Challenger Community News July 8, 2021 by Challenger Community News

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July 8, 2021 | Community News

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Introducing

JILLIAN HANESWORTH

Buffalo’s First Poet Laureate

2021 Election Update: Countdown To November! Page 24

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

INSIDE ROCHESTER

“We Don’t Hate We Just Hustle!” Rochester’s First Urban Mobile Clothing Store Hosts Grand Opening Rochester’s first Urban Mobile Clothing store, “We Don't Hate We Just Hustle,” recently held it’s grand opening attended by Mayor Lovely Warren and Mayoral candidate Malik Evans.

Trenton & Pamela Jackson R-Center,

Mayor Warren Announces the Opening of Two R-Center Pools Due to a lifeguard shortage only two Rochester pools for the summer season are open at the Adams St. R-Center, 85 Adam St. and Trenton & Pamela Jackson R-Center, 485 N. Clinton Ave.. The pools will be open 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Mon.–Fri. through August 28. The pools offer open swim, lap swim, family swim sessions and other program options. Residents are encouraged to use the City’s R-Central online system at www.cityofrochester. gov/R-Central to search, view, explore and enroll for the complete array of recreation programs. In addition, swimming opportunities are available at Durand Eastman Beach, noon–6 p.m., seven-days-a-week City spray parks are open from noon–6 p.m. at: •Carter Street R-Center, 500 Carter St. •Tyshaun Cauldwell R-Center for Hope, 524 Campbell St. •Edgerton R-Center, 41 Backus St. •Humboldt R-Center, 1045 Atlantic Ave. •David F. Gantt R-Center, 700 North St. •Thomas P. Ryan R-Center, 530 Webster Ave. •Roxie Sinkler R-Center, 75 Grover St. Spray features are available from noon–6 p.m. at: •Fourth and Peck Playground, corner of Fourth and Peck Streets •Martin Luther King Jr. Park (playground area), 353 Court St. •Troup Street Park, Troup Street and Van Auker Street (between Reynolds Street and Ford Street) Participants are asked to abide by posted capacity limits and COVID-19 restrictions. For more information, call (585) 428-6755.To submit a lifeguard application to the county, Go to. https:// cs.monroecounty.gov/hrapply/apply/view/4864 The city is still accepting lifeguard applications.

R-Center Renamed to Honor Willie W. Lightfoot

Mayor Lovely A. Warren has renamed the Flint Street RCenter, 271 Flint St., The Honorable Willie Walker Lightfoot R-Center for Equity and Justice in honor of the late County Legislator and community activist (1940 to 2001). “Willie W. Lightfoot was among the early Black leaders in Rochester who built the coalitions that demanded equity and justice in our community,” said Mayor Warren. “It is my pleasure and my honor to name this building after him and give our children an opportunity to learn how he and others fought so tenaciously against the sinister forces of racism in Rochester. We must remember the names of men and women like Willie W. Lightfoot, whose shoulders we are standing on today.” The father of City Council Vice President Willie J. Lightfoot Sr., Willie W. Lightfoot was a determined activist in Southwest Rochester for almost four decades. He served as president of Action for a Better Community, was a founding member of the SouthWest Area Neighborhood Association and served as a County Legislator for almost 20 non-sequential years between 1978 and 2001. He was known for his passion for justice and fairness, particularly for those denied opportunity by the damage of racism and structural inequality.

TALK PRO P L U S

We Dont Hate We Just Hustle (WDHWJH) is the brainchild of Pablo Johnson Jr. He founded this movement back in 2013 selling black and white t-shirts on the street corners. Today the brand had grown to include a variety of apparel options as well as planning and hosting curated annual events (Hustlebowl and Hustleween) for his supporters.

Hosted by

The Radman

(George Radney) &

The Mighty O’Ba (Patrick Freeman)

Over the years the movement has gained thousands of supporters including celebrities like Lil Kim, DMX and Angela Davis. The brands local support can’t be denied. WDHWJH is a three time Roc Award Winner. Pablo mostly recently received the Believe Crystal from Mayor Lovely Warren which is bestowed upon people who invest back into the city at the grand opening of his mobile clothing store, the first urban mobile store in Rochester NY. We Don’t Hate We Just Hustle is an up and coming powerhouse. The brand promotes working hard to follow ones dreams and pulling people up along the way not tearing them down. You can catch Pablo and the WDHWJH mobile store at upcoming festivals and the public market. See you at the Rochester’s Summer Music Festival! You can keep up with the brand on IG: officialwedonthatewejusthustle FB: We Dont Hate We Just Hustle h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / 5 2 2 6 5 9 8 5 1 1 4 6 2 2 0 / posts/4209145989164236/?d=n Online store: Website: www.wedonthatewejusthustle.com

105.5 FM “The Beat” Rochester Every Saturday 7AM – 8AM “Taking you to the locker room and beyond!”

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

GOOD NEWS!

Judge Who Wore "Blackface" Resigns State Supreme Court Justice Craig Doran, the administrative judge for the Rochester region, announced in a statement recently that he was

resigning his post in light of a photo of him masquerading as what he termed as “a well-known public figure of color” in blackface at a Halloween party in 1988. In his statement, Doran apologized for his behavior and said he was stepping down in accordance with the state’s chief judge’s “zero tolerance policy on matters of racial bias and insensitivity.”

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

Cuomo Declares Gun Violence "State of Emergency"

AREA BRIEFS

Petrucci

Belton-Cottman

School Board Elects Petrucci New President ELECTED: Buffalo Board of Education Member, Terrance Heard, has been elected to the Hilbert College Board of Trustees. Heard, who is an alumni member of Hilbert, once served as President of Hilbert's Black Student Union and was the first AfricanAmerican graduate of Hilbert's Bachelor's Degree program. Heard proudly serves as the first African American male to be elected At-Large on the Buffalo Public School Board and is the Founder and CEO of the Friends For A Better Buffalo organization. Ericka Bennett of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and William Brison Brinson of Niagara County Community College were also elected to the Board.

The Buffalo Board of Education last week unanimously elected Park District board member Louis Petrucci as its new board president. Mr. Petrucci was nominated by outgoing board president, Ferry District board member Sharon. Belton-Cottman. Louis Petrucci previously held the position of president. The board also unanimously elected Ann Rivera as vice president of executive affairs and Kathy EvansBrown as vice president of student affairs.

n what he said is the first declaration of its kind in the nation, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has declared a "state emergency" when it comes to gun violence. This comes amid a rise in violence across the state, including upstate cities. We went from COVID to the epidemic of gun violence and the fear and death that goes along with it," Gov. Cuomo said at a news conference Tuesday. Cuomo said over the July 4th holiday weekend, 51 people were shot in New York. For perspective, he said 13 died from COVID in that timeframe. "This is a national problem. I get it. But somebody has to step up and somebody has to address it," said Cuomo. The governor said the state's seven-step plan will aim to treat gun violence as a public health emergency and use a data-driven approach to address violence. Part of the plan will call on police departments across the state to provide data as to where shootings are taking place in order for the state to know what locations need attention for anti-gun efforts. The effort will also call for the formation of a council on gun violence prevention. The effort will also aim to provide a summer jobs partnership to engage at-risk youths. The state will invest more than $57 million for the effort, which aims to create 21,000 jobs. The state is also cracking down on illegal guns entering New York. A special unit will be formed in the State Police to prevent illegal guns from entering the state, and New York will work with neighboring states to further that goal. The Moorish Chief Eduard Charlemont, Austrian, 1848 - 1906

THE MOORS

The Moors were a group of Muslims from North Africa who lifted Europe out of the Dark Ages. 1. The Spanish occupation by the Moors began in 711 AD when an African army, under their leader Tariq ibnZiyad, crossed the Strait of Gibraltar from northern Africa and invaded the Iberian peninsula ‘Andalus’ (Spain under the Visigoths).

Free Food Giveaway Metropolitan UM Church, located at 657 Best Street will hold a Free Food Giveaway every 2nd Monday of each month 11, a.m. – 1 p.m. All are welcome. Angela R. Stewart, is pastor.

Family, children, coaches and supporters gather at JFK following a previous shooting incident that left two children and two adults struck by gunfire. A reward of up to $5,000 is now being offered for information leading to an arrest or indictment in the quadruple shooting in Buffalo. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 716-867-6161. Street Legacy Photo by Davin Adams

VOICES:

For The Sake of Our Children, Gun Violence Should NOT be Normalized! By QueeNia

Sydney Robinson

Zachary Johnson

High School Seniors Receive Black Achievers Scholarships Black Achievers, Inc., along with Uniland Development Company and Belmont Management Co., Inc., recently presented two local high school seniors with $1,000.00 scholarships. Dr. Catherine Collins, a member of the State Board of Regents and Chairperson of the Black Achievers Scholarship Committee, and Black Achievers CEO Herbert L. Bellamy, Jr., presented the scholarships to: Sydney Robinson, a senior at Cleveland Hill High School and Zachary Johnson, a senior at the International Preparatory High School at Grover.

n June 23, 2021 a shooting took place at JFK Park that left Four young people injured, ages 8, 14 , 21 and 24 . Many more were left feeling scared, upset, confused, stressed and angry. I am a concerned parent of a 9-year-old child that was participating in Soccer for Success sponsored by Independent Health. My son has participated in this program since he was 5 years old. We’ve never even seen so much as an argument or fist fight during program time. One coach, affectionately called Coach Grandma, testified that JFK (1st Site) has always been safe for over 13 years. I’m convinced that children who experience this type of trauma need to have trauma counseling asap and that the family’s should not have to worry about where this counseling would take place or how to pay for it. My concern that parents may be apprehensive about bringing children back was validated when we showed up to practice on Monday when only about 13 of normally 50 youth were present. The program will begin again on July 12th and my hope is that they would have received counseling and will be eager to play like children. BPD and Peace Makers are marked to be present in an effort to ease fears. I'm dedicated to finding a way to make it KNOWN that these incidents of gun violence should NOT be normalized! I’ve made my appeal known to several elected official through my Facebook post includContinued Page 30

2. The Moors, who ruled Spain for 800 years, introduced new scientific techniques to Europe, such as an astrolabe, a device for measuring the position of the stars and planets. Scientific progress in Astronomy, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Geography and Philosophy flourished in Moorish Spain 4. Basil Davidson, one of the most noted historians recognized and declared that there were no lands at that time (the eighth century) “more admired by its neighbors, or more comfortable to live in, than a rich African civilization which took shape in Spain” 5. At its height, Córdova, the heart of Moorish territory in Spain, was the most modern city in Europe. The streets were well-paved, with raised sidewalks for pedestrians. During the night, Continued Page 23

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

Tips ForManaging Your Diabetes By KATHLEETN RIACHARDSON TO WEAR A MASK OR NOT TO WEAR A MASK?

