Challenger Community News March 30 2016 by Challenger Community News

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INSIDE ROCEHSTER

Library Re-named in Honor of PG. 2 Frederick Douglass

NATIONAL Former Aide: Nixon’s War on Drugs Invented to Suppress Black PG. 5 People

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Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

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Frederick Douglass Community Library Dedicated

he Highland Branch of the Rochester Public Library has a new name. The Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to rename the library to honor Frederick Douglass. The Highland Branch Library will now be known as the Frederick Douglass Community Library. A dedication ceremony was held on March 21, to honor the renaming of the Library, and the South Avenue Recreation Center, in honor Douglass. A famed abolitionist and the editor of the North Star newspaper, the Douglass home and family farm were located on the site that now houses the Library and the Recreation Center. Douglass often hid fugitive slaves at his home on the property as they made their way towards freedom in Canada, making the property an informal part of the Underground Railroad. Frederick Douglass, Frederick Douglass is one of the greatest historical figures in our city’s history”, said Mayor Lovely Warren. “His contributions to the abolitionist movement are renowned throughout the world. So it’s only appropriate that we honor the hallowed grounds where he lived, raised his family and helped runaways slaves escape to freedom. By renaming both the library and the recreation center after Frederick Douglass, we are giving the property the recognition that its historical significance deserves. We believe that this will bring added visibility to the area, and will further our goals of bringing safer and more vibrant neighborhoods, more jobs and better educational opportunities to our citizens.” “It’s very fitting that we honor Frederick Douglass in this

The New York Petite Pageant is especially designed for women 5’6” or less and includes four age groups (Teen/Miss/Ms. /Mrs.) representing their city to compete for the New York State Petite Title. The winners from all four age divisions will move on to compete at the USA Petite in Florida this coming September. This year the New York Petite Pageant will take place on Saturday, July 30 at 3:00 PM at the Auditorium of The Memorial Art Gallery located at 500 University Ave., Rochester, NY. The areas of competition are Judges Interview, Bathing Suit (for the Mrs. Division is Summer Outfit), Formal Gown and the On Stage Question. We also have a Donations/Charity Day and some other fun events. For all the teens and women who want to register to compete for the New York Petite crown and title in any of the four age divisions, they need to submit a registration form that can be provided to them via email not later than May 15, 2016. Please contact Leticia FerrerRivera to 407-529-9881 or email bombaqueenproductions@gmail.com. You can also visit the Facebook page New York Petite Pageant.

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Around Town * A Talk by Cheetah Girls author Deborah Gregory, Saturday, April 2 @ 2 pm: Inspiring Beauty Gala.@ 8 pm; Rochester Museum of Science.

HOPE Technology & Literacy Institute Now Accepting Students HOPE Technology & Literacy Institute, 250 Dr. Samuel McCree Way, is now accepting students for community classes in Literacy 101 and English as a Second Language. Other classes are running for 8 sessions April 6 – May 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday Evenings. An informational session will be held on Wednesday, March 30 from 6:30-8 p.m. Call (585) 743-5596 for more information.

Rochester City School Board Approves Contract With Teachers Association The Rochester City School District Board of Education approved a three-year contract with the Rochester Teachers Association in a 5 to 2 vote Thursday.The contract includes a 3.6 percent pay increase for teachers, as well as new requirements for teachers to keep lesson plans and grades updated.

*150 Ancestors Reception: The Black Heritage Organization will host a “150 Ancestors Reception” as its final 2016 Heritage event on Thursday, March 31 from 5-7y p.m. in the City Hall Atrium. For more information call 428-9857 or email blackheritage@cityofrochester.gov *The Memorial Art Gallery’s Board of Managers and the Rochester Chapter of The Links will celebrate the exhibition “Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair” at a gala evening of dancing and entertainment on Saturday, April 2 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Memorial Art Gallery 500 University Ave.. Featured will music by DJ Reignbe performances by Garth Fagan Dance, Atlas Band, Nate Rawls Quartet and Lady Dilvnda. Dress to Impress!

*Annual BLCA Community Choir Concert: Saturday, April 16, 6 p.m., Genesee Baptist Church, 149 Brooks Avenue; 585-210-9252 or ROCHPR@NBLCA.ORG *Operation Transformation Rochester Talks Series: April 9, 10 a.m. - 12 noon; Rudel Library, 3rd floor auditorium; www.cityofrohester.gov/otr *150 Ancestors Reception: The Black Heritage Organization will host a “150 Ancestors Reception” as its final 2016 Heritage event on Thursday, March 31 from 5-7y p.m. in the City Hall Atrium. For more information call 428-9857 or email blackheritage@cityofrochester.gov SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

AREA BRIEFS

Jamaal Bowman

NYC Principal to Speak at Community Forum on Common Core Testing and Curriculum Jamaal Bowman, principal of Cornerstone Academy for social Action in the Bronx, New York, will be the featured speaker at a community forum on Common Core State Testing and Curriculum on Saturday, April 2 at 11 a.m. at the Merriweather Library at Jefferson and Utica. Mr. Bowman who’s had positive experience teaching to “the whole child” and “not to the tests” for the past 16 years (seven as a principal), will discuss the Common Core state testing for 3-8 graders taking place April 5-7 for English and April 1315 for math. He will also address their impact on learning and teaching. The event is sponsored by Buffalo Parents, Teachers and Clergy. The community is urged to attend.

First Buffalo Police Exam in Five Years Set for June: Residents Urged to Apply The City of Buffalo Police Department is looking for qualified city residents to take the Buffalo Police exam on June 18, 2016. At the same time, a police recruitment campaign will take place that’s designed to generate interest and educate potential recruits about the professional and personal benefits for choosing a career with the Buffalo Police Department and encourage them to register for and take the upcoming police enrollment exam. In the coming weeks the Buffalo Police Department will conduct an extensive outreach campaign and recruitment drive providing information about the benefits of becoming a Buffalo Police Officer. This public outreach component of the campaign provides an opportunity for local citizens to meet one-on-one with police officers, ask questions and learn how they can sign up to take the exam. The last exam was administered by the City in 2011. Deadline for exam registration is May 13, 2016. The exam will be given on June 18, 2016. To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements: Must be between the ages of 19 and 35 on exam date Must reside within the City of Buffalo at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of his or her application for examination High School Diploma, GED or Equivalency Diploma Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a BPD Police Officer and to register for the exam can visit www.citybuffalo.com, call 311 or contact The City of Buffalo Department of Human Resources/Civil Service Administration, 65 Niagara Square, 1001 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202 or call 716-8519614 The Buffalo Police Department offers excellent benefits to becoming an officer. Salaries range from $50,373 to $66,031.

We Are Women Warriors to Host Mock Presidential Primary Town Hall Meeting We Are Women Warriors group will host a mock presidential primary town hall meeting in anticipation of the April 19th New York State Presidential Primary Election at the Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave.on Wednesday, April 6 from 5:30-7:45 p.m. The two candidates for United Sates President in the Democratic Primary are Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Each candidate will have two surrogates to stand in for them and will present their respective candidate’s position on various issues with information drawn from press releases, written and verbal correspondence from the candidate’s debates, town hall meetings and social media. None of the surrogates have been approved by the candidates’ official campaign and the information they present will not be consid- Hillary v. Bernie in upcoming mock Presidential ered the candidate’s official words or positions. Primary. Thomas Grace, a professor at Erie Community College and Brian Nowak, lead delegate for the Bernie Sanders’ NYS Presidential have been selected to represent the Sanders’ Campaign. We Are Women Warriors has reached out to Democratic Party Chairman, Jeremy Zellner, to send two representative from Hillary Clinton’s local election campaign. For more information, please contact Betty Jean Grant, President, We Are Women Warriors @ (716) 602-5877.

How did the Masten decide to spend $150,000? Do you want the opportunity to decide how a portion of the City of Buffalo’s budget is spent in your neighborhood? You voted, now find out which projects will be funded! Come to the PB (Participatory Budgeting in Buffalo) Results Party Thursday, March 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Street. Participatory Budgeting is a different way to manage public money it’s a democratic process in which you decide how to spend part of our City’s budget. It’s real decision-making power over real money.For more information and voting sites visit pbbuffalo. org. For additional information contact Natasha at 852-3813.

