Challenger Community News March 15 , 2017 by Challenger Community News

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March 15, 2017 • FREE

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THE “UN-AMERICAN” HEALTH CARE ACT

Community Health Center of Buffalo Fighting For The Health of Children Seniors and The Uninsured PG. 3

Photography by: Bertram Smith

INSIDE ROCHESTER

Alexander Is Rochester’s New Deputy Mayor

LOCAL

PG. 2

Stop The Madness Basketball Tournament!

VOICES

PG. 10

Dear Uncle Ben, Enslaved Africans Were Not Immigrants PG. 11

“IN THE CONTINUUM” On Stage at the Paul Robeson Theatre

PG. 9

INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 15, 2017

Warren Taps Dr. Cedric Alexander as Deputy Mayor

ayor Lovely A. Warren has named Dr. Cedric Alexander to be the Deputy Mayor of Rochester. “Dr. Alexander is already well known to this community as a former Police Chief who was equally respected by the rank-and-file officers and the citizens of Rochester. He was a great police chief and he’s going to be a fantastic Deputy Mayor,” said Mayor Warren. “I am looking forward to working with Dr. Alexander as we continue to create more jobs, safer more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for all of our citizens.” “I am excited to return to Rochester, a city I have long considered my home. And I am looking forward to working with Mayor Warren and her team in City Hall as we fulfill her commitment to the

people of Rochester,” said Dr. Alexander. Dr. Alexander, who has a doctorate in clinical psychology, is the Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Director of Public Safety for DeKalb County, Ga. He oversees the day-to-day operations of the county’s Police and Fire Departments, the Medical Examiner’s Office, Animal Services and 911 Communications. He served as Rochester’s Police Chief and Deputy Chief from 2002 to 2005 under Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. He also served as an assistant professor in the University of Rochester’s Department of Psychiatry. He has appeared on national media networks to provide comment on policecommunity relations and has written editorials for CNN titled “How to Build a Sensitive Cop;” “Police and Communities of Color Need to Build

AROUND TOWN

*African Dance and Drum Performance

Wofa Femato African Dance and Drum Ensemble, featuring the group Mounafanyi West African Drum and Dance Ensemble and special guest from Guinea West Africa., will perform on April 1, at 7pm at the YFC Building 1 Favor Street in Rochester . The show will have dance drumming and acrobats! Youth from the community will be opening the show. In addition to the performance, the guest teachers will be teaching master dance and drum classes as a part of the weekend festivities! Admission $18.

*Gallery 384 Presents “Soulful of Art” now through March 29, at the East Avenue Inn & Suites, 384 East Ave. features art created by local African-American artists Dunstan Luke, Najhay Quick, Rich Bryant, and Elliott Luke,

*JOHN COLTRANE & HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE BLACK LIBERATION STRUGGLE Friday, March 17th 7:00 PM Nearly 40 years after his death, John Coltrane remains one of the most important figures in jazz history. Guest presenter, Dr. John Walker *BLUES AND THE SOULFUL TRUTH Friday, March 24th 7:00 PM The Blues is a musical narrative of the daily challenges and struggles of a people. The same song may take on a different meaning when it is sung in a different era. “You can say what you want to, but I won’t be goin’ to Viet Nam ... “ -- Leon Thomas “I stood in line, down at the County Hall I heard a man say, ‘We gon’ build some new apartments for y’all.’--an’ everybody want to know why I sing the blues! Well I been around a long time; people, I’ve really paid some dues...”

Dr. Alexander

Trust;” and “Attacks on Police are an Attack on Community.” Dr. Alexander was also one of 11 police professionals to serve on President Barack Obamas’ Task Force on 21st Century Policing, which produced a document used by police departments across the nation to improve policecommunity relations. He has

also testified before Congress on such topics as intelligence gathering and sharing and police-community relations. Dr. Alexander will replace R. Carlos Carballada, who has been Deputy Mayor since June of 2016, following the retirement of Leonard Redon. Carballada had intended to serve until the end of 2016, but agreed to remain in the post to while Mayor Warren continued her search for a permanent Deputy Mayor. “Because of Carlos Carballada I was able to hold out for the perfect candidate for Deputy Mayor, and for that and everything else he has done for my Administration, I will always be thankful,” said Mayor Warren. “ Mr. Carballada will continue to work in an executive role in the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development.

Mayor Warren Announces Audition Dates for Annual RocStars Talent Show Mayor Lovely A. Warren is calling all singers, rappers, dancers, poets, and visual artists to audition for the 2017 RocStars Talent Show. Contestants compete for a chance to win cash prizes. Auditions are open to all city students ages 10 to 19. In-person auditions will be held on the following dates and locations: • March 29, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the David F. Gantt R-Center, 700 North Street • April 5, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Thomas P. Ryan R-Center, 530 Webster Avenue Visual artists may submit one piece of artwork via email as a high-resolution image along with a completed registration form to: harrist@cityofrochester.gov no later than April 7. ll participants must complete an audition form which can be downloaded at www.cityofrochester.gov/talentshows.

The Rochester Association of Black Journalists to Host Cinema Series Legends Awards Gala The Rochester Association of Black Journalists, an organization of media professionals in print and broadcast journalism, public relations as well as other related fields, has two important upcoming events of interest to the public. *March 17, 6:30 p.m. - The Black Cinema Series, presented by the Rochester Association of Black Journalists and the Little Theatre, continues this month with a special screening “Olympic Pride, American Prejudice,” which explores the experiences of 18 African American Olympians who defied Jim Crow and Adolph Hitler to win hearts and medals at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. Director Deborah Riley Draper, who is African American filmmaker, will be there for the film and after the screening for a talk back led by Carlet Cleare, a WHAM-TV (Channel 13) reporter and an RABJ member. Admission is $9. The Little Theatre is at 240 East Ave. in Rochester’s East End District. For details, go to http://thelittle. org/ series/black-cinema-series *April 1, 6 to 9 p.m. Rochester Legends social event kick off event will be held at the Rochester Academy of Medicine, 1441 East Ave. in Rochester.Three Rochester African-American notables -- Constance Mitchell, Dr. Walter Cooper, and Dr. David Anderson -- will be honored at the event and a video documentary profile on each will be shown. Proceeds from the event will go to support the group’s Wyoma Best Scholarship For Future Journalists Funds, named for a local pioneering black journalist, and other RABJ activities. Admission is $50 per person, which includes food and open bar. For tickets to the fundraiser, contact Joanne Gordon, joanne.rabj@gmail.com or Richard McCollough, (585) 442-3728. For on-line purchases, log on to Event Brite at: http://www.eventbrite.com/ e/rabj-legends-tickets- 30237993653. For more about the Rochester Association of Black Journalists, check Facebook or the chapter’s web site at www.rabjournalists.org.

Rochester MusicFest

Mayor Lovely A. Warren has announced that the City’s popular weekend-long music event, SummerFest, will return to its original name, MusicFest, and move back to Genesee Valley Park, on July 14-15, 2017.A two-day early bird ticket package will be available for $22 for a limited time. These advance sale tickets can be purchased at: People’s Choice - 575 Brooks Ave.; Sobrinos - 1456 N. Clinton Ave.; The Blue Cross Arena Box Office- 100 Exchange Blvd.; and Ticketmaster.com. For more information visit: www.rochestermusicfest.com.

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Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 15, 2017

AREA BRIEFS Thompson’s Birthday Bowling Bash!

The “Un-American” Health Care Act

Former New York State Senator Antoine M. Thompson invites the community to join him for a birthday and bowling bash, Saturday, March 18 from 6-8p.m., at Kerns Bowling Center, 163 Kerns Avenue. The cost is just $7 for three games and shoes! Thompson currently serves as the National Executive Director of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the oldest minority real estate association in the country based in Metropolitan Washington, DC, where he advocates for real estate, lending, and Black homeownership issues across the country. A New York licensed Real Estate Agent with Realty USA, he additionally enjoys helping people sell their property in Buffalo and WNY on weekends. Mr. Thompson is also the owner of Next 21, a diversity and political consulting firm.

Masten Community Meeting and Update on Hazardous Waste Clean-up On Wednesday March 15 at 6 p.m. at the Delavan Grider Community Center, Masten District residents will hold a community meeting to continue building the movement to clean-up hazardous waste at 1001 E. Delavan Ave. Updates will be given on the status of the community petition drive, discussing new developments with the hazardous waste on site, and planning how the community will continue to advance the work forward.

Bike Drive to Benefit Buffalo Youth The Buffalo Police Dept.,Go Bike Buffalo and the East Side Bike Club is sponsoring a 2017 BIKE DRIVE. Donate any new or gently used bike at any Buffalo Police district station between now and April 10. All bikes will distributed to children throughout buffalo at scheduled events during the spring and summer.