Health officials are grappling with how to prevent potential COVID-19 outbreaks from the delta variant that is spreading rapidly across the U.S. Concern over the highly transmissible delta strain prompted Los Angeles County this week to recommend that all people wear masks indoors, even if they're vaccinated. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also encouraged fully vaccinated people to continue using masks. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not signaled any plans to revise its mask guidance.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WALK: The family and friends of Allie Turner killed June 19, 2021 on Doat Street, asked No More Tears Group and Event Coordinator Tracey Mullen to assist with a walk in honor of Allie. At the end of the walk Allie's mother (Daisy) was in Awe of the Proclamation commemorating June 26, 2021 as Allie Turner Day, from Mayor Brown, as well as a Trailblazing Sign initiated by Lovejoy District Councilman Brian Bollman, and his Council Staff. Tracey Mullen, Event Coordinator, pulled everything together with support from WNY Peacemakers, MVP Group ( Most Valuable Parent), GYC Ministries, Pastor Tim Newkirk, City of Buffalo Special Events, Danielle Rizzo, Master Block Club Coalition, Ada Hopson-Clemons, Mother's Against Violence (MAV), Buffalo Police Department, and City of f Buffalo Public Works, and many family and friends came out in support of this walk. Bailey Avenue was shut down for half an hour, because of the great support from the community. Photos & Text by Tracey Mullen

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease all too familiar in our communities and families. It is the 5th leading cause of death in Erie county. African Americans in Erie county have double the hospital admission rates than their white counterparts for Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is an insidious disease that can lead to loss of vision, kidney disease, nerve damage and is a precursor to heart disease and stroke. We must begin to understand this disease and take the necessary steps to mitigate its negative effects and begin the journey to reverse it. What can I Do? 1.Adopt a Healthful Mindset: Be prepared to believe that, “given the right conditions the body will heal itself.” 2.Exercise is a great way to better manage Type 2 diabetes. A 20-30-minute daily walk can go a long way. 3.Weight Loss Obesity is the number one risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. 4.Eat a healthful diet The standard American diet which is the meat-sweet diet is wreaking havoc on our bodies. Gradually switching to a plant based diet that is high in fiber and low in fat will aid the pancreas, liver and kidneys in performing its functions more efficiently. If you are diabetic eating healthful also means eating 5-6 small meals every 2-3 hours. Remember, “You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight." Taking it one day and one meal at a time is all it takes!

Do’s •Eat a variety of fruit •Eat more fresh and frozen fruit and less canned fruit and fruit juices •Eat more dark green veggies like broccoli, spinach and other dark leafy greens •Eat more orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes •Eat more dry beans like black beans and red beans •Eat a variety of whole Grains like wheat, rye, barley, quinoa, and brown rice •Drink water •Homemade snacks that satisfy the sweet tooth Don’ts •White rice •White bread •Fried and fast foods •Frozen meals (high in sodium) •Processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, sausage, lunch meat) •Packaged cakes, cookies, pies, candy •Pop (If you do eat fried and fast foods and processed meat don't do it too often).

EAT TO LIVE

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

Baskin Announces Erie County RENEW Spending Plan

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CARIOL'S HONOR: A much deserved honor was bestowed upon Cariol Horn recently, the courageous expolice officer turned community activist behind the ground breaking Cariol's Law. That law requires officers to step in if another officer is thought to be using excessive force on a suspect, and provides protections for whistleblower officers.Congratulations Cariol! Street Legacy Photos By Darvin Adams

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Erie County Legislature Chair April N. M. Baskin today announced details for how the county will spend the funds it will receive as part of the Biden Administration’s American Rescue Plan (ARP). The ARP was developed to help the nation recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes the stimulus checks that were sent to individuals earlier this year, as well as funding to state and local governments. Erie County will receive $89 million dollars in 2021 and another $89 million in 2022. In addition, Erie County will receive an additional $34 million this year from New York State to make up for cuts made during 2020. Chair Baskin worked with County Executive Poloncarz and members of the legislature’s Majority Caucus to develop a plan for Erie County. The name and vision for this spending plan is RENEW: Reinvest in Erie’s Neighborhoods and Employ our Workforce. “The American Rescue Plan has given us a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest in Erie County,” said Erie County Legislature Chair April N. M. Baskin. “As a proud resident of the City of Buffalo, I am extraordinarily grateful for the work my Congressman Brian Higgins did, along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, to make this a reality for so many who struggled these past 15 months against not only the public health crisis that was COVID-19 but the economic fallout from the necessary closing of many integral parts of our economy. As Chair of the legislature, I will ensure robust discussion at the Committee level and guarantee well-informed suggestions from all members. We have a once in a generation opportunity with these funds, and I am confident that the plan put forward today will help Buffalo and Erie County throughout the 21st century.” “I am most proud of my negotiations to include funding for the Erie County Division of Health Equity, which will create nine new jobs in the Department of Health for specialists to focus on the healthcare of minority and impoverished residents,” noted Baskin. “The pandemic wounded our community, but I am determined to see us emerge stronger,” said Baskin. “The lives we lost are irreplaceable, but we can move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to invest in the projects and organizations that will make our community stronger. The needs of essential workers, low-income communities, small business, and vital infrastructure have all been prioritized, along with our most vibrant county assets like our historic parks, and much needed improvements to streets, sidewalks, and buildings housing cherished programming on the East and West side of Buffalo. Today is a day we can celebrate as the start of a plan to truly bring Buffalo and Erie County back while going further than ever before in the realm of investment into our infrastructure and cultural institutions.” “I want to thank my colleague, Legislator Howard Johnson and the other members of the Majority Caucus for their ongoing fight to prioritize the needs of all residents of Erie County,” finished Baskin.

FAITH & FAMILY

WELCOME BACK! The Macedonia Baptist Church located at 237 East North

St., Rev. Julian Armond Cook, Sr. Pastor, is excited to announce our return to in-person worship with two services, 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Masks must be worn at all times and social distancing will be observed. If you wish to attend, you must register weekly online at www.macedoniabuffalo.com click on In-Person Service Registration or call the church at 716-886-3489 by Noon on Saturdays.

Virtual Bible Study Join us for Virtual Bible Study every Thursday @ 12 PM! If you have questions or need help getting on Zoom email: FRIENDSINCDCC@GMAIL.COM or call (716)882-0602.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

SUMMER GOSPEL EXPLOSION! On Saturday July 17 Deacon Clarence Rodolph will present Summer Gospel Explosion at Greater Royal Church, 1335 Clinton Street. The doors open at 3pm and the program starts 4pm sharp. Admission for adults is $10 in advance and $15 at door and $5 for children at door. The performance lineup includes: Gussie Mitchell and The Wondering Deacon Rodolph Five, St. James Praise Dancers, Living Waters, Gospel Stars, Brouce Myles, The Anointed Voices of Harmony of Rochester NY, with special guest the Dean Singers of Buffalo NY. The guest host and MC will be Apostle Albert Wilson. For more Information call Clarence Rodolph 716 893-9891 Come and Be Blessed!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

SUBSIDIZED HOUSING FOR SENIORS

COVID-19 CONTROLLED!

An extensive and rigid cleaning protocol has been implemented by our Maintenance Staff to limit exposure to the coronavirus.

ST. JOHN TOWER, BUFFALO

COME ENJOY QUALITY LIVING IN OUR COMMUNITY WITH RENTS BASED ON INCOME - AS LOW AS ZERO. → Newly Renovated Units → Great Location → Personal and Courteous Onsite Management. → Professional Security → On-Site Laundry Room → Full Time Social Service Director → Daily Activities → Free Shuttle Bus → Emergency Pull Cords → And much more

FIND OUT MORE! CALL TODAY: 716-855-1505 | TTY/TDD#711

Entertainment

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

SUMMER IN THE CITY! THE RETURN OF OUTDOOR FESTIVALS!

Pappy Martin Legacy Masten Jazz Festival Returns Next Weekend With An Awesome Local and National Lineup! The Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society announces that plans have been solidified for the 26th Annual Pappy Martin Legacy Masten Jazz Festival Sunday, July 18 and Sunday July 25 from 3 to 8 p.m. on the side lawn of the Buffalo Museum of Science 1020 Humboldt Parkway. The line-up is as follows: SUNDAY JULY 18: 3:00 pm - Adrian Benton Band 4:00 pm - George Caldwell 5:00 pm - Trigger and the Sermon 6:00 pm - Drea D'Nur 7:00 pm - Will Holton Host: Terri Davis (former radio personality ) SUNDAY JULY 25: 3:00 pm - Love Supreme School of Music 4:00 pm - NAT REEVES STATE OF EMERGENCY BAND: Featuring bassist extraordinaire, Nat Reeves; Eddie Henderson (trumpet), Rick Germanson (piano); Steve Davis (trombone); Eric McPherson (drums) 5:30 pm - CURTIS LUNDY UMOJA: Featuring worldrenowned bassist, Curtis Lundy; Orrin Evans (piano); Warren Wolf (vibraphone); Stacy Dillard (saxophone); Brandee Younger (harp); Terreon Gully (drums) 7:00pm - RON CARTER TRIO: Featuring the most recorded jazz bassist, Ron Carter; Russell Malone (guitar); Donald Vega (piano) Host: Sheila Anderson "Queen of Hang", WBGO 88.3FM Radio Don't forget to bring your own chairs. Food vendors will be on site. For info go to PMLJAZZ.COM

Terrill Hall

GOSPELFEST!