Army Veteran and Community Activist to Run for the Central School District Paulette Woods, an 8 year army veteran of the 402 Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) and former executive member of the Black Chamber of Commerce, has announcesd that she will seek a seat on the Buffalo Board of Education representing the Central District. Long serving board member Mary Ruth Kapsiak is retiring from the school board and will not run for reelection. Mrs. Kapsiak has endorsed Paulette Woods and has pledged to work with her to ensure that the policies and mandates that are important to the educational well being of the students and their parents will continue. " I have no biological children myself but I have helped raise eleven brothers and sisters and a host of nieces and nephews, many of whom went on to get an outstanding education in the Buffalo Public schools as well as attaining undergraduate and graduate college degrees," stated Ms. Woods. “In my role as a 32 year Erie County employee, I have managed many of the county's 1.5 billion budgets. I know that my experience in finance and as a senior budget examiner for Erie County Probation Dept. will go a long way toward ensuring that the monies allocated to our children is spent in the best interest of our children. The Buffalo Public School's motto is: 'Putting Children First'. Once I am elected, I am going to make sure that the school board, the administration and the teachers honor and live up to it!" Ms. Woods also has a long history of working with community leaders and pastors such as Bishop Robert Sanders, Sr. and his Refuge Temple's Citadel of Hope non-secure Foster Home for troubled youths. Her campaign workers are in the process of gathering signatures for the May 3rd School Board election. If you live in the Central District and want to sign her petition, please call Ms. Woods at (716) 986-1025. Also, volunteers are needed at her campaign headquarters for phone banking and literature distribution. Please call (716) 602-5877 to volunteer.

The Dread Scott Decision Dred Scott ( 1799 – September 17, 1858) was an enslaved African American man in the United States who unsuccessfully sued for his freedom and that of his wife and their two daughters in the landmark Dred Scott v. Sandford case of 1857, popularly known as the “Dred Scott Decision.” 1) The Early Years In 1833, Dred Scott was an enslaved African, purchased by Dr. John Emerson and moved to a base in the Wisconsin Te r r i t o r y. Slavery was banned in the territory pursuant to the Missouri Compromise. Thus, Scott lived there for the next four years, hiring himself out for work during the long stretches when Emerson was away. PBS.org states that Scott eventually moved to St. Louis in 1840 with his wife and Emerson. 2) The Fight In 1846, after Emerson died, Scott sued Emerson’s widow, Eliza Sanford, to gain freedom for himself and his family, after she refused. According to African American Registry, Scott argued that he was legally free because he and his family had lived in a territory where slavery was banned. 3) Freedom In 1850, the state court finally declared Scott free. LandmarkCases.org says that Scott’s wages had been withheld pending the resolution of his case, and during that time Eliza Sanford remarried and left her brother, John Sanford, in charge of her financial affairs, including the Scott case. Sanford, unwilling to pay the Continued Page 16

Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III Gives Invocation at State Senate Session ALBANY, NY – At the invitation of Senator Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo), Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III, Senior Pastor of Buffalo’s Miracle Missions Full Gospel Church gave the opening prayer for the February 25th, 2016 session of the New York State Senate. Joining members of the Senate in thoughtful reflection, Reverend Lewis prayed for Senators to be blessed with the wisdom needed to address our state’s most pressing issues, including the dual scourges of HIV/ AIDS and gun violence. Speaking from the lectern of the State Senate, Reverend Lewis called on the Senate to work together to bridge divides that separate our state by region and demographics, in order to achieve our common goals of peace and prosperity. “Reverend Lewis is a man of peace, and a man of prayer,” said Senator Kennedy. “I have sat in his pews many Sundays, and I know the impact he has had on so many lives in Buffalo. When the opportunity arose to

Senator Kennedy (left) with Rev. and the lovely Mrs. Lewis.

bring him to Albany to share his wisdom, it was clear that Reverend Lewis’s message of cooperation and community was exactly what officials in Albany needed to hear. And I think that his message really did have an effect, with the Senate that same day passing legislation ensuring the humane and decent treatment of pregnant female prisoners. Reverend Lewis is a man of God, a friend, and a great leader, and I was honored to have him join us in Albany.” At the same Senate session, Reverend Lewis, joined by

his wife Zandra, was honored by a resolution by the State Senate, recognizing his award as the January 2016 Erie County Citizen of the Month. Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Kennedy praised Reverend Lewis as an extraordinary man who brings about change by helping those in need; noting that his community service does not at end his church’s doorstep, The resolution honoring Reverend Lewis was unanimously passed by the State Senate.

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Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Fidel Castro Responds to ‘Brother Obama’ Former Nixon Aide: Nixon’s ‘War on Drugs’ after US President’s trip to Cuba Invented to Suppress Black People Country’s former leader responds to Obama’s visit with long letter in state media, saying: ‘We don’t need the empire to give us any presents’ The Guardian --Fidel Castro has responded to Barack Obama’s historic trip to Cuba with a lengthy and scornful letter that recounts the history of US aggression against Cuba and reasserts its independence with a warning to the American leader that “we don’t need the empire to give us any presents”. The 1,500-word letter published in state media, titled “Brother Obama”, was Castro’s first re sponse to the president’s three-day visit last week, in which the American president said he had come to bury the two countries’ history of cold war hostility. Speaking in Havana, Obama said it was time for the two countries to look forward “as friends and as neighbors and as family, together”. But in his letter Castro dismisses Obama’s comments as “honey-coated” and said that Cubans “ran the risk of having a heart attack on hearing these words from the president of the United States”. The former president writes that Obama is asking them to forget “a ruthless blockade that has now lasted for almost 60 years,” as well over half a century of US aggression against Cuba including the decades-long trade embargo against the island; the 1961 Bay of Pigs attack and the 1976 bombing of a Cuban airliner by anti-Castro exiles which killed 73 people. Obama did not meet – or mention – the 89-year-old former ruler during his three-day trip but met several times with his 84-year-old brother Raúl Castro, the current Cuban president. Obama’s visit was intended to build irreversible momentum behind his opening with Cuba and to convince the Cuban people and the Cuban government that a half century of US attempts to overthrow the communist government had ended, allowing Cuba to reform its economy and political system more quickly. Fidel Castro writes of Obama: “My modest suggestion is that he reflects and doesn’t try to develop theories about Cuban politics.” Castro, who led Cuba for decades before handing power to his brother in 2008, was legendary for his hours-long, all-encompassing speeches. His biting letter reflects that style, presenting a sharp contrast with Obama’s tightly focused and forward-looking speech in Havana last week. The letter opens with descriptions of environmental abuse under the Spaniards and reviews the historical roles of Cuban independence heroes José Martí, Antonio Maceo and Máximo Gómez. Castro then goes over crucial sections of Obama’s speech line by line, engaging in an ex post facto dialogue with the American president with pointed critiques of perceived slights and insults, including Obama’s failure to give credit to indigenous Cubans and Castro’s prohibition of racial Continued Page 15

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ormer President Richard Nixon’s chief domestic adviser during the 1971 launch of the “war on drugs” said that he invented the president’s drug policies so that the administration could neutralize its enemies, specifically “the anti-war left and Black people,” according to an article in Harper’s Magazine. John Ehrlichman, who served 18 months in prison for his role in the Nixon White House’s Watergate scandal, reportedly bared his (dark) soul to journalist Dan Baum in 1994, and those words made it into Baum’s April Harper’s cover story, “Legalize It All.” Ehrlichman, an integral part of the Nixon White House, an administration notorious for its abuse of power (again, Watergate), reportedly referred to the anti-war left and blacks as enemies of the Nixon regime, and outlined a method by which it “could disrupt those communities.” “You want to know what this was really all about?” Ehrlichman asked with the bluntness of a man who, after public disgrace and a stretch in federal prison, had little left to protect. “The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and black people. You understand what I’m saying? We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or Black, Former President Richard Nixon, also known as but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and Blacks with heroin, and then criminal“Tricky Dick.” izing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did.” The journalist then writes, “I must have looked shocked. Ehrlichman just shrugged. Then he looked at his watch, handed me a signed copy of his steamy spy novel, The Company, and led me to the door.” Baum said that Ehrlichman seemed ready to “unburden” himself when they spoke. Ehrlichman died in 1999. Fast forward to 2016. Today we see the kid-gloves disparity in the government’s response to the current, “whiter” heroin epidemic, compared to the systematic racial targeting that heavily criminalized and severely disrupted the Black community via the drug war.

