive public impressions about the Judiciary. To apply, please visit: www.nywd.uscourts.gov/employment-opportunities
Lockport City School District
Positions Needed:
Library Media Specialist, Building Maintenance Mechanic, Motor Equipment Operator, Lunch Monitors, Substitutes
Please call: 716-478-4820 for more information
LEGAL NOTICE Bid
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID
The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority is accepting sealed bids for BMHA Job No. 25-06-CF, Replacement of Boilers at Sedita Apartments. Bid solicitation is available at the Capital Improvements Office at 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204. Contact Yaritza Lopez at yvlopez@ bmhahousing.com and the Construction Exchange for more information. Sealed bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after the specified closing time. All bid forms must be filled out and returned. The pre-bid meeting is on June 16, 2024, at 9:00a.m. at Sedita Apartments 335 summer St. Buffalo NY 14222. Attendance is highly recommended. The BMHA reserves the right to reject any bid that fails to conform to the essential items required by the contract documents and to reject any bids submitted.
LEGAL NOTICE Bid
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID
The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority is accepting sealed bids for BMHA Job No. 25-07-CF, Replacement for Boilers at Stuyvesant. Bid solicitation is available at the Capital Improvements Office at 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204. Contact Yaritza Lopez at yvlopez@ bmhahousing.com and the Construction Exchange for more information. Sealed bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after the specified closing time. All bid forms must be filled out and returned. The pre-bid meeting is on June 16, 2024, at 11:00a.m. On site Stuyvesant Apt. 245 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo NY 14222. Attendance is highly recommended. The BMHA reserves the right to reject any bid that fails to conform to the essential items required by the contract documents and to reject any bids submitted.
LEGAL NOTICE
Request for Proposal for Snow Plowing, Snow Removal & Salting Services for Various BMHA Housing Developments
The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) requests responses to a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Snow Plowing, Snow Removal, and Salting at Various Housing Developments. The project scope, content of proposal, and vendor selection process are summarized in the RFP and may be obtained by contacting Arnitra Chester at rfpresponse@ bmhahousing.com. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 pm (EDT), Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company
Gazpacho Productions, LLC’s Articles of Organization were filed with the New York Department of State on 6/10/24. LLC's office location is 47 Bridgeman St, Buffalo, NY in Erie County. New York’s Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process may be served. The NYSS may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 47 Bridgeman St, Buffalo, NY 14207. Purpose of LLC: any lawful purpose. No specific duration attached to LLC. July 11, 18, 25 August 1, 8, 15
Heir To The Throne!
Like Father, Like Son
Imagine having a family business to leave to your offspring(s). Imagine being able to work side by side in that family business with your child. Some parents can only dream of being in position to do this. Now critics and pundits may object to such nepotism. But those same people if they could position their kids in that fashion would do so. Maybe some are of the moral utopia where mentally this would never cross their minds.
To them I say you’re better people than me and most. To the rest of us let us relish in a history making moment.
On Thursday, June 27th in the second round of the NBA Draft the Los Angeles Lakers selected with the 55th pick LeBron Raymone “Bronny” James Jr. This historic selection has placed a father and son in the NBA to play at the same time for the first time, a father and son on the same franchise for the first time and the NBA all time scoring leader with his first born. LeBron James a.k.a. “King James” and possibly the heir to the throne will both be showcasing their talents L.A.
The narrative by some is that Bronny James was only drafted because of who his father is. James Jr. didn’t do enough in his college career to warrant a selection in the draft they say. But here are some things they may have forgotten or maybe they’ll just say his last name also garnered these accolades. Bronny was named a McDonald’s All-American in 2023. He played one shortened season of college basketball at USC because of a medical condition. According to ESPN at one point he was being recruited by Duke and Kentucky.
TERRENCE D. McKELVEY Attorney at Law
Finally, what’s ironic about his introduction to the NBA is he will have the world of basketball watching his every movement waiting for him to fail because of the hype behind him. Sounds familiar doesn’t it. The only difference is his father, “King James” which we were able to “witness” not only live up to the fanfare but exceed it jumped right out of high school to the League. Many thought LeBron James had no chance to accomplish what he has on and off the court. Now what an ending to the story it would be if James Jr. turned out to be a prominent figure in the NBA as well. Then again I guess it would actually be a beginning to a new Reign!
ATTORNEYS
PRATCHER & ASSOCIATES
NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS
MID-3-4-9-0
Franklin Muhammad (Pratcher) Attorney 1133 Kensington Avenue (716) 838-4612 ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330
BEN’S Downtown Tire
50 Sycamore (cor. Elm) (716) 856-1066 or 894-1483
MID-02-11-18-26-30
EVE-03-05-16-27-35
Rundown (ZR)
MAUREEN’S Flower Market 441 Ellicott St. * 852-4600
WafersTransport.com Call (716) 249-4800 Taste of Supreme
Advertise Your Business in our directory email advertising@ thechallengernews.com or call (716) 881-1051
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
BLACK HISTORY
continued from page 3
these hutments. Four to six residents shared each hutment. A communal bathhouse served 12 hutments each. The women’s hutment area was surrounded by rough hewn fence made of scrap lumber. The “women’s pen”, as it was called, had a strict 10:00 p.m. curfew and no men were allowed.