Bessie Patterson, Coordinator, has announced that the 35th Annual Gospelfest will take place on Saturday July 24 in Martin Luther King Park from 2pm till 8 pm. Some of Buffalo’s best gospel singers will be participating along with BET’s SUNDAY’S BEST Contestant, TERRILL HALL, a native of Buffalo. It promises to be a really great event! More on the lineup next week!

BEAU FLEUVE MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL One of Buffalo’s most diverse events that celebrates all genres of music, arts culture takes place August 29 from 2-9pm on the historic grounds of the Buffalo Central Terminal 495 Paderewski Drive . This years lineup will consist of not only acts from Buffalo/WNY but also from Rochester, NYC, BaltimoreDC and Florida showcasing over 20 amazing musical performances by both signed and unsigned artists, DJ’s, silent disco sets, art exhibitions and installations curated talks, food trucks, vendors, family fun area and more ! Gates open at 1:30pm General admission tickets are $20. Herd tickets are $45 ( buy 3 at $15ea. get 1 free) Unvaccinated festival goers are asked to wear protective facemask For more info: go to beaufleuvemusicarts.com

THE SOUL OF THE PINE GRILL JAZZ REUNION: Pictured above at the 29th annual Pine Grill Jazz Reunion in 2018, is Agnes Bain and George K. Arthur. Ms. Bain, the amazing woman behind the Pine Grill reunion for 30 years, made her transition in January of 2020. George K. Arthur who helped spearhead the founding of the annual event, transitioned December of that same year on Christmas day. Challenger Photo

Dates for This Year’s Pine Grill Jazz Reunion Set! The Pine Grill Jazz Reunion takes on a whole new meaning this year as Buffalonians locally and from across the country return to MLK Park once again for the “Mother of all Reunions.” African American Cultural Center Executive Director Tina Abubeker has announced this year’s dates - Sunday August 1 and Sunday August 8 - for the much anticipated event. More info coming in the Challenger News and on our web site, thechallengnernews.com next week! See you in the park!

More Outdoor Events

Saturday July 10 and Sunday July 11 TASTE OF BUFFALO Venue: Niagara Square and part of Delaware Ave. Time: Saturday 11am- 9pm Sunday 11am -7pm Face Masks Required Info: Go to tasteofbuffalo.com

Saturday July 17: SUMMER IN THE CITY COMMUNITY GARDENING EVENT At King Urban Life Center 938 Genesee from noon to 4pm Free Family Friendly . YMCA’s Y on the Fly Mobile BBQ lunch and gardening gloves and tools provided. Info: 716 826-2683.

TYPOGRAPHY OF WOMEN PERFORMANCE ANNOUNCEMENT LETTER FROM A BIRMINGHAM JAIL CONTINUES The performance of Typography of Women’s Letter From A Birmingham Jail: If. Martin Were Here Today is on-going and available to the general public on the Typography of Women’s YouTube channel. The production features some of Buffalo’s best talent, Brandon Williamson as Dr. King in 2021, Gabriel Robere as Dr. King in 1963, Mary Craig as the narrator and Freedom Song vocalist, Lorenzo Parnell as the soloist, and Abdul Rahman Qadir as the rhythm keeper and percussionist. Also available is the presentation by Le Ballet Touba N’dam Fal featuring Griot Alassane Saar and dancer/ choreographer, Robin H. Hibbert in the dance of the Manding. The links below take you to each of the individual segments of Typography’s Juneteenth program, free to watch. Letter From A Birmingham Jail. (performance) https://youtu.be/Uchs3N7drRg The Spirit of African Dance in America (performance) h t t p s : / / y o u t u . be/2y8tche7hzg Birmingham Jail Talkback: Ntare Gault, Brandon Williamson, Celeste Lawson https://youtu.be/gp_qSWzsPFI Talkback with Ntare Gault, Mary Craig, Celeste Lawson https://youtu.be/pOtErlFe7kA Talkback Spirit of African Dance in America Griot Alassane Saar, Robin Hibbert, Celeste Lawson h t t p s : / / y o u t u . be/0ZcPkeQYs9E

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

Johnnie Wiley Saturday Summer Market Place is Open for Business! “Brothers of Kwanza”: JERRELL BRAXTON Pens New Book

uffalo native Jerrell Braxton has written a new book, “Brothers of Kwanza: An African-American Male Self-Empowerment Group Process” which is published through Dorrance Publishing. The book is a step-by-step process of establishing a self-empowerment program for youth that can be used in schools and other youth organizations. This program model operated successfully for twenty-three consecutive years in the Milwaukee Public School System. Writes Jerrell: “It’s vitally important that youth be actively and productively involved in the process of identifying educating themselves and developing solutions to the plight of the African-American male. They must develop their critical thinking skills, which is our core methodology presented in this book.” Jerrell Braxton, a retired School Social Worker and Clinical Psychotherapist is currently a resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is the brother of the late Rasheed Sabir. Congratulations brother Braxton! (faceook.com/ brothersofkwanza) book can also be found on bookstore.dorrancepub-

The Johnnie B. Wiley Summer Market Place "Kuleta Pamoja," is Open for Business! The market takes place every Saturday now until September 25th between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pavilion on Jefferson and Best St. Stop by and check out the great variety of vendors selling ethnic and cultural merchandise and more. A farmers market, food trucks, music and talent showcases are also featured. Kuleta Pamoja is a Swahili phrase meaning to come together, For information about vending opportunities contact Letesha Wiley at 716-3900005 or Lateshawiley81@ gmail.com See you at the Market Place! Challenger Photos

Blanc Photographie

The Community’s Portrait & Event Photographer. 716.319.8979 • Facebook: Blanc Photographie • Instagram: @blanc_photographie

With Artist Residencies by:

612 Northland Avenue Buffalo, NY 14211

June 26–August 1

Julia Bottoms Tricia Butski Rachel Shelton

August 6–September 12

Max Collins Fotini Galanes Phyllis Thompson

Hervé Tullet: Shape and Color is made possible through the generosity of Wegmans, Helen and Andy Cappuccino, and Mrs. Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.

Additional support is provided by Mr. Robert M. Carey. Programming for Hervé Tullet: Shape and Color is funded by our Lead Creativity Sponsor, Hyatt’s All Things Creative.

Additional funding for programming is provided by an anonymous donor. The Albright-Knox’s exhibition program is generously supported by The Seymour H. Knox Foundation, Inc. Albright-Knox Northland is supported by M&T Bank.

21 June 26–September 12, 20

! add to the exhibition Create your own art to albrightknox.org/tullet

Facebook: /albrightknoxartgallery Twitter: @albrightknox Instagram: @albrightknox

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

A LOVING TRIBUTE TO LORNA C. HILL

Geronimo By Lorna C. Hill

For over 45 years, Just Buffalo Literary Center has brought the world’s greatest writers to Buffalo, hosted poetry events and readings, and supported the development of young writers both in schools and at the Just Buffalo Writing Center. Join us!

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Aunt Vi said the Indians left me on the doorstep I don't remember what my question was But I was satisfied with the answer I used to imagine Geronimo comin' down South 11th Avenue from the Dead End Beyond which was No Man's Land And he stops at 513 and he lays this bundle, which is me, on the front stoop of the tenement. He could have chosen any house He could have chosen a pretty house, with a nice lawn and trees, He could have chosen a house with other kids so that I'd have sisters and brothers but he chose 513, the only tenement on the block, and he thought "Good People Here" I figured I was well off At least I knew who my father was. I didn't worry about... If Geronimo is my father then who is my mother? I was immediately reconciled to the idea that he was my father and Ruby was my mother even though they had never met It was me knowing both of them that joined them. Yeah, I figured I was well off I knew my parents. I had a mysterious background and everyone in my world loved me despite the fact that I was not truly of them. I was rich. A poem from Lorna Hill's book Yalla Bitch Copyright

Celes Tisdale Announces Publication of New Book of Poetry Former Buffalo, New York and Western New York area resident, Professor Celes Tisdale, announces the publication of his new book When the Smoke Cleared: Attica Prison Poems and Journal, by Duke University Press, late fall, 2021.He is also the author of Betcha Ain’t: Poems from Attica (Broadside Press) and We Be Poetin’ (We the People Publishers) Professor Tisdale is Distinguished Emeritus Professor ProfessorTisdale of English having received the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and he has taught at several colleges and universities and read his poetry and lectured throughout the United States and Canada. He acted on the Off-Broadway stage prior to his work as a radio and television personality for ABC, CBS, and NBC, and he was an on-air announcer and host of his own weekly public affairs television program (ABC). The Buffalo, New York Philharmonic Orchestra invited Professor Tisdale to narrate Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” and Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait.” Professor Tisdale’s love for children lend him to become a professional storyteller for Young Audiences of America, Inc. He is also a World Religions scholar. Professor Tisdale and his wife now reside in Augusta, Georgia.