FAITH & FAMILY

Throwback Musical Concert The kick off of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Var-Son Community Choir Inc. will feature a Throwback Musical Concert featuring gospel music from the 1980-1990 era on Sunday, April 3 at 4 pm. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 402 Clinton Street. The Rev. E. Jackson, Jr. is host Pastor. Johnny Flakes is president and Mitchell McCleod, musical director.

Clothing Giveaway

Hopewell Baptist Church will sponsor a clothing giveaway (and other good stuff too!) on Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the church annex, 1307 Fillmore Avenue at Urban (use side entrance). All are welcome!

Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

“Emerging Women Leaders”

The Women’s Day Committee of St. John’s African Methodist Episcopal Church in Niagara Falls, will present an “Emerging Women Leaders” salute to some of Niagara Falls unsung “sheroes” on Saturday, April 2 at 5 p.m. in the Niagara Falls Housing Authority’s Doris W. Jones Resource Building, 3001 Ninth Street. The honorees include Tomorrow Allen-Collins, Darlene Betton, Karen Lowery, Angela L. Smith, Rene Williams, Tammy Antoine John, Schurron Cowart, Adrain McQueen and Samika Sullivan. For tickets contact St. John’s at (716)285-6432 or Nicole at (716) 998-6984. Donation is $20 per person. Rev. Dion S. Greer, Sr., MDiv., is Pastor.

“We’re Better Together” Women’s Conference The New Testament Revival Cathedral, 987 Kensington Avenue, will host a “We’re Better Together” Women’s Conference April 1-3 at the church. There will be workshops, brunch, vendors and more. A “For Teen girls Only!” workshop will also be included. . The special guest is Evangelist Pastor/ Prophetess Jill Mattocks of New York City. For more information call (716) 573-2689. Bishop Gerald Drayton is Pastor of New Testament Revival Cathedral. Lady Kandice Drayton is First Lady.

GOD IS GOOD!

FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Fillmore Avenue Community Church Will Celebrate The Goodness Of God Church No Longer on the Brink but Now Hanging Tough Celebrates it’s 15th Year Anniversary!

he people of Fillmore Avenue Community Church (FCC) will celebrate the goodness of God to their congregation. This church has been through some tough times but now has many reasons to rejoice. This short list represents a few of their recent blessings. *Strong Leadership: Rev. Brian Robinson and his wife Denise lead the church to follow the FCC strategy Plan. Brian is a dynamic preacher and leader. *Vibrant Worship Team: Minister Paul Fletcher and his wife Rebecca as well as the musicians and congregation give praises to God weekly. Life Changing Programs: The Fillmore Community Church members enjoy watching new congregants as they grow in their new faith. God is at work through this congregation as they minister to those who are hurting and in need. The church will be celebrating their 15th year anniversary on April 6-8th 2016 which will consist of the following events: *Wednesday – Friday April 6th - 8th 7:00 pm Nightly-The Spring Revival A Time for Spiritual Reconnection). The Guest Revivalist will be Rev. Brent McCallister Pastor of Midtown Bible Church *Sunday April 10th 2016 – 4:00pm – Anniversary Worship Celebration to be held at Fillmore Community Church, 821 Fillmore Ave. Special Guest Speaker – Rev. Alvin Clay Sr., Associate Minister of Macedonia Baptist Church. All are welcome to attend these events Fillmore Community Church, SBC is affiliated locally with Frontier Baptist Association and Regionally with the Baptist Convention of New York For Information Contact the church via email – 821fillmore@fccbuffalo.com Phone – 716-8966295 or byMail FCC, 821 Fillmore Ave., Buffalo, NY 14212

Jordan Grove Baptist Church to Celebrate 61st Church Anniversary Jordan Grove Baptist Church, 1264 Kensington will be celebrating their 61st Church Anniversary during the week of April 18-22. Guest Evangelist will be Pastor Kemp Burley Jr, of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Services will begin nightly at 7 p.m. Rev CC Cox is Jr. Pastor.

Don’t Fprget..... *Ministers Wives & Widows of Buffalo & Vicinity will present Rhapsody In Blue honoring Minister, Mother Bertha Brewer on Friday, April 8 at 6 p.m. at The Fairdale, 672 Wehrle Drive, Amherst.Esther Leigh 472-3828, Amaza Savage 704-5429, or Joyce Reid 381-8610.

*The 4th Annual Jazz Vesper Concert presented by the Trustee Board of St. Luke AME Zion Church will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 4 p.m. at St. Luke AME Zion Church, 314 E. Ferry St. Featured will be an All-Star Jazz Ensemble . Tickets are $15 - $10 with Student ID. \ Call (716) 883-0961 for tickets and information

*The Women’s Auxiliary to The Great Lakes Baptist Association will host the 17th Annual Walterine Stribling Women’s Conference ~Friday (7pm) and Saturday (8 am-3pm), April 1 and 2 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 701 E. Delavan Ave. Call 875-3524 or 832-3832 for pre-registration. Rev. William Gillison is Host Pastor.

Memorial Tribute:

The 48th Anniversary of the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lincoln Memorial Church will host an observation and celebratory memorial tribute on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, April 4 at the Church, 641 Masten Avenue, from 6 to 8 p.m. Guest speaker include Ted Kirkland, former council President George K. Arthur, Rev. George Nicholas, former Council Member-at-Large Cliff Bell and Charley J. Fisher. Poetry by Alberto O. Cappas, Legislator Betty Jean Gant and Patricia Bozeman will also be featured. George K. Arthur and Cliff Bell will share inspirational stories about Dr. King’s visit to Buffalo just a few years before he died. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee.

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HEALTH MATTERS

Easy Tips For Reducing Sodium Consumption

Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

86109_Fuel_HEAPPrint_Ph3 / BW /6.861”w x 10”h no bleed / PUBS: Buffalo Challenger

Food Choices Matter!

Extension ends April 8

igh blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a condition in which blood pressure remains elevated over time. Hypertension makes the heart work harder, and the high force of the blood flow can harm arteries and organs (such as the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes). Eating less sodium can help lower blood pressure, which in turn, can help reduce your risk of developing these serious medical conditions. Almost half of the sodium consumed by Americans comes from the following foods, many of which are commercially processed or prepared: •Breads and rolls •Cheese (natural and processed) •Cold cuts and cured meats (such as deli or packaged ham or turkey) •Mixed meat dishes (such as beef stew, chili, and meat loaf) •Mixed pasta dishes (such as lasagna, pasta salad, and spaghetti with meat sauce) •Pizza •Poultry (fresh and processed) •Sandwiches (such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and submarine sandwiches) •Savory snacks (such as chips, crackers, popcorn, and pretzels) •Soups If you follow these tips to reduce the amount of sodium you consume, your “taste” for sodium will gradually decrease over time – so eventually, you may not even miss it! 1.Read the Nutrition Facts Label Read the Nutrition Facts Label to see how much sodium is in foods and beverages. Most people should consume less than 2,400 mg of sodium each day. 2.Prepare your own food when you can Limit packaged sauces, mixes, and “instant” products (including flavored rice, instant noodles, and ready-made pasta). 3.Add flavor without adding sodium Limit the amount of salt you add to foods when cooking, baking, or at the table. Try no-salt seasoning blends and herbs and spices instead of salt to add flavor to your food. 4.Buy fresh Choose fresh meat, poultry, and seafood, rather than processed varieties. Also, check the package on fresh meat and poultry to see if salt water or saline has been added. 5.Watch your veggies Buy fresh, frozen (no sauce or seasoning), or low sodium or no-salt-added canned vegetables. 6.Give sodium the “rinse” Rinse sodium-containing canned foods, such as beans, tuna, and vegetables before eating. This removes some of the sodium. 7.”Unsalt” your snacks Choose low sodium or no-salt-added nuts, seeds, and snack products (such as chips and pretzels) – or have carrot or celery sticks instead. 8.Consider your condiments Sodium in condiments can add up. Choose light or reduced sodium condiments, add oil and vinegar to salads rather than bottled dressings, and use only a small amount of seasoning from flavoring packets instead of the entire packet. 9.Reduce your portion size : Less food means less sodium. Prepare smaller portions at home and consume less when eating out — choose smaller sizes, split an entrée with a friend, or take home part of your meal. 10.Make lower-sodium choices at restaurants : Ask for your meal to be prepared without salt and request that sauces and salad dressings be served “on the side,” then use less of them. If a restaurant item or meal includes a claim about its nutrient content, such as “low sodium” or “low fat,” then nutrition information to support that claim is required to be available at the point of purchase. In addition, as of December 1, 2016, many chain restaurants (and other places selling restaurant-type food) will be required to provide written information on the nutrient content of standard menu items, including the amount of sodium. ( Did you know that sodium and potassium both affect blood pressure? Eating enough potassium each day can help lower blood pressure by balancing out some of the harmful effects that sodium can have on blood pressure. Look for foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, beet greens, juices (carrot, orange, pomegranate, and prune), yogurt (non-fat and low-fat), potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and tomato products, and white beans.)