Grassroots, Inc. Accepting Award Nominations for their 22nd Annual Awards Dinner On May 6, Grassroots, Inc. will host their 22nd Annual Awards Dinner. The event will take place at The New Golden Nugget, located at 2046 Fillmore Ave. At this dinner, the following awards are presented: Outstanding Business Award - This award is presented to a business that has demonstrated leadership through innovation and community commitment. Herbert L. Bellamy Sr. “Outstanding Community Organization Award” - This award is presented to organizations that continually service the needs of the community. Rising Star Award - This award is presented to an individual who has shown the potential of becoming a person of note in the future. Charles Perkins/Margaret Strasner Award - This award is presented to an individual who exemplifies community activism. Cora P. Maloney Award - This award is presented to an individual that embodies outstanding public service. To submit your nominations for those you feel have made a difference in our community, please go to www.grassrootsbuffalo.com and fill out the online form. Nominations are due by March 24th. More information about the dinner and tickets are forthcoming.

She Was The Richest Black Girl in the World And We Barely Know Her Name.....

Karla Thomas, above, Director of Outreach at the Community Health Center of Buffalo, has announced that on Friday, March 17, the Community Health Center, CHCANYS and HEP are holding a rally/press conference at 34 Benwood to ask the community to support its funding requests for community Health Centers at the state and federal levels of government. “We want to hear from seniors and anyone who has been helped by Medicaid, Medicare or the Affordable Care Act (OBAMACARE). The forum is free and open to the public. All are welcome.

The Community Health Center of Buffalo is Fighting for the Health of Children, Seniors and the Uninsured in Western New York in the wake of the pending impact of “repeal and replace” of the Affordable Care Act.

Local Panel Discussion and Urgent “Call to Action” are scheduled to address the Republican sponsored American Health Care Act and how it will impact the WNY community. Local partnerships are joining major associations representing medical professionals, community based organizations, hospitals, seniors and concerned citizens across the country in voicing their opposition to the Republican plan to rewrite the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) and replace it with The American Health Care Act. Critics of the plan are calling it “Un-American” at best; uniquely designed to punish the most vulnerable Americans; senior citizens and those receiving Medicaid or Medicare, the poor and underserved. Its primary goal is to shift subsidies and dollars for entitlement programs from the working poor and middle income citizens to the very richest people in the country in the form of tax credits. “Panel Discussion” On Wednesday, March 15, at 5:30 pm, We Are Women Warriors is hosting a community forum at the Frank E. Merriweather Library. Guest speakers will be Karla Thomas, Director of Outreach for the Community Health Center of Buffalo , Inc., and CHCANYS Advocate; Bill Covington of (HEP) the Healthcare Education Project of 1199 SEIU and Greater New York Hospital Association and Timothy Hogues, Director of Erie County Senior Services. The focus will be on sharing how the Republicans Repeal and Replace measure will impact Medicaid, Medicare, seniors, disabled and low income residents. The discussion will also share what citizens can do to help. Medicaid, Medicare and any government sponsored health program in America is in danger right now. Seniors and low income families across the nation who depend on Medicare and Medicaid are uneasy while they wait to see what’s going to happen to their health care. The viability of federally qualified health centers nationwide are especially in jeopardy with the Repeal and/or Replacement of the Affordable Care Act (OBAMACARE). Regardless of what is happening with the health insurance system, Western New Yorkers need a place to go for their care. Community Health Centers have always been that place. Even in the midst of changes in the health care system, community health care centers serve as safety nets for the most vulnerable among us and is one of the primary reasons they exist today. Medicaid and Medicare appear to be the targets of the day with votes for the proposed replacement plan (The American Health Care Act) split right down party lines. However, this is really not about Democrat or Republicans. It is not about the red, white and blue flag we are supposed to be united under. This is strictly about the color of money! Green! CNN recently quoted the Congressional Budget Office that said, “If this plan goes into effect, 14 million people will lose their access to health care. Twenty-four million more Americans will be uninsured by 2026.” Continued Page 5

Sarah Rector received international attention at the age of eleven when The Kansas City Star in 1913 publicized the headline, “Millions to a Negro Girl.” From that moment Rector’s life became a cauldron of legal and financial maneuvering, and public speculation. Rector was born to Joseph and Rose Rector on March 3, 1902, in a two-room cabin near Twine, Oklahoma on Muscogee Creek Indian allotment land. Both Joseph and Rose had enslaved Creek ancestry, and both of their fathers fought with the Union Army during the Civil War. When Oklahoma statehood became imminent in 1907, the Dawes Allotment Act divided Creek lands among the Creeks and their former slaves with a termination date of 1906. Rector’s parents, Sarah Rector herself, her brother, Joe, Jr., and sister Rebecca all received land. Lands granted to former slaves were usually the rocky lands of poorer agricultural quality. Rector’s allotment of 160 acres was valued at $556.50. Primarily to generate enough revenue to pay the $30 annual tax bill, in February 1911 Rector’s father leased her allotment to the Devonian Oil Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1913, however, her fortunes changed when wildcat oil driller B.B. Jones produced a “gusher” that brought in 2500 barrels a day. Rector now received an income of $300 per day. Once this wealth was made known, Rector’s guardianship was switched from her parents to a White man named T.J. Porter, an individual personally known to the Rectors. Multiple new wells were also productive, and Rector’s allotment subsequently became part of the famed Cushing-Drumright Field in Continued Page 4

NATIONAL + WORLD

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 15, 2017

Study: African-Americans Are More Likely to Be Wrongfully Convicted

WOMAN POWER! Ayisha Fuseini, from the Northern Region of Ghana, employs women from her local village in a shea butter project that now supplies a range of outlets, including The Body Shop. The West African nation of Ghana, which means “Warrior King” in the Soninke language, recently celebrated its 60th year of independence. On 6 March 1957, it became the first sub-Saharan African nation to become independent of European colonization.The Black Star in Ghana’s national flag is a symbol of African emancipation.

Republican Congressman’s White Supremacist Tweet: “We Can’t Restore Our Civilization With Somebody Else’s Babies.” Republican Congressman Steve King, who has a history of tiptoeing around white-nationalist rhetoric, fired off a tweet Sunday afternoon that reeked of white-supremacist ideology. The tweet referenced “culture and demographics” being fundamental to European and American “destiny” before closing with: “We can’t restore our civilization with somebody else’s babies.” It is hard to read that any other way than it was written. It is an apparent, explicit call to protect White “culture and demographics” from immigrants. It’s the type of rhetoric that you might find at a Klan rally. Steve King is a congressman from Iowa. The tweet was in support of far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders, who has risen in the polls on the back of similarly virulent anti-Islam and anti-immigrant rhetoric to the point where Wilders’ Dutch Freedom Party could come out on top in parliamentary elections in the Netherlands on Wednesday. Trump supporters and farright politicians across Europe have found common cause in their shared belief in a brand of ethnic or racial nationalism.

BLACK HISTORY continued from page 3 Oklahoma. In the month of October 1913 Rector received $11,567. Once her identity became public, Rector received numerous requests for loans, money gifts, and even marriage proposals from four Germans even though she was 12. In 1914 The Chicago Defender published an article claiming that her estate was being mismanaged by grafters and her “ignorant” parents, and that she was uneducated, dressed in rags, and lived in an unsanitary shanty. National African American leaders such as Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois became concerned about her welfare. None of the allegations were true. Rector and her siblings went to school in Taft, an all-black town closer than Twine, they lived in a modern five-room cottage, and they owned an automobile. That same year, Rector enrolled in the Children’s House, a boarding school for teenagers at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. When Rector turned eighteen on March 3, 1920, she left Tuskegee and her entire family moved with her to Kansas City, Missouri. By this point Rector, who now owned stocks and bonds, a boarding house and bakery and the Busy Bee Café in Muskogee, Oklahoma, as well as 2,000 acres of prime river bottomland, was a millionaire. The family moved into what would be known as the Rector Mansion. Legal wrangling over Rector’s estate and some mismanagement continued until she was twenty. That year Rector married Kenneth Campbell, and the couple had three sons, Kenneth, Jr., Leonard, and Clarence. Much was publicized about her “extravagant” spending on luxuries. Her marriage to Campbell ended in 1930, and in 1934 she married William Crawford. When Rector died at age 65 on July 22, 1967, her wealth was diminished, but she still had some working oil wells and real estate holdings. Sarah Rector was buried in Taft Cemetery, Oklahoma. Sources:Tonya Bolden, Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America, (New York: Abrams Books, 2014); http://african-nativeamerican.blogspot.com/2010/04/remembering-sarah-rector-creek.html.