Marquis ‘Ten Thousand’ Burton A Man of Many Purposeful Spoken Words Unwritten Marquis ‘ Ten Thousand’ Burton has been performing his poetry since the age of 14 and by the age of 17 he put his pen down and started to recite words in an undefeatable freestyle that to this very day has won him more than 30 poetry slams for audiences near and far. His incredible skill of smithing words into meaningful and powerful expressions of love, peace, joy, pain, solution, reality and life lived has turned into a library of well over one thousand recorded performances. Marquis ‘ Ten Thousand’ Burton The now early 30 something spoken word poet ,educator and curator built his chops at the Em Tea Coffee Cup café among other venues. He was given the alias (originally Ten Thousand Strong ) as a young poet by artists DB Handz and James Cooper who proclaimed “He has ten thousand poems in his heart , mind and soul at anytime.” A great collaborator, Marquis is currently working with dancer and educator Naila Ansari for a project they entitled “Creative Space for Joy” and visual artist Jaylen Law along with Buffalo Salvation Army for a workshop with kids age 5 to 11 where their final collaborative works will be exhibited at this years Beau Fleuve Music Arts Festival on August 29th. Continued Page 22

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

Jillian Hanesworth: Buffalo's First Poet Laureate Lights the Way

illian Hanesworth has been doing the work. An organizer, activist and poet, the 28-year old has used her voice to support underserved neighborhoods in Buffalo for the last 5 years. On March 16 Jillian made history when she was appointed Buffalo’s first poet laureate by the city’s Common Council. In her new role she is bridging the gap between the local government and the community. As poet laureate, her obligation is to share her poems for events and special occasions, but she plans to use the position for so much more. “My art is my vehicle, my work is the gas,” Hanesworth simply explained. Currently the director of leadership at Open Buffalo, a non-profit organization teaching and fighting for racial, economic, Schondra and ecological justice, Hanesworth runs AYTCH programs to equip community members as leaders in their own communities. Her main goal is to bring awareness to the disparities between certain areas in Buffalo and propose solutions for them. Utilizing her talent as a wordsmith to compose poems that shed light on underserved communities is a part of her activism as an organizing leader. Gaining notoriety for her spoken word that brings intimate perspective to social justice issues, much of Hanesworth's experiences as an east side Buffalo native and Black woman has informed her art. Writing since she was 7 years old, the young artist has always had a knack for words. A self-proclaimed introvert who loves to read, Hanesworth’s passion for equality and fire for justice was ignited by books like Jimmy’s Blues and Other Poems by James Baldwin and The Rose That Grew From Concrete by Tupac. Starting to apply her knowledge for words and literacy while attending Performing Arts High School, she became involved in many activities. A talented voice major during that time, Hanesworth was also captain of the school’s undefeated debate team. “I love that school. I really came out of my shell as a leader there,” Hanesworth mentioned. Leaving Buffalo for the first time after graduating from Performing Arts in 2010 to attend Fredonia University, the young poet’s passion for advocacy grew. While majoring in criminal justice with a concentration in law, Hanesworth organized events on campus throughout her college career and became the president of the Black Student Union her senior year. “ I took this mindset where it’s like, ‘I have to know who I am, I have to know what I want, and if what I want doesn’t exist, I have to be willing to build it,’” Hanesworth explained. “What you need as a Black student most likely doesn’t exist because they don’t have a lot of Black students, so we had to build our culture, we had to build our place on that campus.” While at Fredonia, Hanesworth was also going through her own personal battles. Struggling academically, which later she discovered was due to dyslexia, stunted her confidence as a poet. Still writing and reading poetry, the young artist hid her poetry work from the public. Hanesworth's passion to share poetry didn’t sprout until she graduated in 2014. And moved back to Buffalo. She can recall a day when she was sitting in her parents' living room, watching the news about Trayvon Martin’s and Mike Brown’s deaths. “I remember writing one line on my paper and that line was ‘I wish the little black boy did something wrong.’ From that poem, came everything that I do now,” Hanesworth said. Recognizing her gift for poetry at that moment, Hanesworth decided to stop running from it. Writing and reciting her poetry professionally since 2017, the talented wordsmith has performed over 200 times in Buffalo, New York City, Toronto among many other places and released her first poetry book titled For The Culture in 2018 which includes her popular poem “Little Black Boy.” Leading social change through her artistry, parallel to organizing, Hanesworth has worked with multiple local institutions to increase equality and equity in Buffalo. From being a counselor at the Haven House for survivors of interpersonal violence, to a teaching artist at Ujima Theatre, and now at Open Buffalo, the young poet has manifested her activism in many unique ways. "The most important thing I can possibly do is remember I’m a servant,” Hanesworth explained. “Not a star... I’m building a

platform to represent people, to represent my community, to express the needs of historically ignored, historically excluded people.” A major organizer during the political and racial tension of 2020, more specifically after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor last summer, Hanesworth led peaceful protests within the city of Buffalo for legislative change. At the same time, she was also in the thick of pushing city council members to create a poet laureate role. She worked diligently behind the scenes with politicians to have the role officialized with no intent on taking the position. “Art expands beyond social economic status, it expands beyond language, it expands beyond gender identity, sexual orientation - all of that. It reaches people in a way that nothing else can. Art is always appropriate. Politics is not,” Hanesworth mentioned. With strong support from Masten District council member Ulysses S. Wingo and his Chief of Staff Damon Palmer, who assisted Hanesworth in building the resolution for a poet laureate, the common council approved the role. A no-brainer for council members to appoint Hanesworth. She humbly accepted the role and is already using her new influence to support the community. Continuing to expand her activism, Hanesworth is currently working on her second poetry book titled the Revolution will Rhyme which will include transcripts of a conversation she had with Dr. Cornel West. She is also planning to drop a poetry EP later in the year. Hanesworth's ultimate goal is to keep organizing while supporting like-minded activists and creatives in Buffalo. Intent on collaborating with painters, musicians and poets in the city, she wants to elevate the poet laureate position as much as she can for other aspiring poets to apply when her two-year term is over. But for right now, Jillian Hanesworth is leading the way. “I’m just excited about everything,” Hanesworth concluded. “I feel like I finally am walking in my purpose. I’ve known what my purpose was, and I feel like I'm living it now. Every single day I wake up, and I come to work, and I like what I do at work. And I go home feeling like even if I can’t directly see the impact of my work, I feel like I’m helping, I feel like I'm doing something that’s worth it.” Keep up with Jillian Hanesworth by following her social platforms or connect with her directly at her website: https:// www.jillthepoet.com.

TEN THOUSAND

Pure Ink Poetry:Buffalo’s Only Monthly Running Poetry Slam!

The Just Buffalo Literary Center teaching artist has worked with Shea's Performing Arts, C.A.O., Say Yes Buffalo, United Way of Rochester and Community Foundation for a Greater Buffalo among other nonprofit and educational institutions. Helping everyday people discover their voice through slam poetry using writing and performance techniques always with a goal to heal and induce progress. “I think the more we understand each other’s lived experiences the easier it can be for us to come together for the greater good” he said. Marquis has represented Buffalo in National Poetry Slams for the past decade and has been the official team coach for more than three years. He has also held the position of curator of poetry talent from the Music is Art Festival for over 6 years Keep up with Ten Thousand on instagram @ tenthousdandpoetry and his website tenthousandpoetry. com

continued from page 10

ure Ink poetry created by Buffalo Poet Brandon Williamson in 2012 with support of Julia Williamson, Bianca L. McGraw has helped to engage a resurgence of poetry in the Buffalo area. The organization holds monthly slams showcasing outstanding poetic talents. The next Slam is a 2nd round zoom slam July 11, 2-4pm! Visit the website pureincpoetry.com for details a on monthly events.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

Minority Bar of WNY Calls For Common Judge Givens Receives Historic Appointment Council To Pass The Right To Know Law And On June 8, 2021, the NYS Senate confirmed Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s nomination of Buffalo City Court Judge Debra L. Givens to serve as a For Mayor Brown To Sign It Into Law Judge of the New York State Court of Claims. CONGRATULATIONS SOLAR!

We celebrate Solar, “The Communities Daughter, ” a member of the Graduating Class of 2021 from Buffalo State College Individualized Studies Program with a degree in Curriculum Developer; a fitting degree for this community worker, youth advocate author, poet, educator and successful blogger on Take A Solar Moment and more!. When asked where she will go from here, her answer was simple, "every where my talents and skillset will take me!...Now, there is just an increase in the value of my worth, and without repentance I am ready for the community to invest into a proven product... me." We have covered Solar's involvement over the years and her track record speaks for itself, so we are Happy to celebrate her newest achievement, and wish her well with all future endeavors!

The Minority Bar Association of WNY (MBAWNY), together with the Urban Think Tank, the NAACP Buffalo Branch, Members of the Clergy, Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, National Lawyers Guild-Buffalo and others, held a press conference in front of City Hall on June 22 to call on the Common Council to pass the Right to Know Law and for Mayor Brown to sign it into law. The Minority Bar Association of WNY Criminal Justice Reform Task Force has worked with community stakeholders over the last year to provide impactful, common-sense recommendations for policing reforms. One of those reforms is the Right to Know Law, which has been enacted in New York City and Syracuse. The MBAWNY Criminal Justice Reform Task Force adapted those other versions of the Right to Know Law for Buffalo. This initiative to amend the Buffalo City Code and Charter will provide the public with notice of the reasons behind their encounters with the Buffalo Police Department (BPD), as well as information on how to file a complaint. The law is also designed to increase transparency in police practices and restore trust between the BPD and the community. So far the Right to Know Law has sat in the Buffalo Common Council Legislative Committee, for six months.