IS STILL OPEN If you need help paying your heating bills, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help. But act now because time is running out. You may also be eligible for a reduced rate on your heating bills through LICAAP, National Fuel’s Low Income Customer Affordability Assistance Program. For more information, or to see if you qualify, visit HEAPhelps.com, call 1-877-443-2743 or apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov.

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Challenger Community News â&#x20AC;˘ March 30, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ www.thechallengernews.com

Entertainment/Lifestyles

Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

ON STAGE

*Little Anthony and The Imperials: 8 p.m. April 29, Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St. North Tonawanda. 692-2413. Tickets $53 - $68. *Soul Superstars Featuring The Drifters and The Contours, May 14, 7:30 p.m. at the Riviera theatre. www.RivieraTheatre. org

Fragrance of YAH to Present Creating Legacies Spring 2016 ShowcaseOn April 8, from 5 until 8 pm at MST High School, Fragrance of YAH along with the children and grandchildren of Laymon Harris II will present The Creating Legacies Spring 2016 Showcase- Restoring the Unbreakable Chain! The chain to which we refer is the legacy of dedication to the arts and education passed down through these three generations of the Harris family. Laymon Harris II was an author, playwright, singer, songwriter, poet, artist and public speaker. Our father (grandfather) was determined to leave his mark on the world when he published four of his books: three of poetry and one novel, shortly before his death in January of 2007. As a result his daughter Fragrance Harris A. K. A. Fragrance of YAH, created this opportunity for other families to join us in a testimonial to his life’s achievements and artistic attempts. Art should be something that bonds the family. It should be something that motivates generations to learn from one another. Talent should be something profitable! Let’s show our appreciation for those who continue to strive to make those dreams passed from parents to children to grandchildren, alive! We are proud to be sponsored by B. E. A. S. T., Hope Program Inc. Organization, and our host: Math, Science, and Technology Preparatory School of the Buffalo Public Schools! For participation, vending, sponsorship, or attendance information, please call Fragrance of YAH at 716-253-1404.

B U F F A L O J

P H I L H A R M O N I C A

Cirque Mechanics Celebrating Sammy: Broadway to Vegas Sat. APR. 30, 8pm Buffalo native Eric Jordan Young is inspired by Sammy Davis, Jr. and a love of the Rat Pack. From Broadway and TV to his national tours and a Las Vegas show, don’t miss this high-energy evening of song and dance.

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Meet the instruments of the orchestra as they represent each character in this famous musical tale of Peter and his adventures. Visit the Instrument Zoo pre-concert!

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Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Clash of the Whitens: Movie “Gods of Egypt” Lies to the World Review by Ron Draffin

Please boycott this movie (“Gods of Egypt”)! It lies to the world and especially our children about the identity of the Ancient Egyptians (Kemetians/Blacks) which denies the ‘history of African people. If you decide not to boycott the movie please at least Google ‘Egyptian Gods” and show your children what they really look

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like as still visible on the temple walls all over Egypt! We must not allow the lies, which still causes the Brown vs. Board of Education doll study to show the same results today, to continue to destroy our children (the tool to measure kids’ attitudes about what color has to do with being “pretty” or “good” or “ugly” or “bad” which is still widely used shorthand for the argument that anti-black racism is internalized—and early.) A social media storm erupted following release of the movie’s poster and trailer which showed a predominantly White cast playing ancient Egyptian mortals and gods. The studio releasing the film, Lionsgate, subsequently issued an apology for its casting decisions, saying it had failed to live up to its own standards of sensitivity and diversity. Proyas has since clarified that films like Gods of Egypt are constructs of the imagination and often need acting “names” to attract finance.

Fairfax reviewer Jake Wilson described Proyas’s first feature in seven years as an uneven but impressive fantasy epic, and awarded it three stars. The Chicago Tribune was unimpressed with the effects-

driven film - “so screwy, yet so lame… Call it “Clash of the Whitans” and call it a folly that doesn’t have the energy or delirium to qualify as enter-

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Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

2016 ‘Drill-O-Rama’ Rocks!

Scenes from the 2016 Drill Team Championship (“Drill-O-Rama”) last Thursday at Kleinhans. On the cover, The Difference Ministry Guppy Team and Hutch Tech representatives (1st place winners in the high school division) accept trophies.

he community’s endless well of creative talent among the youth was once again showcased at the annual 2016 New York State Drill Team Championships & Step Show at Kleinhans last Thursday. Sponsored by NICYO & Drill Teams United of Buffalo and Western New York, the event drew a full house. And as in years past, there were no incidents: just sheer talent and good sportsmanship among the 18 teams in the competition. The Dynasty Dance Team, a group of beautiful and talented young dancers, was a nice addition to the program. All of the teams were outstanding. One example was Hutch Tech who swept the categories in the High School Division , not only winning 1st place, but taking the titles of “Best Captain,” “Most Outstanding,” “Most Original” and “Best Dressed!”

It was a truly fine, performance. Dressed in black leather, their theme was a take on the Black Lives Matter Movement and a tribute to the movement in the sixties – complete with raised fists and interment chants of “I’m Black & I’m Proud,” “No Justice No Peace” and “Black Power!” The Difference Ministries, which took first place in the elementary Independent division, was a crowd favorite on the eve of the Easter Holiday with their awesome re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ. They also took first place in their division as well as “Best dressed,” “Most Original,” and “Most Outstanding.” The winners are as follows. Congratulations to all! Best Dressed Elementary – The Difference Ministries; Jr. Independent – Crusaders; High School – Hutch-Tech; Sr. Independent

– Sr. Crusaders Elementary School 1st Place – Dr. Lydia T. Wright School; 2nd Place – King Charter Elementary Independent 1st Place – The Difference Ministries; 2nd Place – The Cobra Crusaders Jr. Independent 1st Place – Jr. Devastation; 2nd Place – the Difference Ministries; 3rd Place – Jr. Crusaders High School 1st Place – Hutch Tech; 2nd Place – Health Science Charter; 3rd Place – Oracle Charter School Sr. Independent: 1st Place – The Difference Ministries 2nd Place – the Sr. Crusaders 3rd Place – The Dynamic Divas and Gents Step :Black Illuminators Step Team

Meet Catrice, owner of Up, Up, and Away Child Care Center. “The Allstate MWEE program empowered me to set goals for the growth of my child care program. Thanks to this unique opportunity I now have a business plan, a wider network, and resources at my fingertips for expansion. I am more motivated now than ever to take every child that I serve up, up, and away!” Catrice Huff, 2014 Grad

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Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS The Section 6 High School Basketball playoff was very exciting. The most exciting thing I saw was THE Lakeshore Girl’s Va r s i t y Basketball Team which started three 8th graders and was the Class COACH B State CAL S e m i f i n a l champs. They advanced to the State playoffs. Also, Cardinal O’Hara High School senior, Summer Hemphill signed with the University of Buffalo. Buffalo had two boy winning basketball teams. Middle College won the Class B State Championship and Canisius High School won the Class A State Championship. Another great thing to see was a lot of former high school stars in the crowd. I look forward to next year. We had some really good basketball this season in Buffalo! FREDERICK DOUGLASS LIBRARY continued way”, said City Council President Loretta Scott. “The work that he did has meant so much to so many in this country. The fact that he actually lived on this property is very powerful, and now our city is giving this site the honor and recognition that it deserves.” More than 140 years after Frederick Douglass’ South Avenue house burned to the ground in an apparent arson, the distinguished Rochesterian has been honored with a new home on the same spot.