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Black people convicted of murder or sexual assault are significantly more likely than their white counterparts to be later found innocent of the crimes, according to a review of nearly 2,000 exonerations nationwide over almost three decades. Innocent Blacks also had to wait disproportionately longer for their names to be cleared than innocent Whites, the review, released by the National Registry of Exonerations, found. Blacks wrongfully convicted of murder, for example, spent an average of three more years in prison before being released than Whites who were cleared. “It’s no surprise that in this area, as in almost any other that has to do with criminal justice in the United States, race is the big factor,” said Samuel R. Gross, a University of Michigan law professor and a senior editor of the registry, a project of the law school that aims to provide data on false convictions to prevent them in the future. The analysis focuses on the three types of crimes for which exonerations are most common: murders, sexual assaults and drug-related offenses. It is based on 1,900 wrongful convictions from 1989 to midOctober of last year, about 47 percent of which involved exonerated Black defendants. While the report confirms what previous studies have found — that Blacks make up a disproportionate share of the wrongfully convicted — it also uses the registry’s ever-growing collection of data to explore potential factors driving that disparity. “The causes we have identified run from inevitable consequences of patterns in crime and punishment to deliberate acts of racism,” write Mr. Gross and his fellow authors, Maurice Possley, a senior researcher, and Klara Stephens, a research fellow. When it comes to murder, Black defendants account for 40 percent of those convicted of the crime, but 50 percent of those wrongfully convicted, they found. Whites accounted for 36 percent of wrongfully convicted murder defendants. A high murder rate within the Black community contributes to the high number of wrongfully convicted Black murder defendants, but it alone does not explain the disparity. Racial bias may play a role. Only about 15 percent of all murders committed by Black people involve White victims, yet 31 percent of Blacks eventually cleared of murder convictions were initially convicted of killing White people, they found.

COMMUNITY ACTION ORGANIZATION OF ERIE COUNTY, INC.

Grant funds are available now for homeowners to repair health/safety issues and code violations. 120 Church Street  Downtown Buffalo

A Light Lunch will be Served

For more information on the program, call 881-6543

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 15, 2017

Arthur O. Eve EOC to Host Annual Women’s Conference “Un-American” Health Plan continued UB’s Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), 555 Ellicott Street is hosting a 3rd Annual Women’s Conference – “Pearls of Wisdom” on Saturday, March 25, from 11am-4pm. The conference is being held to support women on their journey to success towards helping them rise above the challenges and stereotypes that they encounter. Featured panelists at the conference will be professional women from the fields of business, law and entrepreneurship who will impart wisdom and strategies that aided them on their paths to success. “Pearls of Wisdom” will also hold breakout workshops that include: Healthy Living & Enjoying Doing It, Dressing for Personal Success and How to Say What You mean and Mean What You Say. Vendors will also have exhibits and information to share at the conference as well. “Pearls” promises to be a dynamic, informative, supportive and empowering experience for all. This free event is open to the public. Pre-registration is required for this free event. Visit eoc.buffalo.edu and click the “Register for Events” icon.

The Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. is a five site, one stop, federally qualified health center (FQHC) delivering care in underserved communities across Erie and Niagara Counties. Headquartered in Buffalo, they have satellite offices in Niagara Falls, Lockport, Sanborn and Cheektowaga. Under the leadership of their CEO, Dr. Lavonne Ansari, they serve over 18,000 patients annually, 60% of which receive Medicaid, Medicare or some form government assistance and their numbers are steadily growing. Dr. Ansari stated, “We are on the front lines of every major health crisis WNY faces. We accept all insurances and if you don’t have insurance we have a sliding fee program that will give you a payment plan. Our goal is to build healthy communities one patient at a time without regard for ability to pay. None of this would be possible without Medicare and Medicaid programs.” Community Health Centers nationally have bipartisan support because of their value and their impact. A recent multistate study revealed, on average Community Health Centers generate a cost savings of approximately $2,371 (or 24 percent) per Medicaid patient when compared to other providers. The economic impact nationally is significant with community health centers employing more than 180,000 individuals, and generating over $26 billion annually in some of the nation’s most distressed communities. Karla Thomas, Director of Outreach shared: “Our focus is on two fronts. At the national level, there is the repeal of OBAMACARE and its replacement with the American Health Care Act which will affect our country in unprecedented numbers. The proposal by Congress is to fund Medicaid thru block grants that are then capped at state levels. This makes for a dangerous landscape for poor and uninsured people. The American Health Care Act boasts lower insurance premiums, but the plan downplays its higher co-pays and deductibles. Community Health Center leaders need to be at the table where these decisions are being made. At the state level, we have joined with CHCANYS in asking the New York State Legislature for two things in the 2017 budget – (1) Add $20 million dollars to the Diagnostic & Treatment Center Indigent Care Fund. This will reduce potential financial harm to NYS community health centers and other community based safety net providers, and (2) Allocate $125 million dollars of the $500 million dollar Health Care Facility Transformation Fund to community based providers. These dollars support capital projects, staff and other projects necessary for optimal service delivery at community health centers statewide.” “A Call to Action!” On Friday, March 17, the Community Health Center of Buffalo Inc., CHCANYS and HEP are holding a rally/press conference to ask the community to support our funding requests for community Health Centers at the state and federal levels of government. We want to hear from seniors and anyone who has been helped by Medicaid, Medicare or the Affordable Care Act (OBAMACARE). The forum is free and open to the public. All are welcome. For more information contact Karla Thomas at 400-1817 or Bill Covington at 913-6487. (The Community Health Center of Buffalo is located at 34 Benwood Ave. near Main St.)

You are invited to join an open conversation about a new public art project. Wednesday, March 22, 2017 6 pm Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, PS 192 450 Masten Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209 Michigan Street AfricanAmerican Heritage Corridor Open Buffalo Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com • March 15 2017

Zion Missionary Baptist Church Pilgrim Missionary to Host Prayer Breakfast Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church ‘Repositioning the Body of Christ’ A Prayer Breakfast will be given by the Kitchen Committee on Semi-Annual Christian Leadership School

Zion Missionary Baptist Church will be hosting the “Repositioning the Body of Christ Through Prayer and Fasting” Monday morning altar prayer for the month of March. Please add these dates to your calendar of events for the month of March. Monday March 20 @ 6am Monday March 27 @ 6am For more information contact the church office at 886-1362.

Prayer Breakfast The Cold Spring Church of God in Christ Jesus, 107 Verplank Avenue will host a Prayer Breakfast at the Redeeming Life Center, (Welker Street door) on Saturday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be Elder Douglas Hosmer. Admission is $15 per person.

Uncommon Miracle Healing Services Uncommon Miracle Healing and Deliverance Services will be held on Friday, March 17 at the Salvation Army, 960 Main Street. Prayer begins at 6 pm., Service at 7 p.m. Prophetess Anita Williams is host.

Saturday, March 25 at 9:00 am at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church , 665 Michigan Avenue.. Donation is $10. Call 716-5635699 or the Church at 716-854-4880 for more information.

Workshop on God’s Mercy The Buffalo area of Evangelism is having a workshop on God’s Mercy Saturday March 18 at 9:30 a.m at Delaine Waring AME Church, 680 Swan St. in David Mack Fellowship Hall with speaker Rev. Nere Boyd of Calvary CME Church.

7 Pillars of Wisdom River of Faith Christian Church Presents “7 Pillars of Wisdom” on Saturday March 18th at 12 Noon at the River of Faith Christian Church 1565 E. Delavan Ave. The theme is “7 Pillars of Wisdom.” Wisdom has built her house and has carved it’s 7 columns Proverbs 9:1 There will be anointed speakers : Pastor James E. Rozier, Elder Marchon Hamilton II, Minister Annetta Williams, Elder Avon Marie Cook, First Lady Melinda Hollie, Rev. Joyce Scott, and Evangelist Valerie Jackson. Facilitator, Rev. Mary Harriston. Come and be Blessed!

The Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church will be having their Semi- Annual Christian Leadership School at 790 Humboldt Parkway corner of Woodlawn Avenue. Join us for an opportunity to receive COPP class instruction. Sessions begin March 24 from 6pm-9pm and March 25 from 9am-3pm. The COPP Class offered is Phase 2 7024 “ Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts.” Deacon Albert J. Thompson of Second Temple Baptist Church is the instructor. For more information contact Dean Sharon M. Bradley 573-8707. Registration donation is $5. Reverend John T. Hilliard is the Pastor of Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church.

Breakfast With The Browns The Pastor’s Anniversary Committee invites the community to join them for the Saturday March 18 breakfast at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1334 Calumet Avenue in Niagara Falls from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The theme is “Praying According to God’s Will” 1 John 5:14. The guest speaker will be Rev. Gary C.D. Jackson of St. Mark Open Door Baptist Church. The event is hosted by the men of Mt. Zion. There will be musical selections by Steadfast. There is a $15 donation. Sister Betty Harper is chairperson and Timothy J. Brown Sr. is Pastor.

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 15, 2017

FAITH & FAMILY

Racist Graffiti at Church Building Under Investigation In the book, “Divided by Race: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America,” authors Emerson/ Smith note: “White evangelicalism likely does more to perpetuate the racialized society than to reduce it.” And one of the reasons cited why racism continues in the church today is the failure to capture the scripture’s version of the church as a multi-racial community that transcends racial, cultural, economic and gender barriers, as well as failure to break the power of racism in the past. The Rev. Stephen J. Andzel of New Creation Fellowship Church in Cheektowaga, has tried to address the issue of a divided church by opening his doors to everyone. His church, located on Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, is 75 to 80 percent Black and Hispanic. But last month the church’s Genesee County church building in Pembroke, was vandalized with racist graffiti. He called the graffiti “hatemotivated,” saying that there were people who didn’t particularly care for his church because of the racial make up “ which makes me different because I’m a White pastor. Maybe people get upset with that.” The vandalism is under investigation.