BLACK HISTORY continued

ten miles of streets were well illuminated by lamps. (This was hundreds of years before there was a paved street in Paris or a street lamp in London.) Cordova had 900 public baths – we are told The Great Mosque of Córdoba (La Mezquita) is still one of the architectural wonders of the world in spite of later Spanish disfigurements. Its low scarlet and gold roof, supported by 1,000 columns of marble, jasper and porphyry, was lit by thousands of brass and silver lamps which burned

Judge Givens is the first woman and the first person of color to be appointed to the Court of Claims in the Eighth Judicial District, which encompasses the eight counties of Western New York and she will be working as a NYS Supreme Court Justice. Judge Givens was born and raised in Buffalo and received both her Bachelor’s degree in History and her Juris Doctor degree from SUNY Buffalo. She began her legal career in 1988 as an associate attorney in the law firm of Lipsitz, Green, et al, practicing Matrimonial & Family Law. She later opened the Law Office of Debra L. Givens and joined Judge Givens forces with attorney John V. Elmore to create The Law Offices of Elmore and Givens in 1993. Thereafter, Judge Givens served as a Support Magistrate of the Erie County Family Court, where she presided over child support cases. She became a Buffalo City Court Judge in 2003 and was soon designated as an acting Family Court Judge and acting Erie County Criminal Court Judge, serving in those capacities for several years before her appointment to the NYS Court of Claims. “I am extremely honored to have received this appointment and excited to serve Western New York in this new and expanded judicial capacity. It is the highlight of my career and represents the culmination of my many years of providing legal and judicial service to the Western NY community. I am very grateful to all those who have supported me in my career including colleagues, elected officials, friends, family and voters.”

perfumed oil. 7. Education was universal in Moorish Spain, available to all, while in Christian Europe ninety-nine percent of the population were illiterate, and even kings could neither read nor write. At that time, Europe had only two universities, the Moors had seventeen great universities! These were located in Almeria, Cordova, Granada, Juen, Malaga, Seville, and Toledo. To be Continued: Next: Libraries & More!

We’re more than just books.

Buffalo & Erie County Public

LIBRARY

37 libraries, free library cards & borrowing if you live, work or go to school in Erie County. Free WiFi, public computers, eBooks, downloadable music, Summer Reading contests, in-library and virtual programs for all ages, job finding and business resources, makerspaces, recording studios, sports equipment lending for children, Play Down Your Fines and Read Down Your Fines initiatives for children, family history resources, health and wellness links, exhibits and displays, magazines, one of a kind rare books, Buffalo history, and so much more!

www.BuffaloLib.org • 716-858-8900

ELECTION UPDATE: COUNTDOWN TO NOVEMBER!

PEACE, LOVE & POWER! Images from the India Walton campaign's press conference and support rally in response to Mayor Brown's write-in campaign announcement. last week in Niagara Square. Street Legacy Photos by Darvin Adams

UPDATE *Both Mayor Brown and Primary candidate winner India Walton are getting plenty of press *Walton has made excellent use of the opportunity. In one in depth interview with The Buffalo News for example, she was straight forward and transparent in answering a host of questions involving rumors or troubles she may have faced as a struggling young mother. *In another, she talked about Democratic Socialism and the pride she felt as a follower of that political philosophy. When asked to define it she said simply: “All it means is that I’m putting people first. People over profit. I’m representing the working class, the poor, the forgotten,” Buffalo’s poverty rate is more than twice the national average. *She has made it clear that Democratic Socialism communism.

is not

*She has laid out her agenda/platform, which is progressive and ambitious ranging from public safety and police reform to being able to provide working families with the resources they need to not only survive but thrive. A top issue she has stated, is community violence and she has already begun to look into ways to reduce gun Violence. *She supports term limits. Indeed, we don’t need any more 16-year-entrenched incumbents. Said Walton, "In order to make progress we need fresh ideas.” *At the end of the day either Mayor Brown will make history as having won a write-in campaign for an unprecedented fifth term as mayor; or India Walton after having made Buffalo's most stunning election upset, will make history as the first female mayor and first democratic socialist mayor of New York's second largest city. See you at the polls! CLARIFICATION: The June 24th cover headline reported that India Walton was “poised to become the first Black and first Female Mayor of Buffalo.” Having to change the cover at the 11th hour and our excitement in the wake of India’s monumental win, resulted in a headline that was misleading. We'd like to make it plain that Ms. Walton will become the first FEMALE Mayor of the City of Buffalo as well as the city's first Black female and first Democratic Socialist! She is also on track to become the first democratic socialist mayor of a big city in 60 years! Apologies for any confusion it may have caused!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

BROWN'S FIERY WRITE-IN CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT: ON TO NOVEMBER! The Primary election is over, all the ballots have been counted, and Mayor Brown lost. At first he refused to concede. Then decided, at the urging of rich conservative backers, to pursue a write-in campaign in November. But it was his very public, disrespectful, fear mongering announcement of that decision that set an unfortunate tone. Referring to his opponent as a "radical socialist," he declared - among other outrageous claims: “There is tremendous fear that has spread across this community, people are fearful about the future of our city. They are fearful about the future of their families,” Brown said. “They are fearful about the future of their children, and they have said to me that they do not want a radical socialist occupying the mayor’s office in Buffalo City Hall.” If I'm correct, what the voters said in June is that they do not want Mr. Brown to occupy City Hall! The final decision, as all know, will be made on General Election Day, November 2.

Sheriff’s Candidate Myles Carter Removed From November Ballot Community activist and candidate for Erie County Sheriff Myles Carter has been removed from the November2 General Election ballot by the Board of Elections. Going into the Primary Carter had two Independent Lines which would have allowed him a place on the ballot in the fall even after losing the Democratic Primary. He ran a respectable race, placing third with 10% of the vote. His petitions were later “challenged” and the Board ruled he had too few signatures to meet requirements and removed him from the ballot.

Beaty Stands a Good Chance of Making History in November But Community/ City-Wide Support Will be Critical Kimberly Beaty won an impressive victory in the June Primary - defeating the endorsed Democratic candidate Brian J. Gould hands down 51% to Gould’s 37.5%. Her biggest win was in the city - enough to beat Gould even though he won the majority of the county’s cities and towns (Beaty did win Aurora, Holland and Amherst). Most impressive were the 7,162 votes she received in Buffalo - winning almost 2,000 votes in Masten alone (1,940). She holds a very real chance of winning in November and becoming the county’s first woman and first Black sheriff. Turnout in the Black community will be key. There are three Republicans running against each other in November - Karen Healy-Case; Ted DiNoto (who the party unsuccessfully attempted to have removed from the ballot); and John C. Garcia , Beaty’s main opponent who won strong in the Republican Primary. Garcia, who is a Brown supporter, is also supported by outgoing Sheriff Tim Howard. After her primary election win, Democratic Party Chair Jeremy Zellner pledged the party’s support behind Beaty, who was from day one, and remains, the most qualified candidate in the race.

VOICES

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

India Won the Primary Because People Reality Check: An Open Letter to Byron Brown: In Defense and Support of Are Fed Up With Politricks... Programs and Mayoral Primary Winner India Walton and Black Womanhood Editor: Policies Democratic We the undersigned, condemn the deplorable actions and words of the current Mayor Byron Dear In the age of digital media, we can be a "fly on the wall" of Brown and his supporters against India Walton. In America’s long history of disenfranchis- other's lives.". We are now able to say how we feel when Socialists Support Hmmmm, what are some of the programs or policies that Democrat Socialists support... 1.Social Security Retirement Checks 2. Medicaid Or Medicare For All 3.$15 National Minimum Wage 4.HEAP 5.TANF (Food Stamps) 6 Obama Care 7.Daycare Subsidies For Working Moms 8.Section 8 Housing Subsidies 9.Student Loan Reduction Or Forgiveness 10.Housing Grants Or No Interest Loans For Low Income Homeowners. 11.Tuition Free College 12.Reparations For African Americans 13.Section 3 And Title 6 Assistance For Workers From Distressed Communities. 14. Financial Support For Struggling Businesses 15. Private Homeownership I think that based on the above list, there are more than a few of us, 'in the closet,' that support democratic socialistic ideologies. Please, let us not let the racist, Trump supporters, like Carl Paladino' and others, have us fighting against a chance to be included in the redevelopment of Buffalo. Mr. Paladino and the other developers are fighting to keep Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money that is coming to the city based on our level of poverty and blight. Instead of helping the 3rd most poverty stricken city, Buffalo's poor people's money was distributed to the rich and power-

ing, terrorizing, and dehumanizing Black people and Black women, racist power structures have often employed coded language meant to question the competency, intelligence, womanhood, and respectability of Black women. We call out Brown’s refusal to say India Walton’s name in public remarks and in press conferences. We condemn his use of rhetoric meant to pose Walton as a “radical socialist” as the dog whistle that it is, meant to court conservatives and pander to racists. We, the undersigned, read his supporters’ interchangeable use of the words “Welfare Queen,” “ghetto,” and “single-mother” when describing Walton as what it is, a way of criminalizing Black women’s bodies, reproductive choices, and the geographies we transverse. We believe it is our duty and right to speak out when the most basic forms of human decency and respect are not being met toward Black women. We will not let this moment pass without calling out the racism, sexism, misogyny, and white supremacist capitalist patriarchy at play in the 2021 Buffalo Mayoral race even when it derives from a Black, male, democratic candidate(hello intersectionality). For Buffalo at present is a microcosm of historical and national oppression against Black women. And across the nation, Black women are watching what is happening in Buffalo. We have a long history of being called out of our names. But just as long is our history of fighting for the right to name ourselves and determine our destiny. Like India Walton, we have wide-ranging experiences, and a roving path has led us to this present moment. We will not deny our history, our experiences, and our worth in this world. We affirm the work of India Walton on behalf of Black communities. We affirm the journey that has bought her to this place, to love and struggle on behalf of the folk. Like her, we are mothers, educators, activists, domestic abuse survivors, working-class, working poor, respectable, ratchet, God-fearing, struggling, and rising, always rising Black women, “committed to survival and wholeness of entire people, male and female…” We affirm all those who like us “love(s) music. Loves dance. Loves the moon. Loves the Spirit. Loves love and food and roundness. Loves struggle. Loves the Folk. Loves herself. Regardless.” We are a force to be reckoned with and we stand in solidarity with India Walton in demanding that you, Mayor Byron Brown, call her by her name. -Dr. Erika D. Gault and over 300 Men and Women This open letter is also the text of an on-line petition drive started by Dr. Gault. To sign on go to Change.org and look up Erika Gault. The petition will be used to garner support and put pressure on Mayor Byron Brown to shift the racist and sexist language and fear mongering approaches used in the 2021 Mayoral election cycle. The petition has now been signed by over 300 men and women concerned about the global racist and misogynistic rhetoric used by Brown in this election. **Dr. Erika D. Gault is an Assistant Professor at The University of Arizona in the Africana Studies Department, and Ph.D. Graduate from the University at Buffalo and former Buffalo resident. ful! Guess what they did with our money the government returned to us to help poor people? The city leaders gave it to rich developers to construct 100-units, rental complexes that poor people cannot afford to rent! In 1968, Buffalo's poverty level was 28 percent. Today, after billions of state and federal dollars poured in to fix this condition, the poverty level is now at 33 percent! And, the poor people's money keeps on coming in to the city, only to be doled

out to rich developers! So, based on my reckoning, the biggest group of individuals fighting to deny our first female mayor her chance to lead Buffalo, are among the biggest welfare recipients of all! Hey, we don't mind Buffalo's developers dipping their hands in the money pot but please, leave a little for the poor and struggling middle & working class taxpayers to share.