Patrick Freeman: The Most Vocal and Visible Advocate for a New Downtown Stadium By Kenneth N. Robinson, M.S.

ith the Buffalo Bills’ future in Western New York seemingly secure, given the advent of team owners Terry and Kim Pegula, who have voiced their commitment to keeping the team here, the next critical step will be the construction of a new stadium. When the NFL owners voted to approve the Pegulas as owners of the Bills, it was understood that a new stadium would eventually be built. This is customary for any new NFL owner, given the impact new stadiums have on the league’s overall value. Although, the new owners have expressed no urgency to build a new stadium, and neither has the state of New York, groups like the Greater Buffalo Sports and Entertainment Complex have remained vigilant with their advocacy and plans. The most vocal and visible advocate for the Greater Buffalo Sports and Entertainment Complex has been Pat Freeman, or the “Mighty O’Ba”, as he is more commonly known. Freeman is the host of his own radio show and the sports director at Mix 1080 WUFO. His group has been exhaustive in their research and is confident they have identified a site that is “NFL ready”. Freeman states that among the factors in determining an appropriate site, is, the amount of space available; ownership of the site; parking and traffic considerations; and whether the footprint will improve the economic formula necessary to sustain a small market franchise like the Bills. Af-

Special to The Challenger News

ter viewing several locations in the Buffalo area, such as the Commodore Perry projects, the South Park area, the Central Terminal, and the Cobblestone section of the city, Freeman’s group believes the most ideal site would be the Outer Harbor Land site. The location’s 210 acres of available land, with two additional parcels, all of which is publicly owned land, makes it more suitable, he notes. While infrastructure improvements are needed to facilitate a sufficient level of traffic and parking provisions, other preliminary accessibility changes are complete. The linking of Ohio Street and a Ferry boat running from the Inner and Outer Harbor, is expected to help, as well, the added Harbor bridge project, which is in the planning stages. When coupled with other capital improvements such as the building of bridges along Chicago and Louisiana streets, with linkages between Route 5

and Main Street, gives Buffalo the potential to create an all-access ports, world-class waterfront. This development would set the stage for a multi-use domed facility to include a hotel, a convention center, retail outlets, and a North America Interactive Museum of History of Sport and Culture by Strong Museum. The latter is expected to be large enough to house all of the WNY Hall of Fame locations. Freeman’s commitment to the proposal has been unyielding. He has secured over 3,000 signatures from a petition drive supporting his Outer Harbor proposal. Moreover, he also reports that the Buffalo Common Council has unanimously supported this proposal. He has secured 42 letters of support from various churches and community based organizations in Buffalo. The inclusion of the community’s input, is quite meaningful, as Freeman projects the new stadium complex will create upwards of 15,000 living

Patrick Freeman, “The Mighty Oba”

wage jobs. He remains optimistic that his group, working in tandem with HKS Incorporated, forms one of the best design teams in the world. He believes that their proposal offers promise that a public and private partnership in building a new NFL stadium in downtown Buffalo will be a win-win for the

Buffalo Bills and the community. (I’ve included this link to Freeman’s webpage and there are renderings on the following page.) https://www.facebook.com/ photo.php?fbid=749800358 387259&set=pcb.74980333 5053628&type=1

Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. is Building a New Destination

Our City. Our Waterfront.

Canalside is now a year round destination with over one million visitors throughout the year.

April/May 2016 Update There is so much energy at Canalside and the staff is planning for an exciting summer withactivities for the entire family. The winter experience at Canalside was filled with an array of activities that included ice skating, ice bikes, music events and holiday celebrations. Have You Seen the Grain Elevator Illumination? The Grain Elevator Light Display that illuminates Canalside every night from sundown until 11 p.m. brings life to one ofBuffalo’s oldest grain elevators. Find more info atwww.canalsidebuffalo.com/grainelevator Summer Concert Planning: A Focus on Variety and Diversity This year we invited members of the local music community to join us for a discussion about ideas to enhance the summer concert series and music programming. The committee provided a diverse list of local and national musical groups to consider this year and in the future. We thank the committee for their ideas and suggestions. Building a Waterfront Designation that Highlights the Diversity of Buffalo Canalside is Hiring for the Summer Season! • Bartender • Beer Pourer • Barback • Concert Cashier • Concessions Cashier • Concessions Line Cook and Head Cook (Sous Chef) More info: www.canalsidebuffalo.com/jobopportunities Doing Business at Canalside – Canalside is a premier destination where customer experience is important. There is an array of opportunities available. We invite business owners to find out more about opportunities at Canalside on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm at the Pavilion at Canalside- located next to the Canals. Vendor Opportunities We are looking for vendors for food, entertainment, transportation, tours and more! Our existing vendors are world-class, providing services and entertainment for Canalside visitors. For more information, contact Canalside. Call 716.574.1537, email info@canalsidebuffalo.com, or complete an application at https://www.canalsidebuffalo.com/get-involved/. Deadline is April 29 in order to be considered. Have an Event or Programming Idea? We’re open to hearing any idea you have and encourage creative use of the space. We can host events of all sizes, from very small to very large. There is a strong preference for recurring programs and events, whether they are daily, weekly, semi-monthly or monthly. Visit https://www.canalsidebuffalo.com/get-involved/ for more info. There is so much more. Keep updated by visiting www.canalsidebuffalo.com for the calendar of events. Follow Canalside on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Teaching to the State Test or Teaching the Whole Child? Refuse Common Core State Tests and stand up for our children’s Equal Right to Education! -Submitted by The Buffalo We Decide CommitteeThe New York State Common Core tests for grades 3-8 will be administered April 5-7 for English and April 13-15 for math. The tests have been shown to be developmentally inappropriate, especially for younger children. They include content not taught and that is 1-2 grades above that of your child. The specific results of the tests are not returned, so they do not assist with your child’s learning. The scoring for the tests is not like usual, where below 60% is usually failing. Instead, the state determines the failing grade, or cut score, after they have all the test results. So they can make a higher grade, say a 77%, a failing grade. In this way, the state claimed about 70% of all children statewide failed the Common Core test, something many teachers do not think is accurate. Minority children were more often branded as failures and so were their schools. In addition, the test scores, which are questionable, are used to humiliate children in their schools. Based on the tests, children are labeled a 1, 2, 3 or 4, with 1 being the lowest. Did you know there are public bulletin boards in the schools that list the names of all the children with these brands of 1s, 2s, 3s, and 4s? And some schools place the number above the child’s locker. Teachers and guidance counselors know well that such humiliation does not assist in learning. It is harmful. Every child is more than a single test score! Many have talents in a variety of fields, like music, art, science or sports, which are not tested. Yet children are told they are failures if they do poorly on one state test, where the score is being rigged against them. It is also the case that the state focus on Common Core tests, and improving the scores, means curriculum does not meet the needs of the whole child or utilize their strengths and accomplishments. In Buffalo, for the past two years, 100% of students in music programs graduated. This means every student should be in a music program. Instead, music is being cut, like art, social studies, physical education and recess, so more time can be devoted to test preparation. All of this is unfair and unequal, especially when it is known that music and play and all-round learning are vital for children. Our children are not numbers, they are not a test score, they are human beings. All children have the equal right to the best education possible. Common Core testing and curriculum is blocking that right and increasing inequality. The tests are also being used to allow the state to takeover our public schools and remove the public — including the Buffalo School Board — from having a say. Instead an appointed individual in Albany, the state Education Commissioner, decides. These tests are designed by a private company, Pearson, and not by educators. The company makes tens of millions from our tax dollars, funds that could be used for music or physical education. Hundreds of thousands of students and their parents will be refusing to take the state tests this year, just as more than 200,000 did last year. Many parents think the stress, anxiety and constant preparing for this single test is harmful to teaching and amounts to child abuse. This is especially true for those with special needs and who are English Language Learners, who have to sit even longer taking a test that is not appropriate for them. Many parents are affirming their right to decide what is best for their child by refusing the state tests — despite efforts by school officials to convince them otherwise. They are demanding that the Common Core testing and curriculum be eliminated and that education be geared to teaching the whole child.