Midtown Bible and Lincoln Memorial Are Sponsoring Outreach Event Midtown Bible and Lincoln Memorial Churches are sponsoring an outreach event.The Nicavangelists are coming to 641 Masten Avenue March 14 & 15th and 17th at 6 p.m. The church seeks to address community needs including prayer needs, Bible Study pick up and access, family counseling and meals-onwheels. The Nicavangelists are a group of young people who perform a gospelcentered parable-style street theater production

WORSHIP THIS WEEK

We are facing dementia

to make a difference Dementia affects our whole community. But you can help. Make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer’s by volunteering with us! From events and programs, to advocacy and committees we have a volunteer opportunity to fit your talents and schedule. Contact the WNY Chapter office below to learn more.

1.800.272.3900 | alz.org/WNY

ENTERTAINMENT

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 15, 2017

ON STAGE *In The Continuum, directed by Paulette D. Harris, starring Ayana N. Williams and Christina Foster. 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday w/audience Talk Back; March 10-April 2, Paul Robeson Theatre at the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue; admission $25, seniors/students $22; 8842013.

*Comedy’s Most Wanted, March 24 featuring Lavell Crawford, Corey Holcomb,Dominique, J.J. Williamson, & DC Young FLY and DJ Traci Steele.Tickets at Ticketmaster. com Shea’s Box Office & Doris Records

*The Temptations & the Four Tops Fri, May 12 @ Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino Event Center

The Screening Of “Daddy’s Girl Club” TV Series Pilot

STILL GOING STRONG: Performing last Saturday at the Seneca Niagra Casinno, top left, Ron Isley and top right his wife Kandy; bottom left Buffalo ladies gave the Isley’s dancers something to work with! And bottom right, the amazing Ernie Isley. Third Eye Photos

Review:

The Isley Brothers Concert Was Amazing! The Isley Brothers put on a show Saturday night at the Seneca Niagara Casino that concert goers won’t soon forget. The dynamic duo of Ronald and Ernie Isley, backed up by their ultra-tight band , high energy dancers, and three beautiful back-up singers, treated the full house to a non-stop, nostalgic voyage of hit after hit. Ronald Isley, who has been the lead singer for the group for over half a century, is phenomenal. A consummate showman and ultimate survivor at 75 years young, he looks great and sounds as good as he did “back in the day.” Ernie, his youngest brother, a monster on the guitar, channeled one of his greatest role models the late Jimi Hendrix, who he revealed in an interview in last week’s Challenger, was a houseguest of the family when he (Ernie) was just 11 years old. A classic crooner, Ronald didn’t miss a beat as he thrilled us with that incredible and timeless falsetto voice. Whether he was “funkin’ it up” with “It’s Your Thing” and “Twist and Shout” or had fans swaying to “Grove With You,” ‘Choosey Lover,” or “Make Me Say It Again Girl,” the audience showed plenty of love as they sang along with just about every tune. On an extended version of “At Your Best (You Are Love)” he made a point to speak the words to the refrain “ At your best, you are love, you’re a positive motivating force in my life and if you ever feel to wonder why, let me know…” as if to drive home the song’s message in this era of loveless love songs. Reminiscing about his “dear friend” Whitney Houston and the power of gospel music, (the four oldest Isley brothers toured the country singing gospel as youngsters), he introduced his back-up singer Kandy (an amazing vocalist who also happens to be his wife) who brought the house down and took us all to church with her rendition of “Yes Jesus Loves Me.” The classic tune “Atlantis,” written by Ernie Isley featured him on guitar and was complimented with a solo by beautiful professional dancer Aurorah Allain. A real crowd favorite, “Summer Breeze” followed along with another guitar solo by Ernie who absolutely turned it out! The show ended with their 1959 hit, “Shout’, which had the crowd on its feet. As Ronald, the singers and dancers left the stage to cheers, Ernie graced us with a refrain from “Amazing Grace.” A fitting end to one amazing concert! –a.b.

Buffalo Artist Leroi Johnson Appears on Fox In The Morning Buffalo artist Leroi C. Johnson appeared on Fox In The Morning Friday March 10th following his Art Show Opening in New York City. Leroi appeared on the show to discuss his work as well as his beloved brother, musical artist Rick James’ new book Super Freak. If you plan to head to New York City, the show is up until March 26 at ARTIFACT gallery 84 Orchard Street. Congrats Leroi!

The Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts will host two screenings of the “Daddy’s Girl Club” TV Series Pilot Episode, Friday March 24th, 450 Masten Ave. The first screening will take place at 9:30 a.m. and will be privately held for BAVPA’s female senior students. The second screening will take place at 7p.m. and the public will be able to purchase tickets .Immediately after each screening, there will be an open discussion. In honor of Woman’s History Month, the following prominent women will participate: Sheila L Brown, CEO of WUFO; Dr. Keli Luchey, Assistant Principal of Sweet Home; Nina Brown, General Motors ; Kelly Showard, ECMC; and Vee Majors, CEO of launchTech; Tickets are $5 and will be available at BAVPA’s School Store . Admission at the door will be $10. For more info call 716-250-9935 or visit daddysgirlclubtv.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 15, 2017

“The Motherf**ker With The Hat” - A Hit! Yes that’s correct, the title of the latest stage play at Road Less Traveled Productions is called “ The Motherf**ker With The Hat.” Written by RLTP’s 2011 American Theater Master, Stephen Aldy Guirgis, it played on Broadway five years ago. Scott Behrend , RLTP Artistic Director, has assembled the perfect team here in Buffalo to pull it off and has definitely hit a home run! Thanks to its title season sponsor M&T Bank, student Thursday sponsor Mighty Taco and Production Sponsor the Law Office of Leroi C. Johnson, the City of Buffalo gets to indulge the talents of this memorable cast and witness the skill of RLTP ensemble member Victoria Perez who directs this intense yet hilarious drama. Set in the confines of three NYC apartments, the cast takes us on a journey choc-full of the trials of love, friendships, substance abuse, and the ever questionable suspicion of who to trust and all the emotional risky events that happen in between. This young emerging perfectly paired cast of actors never skip a beat and keep the production at an energetic pace with surprising unpredictable moments you are sure to enjoy. The play kicked off March 10 and will run until April 2 at the Road Less Traveled Theater, 500 Pearl Street with performances on Thursday/Friday/Saturday 7:30pm and Sunday 2:00pm. (please note this play has a parental advisory for explicit content). Go to roadlesstraveledproduction.org for tickets and more info.-L.H. .

Pictured: Actors Melinda Carpeles-Rowe , Greg Howze, Rosa Fernandez, Rolando Martin Gomez, Anthony Alcocer, and director Victoria Perez

Wiliams

Foster

PAUL ROBESON THEATRE AT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER OPENS SECOND SHOW OF THE SEASON

he Paul Robeson Theatre (PRT) presents its second show of the theatre season, “In The Continuum” written by Danai Gurira and Nikkole Salter Directed by Paulette D. Harris, the production puts a human face on the devastating impact of aids in Africa and America through the lives of two unforgettably courageous women. Living worlds apart, one in South Central LA and the other in Zimbabwe, each experience a kaleidoscopic weekend of life changing revelations in this story of parallel denials and selfdiscoveries. Ms. Harris has assembled an excellent cast starring Christina Foster and Ayana N. Williams, well known thespians in the theatrical arena. “In The Continuum” is running now thru April 2 Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m., with audience talkbacks after the show. The special rate with a coupon is $20 per person on March 17 & 26. Visit our website at www.aaccbuffalo.org or for more information and group rates contact Paulette D. Harris, Artistic Director at paulrobesontheatrebuffalo@gmail.com

GENERATIONS

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 15, 2017

Stop the Madness! Basketball Tournament

Saturday, March 18 & SundayMarch 19

ORACLE CHARTER SCHOOL

Application Deadline: March 31st! www.OracleCharterSchool.org/apply

n a joint effort to increase the peace in The City of Buffalo and empower youth to say no to violence, Council Members Darius G. Pridgen, Rasheed N.C. Wyatt, Ulysees 0. Wingo, Sr. and Richard Fontana have teamed up to create the first Stop the Madness Basketball Tournament. Each district will have one first responder either on the team or coaching the team and 4-5 youth, grades 6-12. Each council member will hold a game ln their district on Saturday, March 18 and the winner of those games on Saturday will move on to the Finals on Sunday, March 19th at the William Emslie YMCA, 585 William Street with registration starting at 9 am. There will be give-away, halftime shows, and information on City services at the game. The information for each district's games are as follows; •Ellicott District games will be held on Saturday, March 18 at the Pratt Center, 422 Pratt Street with registration starting at 11 :30 a.m. and games starting at I p.m. For more information or if you are looking to participate, please call the Ellicott District office at 716- 851-4980. •Masten District games will be held on Saturday, March 18 at the Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Avenue with registration starting at 11 a.m. and games starting at 12 noon. For more information or if you are looking to participate, please call the Masten District office at 716-851-5145. •University District games will be held on Saturday, March 18 at the Edward Saunders Community Center, 2777 Bailey Avenue with registration starting at 11 a.m. and games starting at 12 noon. For more information or if you are looking to participate, please call the University District office at 716-851-5165. •Lovejoy District games are to be announced for Saturday, March 18. For more information or if you are looking to participate, please call the Lovejoy District office at 716-851-5151. The concept is the brain child of Council Member and Bishop Pridgen who hosted 200 young men and women at true Bethel back in February to give them the opportunity to discuss their feelings about the senseless violence going on in the community. At that time he mentioned that plans were in the works to put together a Basketball Tournament for the youth. “We’ve got to focus on these young people we’re burying so we bury less and see more success,” he said.