Hua Hu Ching -10-

The ego is a monkey catapulting through the jungle: Totally fascinated by the realm of the senses, it swings from one desire to the next, one conflict to the next, one self-centered idea to the next. If you threaten it, it actually fears for its life. Let this monkey go. Let the senses go. Let desires go. Let conflicts go. Let ideas go. Let the fiction of life and death go. Just remain in the center, watching. And then forget that you are there.

an influencer or politician does not meet our personal standards. As time evolves people have become unsatisfied with the current mayor. The possible win of India Walton may have come as a shock to some but to others, they were aware of the inevitable change of power. The people of Buffalo are "fed up." We are tired, exhausted of politicians who are supposed to impact real change wasting their power and becoming complacent. Or at least I am. As we come into the middle of 2021, a year of twists and turns, remember two things. Firstly, never become complacent. Always strive for greater while remaining grateful. And secondly, if you want something never give up until you obtain it,. Much love, Jersusalem Moses

Brown's Press Conference Announcing His Write In Campaign Was Disgraceful Dear Editor, While watching the local evening news on Monday, I watched as our Black community hit an all-time low. So low, I was ashamed that I was watching with my teenage daughter. What we observed was a disgraceful presentation, disguised as a political presentation, where a pathetic “negro” male intentionally disparaged, insulted and demeaned a strong Black woman, while (unbelievably) his Black wife stood next to him, in a desperate effort to resurrect a losing campaign for re-election. And he did all of this, in TRUMP style, while paraphrasing the words of a man, many in Buffalo believe to be the face of bigotry and racism. The same man who insulted the African American women on the Buffalo School Board. The same man who was outed for sending insulting jokes about Michelle Obama. With these actions, this elected official has finally pulled the covers off himself, and finally removed all doubt as to who he has been pulling his strings, his entire tenure, as the rest of the community, especially those of color, have suffered. Mr. “elected official,” I wasn’t sure who I was going to vote for in November, but after that, not only will I be voting for Ms. Walton, I will strongly encourage everyone I know to do the same! If this is just the beginning, I hate to see how much lower he and his supporters will go. Robert Dennis

"Knowing when to stop you can avoid any danger." -Tao Te Ching

26 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Five (5) HVAC Work Contracts: 47113-H, 47115-H, 47116-H, 47117-H, 47118-H One (1) Plumbing Work Contract: 47116-P Sealed bids for the above Work located in the Geographic Contract Areas described below in Table 1 and comprising separate contracts for Plumbing Work, HVAC Work, will be received by the Office of General Services (OGS), Design & Construction Group (D&C), Contract Management, 35th Floor Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242, until 2:00 p.m. on the date indicated in Table 2 below, when they will be publicly opened and read. Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check, or bid bond in the amount of $25,000. This Advertisement for Bids is for multiple Job Order Contracts (hereinafter called JOC). A Job Order Contract is an indefinite quantity contract pursuant to which the Contractor will perform a series of individual repair, alteration, modernization, maintenance, rehabilitation, demolition and construction projects at different locations. Work is accomplished by means of issuance of a Job Order against a master contract. Under the JOC concept, the Contractor furnishes all management, documentation, labor, materials and equipment needed to perform the Work. The State has published Construction Task Catalogs containing a series of work items with pre-established Unit Prices. The Contractor will bid Adjustment Factors to be applied to the pre-established Unit Prices. The price paid by the State for an individual Project will be determined by multiplying the pre-established Unit Prices by the appropriate quantities and by the appropriate Adjustment Factor(s). All successful bidders will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond in the statutory form of public bonds required by Sections 136 and 137 of the State Finance Law, each for 100% of the amount of the Anticipated Annual Value of Work as noted in Table 2.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

New Book is Comprehensive Guide to Being a Better Mentor In his debut book, Robert F. Lowery makes a case for why there aren’t enough mentors for today’s children and how society can do better. Released this month, Effective Mentoring: A Comprehensive Guide to Being a Better Mentor is a how-to for individuals and organizations who wish to mentor youth or start a mentoring program for youth. "I wrote Effective Mentoring so that readers can learn some of the barriers and challenges youth today face and how they can help,” Lowery said. “I hope that through the book people can learn how mentoring helps lower drug abuse and crime, and improve graduation rates, and more. A book signing will take place on Sunday, January 18 at 907 E. Ferry from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (see his ad page 27) Mr. Lowery draws on over 15 years of experience with Boys & Girls Clubs where he oversaw programs and services for eleven communities in Western New York. He’s since founded a Life Coaching business RL Experience (http://www.rlexperience.com) that helps empower people to develop confidence to create a career and life they desire and deserve. Effective Mentoring contains the author’s professional advice and strategies, with insights into the roles of schools, criminal justice, Continued Page 27

The Completion dates for these Projects, is 365 days after the Agreement is approved by the Comptroller.

Prospective bidders must register for a Pre-Bid Conference in order to attend. The conference will be held for the purpose of discussing the JOC concept, Contract Documents, specifics of the OGS JOC program, OGS expectations, JOC from the Contractor’s perspective (including how to properly prepare a bid) and other bid considerations. The attendees representing prospective bidders at the Pre-Bid Conferences should be principals of the firm and/or the individuals who will be compiling the bid on behalf of the firm. If the bidder is a joint venture, at least one party of the joint venture must register to attend a Pre-Bid Conference. Pre-Bid Conferences – Zoom: Using the links below, prospective bidders will need to register for one of the dates listed below. Prospective bidders will then receive a confirmation email with a link to join on the selected date. Prospective bidders will click on one of the provided links within the confirmation email and Zoom will launch. The system will walk prospective bidders through joining the meeting by audio either via phone or on their computer. Wednesday July 7, 2021 - 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Tuesday July 13, 2021 - 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Zoom Link - July 7, 2021 https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckd-2srj4sGdaAM6Tprwb32S3Y6W0U-rQN Zoom Link - July 13, 2021 https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwsf-urrzwuGt1MXyukd0bfUs4aKuMeVeCp Designated staff are Jessica Hoffman, John Pupons and Pierre Alric in the Division of Contract Management, telephone (518) 474-0203, fax (518) 473-7862 and John Lewyckyj, Acting Director, Design & Construction Group, telephone (518) 474-0201, fax (518) 486-1650. Pursuant to Public Buildings Law § 8(6), effective January 11, 2020, for any projects where the project design commenced on or after January 1, 2020 and for any contracts over $5,000 for the work of construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or improvement of any State building, a responsible and reliable NYS-certified Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprise that submits a bid within ten percent of the lowest bid will be deemed the apparent low bidder provided that the bid is $1,400,000 or less, as adjusted annually for inflation beginning January 1, 2020. If more than one responsible and reliable MWBE firm meets these requirements, the MWBE firm with the lowest bid will be deemed the apparent low bidder. ___Project commenced design before January 1, 2020. Not subject to provision. X Project commenced design on or after January 1, 2020. Subject to provision. Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Article 15-A and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, OGS is required to promote opportunities for the maximum feasible participation of New York State-certified Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (“MWBEs”) and the employment of minority group members and women in the performance of OGS contracts. All bidders are expected to cooperate in implementing this policy. OGS hereby establishes an overall goal of 30% for MWBE participation, 15% for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (“MBE”) participation and 15% for Women-Owned Business Enterprises (“WBE”) participation (based on the current availability of qualified MBEs and WBEs). The total contract goal can be obtained by utilizing any combination of MBE and /or WBE participation for subcontracting and supplies acquired under this Contract. Article 17-B of the New York State Executive Law provides for more meaningful participation in public procurement by certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (“SDVOBs”). Bidders are expected to consider SDVOBs in the fulfillment of the requirements of the Contract. Such participation may be as subcontractors or suppliers, as protégés, or in other partnering or supporting roles. OGS hereby establishes overall goals for SDVOBs’ participation under this contract as follows: 3% for the C trade contractor, 3% for the E trade contractor, 3% for the H trade contractor, and 3% for the P trade contractor, based on the current availability of qualified SDVOBs. Trades with 0% goals are encouraged to make “good faith efforts” to promote and assist in the participation of SDVOBs on the Contract for the provision of services and materials. The Bidding and Contract Documents for this Project are available for viewing and downloading from OGS Design & Construction’s plan room hosting service, Bid Express. Vendors wishing to view and/or download bid documents must complete a one-time registration for the Bid Express service. There is no cost to register for Bid Express. Registration along with viewing and downloading of documents can be accessed at the following link: http://www.bidexpress.com For questions about downloading of bid documents, please send an e-mail to support@bidexpress.com, or call the Bid Express toll-free number at (888) 352-2439.

The Bidding and Contract Documents for this Project are available for viewing and downloading from OGS Design & Construction’s plan room hosting service, Bid Express. Vendors wishing to view and/or download bid documents must complete a one-time registration for the Bid Express service. There is no cost to register for Bid Express. Registration along with viewing and downloading of documents can be accessed at the following link:

http://www.bidexpress.com For questions about downloading of bid documents, please send an e-mail to support@bidexpress.com, or call the Bid Express toll-free number at (888) 352-2439. For all other questions, please send an email to DCPlans@ogs.ny.gov, or call (518) 474-0203. For additional information on this project, please use the link below and then click on the project number: https://online.ogs.ny.gov/dnc/contractorConsultant/esb/ESBPlansAvailableIndex.asp.