Come hear Principal Jamaal Bowman, with sixteen years experience, seven as a principal in the Bronx. He will speak to why the state tests are harmful, why standing up for the dignity of your children by opting out is helpful, and why, by teaching the whole child, his students are successful as human beings. The event is Saturday, April 2, 11am at the Merriweather Library. Parents, teachers, staff and students here in Buffalo know what is best for our children and schools, not politicians in Albany. It is time for all of us together to develop the curriculum and ways to assess our children’s development — what has been learned, what passions to develop, what strengths can be contributed, how they assist and work with others, and more. To do so, it is important to Refuse Common Core State Tests and stand up for our children’s Equal Right to Education! (For more information email: buffalowedecide@gmail. com)

LIBRARY SERIES IN HONOR OF AUTHOR JAMES BALDWIN CONTINUES

he Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave., continues its series of discuss i o n s based on James Baldwin’s w r i t ings on America to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the publication of James Baldwin’s powerful first collection of essays, Notes of a Native Son,. Session 3: The Difficulty of Realizing Equality and Freedom (Tuesday, April 5th, 6:00-7:30 PM). Readings to be discussed: The American Dream and the American Negro by James Baldwin; Another Country by James Baldwin Session 4: The Urgency of Addressing Injustice Now, or, What Will it Take to Change America (Tuesday, April 19th 6:00-7:30 PM) . Readings to be discussed: Fifth Avenue Uptown by James Baldwin; Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Baldwin. The program is free and open to the public, but registration is necessary by calling the Merriweather Branch Library at 716-883-4418. Space is limited. readers are leaders

Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Welcome, Dr. Betty Rosa, New Chancellor of the Battered People Syndrome: Black Folk and Electoral Politics NY State Regents hen last we met, we were discussing the apparent unhealthy and inordinate attachment

he New York State Board of Regents has a new leader. At its March 22, 2016 meeting, the Board of Regents elected Dr. Betty Rosa as its incoming Chancellor. Elected by a vote of 15 to 0, with two abstentions, Dr. Rosa replaces the outgoing Chancellor, Dr. Meryl Tisch. After 20 years on the Board of Regents, Dr. Tisch decided not to seek re-appointment. Dr. Rosa has been a welcomed voice in the educational debate about the Common Core standards, high stakes testing and other education changes that have contributed to considerable turmoil in the state. As a Board member she has been an outspoken critic of the reforms instituted under Dr. Tisch’s and former Commissioner John B. King’s tenure. As Chancellor there is an expectation that she will have a critical role in determining the future direction of the Regents and the State Education Department. Dr. Rosa is an educator, who has consistently opposed high stakes testing, the Common Core Learning Standards and teacher evaluation based on the tests. Her selection as Chancellor is widely seen as a referendum on the goals of the Opt Out Movement and a repudiation of the State’s reform agenda. Almost immediately education “reformers” and their supporters (including the Buffalo News) seized the opportunity to criticize her for remarks she made following her appointment. In response to a question about her stance on the current efforts of opt out proponents, Dr. Rosa stated “If I was a parent and I Barbara Seals was not on the Board of Regents, I would opt out at this time”. However, last Nevergold year even Dr. Tisch, a staunch supporter of high stakes testing, admitted that if she was the parent of a student with a disability, she would “think twice” before letting her child sit through a test he didn’t understand. Dr. Rosa’s response demonstrates her commitment to listen and respond to the questions and concerns of stakeholders. She acknowledged that the Regents and the State Education Department must restore the confidence of parents in New York’s education system. “We have to rebuild a sense of confidence,” Dr. Rosa said. “We have to rebuild a sense that we’re in this together, that this is not about we have the answers and you have to challenge.” …. With regards to the tests, she added, “I want us to get to a place where we comfortably take and examine the current tests and move forward in a way that parents have a sense of full trust.” A few facts about our new Chancellor: •Dr. Rosa, 64, was born in New York City but spent much of her early childhood in Puerto Rico. Spanish was her first language. •She worked as a bilingual teacher in the city’s schools and also served as an assistant principal and principal in special education. She was the principal of Intermediate School 218, a middle school in Upper Manhattan. •Later she was the superintendent of District 8 in the Bronx, which includes some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods. •Dr. Rosa was first elected to the Board of Regents, representing the Bronx, in 2008. She was re-elected in 2013 for a 5 year term ending in 2018 •Dr. Rosa criticized the Common Core in 2013, and was part of a group of seven Regents, which included our own Regent Dr. Catherine Fisher Collins, who signed a position paper last June opposing the state’s teacher evaluation law. •As chancellor, Dr. Rosa will oversee the State Education Department and work with State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. She will serve a three-year term beginning April 1. Dr. Rosa’s statement to her colleagues, following her appointment as Chancellor, offers an indication of the philosophical underpinning she sees for the work of the Regents and SED going forward: “We need to re-conceptualize the work that we’ve been doing, particularly around the work of equity and social justice,”

CASTRO

continued segregation after coming to power in 1959. He also blasts Obama for ignoring the extermination ofnative peoples in both the US and Cuba, not recognizing Cuba’s gains in health and education, and not coming clean on the US role in helping apartheid South Africa obtain nuclear weapons.“My humble suggestion is that he reflects [on the US role in South Africa and Cuba’s in Angola] and not now try to elaborate theories about Cuban politics,” Castro says. Castro does, however, acknowledge Obama’s good intentions. “In a certain way I wish to say that Obama’s conduct was correct. His humble origins and natural intelligence were evident,” he writes. In the letter Castro also takes aim at the tourism industry in Cuba, which has grown further since Obama’s rapprochement with Raúl Castro in December 2014. He says it was dominated by large foreign corporations which took for granted billion-dollar profits. The Obama administration says re-establishing economic ties with the US will be a boon for Cuba, whose centrally planned economy has struggled to escape from overdependence on imports and a chronic shortage of hard currency. In response Castro writes: “No one should be under the illusion that the people of this noble and selfless country will renounce its glory and its rights, and the spiritual wealth that is has gained with the development of education, science and culture.” The former president ends his letter with a sort of “thanks but no thanks” to Obama’s offer of assistance.