Annual Spring Youth Basketball Tournament The annual North American Youth Sports Basketball Tournament will be held at the WilliamEmslie YMCA and other area sites March 31-April 2. The tournament is for boys and girls from 5th to 12th grade. The entry deadline is March 17 and the entry fee is $180 per team. For more information or an entry form contract Jeff Burke at 716-207-6089 or call the tournament hotline at 1-866352-5915. The organization’s website is www.northamericanyouthsports.org

Here Are The 2017 Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest Winners! The winners of the 40th Annual Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest received certificates and cash prizes at the Awards Program held on Saturday, February 25 at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. The theme of this year’s program was “THE EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS IN WESTERN NEW YORK SCHOOLS”. Winning essays will also be printed in Historically Speaking, the newsletter of the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier.

Open House Sat. March 25 10-2

888 Delaware Ave. Buﬀalo, NY 14209 716-362-3188

Grades 10-12: Grades 4-6: Grades 7-9: First Place – Bahati Adam, First Place – Jakye Amos, First Place – Summer Riggins, Grade 12, Lafayette High Grade 6, Elmwood Village Grade 7, City Honors School Second Place – Morgan MorCharter School Second Place – Kamariah Second Place – Samara Rigris, Grade 12, City Honors Miller, Grade 9, Niagara Falls Third Place – Daniel Peay, gins, Grade 6, Elmwood VilHigh School Grade 10, Homeschooled lage Charter School Third Place – Damone Peay, Third Place – Dy’Amen Peay, Third Place – Daleja DrayGrade 9, Homeschooled ton, Grade 11, Oracle Charter Grade 6, Homeschooled Also on the program was a welcome from Mrs. Sandra Bush, a reading by Dr. Sharon Amos and Presentation of Awards by Mr. W. Charles Brandy, President of the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier and Mrs. Sharon Holley, Board Member. Additional sponsors were: The Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, Zawadi Books, Buffalo Public Schools – Dept. of Social Studies and Mr. Frank Mesiah. Mrs. Sharon Holley serves as Chairperson of the contest. Committee members are Dr. Sharon Amos, Mrs. Sandra Williams Bush and Mrs. Madeline Scott.

“Knowing when to stop, you can avoid any danger.” -Tao Te Ching

VOICES

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 15, 2017

Why Calling Enslaved Africans ‘Immigrants’ Delegitimizes the Horrors of Slavery By David Love

resh off his Senate confirmation as SecThere was no Ellis Island to welcome retary of the Department of Housing African people. Rather, there was Gorée and Urban Development, Dr. Ben CarIsland off the coast of Senegal, the largson addressed HUD employees on Monday est slave-trading center of its kind. Home with remarks likening enslaved Africans to of the “Door of No Return,” Gorée Island immigrants. In making this statement, Carwarehoused an estimated 20 million men, son perpetuates the false narrative of Amerwomen and children, according to the Afica as a land of opportunity where everyone rican American Registry, shackling and came of their own free will. chaining them in squalid, cramped condiThe so-called American Dream has been tions before shipping them across the Ata nightmare for those who were enslaved by lantic through the Middle Passage. this country and their descendants. The purMillions of Black people were sent to a Ben Carson pose of statements such as this is to delegitiworld of disease, forced labor, torture and mize the atrocities of slavery and the horrors death. Upwards of 60 million Africans died it represented, discount the suffering of Black people and dilute the or were enslaved, according to the University of Houston’s digital claims of the victims in their pursuit of reparations. Carson knew history on the Middle Passage. For every 100 Africans who made it exactly what he was saying. to the New World, another 40 died in the Middle Passage or during “That’s what America is about, a land of dreams and opportuni- the forced marches and confinement on the coast of Africa. ty,” Carson said in his remarks, as reported by USA Today. “There The legacy of enslavement has taken an unspeakable psychic toll were other immigrants who came here in the bottom of slave ships, on Black people in the form of post-traumatic slave disorder and worked even longer, even harder for less. But they, too, had a dream intergenerational trauma. The physical and psychological damage that one day their sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, of slavery has been passed through the DNA to successive gengreat-grandsons, great-granddaughters, might pursue prosperity erations, afflicting us even today. Coming to terms with the scale and happiness in this land.” of the crimes committed would require an assessment of the costs Not stopping there, Carson doubled down on his words when he and amount of restitution owed to the victims. Not only did the appeared on the Armstrong Williams Show on SiriusXM radio. “I enslaved and their descendants suffer, but their forced labor built think people need to actually look up the word immigrant,” Carson America. Slavery created the economic foundations of Wall Street said. “Whether you’re voluntary or involuntary, if you come from and U.S. capitalism, and now the bill is due. Estimates of what the the outside to the inside, you’re an immigrant. Whether you’re legal U.S. owes Black people in reparations range from $6.4 trillion to or illegal, you come from the outside to inside, you’re an immi- $59.2 trillion. grant. Slaves came here as involuntary immigrants, but they still This is where Ben Carson comes in: The fraudulent narrative of had the strength to hold on.” slavery as immigration only serves to conceal the truth. If the naThe reactions on social media to Carson’s statements were deci- tion cannot come to terms with the reality of what has been done to sively critical: Black people, there will be no acknowledgment of the debt owed. On his Facebook page, Carson attempted to clean up his words. Watering down the atrocities is an attempt to mark down the cost of “The slave narrative and immigrant narrative are two entirely dif- Black suffering, a dangerous, slippery slope that prevents us from ferent experiences. Slaves were ripped from their families and their getting to the bottom of what went down these past 400 years. Slavhomes and forced against their will after being sold into slavery ery is at the heart of what made America, which is why it is imporby slave traders,” he wrote. “The immigrants made the choice to tant that we never forget. come to America. They saw this country as a land of opportunity. In contrast, slaves were forced here against their will and lost all their opportunities. We continue to live with that legacy.” Ben Carson is by no means the first person to call enslaved Africans “immigrants” or to neutralize the pain and suffering of Black people. As NPR reported in 2015, in a McGraw-Hill textbook used Dear Editor: by the Texas Board of Education, a lesson on patterns of immigraWhile the debate over the future of the Affordable Care Act intention read that the Atlantic slave trade brought “millions of workers sifies, it may be hard to focus on the historic BACKWARD step that from Africa to the southern United States to work on agricultural Congress is preparing to take when it comes to Medicaid! plantations.” While the publisher and the board agreed the lesson Right now, Medicaid is a RIGHT for all who are eligible, and was inappropriate, the Texas education system is still known for the Federal government must - by law - supply most of the fundits whitewashing and outright falsification of history. Examples of ing to pay for the Medicaid prowhat passes for history in the Texas public school textbooks include grams initiated by the states. By a downplaying of the role of slavery as the cause of the Civil War changing Medicaid from such an — making the dreaded institution a “side issue” — rebranding the “entitlement” program to “block Atlantic slave trade as the “Atlantic triangular trade” and failing to grants” or “per capitation” or any mention Jim Crow or the Ku Klux Klan. other scheme to CUT FUNDING The process of kidnapping and enslaving Black people was far for healthcare, serious damage will be done in a few short years to more than an institution of forced labor and economic exploitation. nursing homes, care for the disabled, and to all who rely on MedRather, it was an act of genocide. icaid for their healthcare. This would be a major, negative historic As the following video from Slate highlights, the trade in Black change . Even more nursing homes will close, disabled people will bodies was an enterprise of staggering proportions. The interactive be forced back into institutions, and hospitals that care for the ungraphic depicts more than 20,000 slave ship voyages cataloged by insured (who will continue to resort to emergency rooms) will once the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database, representing half of the again buckle under the weight of millions of dollars in care that is people stolen from the African continent. In 315 years between the not reimbursed. 16th century and the 19th century, over 10 million Africans were We cannot allow President Trump's regime and the right wing in hauled in floating dungeons, like cargo, from Africa to the Western Congress to turn back the clock on healthcare - not without a fight! Hemisphere. This included 4.8 million taken to Brazil, 4 million Join us this Friday at 11:30 am at the Community Health Center to the British, French, Dutch and Danish colonies in the Caribbe- of Buffalo! an, 1.3 million to Spanish Central America, and 388,747 to North Bill Covington, Buffalo / Niagara Organizer America. The Healthcare Education Project

A Call to Action!

dear editor

“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” - John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal. 1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper

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“Low Income Families Are Targeted In Erie County Holding Center Monopoly” Dear Editor: The Erie County Holding Center and local food supplier are targeting low income poverty stricken families in a Food Price Monopoly. 97% of all inmates are below income Poverty lines; yet these inmates are paying for commissary items that are astronomically inflated. Inmates are served three small meals per day between the hours of 5a.m. breakfast and 5p.m. dinner. That’s right after 5p.m. no food is given for 12 hours unless you purchase items from the commissary. What is the inmate commissary? Inmate commissary is an outside vendor where an inmate can order food if he or she has available funds in their account to supplement the 12 hours of not receiving any food from the Erie County Holding Center. Food on commissary is considered a privilege, yet I cannot think of one human who goes without food for 12 hours unless by choice or force without being hungry. The Erie County Holding Center bids out contracts on everything yet this inmate commissary has been controlled by one vendor for years monopolizing prices on items frequently sold. For instance, a ramen noodle soup in stores is .11cents per pack, the Holding Center vendor charges .75cents per pack. A bag of .25 cent chips cost $1.00, one bar of Zest soap costs $2.00. Prices are raised with no warning, food is down-sized yet prices stay the same. If inmates complain deputies say it’s a privilege to receive so its not grieveable. Inmates are allowed to spend $140 a week on commissary; multiply that times 500 inmate’s times 52 weeks. Please tell me who’s privilege is it? Ours or their? Who’s getting the kick back from the company? Not our family and not us. The deputies have a new weight room a 60inch T.V. and each have an Ipad to just punch a clock. We inmates have a T.V. that doesn’t work

most of the time. Like New Jack City this is Bigger than Nino Brown. All inmates are dependent on family for support and most families are below poverty lines. To directly target a certain group of people and monopolize their eating and spending is a form of slavery. To say to them if you complain we will stop it and you’ll be hungry for 12 hours a day is a form of slavery. Companies like Bell were broken-up because of monopolies. Why is it ok for the Holding Center? Elected officials, Ms. Peoples, Ms. Grant,Mr Pridgen, Mr. Wyatt, Mayor Brown PLEASE HELP. What is going on is not legal and only affects just-us (justice)! -A Concerned and Conscientioius Inmate

dear editor

• Published every Wednesday • News Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. • Ad Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. • Classified Deadline: Thursday 5 p.m. We respectfully submit that the opinions expressed on the editorial pages of this newspaper

are not necessairly those of Challenger Community News Corporation or its advertisers.

Hua Hu Ching by Lao Tzu

Ten 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.

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a gad re s, dol is h, a

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com • March 15 2017

Schroeder Announces Candidacy for Mayor

nd m on ls By ly ed oeir e.

PHASE II OF THE FILLMORE RENOVATIONS HAS BEGUN

The Community Action Organization of Erie County (CAO) was awarded a $300,000 grant from the Housing Trust Fund for the New York Main Street Better Buffalo Fund Program. These funds were awarded to give the MLK Business District a Facelift. The work began at the end of December 2016. Seven Fillmore Avenue Businesses will receive renovations. The renovations will include: facade improvements, signage, painting, masonry work, windows, doors and roof replacements. Renovations have already begun on two buildings; the CAO Alphonso Rafi Greene, Jr. Masten Resource Center 1423 Fillmore Avenue L. Nathan Hare CEO has been completed. The Fillmore Avenue Food Market, owner Mr. Saleh Muthana building located 1370 Fillmore Avenue facade project is already underway. Ansar Cellular Communications – Duane Madyun, owner facade project is scheduled to begin this month March 2017. Phase I of the Fillmore Avenue revitalization went from 2012 -2014 and it included Streetscape Project that funded the paving of new streets, sidewalks, curbs, installation of planters, new lampposts, cherry blossom trees and curbside bump outs that gave Fillmore Avenue a new look and feel.

ark Schroeder laid out a new vision for Buffalo as he declared his candidacy for Mayor at the Historic Lodge March 5, amongst a boisterous crowd of cheering supporters. “I have a vision of a city that has a plan for every neighborhood – North, South, East, and West. A city where very department , every agency and every employee are working together – off that same plan- to make sure that no one gets left behind,” said Schroeder. The newly minted mayoral candidate offered a streamlined approach to the many tentacles of city government. “ The alphabet soup of city government – The BMHAs, the BURAs, the CPC, BUDC and BETC would be working off a single plan, instead of running their own spate fiefdoms,” Schroeder said, referring to a litany of mayoral controlled city agencies. Schroeder committed to get the city’s police force the “best training available in the nation,” and promised to offer assistance to “small businesses, not just big developers, so that they can grow their businesses and invest in our neighborhood business strips.” The current Buffalo comptroller, and former state assemblyman and county legislator, said his tenure in City Hal shaped his vision for city government. “I’ve been in City Hall for five years, and I know we can do better and I know where we can do better”, he said. Schroeder said he is proud of his accomplishments as comptroller, and he pointed to his office’s recent successes. “We shut down corrupt vendors who were ripping off taxpayers so they could line their own pockets. We got a million dollar refund from a utility that was charging the city for street lights that didn’t exist,” he said. “We have reduced debt by 25 percent, earned three upgrades from the credit rating agencies and put all of the city’s finances online so you can see how your tax dollars are being spent.” Schroeder acknowledged, however, that he couldn’t implement his plan for Buffalo as comptroller – only as Mayor. “We have done so much from the 12th floor of City Hall, but if we are going to make this new vision a reality, I need you to send me to the 2nd floor,” Schroeder said. “ That is why I am officially declaring my candidacy for mayor of the great city of Buffalo. Because Buffalo deserves better and we are not going to settle for good enough.” Then the candidate prepared his enthusiastic supporters for the

Bills Update

What else could Buffalo Bills do but to restructure Tyrod Taylor’s contract? There was no viable quarterbacks better than Tyrod in free agency. He should have been allowed to play the last game of the season. That move was one of the most ignorant decisions ever by a Buffalo Bills front office. Hopefully the powers that be will apologize to Tyrod for making him the team and entire organization look bad. It sounds like new Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott and offensive coordinator Rick Dennison are looking to a moving pocket scheme which could free up Tyrod and allow him to see down the field much better than a traditional pocket passer. This would be similar to what Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers uses on most of his spectacular downfield passing GEORGE plays. It’s another form of the roll out passer RADNEY having the option to run or pass. The five players signed by Bills in free agency can help at depth positions, but wide receivers like Terrelle Pryor and Torrey Smith especially should have been brought in to Buffalo. I think Torrey Smith would have been worth the money since he played with Tyrod Taylor in Baltimore and could have been the experienced fast big body receiver the Bills desperately need. The Bills are once again signing 3rd tier players coming off injuries and can be good role models in the locker room. Mike Tolbert can

be a leader for a team in desperate need of professionalism and good work ethics. The resigning of Lorenzo Alexander was one of Bills best free agent signing so far in this new 2017 NFL season. I spoke briefly with Alexander and he said, “I’m 34, I will be 34 next year, if I finish this deal I will have played 14 years in the NFL and hopefully win a championship. Nobody saw me getting 12.5 sacks last year; if I can be productive like that for the next two years it will be a blessing and fullfill my playing career. Plus, my kids are getting older and I really don’t have anything else to prove so I definitely see myself walking off into the sunset and transitioning into life after football after I’m done.” I look forward to seeing Lorenzo Alexander play because he gives 100% all the time and will be a good strong leader for the younger players on the team. The linebacker unit of Preston Brown in the middle, Lorenzo Alexander on the strong side, and Reggie Ragland on the weak side could be one of the Bills strongest units in 2017. The Bills also picked up veteran wide receiver Corey “Philly” Brown from the Carolina Panthers, who is known for dropped passes, but if he can hold onto the ball could be a good outlet receiver for Tyrod Taylor. The Bills are once again being cheap by bringing back right tackle Jordan Mills, who has problems against speedy edge rushes coming off the end of the line. Hopefully with two fullbacks being signed they can help him with those edge rushers.

path ahead. “Now I’m sure you have heard how much of a challenge this race will be, how the other side has every advantage in the book. Money, power, incumbency. This will be a difficult endeavor, an uphill climb. Make no mistake we are the underdogs,” he said. “But I believe this city is worth fighting for, no matter what the odds.” “ I may not have the support of the party bosses, corporate elite, or the entrenched political class, but I don’t need their help because I have you,” Schroeder declared to his supporters. “ Together, we can build a better Buffalo- for everyone.”

PUBLIC HEARING/ COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE CITY OF BUFFALO 2017/18 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN Thursday March 30, 2017 6:00 PM Delavan-Grider Community Center 877 Delavan Avenue, Buffalo 14215

Mayor Byron W. Brown invites Buffalo residents to participate in a public hearing to discuss the city’s anticipated 2017/18 allocations for the following federal programs: Community Development Block Grant; HOME Investment Partnerships; Emergency Solutions Grant; and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS. City staff will be present to describe program goals, review the planning and adoption process, and accept citizen comments regarding the use of this funding to address housing and community development needs. During this hearing there will be a working session to discuss how these funds can be best utilized throughout the City of Buffalo. Written comments to both the Annual Action Plan are encouraged, and will be included in the city’s submission to HUD. Comments must be postmarked by Monday May 1st, 2017 at either 920 City Hall, Buffalo NY 14202; or rhall@city-buffalo. com. For more information regarding this public notice, or to request special accommodations for the public hearing, please call 851-5449.

AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA/ MESA REDONDA COMUNITARIA CIUDAD DE BUFFALO 2017/18 PLAN DE ACCIÓN ANNUAL Jueves 30 de marzo de 2017 6:00 PM Centro Comunitario Delavan-Grider 877 Delavan Avenue, Buffalo 14215

El alcalde Byron W. Brown invita a los residentes de Buffalo a participar en una audiencia pública para discutir las asignaciones 2017/18 anticipadas de la ciudad para los siguientes programas federales: Subvención de Desarrollo Comunitario; INICIO Asociaciones de inversión; Donación de Soluciones de Emergencia; Y Oportunidades de Vivienda para Personas con SIDA. El personal de la Ciudad estará presente para describir las metas del programa, revisar el proceso de planificación y adopción y aceptar los comentarios de los ciudadanos sobre el uso de este financiamiento para atender las necesidades de vivienda y desarrollo comunitario. Durante esta audiencia habrá una sesión de trabajo para discutir cómo estos fondos pueden ser mejor utilizados en toda la Ciudad de Buffalo. Los comentarios escritos al Plan de Acción Anual son alentados, y serán incluidos en la presentación de la ciudad a HUD. Los comentarios deben ser sellados por correo antes del Lunes 1 de mayo de 2017 en el 920 City Hall, Buffalo NY 14202; o rhall@city-buffalo.com. Para obtener más información sobre este aviso público, o para solicitar alojamientos especiales para la audiencia pública, llame al 851-5449.

I T PAY S TO A D V E RT I S E !

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 15, 2017 Email legals & classifieds to: advertising@thechallengernews.com • Deadline Fridays @ 5pm

LEGAL NOTICES ACTION FOR DIVORCE STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT : COUNTY OF ERIE Alvin Jakes Plaintiff SUMMONS WITH against NOTICE AND COMPLAINT Sharon Potter-Jakes Index No: SF2017 Defendant ACTION FOR DIVORCE To the above named Defendant: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND REQUIRED TO RESPOND to the claim for the relief sought by the Plaintiff by either serving a written Demand for a Complaint or a written Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney, at the address stated below. If this Summons and Notice is served upon you within the State of New York by personal service you must respond within 20 days after service, not counting the day of service. If this Summons and Notice is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York you must respond within 30 days after the service is completed, as provided by law. TAKE NOTICE THAT: (A)The nature of this action is to procure a Judgment divorcing the parties and dissolving the marriage between the parties, pursuant to DRL 170(7) on the grounds of Irretrievable Breakdown of the marriage arising between the parties in the last 6 months. (B)The relief sought is a Judgment of absolute divorce in favor of the Plaintiff dissolving forever the bonds of matrimony between the parties. The nature of ancillary relief demanded is equitable distribution of parties assets. If you fail to respond Judgment will be taken against you, by default, for the relief demanded in this Notice. This action is brought in the County of Erie because of: Plaintiff’s residence Dated: February _23___, 2017 FRANK S. FALZONE, ESQ. Attorney for Plaintiff 215 Hampshire Street Buffalo, New York 14213 (716) 881-2653 STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT : COUNTY OF ERIE Alvin Jakes Plaintiff VERIFIED COMPLAINT -Index No.: SF2017 -against: Sharon Potter-Jakes Defendant Plaintiff, by his attorney, FRANK S. FALZONE, ESQ., complaining of the Defendant herein, alleges that: 1.All times hereinafter mentioned Plaintiff and Defendant were married on the 2nd day of July, 2008 in Buffalo, NY. 2.I reside at 106 Northampton Street, in the City of Buffalo, County of Erie and State of New York. 3. For more than Two (2) years prior to the commencement of this action Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of New York. 4.I do not know the whereabouts of the Defendant however I do believe she may currently reside in the State of New York. 5.There are no issues born of this marriage. 6.Neither party has participated as a party, witness in the State or in any other state concerning custody of any child of this marriage. There is no pending custody or divorce proceeding in any Court of this State or any other state or commonwealth. There are no other persons other than the parties to this action who claim custody or visitation rights with respect to any child of the parties. 7.There is no other action presently pending or heretofore been determined, which would affect the marital status of the parties. 8.The Plaintiff affirmatively alleges that in the event a divorce is granted, he will take all steps within his sole power to remove any barriers to the ability of Defendant, Sharon Potter-

Jakes, to remarry pursuant to Domestic Relations Law Section 253. 9.At all times since the marriage of the parties, Plaintiff has conducted himself as a dutiful Husband fulfilling all of the responsibilities thereof. 10.The relationship between the Plaintiff and the Defendant has broken down irretrievably for a period of at least six (6) months. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands Judgment against the Defendant dissolving the bond of matrimony between the parties on the grounds of Irretrievable Breakdown of the marriage of at least 6 months and for the relief set forth in the Summons herein and for ancillary relief as requested and for such other and further relief as stated in Plaintiff’s Summons with Notice and Complaint as this Court deems just and proper. DATED: February ____, 2017 BUFFALO, NEW YOR FRANK S. FALZONE, ESQ. Attorney for the Plaintiff 215 Hampshire Street Buffalo, New York 14213 (716) 881-2653

Arthur O. Eve EOC to Hold Job/Career Fair The Arthur O. Eve EOC Annual Spring Job and Career Fair will be held on Wednesday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 555 Ellicott Street. All employees are hiring. The school’s admissions advisors will also be available to talk about EOC’s new vocational programs coming soon.

WNY Diversity Job Fair Stop by the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center for the WNY Diversity Job Fair on March 22nd form 9am – 2pm at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center and talk face to face with over 60 different companies! Touch up your resume, bring a bunch of copies, and be sure to dress to impress! A partial listing of participating companies include: Aspire of Western New York, Bryant & Stratton College, Baker Victory Services, Basil Family Dealerships, Boys & Girls Club of WNY, Buffalo/Erie County Libraries, Buffalo Wild Wings, Combined Insurance, Comfort Windows, CCOR, D’Youville College, Erie Community College, First Student, Farmers Insurance, Fidelis Care, Lexington Cooperative Market, Mattress Firm, NFTA, Navient Pioneer Credit, Seneca Resorts & Casino, SweetWorks Confections, Travelers Insurance, Townsquare, West Herr Automotive Group, WellCare, Wireless Zone, WNYJobs and more! If you are a company interested in participating, call 716-319-7098 or go to wblk. com/2017-wny-diversity-jobfair for more details

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: ERIE COUNTY WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I TRUST 2005-AC5, ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-A C5; Plaintiff(s) vs. JASON E. HAYNES; et al; Defendant(s) Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s): ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 2 Summit Court, Suite 301, Fishkill, New York, 12524, 845.897.1600 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on or about December 21, 2016, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at 92 Franklin St.1st floor Alcove, Buffalo, NY 14202. On April 10, 2017 at 9:30 am. Premises known as 153 GOLD STREET, BUFFALO, NY 14206 Section: 112.50 Block: 5 Lot: 45 ALL THAT PLOT OF LAND, situated in the City of Buffalo, County of Erie and State of New York, being part of Lot Number 41, Township 11, Range 7 of the Holland Land Company`s Survey and further distinguished as Subdivision Lot Number 51 in Block Number 26, as shown on a map filed in Erie County Clerk`s Office under Cover Number 9, being 30 feet, front and rear, by 134 feet in depth, located on the East side of Gold Street, commencing 230.56 feet South of the South line of Lovejoy Street. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment $53,993.46 plus interest and costs. INDEX NO. 802757/2016 Kelly Feron, Esq., Referee

CLASSIFIEDS

EM P LOY M EN T

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center / BETC

Valet Driver/Parking Attendant

716-856-5627

www.workforcebuffalo.org

Associate Director The Center for Excellence in Urban and Rural Education at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Associate Director. Required Qualifications: • Terminal degree in an education or related field. • Experience training and supervising individuals for the delivery of informal education programs. • Experience overseeing informal education programs, including tutoring and/or after school programming for school-aged children. • Experience working with diverse populations. • Experience evaluating programs. Preferred Qualifications: • Recent experience working with the Buffalo Public Schools and its partners. • Recent experience working with Buffalo’s community-based organizations. • Experience as a faculty member in an academic program. • Experience writing grant proposals. Qualified applicants may apply online at https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

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

ADVERTISING PAYS! 716.881.1051

ROOMS ROOMS FOR RENT: Delavan-Humboldt area, Bailey-Delavan. $325$480. Everything included. (716)818-3410.

Maryner Towers Apartments

Now Accepting Applications For 1,2 and 3 Bedroom Apts. Section 8 and Tax Credits Available for Qualified Applicants. Applications Available at Maryner Towers Apartments 4 Maryner Towers Buffalo, NY 14201 Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm

Assistant Professor in Acting SUNY Buffalo State College (Buffalo, NY) seeks an Assistant Professor in Acting to teach performance-based courses in the Theater Department, including courses in Acting, Voice/Movement and Musical Theater sequences, and general education courses as assigned. 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.