John D. Lewyckyj, C.S.I., C.D.T. Acting Director OGS Design & Construction Group End of Document

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

“From Pitied to Prosperous Poster Child”

by Jessica A. James n May 2001, when I was approaching the end of seventh grade, my mother, Shirley Turner and I learned about my diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), by a Buffalo Public Schools Section 504 counselor who observed that I exhibited some core symptoms of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) such as deficits in social skills, above average intelligence, restricted interests, and difficulty adjusting to change in daily routine. Today I am an accomplished college graduate with two bachelor’s degrees from SUNY College at Buffalo (Buffalo State College) and the College at Brockport (SUNY Brockport). Recently, my story was published on social media (i.e. Facebook and Instagram) through Autism Speaks and the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities for their Autism Acceptance Month “Voices from the Spectrum” campaign. Jessica A. James Recently, I was selected to serve as a volunteer advocacy ambassador for Autism Speaks and will be representing New York State. Participation as an advocacy ambassador will give me opportunities to utilize and share my experiences as a person on the spectrum to help others who are living with ASD like myself and work with constituents on the state and local levels and legislators at the national level. For more information on the Autism Speaks Volunteer Advocacy Ambassador Program, visit https://www.autismspeaks. org/volunteer-advocacy-ambassador-program. For more information about Asperger’s Syndrome, visit https://www.autismspeaks.org/types-autism-what-asperger-syndrome.

EFFECTIVE MENTORING continued chronic underfunding and risk behaviors that can make or break a successful mentoring relationship. Among the most surprising qualifications of a mentor shared in the book is the ability to remain quiet and listen. “I’ve always been reserved but that doesn’t mean leadership can’t shine

through.” Lowery credits his time working at a detention center where he learned about tools and assessment models that helped him to create programs from scratch for Boys & Girls Clubs and other organizations. Effective Mentoring is a win-win. “Mentoring can

make you a better person,” adds Lowery. “It’s one of the best ways to help connect the generations in a meaningful way, and to impact someone’s life forever. In this age of generational trauma, a good mentor helps the mentee, which in turn helps his or her children.”

Effective Mentoring changes lives New Book by Robert Lowery Join me

for a Book Signing Sunday, July 18, 2021 11:30am-1:00pm 907 East Ferry Street Buffalo, NY 14211

Now Available

Learn more

@ www.effectivementoring.org

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

LLC'S

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Smile 716 LLC Arts. of Org. filled with the SSNY on 03/03/2021. Office: Erie County. SSNY is designated as an agent of the LLC upon whom the process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC, 505 Berkshire Ave. Buffalo, NY 14215. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. July 8, 15,22,29 August 5,12

Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company N Dot Zulu Fitness, LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on May 28, 2021. Office in Erie County. SSNY is the designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 151 Rounds Avenue Apt. 1 Buffalo, New York 14215. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. July 8, 15,22,29 August 5,12 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Name of LLC: Shifting Gears Unlimited, LLC. Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: July 8, 2020. Office of the LLC: P.O. Box 462 and 55 Deerfield Avenue, Buffalo, New York, 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 P.O. Box 462, Buffalo, New York 14215. Purpose of LLC: Youth and Business Leadership. No specific duration attached to LLC. July 8, 15,22,29 August 5,12

Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company ZHELRE LLC. Arts of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 4/23/2021 Office: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process it may be served. Copy of process shall be mailed to the LLC: 154 Tudor Rd, Buffalo, NY 14215 Purpose: Any Lawful July 8, 15,22,29 August 5,12

Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company K & T's Bottle Redemption, LLC, a Domestic LLC filed 06/23/2021. Office: Erie Co, SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to:1334 Clinton Street, Buffalo, NY 14206. Purpose: Any lawful purpose July 8, 15,22,29 August 5,12.

Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company CARTLOG LLC. Filed with SSNY on JUNE 01, 2021. Office: ERIE County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to: 335 CAMPUS DR APT 2 BUFFALO, NY 14226. Purpose: Any lawful.

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company DPH Management LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 5/21/21. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 64 Randolph Ave, Buffalo, NY 14211. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. July 8, 15,22,29 August 5,12

Rise Up Right Sports

elcome to Rise Up Right, where we give you the best sports news and highlights, and updates taking full circle in the sports world. Thank you for your continued support....and with that being said Let's Rise Up.... Buffalo Bills News The Buffalo Bills are currently getting ready for the upcoming season. This month will be the last month before the real football action begins. A training camp question that is coming up involves the cornerback position. Will Levi Wallace be able to keep his cornerback position from Dane Jackson? Cornerback two and three is a very pivotal position for the Buffalo Bills. Last season, Josh Norman was brought to fill one of those positions and with the Bills looking to solidify that position this will be interesting to watch. In other news, Chris Simms was quoted saying that the Buffalo Bills first and second round picks in the 2021 NFL draft are potential busts as the Bills looked to solidify their pass rush. Do you feel the same way? Hit me up on the Rise Up Family Page on Facebook. Toronto Blue Jays News The Blue Jays homestand with the Tampa Bay Rays was a successful one. The Blue Jays won two of three games in a very convincing fashion. Last Friday, the Blue Jays soared past the Rays 11-1. On Saturday, they won 6-3 as George Springer went yard. On Sunday, the Rays bounced back by stinging the Blue Jays 6-3 on Independence Day. The race for the wild card is going to be wild down the stretch. Will the Blue Jays be in Buffalo when the playoffs start? Keep supporting the Rise Up Right Articles for more updates.

"It kept that fire burning." "I'm not against players getting their money but I have noticed that players lose passion for the game when that happens." The FireStarter: How do you feel about the last two coaches, do you feel like they were the problem? The Razor: " It's easy for players to blame coaching when you don't want to be here, it's an easy scapegoat to use coaching as an excuse for the problems in the organization." My conversation with Rob Ray was phenomenal. He was very real and open about the organization. Shout out to Rob Ray for the many years of great hockey that he gave to this city. NBA News The Milwaukee Bucks will be taking a trip to the NBA finals as they finished off the Atlanta Hawks 118-107 in Game 6. The Phoenix Suns will be awaiting the Milwaukee Bucks as reports have already came out this week that The Greek Freak will be doubtful for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Buffalo Sabres News This week rise up right gets the great opportunity to make hockey and baseball synonymous as I was able to have a For more sports talk and great conversation with the legend"The Razor" Rob Ray. I news follow me on Faceasked him a couple questions about the Sabres organization. book @Andre Robinson or D'Andre Torch Robinson. The FireStarter: Would you ever think about taking a front Join the Rise Up Family Sports Network for a look office position to help the organization? at all the daily sports shows. The Razor: "Obviously not." They will figure it out. I'm en- Download the OnPoint Network on any TV, Phone, or joying my life and family currently. Tablet. Join our YouTube The FireStarter: What would help the organization right Channel at RiseUpFamily. now? Also tune in to the Rise Up The Razor: "Get rid of Jack and Sam and anyone else who Unlimited Radio Show on doesn't want to be here or isn't passionate about the game." WDAP Radio and Spreaker "We use to sign 1 year and an option or 2 years and an option, every Thursday at 430pm. it kept us motivated." ...

The Pike Company and LECESSE Construction actively encourage participation from M / WBE certified firms. Contact Kathy Rooney, Diversity & Community Engagement Manager, to discuss potential opportunities. 1.800.264.7453 | www.thepikecompanies.com | info@pikecos.com

LEGAL NOTICE SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF ERIE –NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, against Francine Gittere as Heir to the Estate of Kathleen J. Gittere; Discover Bank; Unknown Heirs to the Estate of Kathleen J. Gittere, 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 the following designation, namely: the 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; United States of America Department of Treasury; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance- Tax Compliance DivisionC.O.-ATC; Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE #1 through #7, the last seven (7) names being fictitious and unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint, Defendants-Index No. 807241/2020. Plaintiff Designates Erie County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Erie County. To the above named Defendants–YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 days of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated May 28, 2021. 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 the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. 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 of 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 nonprofit 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 1-800269-0990 or visit the Department’s website at http://www.dfs.ny.gov. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. We are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Catherine Nugent-Panepinto, J.S.C. dated May 28, 2021. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 39 Marsdale Road Cheektowaga, NY 14215 a/k/a 39 Marsdale Road Buffalo, NY 14215 located at Section 80.17 Block 10 and Lot 23 Dated and Filed: June 2, 2021 Pincus Law Group, PLLC, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: George J. Weissinger, Esq., 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 (516) 6998902. NOTICE TO DEFENDANT DURING THE CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY, YOU MIGHT BE ENTITLED BY LAW TO TAKE ADDITIONAL DAYS OR WEEKS TO FILE AN ANSWER TO THIS COMPLAINT. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ATTORNEY FOR MORE INFORMATION. IF YOU DON'T HAVE AN ATTORNEY, PLEASE VISIT http://ww2.nycourts.gov/admin/ OPP/foreclosures.shtml OR https://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/Homes/foreclosures.shtml AVISO A DEMANDADO DURANTE LA EMERGENCIA DEL CORONAVIRUS, ES POSIBLE QUE USTED TENGA DERECHO POR LEY A TOMAR DÍAS O SEMANAS ADICIONALES PARA PRESENTAR UNA RESPUESTA A ESTA PETICIÓN POR FAVOR CONTACTE A SU ABOGADO PARA MAS INFORMACIÓN. SI USTED NO TIENE UN ABOGADO, VISITE http://ww2.nycourts.gov/admin/ OPP/foreclosures.shtml OR https://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/Homes/foreclosures.shtml JULY 8,15,22,29

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center / BETC • 716-856-5627 www.workforcebuffalo.org

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021 NAME CHANGE

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the Supreme Court, Erie Index Number 806882/2019 a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk located at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York grants me the right to assume the name Tara Lynn Costner. The city and state of my present address are Buffalo, NY: the month and year of my birth are January 1982; the place of my birth City of Buffalo, State of New York and my present name is Tara Lynn DeJesus.