“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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that we as a family have to Bill and Hillary Clinton. Unhealthy... considering the devastating effect of Clinton policies like the draconian drug laws that targeted black folk enmasse, and the cuts in federal assistance that devastated already indigent black homes. We compared our continuing devotion to the Clintons to “Battered Woman’s Syndrome,” the mental disorder that develops in victims of domestic violence, as a result of serious, long term abuse. We noted the exhaustive account offered by Michelle Alexander (The New Jim Crow), titled “Why Hillary Clinton Doesn’t Deserve the Black Vote.” As the primary election phase continues, we are seeing that in states where Hillary Clinton’s opponent, Bernie Sanders is mounting a real challenge, the unified black voting block is pushing her to a huge margin of victory. In fact, the Democratic National Committee was so sure of the loyalty of black voters to the Clintons that they dubbed us Hillary’s “firewall,” and front loaded the primary contest with Southern states to give her the advantage of densely populated black areas. Incidentally, the Republican party did the same for its prospective nominee, in order to capitalize on the more free flowing, overt and virulent racism in the former slave holding states. Sabirah Both parties are sharply attuned to the key position of black folk in this raging, clandestine civil war that never ended. Would that we ourselves un- Muhammad derstood how to maximize the power of our unity as they do! Unfortunately, we too are looking for a “Great White Hope.” That term that was coined to refer to the longing for a white man to to prevail over the dominating prowess of black men in the boxing ring. But it’s easily applicable in the world of politics, one vehicle through which provision and allocation of the means of our daily living are secured. In the arena of electoral politics, we continue to pine for benevolent white benefactors to be moved by the wonder of our long suffering, and do right by us. We know that it was the Federal government that moved to end slavery, and that laws enacted at the federal level dismantled outward demonstrations of segregation. No matter that the North fought the South to destroy its economic advantage derived from our free labor. No matter that “civil rights” legislation only provided temporary cover as racial oppression transitioned to a covert operation - we had the appearance of movement toward a more just America because of the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. We’re still being hoodwinked by appearances. If we’re honest with ourselves, we’ll admit that we didn’t take Barack Obama seriously as a presidential candidate until white voters in Iowa gave us permission to. And even now, as we revel in the pride of the Obama presidency, we’ve always known that our brother was bound by the deeply entrenched strictures of somebody else’s house. In our heart of hearts, we know we’ve settled for the relatively small gain of positive imagery in lieu of the more equitable distribution of resources we rightly deserve. We’ve settled for watching him strut faster, look better, and speak stirringly, as only we can. We’ve watched as he’s tried to infuse humanity into the presidency, only to succeed in preparing the way for the closure of Guantanamo and the lifting of the Cuban embargo - for somebody white to actually accomplish these feats. We’ve watched him order drone strikes on black and brown folk in the diaspora. We’ve watched him cruise through Detroit, gazing at cars - without daring to slip right next door to Flint - to hold black mothers and cry for their 9,000 babies like the 20 he cried for in Sandy Hook. No, ya gotta be white to get away with even speaking about the pain of black folk, and only when you want our votes. And so we yearn. We groan under the weight of a merciless “blacklash,” despite the grand deception of this election that offered only an illusion of power to begin with. During a recent rally in the southern “firewall,” Hillary Clinton walks through the crowd, shaking hands and greeting supporters. An elderly black woman approaches her, and throws both arms around her in a full bodied embrace. Clinton returns the hug for what seems like an uncomfortable amount of time, then releases her and attempts to move on. She cringes as the woman grabs - and grips her again - her own face contorted in pain, begging, pleading without words for Hillary to fix it... just please god... fix it. The Clintons have captured the affinity of black folk by realizing that the way to our hearts is through our deep spirituality. They stay in the black church, the one place in America where we are meticulously and perennially organized. They’ve courted our pastors and memorized our hymns, and like John Hawkins before them, have carried off many on the “Good Ship Jesus.” But our intractable worship of the former slave master is not only on display with the “House of Clinton,” nor is it limited to the whoredom of Donald Trump supporters like Ben Carson, Omorosa Manigault, and a small host of buckdancing preachers. Just as the vile comportment of Donald Trump has ripped away the mask of civility from much of white America, it has also exposed a plethora of plantation pathologies afflicting many in our own ranks. There is, for example, the very sincere, though repulsive endorsement of Donald Trump by the elder brother of Medgar Evers, whose opinion cannot be attributed to senility. At 90 years young, he is well spoken and seems fully in charge of his faculties. He is powerfully convinced that Trump can and will restore jobs and manufacturing. When reminded of Trump’s blatant racism he retorts: “Doesn’t matter. We blacks have a problem with ourselves, so, it doesn’t matter.” It seems not to register with him that if Trump did indeed materialize jobs, it wouldn’t be for the benefit of those he clearly despises, therefore, it might actually matter. At a recent rally for Donald Trump, a young black man stands along the front row of cheerContinued Page 16

• • • •

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Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Powerful Ashley Powell! ASHLEY POWELL: Our Compliance Burchfield Penney Art Center Friday, April 8 7:30 PM

shley Powell, a University at Buffalo graduate fine arts student, made international headlines last fall after she mysteriously and suddenly hung radically charged "black only" and "white only" signs around campus as part of an art project entitled, Our Compliance. Her goal was to provoke a searing conversation. According to the New York Times, "And indeed it did. The signs shocked students and jolted the university at a time when discussions about race and race relations have been prominent in the news." The art project stirred controversy among school administrators, faculty members, and students are still deliberating whether to adopt guidelines for public art on campus. TheHuffington Post, Washington Times, WBFO-NPR, New York Daily News, The Atlantic, Huck Daily News (U.K.), MSNBC, Inside Higher Education, Buffalo News, The Public, Daily Mail.com, UB Spectrum and Buffalo State Record are just a smidgen of media outlets that covered the story or provided political commentary. "This piece was created to expose white privilege. Our society still actively maintains racist structures that benefit one group of people, and oppress another. This project makes forceful what has been easy for you to ignore," said Powell. "It is a delusion to believe that we can change society without first changing ourselves." Our Compliance was met with great support and great backlash. The Burchfield Penney will present a talk Friday, April 8, at 7:30 pm with special guest Ashley Powell who will discuss how critical race theory is often coupled with different artistic practices to influence consciousness and to begin to instill actual changes in society. The event is free and open to the public. ASHLEY TO APPEAR AT BUEN VIVIR GALLERY Under Attack: Environmental Racism for Economic Benefit and Convenience. First Friday Artist’s Talk by Ashley Powell on April 1 at 7 p.m. Ashley Powell [1] will discuss her exhibit, Black on the Ground, White in the Air, on First Friday, April 1 at 7 p.m. at the ¡Buen Vivir! Gallery for Contemporary Art [2], 148 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo.

PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO CANCELED! For the first time in history, nearly 11 years (!), there will be NO monthly meeting of PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO, INC. The meeting that would have taken place on March 28 has been CANCELED. Our next monthly meeting will take place on APRIL 25. Recent car accidents, BaBa’s in January and mine this month, have sidelined our efforts to keep up with the pace of our organization’s work. Please join us on April 25, 7:00-9:00pm, at the Pratt-Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt St., Buffalo, when monthly meetings will resume. We apologize for the inconvenience. -Karima Amin

Black Folks and Electoral Politics continued

ing supporters, close enough to touch him. As he holds out his hand for Trump to shake it, he is utterly ecstatic. His face is jubilant...his glee is unbridled. Like everyone on the row, he’s jumping and reaching, and can barely contain his excitement. But Trump walks past him repeatedly, back and forth on both sides, deliberately ignoring him, shaking hands and signing autographs. As he finally walks away, we see the brother’s expression again, which now appears to run the gamut of opposite emotions: shock, confusion, utter disbelief, horror, dejection and pain. We need a collective moment like this. The ignorant, unrefined and garish deportment of Donald Trump has given us the valuable gift of seeing the political parties as they truly are. His obscene and boorish diarrhea of the mouth has amplified what was always there, calling us mightily to re-assess our own myopia and gullibility. The stage is set for us to embark upon what can be a thrilling metamorphosis, emerging as a self respecting, enlightened body politic, fully attuned and fully wedded... to our own best interests. More next time.

Black History continued back wages owed to Scott, appealed the decision to the Missouri Supreme Court. 4) The Fight Continues Unfortunately, the court overturned the lower court’s decision and ruled in favor of Sanford. Scott then filed another lawsuit in a federal circuit court claiming damages against Sanford’s brother, John F.A. Sanford, for Sanford’s alleged physical abuse against him. According to PBS.org, the jury ruled that Scott could not sue in federal court because he had already been deemed an enslaved African under Missouri law. 5) The Supreme Court Case Scott appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which reviewed the case in 1856. Due to a clerical error at the time, Sanford’s name was misspelled in court records, making it Sandford. 6) The Ruling In March 1857, the court ruled in a 7-2 decision that Scott was still an enslaved African and therefore not entitled to sue in court. Scott could not be defined as free by virtue of his residency in the Wisconsin Territory, because Congress lacked the power to ban slavery in U.S. territories. African Ameri-

can Registrystates that Chief Justice Roger B. Taney’s 54-page majority opinion of the court had wide-ranging effects. Additionally, the Supreme Court ruled that Americans of African descent, whether free or enslaved, were not American citizens and could not sue in federal court.