LEGAL NOTICE BIDS STONEY RD BIRDGE COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS STONY RD BRIDGE & CULVERT REPLACEMENT PROJ# FA-5759.95-2016 Department of Public Works, Division of Highways, seeking sealed bids for federal bridge & culvert replacement project. Sealed proposals received at the DPW, 95 Franklin St, Rm 1400, Buffalo, NY at 10 am, Thursday, March 30, 2017. Bid deposit of $100,000. required. Minority Workforce goal, Apprenticeship & 11% DBE required. Plans and additional bid submittal information must be downloaded from the Erie County website at: http://www2.erie.gov/dpw see On Line Bid Retrieval.

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center / BETC 716-856-5627

www.workforcebuffalo.org The BETC is here to help with your job searching needs. We have free services to all jobseekers looking to find better paying work, an exciting new career, or wanting to upgrade skills to become more marketable. in today’s marketplace. Orientation Times: Monday – Thursday, 10 am or 2 pm.

TO ADVERTISE: advertising@thechallengernews.com 716.881.1051

B S

LOTTERY

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com • March 15 2017

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 3/5

MON 3/6

TUES 3/7

EVE-8-9-6

EVE-6-2-9

EVE- 7-7-1

EVE-6-6-7

MID-3-3-8-9 EVE-9-6-4-1

MID- 2-1-4-1 EVE- 4-1-9-3

MID- 7-0-3-5 EVE- 1-7-0-4

MID-4-3-0

3-WAY

MID-7-9-3-8 EVE- 4-4-3-4

WIN 4 TAKE 5

MID-9-1-1

WED 3/8

MID-4-7-4

MID-1-3-8

THURS 3/9 MID-2-0-6

FRI 3/10

SAT 3/11

MID-1-8-5

MID-8-8-4

EVE-5-3-3

EVE-3-5-1

EVE-8-4-1

MID- 7-3-5-4 EVE- 4-2-6-0

MID- 5-7-9-1 EVE- 3-5-2-4

MID- 2-8-8-0 EVE- 5-9-6-4

The Nation of Islam is NOT a hate group By: Jason Muhammad Continued, Conclusion From Last Week

The only thing the Minister and the Nation of Islam hates is what God, Himself, hates. We hate injustice. We hate oppression. We hate greed. We hate evil. But more that, we love. We love God. We love the Truth. We love Freedom, Justice, and Equality. We love our people. In fact, we love so intensely that the lie is often told that we hate those who tell lies and work to oppress our communities. But it is clear. The Nation of Islam is not a hate group.

12-20-21-27-39

17-22-26-33-39

13-14-17-28-39

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FLORISTS

LAW OFFICE OF DARIA L. PRATCHER, PC “Everything Real Estate” 523 Main Street (716)541-8574

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

AUTO BEN’S Downtown Tire

2016

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

RESTAURANTS FUSION 4 Restaurant & Bar

Upscale Caribbean, African & Soul Food Dining

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

719 Plymouth Ave.

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

HAIR SUPPLY

BAIL BONDS

LUCKIE DUCKIE

3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year

ATTORNEYS

GIST BAIL BONDS

A-1 Bail Bonds 855-2514 or 854-2128

BUYING MUSIC PAYING The Best Price for Vinyl Records in WNY LP’s 45’s & 78’s Call 930-1319

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

ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

MAIN HAIR & BEAUTY SUPPLY 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247

TAILORS ANN RHOD’S Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave. (716) 838-5633

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES MEREA WORLD Transportation Service Specializing in Round Trip & Over Night Trips Text or call 716 939-8892

DOG TRAINING DOGMAN’S K -9 Obedience Training

1963 Fillmore Avenue (716) 807-8163

To Advertise :advertising@thechallengernews.com

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 15, 2017

CALENDAR COMMUNITYEVENTS CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY MARCH 15

FRIDAY MARCH 17

SATURDAY MARCH 18

"Obama Care and Medicaid”

The Mobile Mammogram Unit: Community Health Center of Buffalo, 34 Benwood Avenue; call 986-9199 ext. 3610 or Ext. 3611 to schedule an appointment.

“A Call to Action” Press conference & Speak Out to Stop Congress From destroying Medicaid: Community Health Center of Buffalo, 34 Benwood Avenue; 400-1817. See Page 3.

The Women’s Trailblazer Brunch : Presented by Nikia M. Sweet 12:45 p.m., Matt Urban Center ,1081 Broadway. 716 217-5608.

Hustle for Health Seniors line dance fitness class Gloria J Parks Center 3242 Main St,. 11am - 12pm 716 832 1010. FREE

Attention Masten Park Residents! Grant Funds for Home-

Forum: 5:30 - 7:45 p.m. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue hosted by We Are Women Warriors &Community Health Center Buffalo (CHCB) & (CHCNYS) Community Health Center Association of New York State Masten Residents Community Meeting: Hazardous Waste Clean-up Update 6p.m Delavan Grider Community Center. Public Meeting Board of the Westminster Community Charter School: 3 p.m. M&T Bank, One M&T Plaza - 19th Floor.

Women’s History Month Movie Series

The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St. 885-6348 THURSDAY MARCH 16 Aloma D. Johnson Charter School Open House: 15 Jewett Parkway, 4-6 p.m., grades K-4, 856-4390; www.adjcharter.org FOXIE BROWN LINE DANCE CLASSES: Every Thursday 10:30 am – 11:30am, Schiller Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St 444-2046 for more info.

owners Informational Meeting: 6-7:30 p.m., Greater works Christian Fellowship Church, 210 Southampton St.; hosted by CAO; 881-6543 for more info. SATURDAY MARCH 18

Antoine Thompson Birthday Bowling Bash! 6-8pm, at Kerns Bowling Center, 163 Kerns Avenue. $7 for three games and shoes! See you there! A Community Networking Business Event: Link, Think, Be Seen, Earn Green 7pm-12am Big Fellas 1202 E. Delavan Admission $10, (716) 948-4275

SUNDAY MARCH 19 “Stop The Madness Basketball tournament finals and Championship Games: 3 p.m., William Emslie YMCA, 585 William Street; free and open to the public. MONDAY MARCH 20

Affordable Senior Apartments for active adults ages 62 years and older

GYC Ministries : Gang Summit Basketball and Open Gym, Ages 14 & Up, 7- 9:30 pm C.R.U.C.I.A.L. 230 Moselle Street

Spend your retirement enjoying life—not worrying about paying the bills. We offer three communities with rental fees based on what you can afford.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 22

• Heat, hot water & cable included in rent • Air conditioning • Elevator • Handicapped accessible & adaptable • Enhanced security

WNY Diversity Job Fair : Buffalo Niagara Convention Center 9am – 2pm Talk face to face with over 60 different companies!

The Johnetta R. Cole AMVETS Post No. 24 will present a series of movies in honor Hustle for Health Seniors line of Women’s History Month, “Honoring Trail-Blazing Wom- The Durham Central City Baby dance fitness class Gloria J en in business and Labor” at Café . Info and support for preg- Buffalo’s King Center Charter Parks Center 3242 Main St,. the Frank E. Merriweather Jr. nant and breastfeeding moms School (KCCS) Kindergarten 11am - 12pm 716 832 1010. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St. Readiness Day: 10 a.m. to 1 FREE p.m. ,156 Newburgh Ave.; from 2-4 p.m. Sunday March 19 885-6348. and Sunday March 26. Light reading screenings for chilSee you At The See you At The Events!Print Ad refreshments will be served. dren| age 3-6Challenger years old. | 10.375” w x Events! EVANS-EVANS-13945 2017 Attorney General The 5.5” h | 4C

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SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

Taking pride in home ownership. You do. And we do. We understand taking pride in your first home. It’s why we take pride in making it possible for everyone. Whether you’re looking to purchase a new home or make improvements to the one you own, Evans Bank can help. We offer several great lending options that make it easy and affordable for you to finance your dream. It’s home ownership, a better way—for you and the community. To learn more, contact Eric Gadley, CRA Mortgage Loan Officer, at (716) 926-2044 or egadley@evansbank.com.

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1/31/17 3:38 PM

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com • March 15 2017

WE ARE CARPENTERS

YOU CAN BE ONE TOO!

Be Part Of Our Pre-Apprentice Program In Rochester, NY The Northeast Carpenters Apprentice Training & Educational Fund is having a 6-week pre-apprenticeship program for women. The program is designed to get participants ready for an apprenticeship that leads to a career in the carpenters union. Rochester Works March 20th 1:00pm

Program Locations Urban League of Rochester, NY Inc. March 23rd 1:30pm

Visit www.JoinCarpenters.com to learn more and download the program brochure

Carpenters Training Center – Rochester March 23rd 4:30pm

Or call the Rochester Training Center 585-436-1111

Jobs Don’t Have a GenDer