LEGAL NOTICE Bid NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid 210035 - ELECTRICAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT Download Bids from www. nfta.com LEGAL NOTICE Bid

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

210021 - CONSULTING SERVICES FOR TRANSPORTATION MODELING SUPPORT Download Bids from www. nfta.com LEGAL NOTICE

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

210011 - WEST END ROOFTOP AC REPLACEMENT UNIT Download Bids from www. nfta.com LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF ERIE, MTGLQ INVESTORS, L.P., Plaintiff, vs. JENNIFER G. FLANNERY - ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF RICKIE O. WEATHERLY AKA RICKIE ORLANDA WEATHERLY AKA RICHIE WEATHERLY, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Discharging Guardian Ad Litem and Military Attorney Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly filed on April 30, 2021, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the CLOSING ROOM - Erie County Clerk's Office - First Floor, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY on August 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 86 Sussex a/k/a 86 Sussex Avenue, Buffalo, NY. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Buffalo, County of Erie and State of New York, Section 90.62, Block 2 and Lot 29. Approximate amount of judgment is $47,507.38 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 819479/2018. Cash will not be accepted. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. James A. Partacz, Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE MARILLA AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT NO. 5, THE WALES AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT NO. 12, AND THE ELMA AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT NO. 13 PURSUANT TO EIGHT-YEAR REVIEW AND CONSOLIDATION PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that Agricultural District No. 5, which encompasses approximately 15,187.4 acres within the County of Erie in the Town of Marilla and was originally established on December 4, 1973, pursuant to Article 25-AA of the Agriculture and Markets Law. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that Agricultural District No. 12, which encompasses approximately 18,466.7 acres within the County of Erie in the Towns of Wale and Aurora was originally established on November 9, 1978, pursuant to Article 25-AA of the Agriculture and Markets Law. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that Agricultural District No. 13, which encompasses approximately 8,932.6 acres within the County of Erie in the Towns of Elma, Aurora, and Orchard Park was originally established on June 20, 1979, pursuant to Article 25-AA of the Agriculture and Markets Law. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that under Section 303-a (1) of the Agriculture and Markets Law, the County Legislature is required to review a district eight years after its creation and every eight years thereafter. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that a comment period was held from April 7, 2021 through May 7, 2021, during which any municipality whose territory encompasses the above Agricultural District, any State Agency, or any landowner within or adjacent to the District, may propose a modification to the District. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the following application was received for addition to District 12: 4807 Reiter Rd., SBL # 177.00-138, Town of Wales. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the following application was received for addition to District 12: 12331 Strykersville Rd., SBL # 178.00-2-73, Town of Wales. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the following application was received for exclusion from District 13: 0 Old Transit Rd., SBL# 163.00-1-1, Town of Aurora. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the following application was received for exclusion from District 13: 0 Old Transit Rd., SBL# 154.00-5-21.2, Town of Aurora. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the following application was received for exclusion from District 13: 90 Roycroft Pkwy., SBL# 138.01-4-24, Town of Elma. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the modification proposed for District 5 is the consolidation of all parcels included in District 5, District 12, and District 13 into the Consolidated Central Agricultural District 5. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that on July 15, 2021 at 6:00 p.m., a Public Hearing will be held at Dard Hunter Hall Library, 40 S. Grove St., East Aurora NY, 14052 on the above modification requests, as well as recommendations of the Erie County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB). A copy of the AFPB’s recommendations can be obtained by at erie.gov/afpbreport Questions may be directed to Timothy German, Planner at timothy.german@erie.gov Dated:Buffalo, New York, July 8, 2021 By:Robert M. Graber Clerk, Erie County County Legislature

LEGAL NOTICE Bid

Advertisement for Bids June 24, 2021 Roof Replacements: Noll Nature Pavilion & Lehigh Valley Section House Village of Williamsville Williamsville, New York NOTICE OF SOLICITATION OF GENERAL CONTRACTORS FOR ROOF REPLACEMENTS: NOLL NATURE PAVILION & LEHIGH VALLEY SECTION HOUSE, 280 GLEN AVENUE & 150 MILTON STREET, WILLIAMSVILLE, NY PROPERTY OF VILLAGE OF WILLIAMSVILLE, 5565 MAIN STREET, WILLIAMSVILLE, NEW YORK Sealed bids for the Roof Replacements: Noll Nature Pavilion & Lehigh Valley Section House project will be received until 2:00 pm, Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Williamsville Village Hall (Attn: Ben Vilonen), where they will be opened and read. Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Bidding and Contract Documents and must be accompanied by references of similar projects and a bid security in the form of a Certified Check, Bid Bond or Bank Check in the amount of 5 percent of the bid amount. Bidders must have a minimum of 5 years successful experience in completion of similar projects for State, National or locally registered landmarks. Funding for this project comes through a Community Development Block Grant from the Federal Housing and Urban Development Agency (HUD) as administered by the NYS Office of Community Renewal (OCR). The United States Federal government is committed to providing Minority and Women Owned Business (MWBE) equal opportunity to participate in government contracts. The successful bidder may be required to furnish reports showing the participation of various business enterprises of subcontractors and suppliers on the contract. •Effective Thursday, June 24, 2021, Bid Documents may be obtained at Avalon Document Services, 40 LaRiviere Dr., Suite 150, Buffalo, New York 14202, phone number (716) 995-7777. Plans and specifications can be viewed on the Avalon Buffalo Planroom at http://avalonbuffplanroom.com and can be purchased digitally or in hard copy from that website. •A Pre-Bid Walkthrough will be held Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 10:00am. Interested contractors should meet at the parking area behind the Lehigh Valley Section House at 150 Milton Street. •If you have questions, please contact LaLuce Mitchell at Flynn Battaglia Architects (716) 854-2424. Email (lmitchell@flynnbattaglia.com) or fax (716-854-2428) inquiries are also acceptable. Questions must be received no later than 5:30pm on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. •All Addenda, if any, will be sent via email no later than Friday, July 16, 2021. Please provide email contact information when you purchase drawings. The Village of Williamsville has been and will continue to be an equal opportunity organization. All qualified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) suppliers, contractors and/or businesses will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual preference or Veterans status.

Subcontractors are invited to bid on the Addition and Renovation of the Historic Colored Musicians Club SSA Project No 19 0 7 located at 145 Broadway, Buffalo, New York 14203 Inquiries should be directed to Adam DiFelice VP Construction Kanaka Consulting Management (716) 957 – 7468 or via email to adam@ kanakacm.com

JULY 8, 15, 22, 29

FIND JOBS ON THECHALLENGERNEWS.COM

LEGAL NOTICE RFP REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Town of Amherst Contract Compliance & Administration Department RFP #202106 HOME Investment Partnership Program Sealed proposals for the above mentioned project in the Town of Amherst, NY will be received by the Contract Compliance & Administration Office in the Municipal Building, Williamsville, NY 14221 on or before 3:00 PM local time on July 22, 2021. Specifications may be obtained via e-mail to khalton@amherst.ny.us or examined at the Contract Compliance & Administration Office of the Town of Amherst at Town Hall between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM through July 22, 2021, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. By Order of the Town Board Town of Amherst, New York Lynda L. Juul Director of Finance Date: July 7, 2021

EMPLOYMENT Buffalo Museum of Science F/T Membership Manager.

Build & retain membership with customer service skills, marketing, and CRM database knowledge. 3 yrs. customer service req’d. Resume & cover letter to careers@sciencebuff.org or BMS, 1020 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo, NY, 14211. EOE

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center / BETC • 716-856-5627 www.workforcebuffalo.org

ILC-Independent Living Specialist

Coordinate living skills, evaluations, And trainings for persons with disabilities. Associate Degree required. $35k/yr min. Resume and cover letter to :WNYIL, Inc, 3108 Main St Buffalo, NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Community Music School part-time front desk position. Evenings and weekends

starting in July at 217 E. Delavan Avenue. Email resume to: info@cms-buffalo.org.

Instructional Support Specialist Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Instructional Support Specialist´. For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

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

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

JFK:NO GUNS continued

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community calendar Public Meeting Notice: There will be a meeting of the Board of the Westminster Community Charter School on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at M&T Bank, One M&T Plaza - 19th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203.

ing Mitch Nowakowski, Fillmore District Council Member; Mayor Byron W. Brown; Legislator Howard Johnson Legislator April Baskin; Mark Polancarz, County Executive; and Senator Tim Kennedy .I’m am still hoping to hear from any one of them that is willing to help. Our children have feelings that need and deserve to be sorted out! If we normalize expressing their feelings and getting professional help even for a few sessions after an incident like this we will see our youth develop into adults that will do the same. In essence we’ll be normalizing It’s Ok To Say When We're Not Ok and IT'S OK TO GET HELP. At JFK, the youth huddled today as they have many times to close out practice & games and chanted: “Who Came First? JFK! WHO CAME FIRST?? JFK!!” LET’S MAKE THEM FIRST, TOGETHER, IN A MEANINGFUL WAY! ÀSÉ!?

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

FLEA MARKET BARGAINS!! Tammy Moore poses at one of her lovely booths inside the Express Flea Market at 1870 Fillmore between Delavan and Kensington .The market is open Thursdays and Fridays from 12 noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9-5 p.m. Check them out! It’s a building full of unlimited bargains! Challenger Photo

Linde Skills Pipeline Program at SUNY Erie The Linde Skills Pipeline workforce development program provides funding to help train new technicians in a one year curriculum. This program was developed to help meet the strong demand for skilled technicians

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •July 8,2021

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