As World War II was ending, Manhattan Project contractors constructed several “family” hutments in the African American hutment area. They consisted of two hutments connected by a small shed. Located near the single hutment area, the family hutments had no electricity or running water. These were distributed on a first come-first serve basis and were the only African American family housing option during the war. When the war ended and the pressure for housing was lessened, White workers were moved out of the hutments, but the African American hutments were used for several years after World War II.
Send your event listing to editorial@thechallengernews.com or mail to: The Community Planner, PO Box 474, Buffalo, NY 14209
ON GOING EVENTS
•MRS. NASH’S FARMER’S MARKET Michigan Street Heritage Corridor, 136 Broadway (Parking Lot) EVERY TUESDAY FROM 4:30-6:30 Thru October.
•EAST SIDE BIKE CLUB EVERY SATURDAY 9:30 a.m. @ the Head in MLK Plaza; Bike ride starts at 10 a.m. COME RIDE WITH US!
•JEFFERSON AVENUE FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE EVERY FRIDAY from 5 :30-9p.m. on Jefferson Avenue between East Utica and Glenwood.
JULY
HEALING BY THE WATER @ FREEDOM PARK, Foot of Ferry, KICK OFF JULY 11 continues thru Sept. 12. Music, food, vendors & More.
SAMUEL P. CAPEN GARDEN WALK 10am-4pm, July 13 and 14 / Capen by Night July 13, 8pm-10pm Maps @ UB Anderson Gallery, 1 Martha Jackson Pl. Free.
DAY OF PLAY FOR YOUTH IN THE COMMUNITY hosted by Beau Fleuve and Explore & More Children’s Museum, Sunday, July 14 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main Street, FREE tickets and free bus passes available at select community centers.
EAST SIDE GARDEN WALK, July 20 & 21.Free. See their ad page 16. Eastsidgardenwalk.com
PAPPY MARTIN LEGACY MASTEN JAZZ FESTIVAL,, Sundays July 21 &28, 2-8 p.m., Buffalo Museum of Science (Side Lawn) Free & Open to the public. www.PMLJAZZ.com
38TH ANNUAL GOSPEL FEST Saturday July 27 Martin Luther King Jr. Park 2- 8 p.m. For vendor space call Alaina Jones at 716-462-0641.
AUGUST
PINE GRILL REUNION August 4 &11 MLK Park hosted by the African American Cultural Center Call 884-2013.
BUFFALO FUNK FEST 20TH ANNIVERSARY
*Friday August 23, Jefferson Avenue Block Party
*Saturday August 24, The Art of Funk, Jefferson Avenue 12 Noon -6 p.m.; CONCERT TO FOLLOW 8-10 p.m.
*Sunday August 25 Funk & Roll, MLK Park, 12 Noon – 4 p.m.
*BUFFALO FUNK FEST MLK PARK 4-10 p.m. No tents or Grills
• KENSINGTON HIGH ALL-70S REUNION, August 2-3 at the M Hotel Buffalo, 2040 Walden. t 716-260-5964
•LAFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1972 70th CLASS REUNION Cruise on The Harbor Queen Friday, August 2, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. LAFAYETTECLASSOF72@GMAIL. COM or call Joanne W. at 859-576-2409.
•WESTY’S SYCAMORE ANNIVERSARY FAMILY & FRIENDS CELEBRATION Saturday, August 3, MLK Park Shelters 1-5, 12 noon – 8 p.m. (rain or shine). Ray Folmar (716)783-0099; Jean Brown (716)602-8199; Diane Jenkins (716)892-8311; Steven Paris (716)605-2282 Ikey Payne (716)247-0258.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY “DANG!” When Joel Brown was a little boy he affectionately called his beloved grandmother, Lena Mathis, “Dang.” To her delight, and those close to her, the name stuck over the years . On June 27, members of her family gathered for a Heavenly Birthday Celebration in memory of “Dang” hosted annually by her devoted and loving son Jerry Brown. It was a heart felt tribute to a matriarch who epitomized “A Mother’s Love.” The gathering was held at India Gate Restaurant
Velma
The Walk encourages visitors and neighbors to walk, drive, or bike Buffalo’s East Side, learning about the resilience of this community. Visitors will meet gracious gardeners, experience historic neighborhoods, and wide-ranging architecture. Maps are available at downtown Buffalo public libraries, and at sponsor locations found on
Enroll in Fall Classes Today!
SCAN ME
JUNETEENTH GRAND MARSHALS - Left to right:
McGriff Ferguson, President, Harriet Tubman 300, Milele McGriff Jones, (Velmas granddaughter), Lovely Pierce and Governor Kathy Hochul - Photo credit: Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/ Mike Groll
PHYLLIS BROWN DAY! Pictured above, Mayor Byron Brown holds a proclamation from the City of Buffalo declaring Phyllis Brown Day! Belated birthday wishes Ms. Brown Street Legacy Photo by Darvin Adams
HEAVENLY
on Hertel Avenue. Pictured in top photo: Viola Mathis Nichole Mathis, Georgia Dean, Juanita Mathis, Regina Smith and pretty little Aire Mathis. Above: Joel Brown, Jerry Brown, David Mathis, Ricky Williams, Jimmy Williams, and Omego Stafford.