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

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

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

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

Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

EM PLOYM ENT Assistant Director of Recruitment

EOP Processing Assistant

The Graduate School at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Director of Recruitment.

The Educational Opportunity Program at Buffalo State, State University of New York,Challenger seeks candidates for the position of EOP Processing Assistant. Buffalo

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.

For a full job description Size: 2 (4”) xand 2” to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

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

ADVERTISING

Assistant Professor The Biology Department at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Professor (tenure-track). Required Qualifications: Doctoral degree in biological sciences with research experience in cell/molecular biology. Preferred Qualifications: Postdoctoral research and/or teaching experience. Preference will be given to candidates whose research complements existing departmental strengths. Qualified applicants may apply online at https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

-PUBLIC NOTICE-

Horizon Health Services, Inc. plans to establish an outpatient mental health counseling program, and relocate its current substance use outpatient counseling program at 291 Elm Street, to 77 Broadway, Buffalo. Anyone wishing to comment should contact Dr. Herbert Weis at hweis@horizon-health.org or at (716) 831-2700. LEGAL NOTICE Bids Buffalo City School District Advertisement for Bids Sealed proposals for the following project will be received at the Office of Plant Services, 403 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202. On Monday, April 18, 2016 at 3:00 p.m., proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud for the following HVAC contract: PROJECT 0306-013: MST Preparatory School - CTE Renovation Phase 2, 666 East Delavan Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215. Beginning Monday, March 28, 2016 bidding document packages may be viewed and purchased through Avalon Document Services online Planroom website at www.avalonbuff-planroom.com, under “Public Jobs”, or ordered by phone at 716-9957777. Owner can assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or other misinformation obtained via other bid document distribution resources. A pre-bid walkthrough will be held at the school on Monday, April 11 at 2:00 p.m.; please assemble at the Main Office. Please note that required bid bond is 10%. The work will be subject to the equal employment opportunity requirements. Any questions regarding this project, please refer to James Maurer, RA, 716-688-0766. Paul McDonnell, AIA Director of Facilities Planning

Buffalo Challenger Size: 2 (4”) x 2”

PAYS

Buffalo Challenger 2 (4”) x 2.5”

Head of School - CSI The Charter School of Inquiry (CSI) seeks an exception leader for the position of Head of School.

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

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

A full job description, qualifications, and instructions for applying can be found at: www.CharterSchoolofInquiry.org/apps/jobs/

Video Journalist/Video Production Assistant The Instructional Resources department at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Video Journalist/Video Production Assistant. Job Description: Working under the direction of the Creative Media Services team, a new unit of the Instructional Resources Department, and in collaboration with the College Relations Office, the Video Journalist/Video Production Assistant will capture and produce video content designed to convey the vibrancy of the campus and the community. You will create marketing and narrative content for the web, social media, and television. Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in television production, multimedia production, communications, journalism or related field. • Professional experience in video production, electronic news gathering and electronic field production. • Demonstrated ability in writing, producing and editing for video. • Demonstrated knowledge of electronic field production techniques, including videography, audio capture, lighting, editing and interviewing skills. • Demonstrated experience with non-linear digital video editing systems such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, Avid or equivalent. Preferred Qualifications: • Advanced experience with Adobe Premiere preferred. • Previous video production experience in an academic environment. • Advanced storytelling and interview skills. • Advanced understanding of visual composition, sound, exposure and lighting. Qualified applicants may apply online at https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

CSI is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer.

Buffalo Challenger Daily Long-Term Building & Teaching Size: 2 (4”) x 4.5” Assistant (TA)

Sub

The Charter School of Inquiry (CSI) seeks two full-time positions: (1) daily long-term building sub to work in Kindergarten to Grade 3 classrooms and/or on special projects and (2) a full-time Teaching Assistant to provide instructional support to students under supervision of a lead classroom teacher. Full job descriptions, qualifications, and instructions for applying can be found at: www.CharterSchoolofInquiry.org/apps/jobs/ CSI is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer.

Director, Leadership and Organizational Development The Professional Development Office at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Director, Leadership and Organizational Development. 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.

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Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

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Regular Board of Education Meeting: 5:30 p.m., 801 City Hall. District Parent Coordinating Council (DPCC) press conference: 5pm on the steps of Buffalo City Hall to release their “Parent Agenda”, serving as a call to action to parents, school and District leaders, and the wider communit Khametic Ascendants: 9-10 a.m. & 12:30 a.m. (after midnight), Channel 20.

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

TAKE 5

6-9-10-23-34 8-13-15-33-35 6-10-29-32-35 10-15-16-34-37 4-7-8-28-34 18-19-27-29-36 1-28-30-31-38

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Wednesday March 30

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Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) 986-568-853-568-312-468-014-065-768-981-852-679-254756-801-645-580-234-532-791-065-990-456-435-468-015076-974-240-198-513-546-809-507-433-354-760-919-512891-558-001-064-247-091-547-910-107-432-304-567-729

Billy Bye Bye Sez: 865-790-895-333-1954

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Aquarius -496-235-165-579 Pisces - 056-362-237-694 Cancer - 482-372-895-718 Aries - 561-236-164-469 Taurus -258-231-026-695 Gemini-495-257-694-508 Leo-345-213-157-201 Virgo 385-291-431-170 Libra -247-723-179-501 Scorpio - 453-253-571-597 Sagittarius - 389-701-234-924 Capricorn:893-275-342-506

quick money $$$$ THE NUMBER BOOK 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-525 583-269-508 Grandma’s Picks 302-176-743-435-165-270-

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Friday April 1 Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams' Annual Birthday Bash Fundraiser : The Pucho Center, 261 Swan Street, 5:30-8:30 pm, Tickets are $25. msdryden@gmail.com

Challenger Hits Midday 570 ZR, Number Book (bx) 604 Hot Tips (bx) 468 Hot Tips, Lucky Duckie (bx) ZR (straight) 134 Virgo (bx) Evening 910 ZR (straight , bx) 640 Hot Tips (bx) 351 ZR (bx)

Saturday April 2 NAPPY HOUR IS BACK AT HAIR GO! 727 Main Street 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Special Focus on Hair Loss and Health & Wellness Special Guest Speaker. Call 883-2000 to RSVP. $5

Monday April 4 Memorial Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Lincoln Memorial Church 641 Masten Avenue, from 6 to 8 p.m.

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“A Blessed Gathering”: 1:30 p.m., United Way, 542 Delaware Ave.; open to the public; moderator Sam Radford with guest speakers; 892-3462 to RSVP; hosted by Umoja Inc.

Community Forum on “Common Core State Testing and Curriculum” : Featuring Principal Jamaal Bowman, of the Bronx . The Merriweather Library beginning at 11:00am. Please join us.

LUCKIE DUCKIE

04/08/2015 Evening 04/08/2015 Midday 04/07/2015 Evening 04/07/2015 Midday 04/06/2015 Evening 04/06/2015 Midday 04/05/2015 Evening 04/05/2015 Midday 04/04/2015 Evening 04/04/2015 Midday 04/03/2015 Evening 04/03/2015 Midday 04/02/2015 Evening 04/02/2015 Midday 04/01/2015 Evening 04/01/2015 Midday 03/31/2015 Evening 03/31/2015 Midday 03/30/2015 Evening

Thursday March 31 King Charter School Oopen House: 9 -11a.m. & 5-6 p.m., 156 Newburgh Ave.; 891-7912; www.kccs.org for more info.

203 942

3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year

Line Dance Fitness For Seniors: Hustle For Health at the Gloria J Parks Community Center 3242 Main St 11am - 12pm age 50+ FREE Instructor Phyllis Caver 716 832 -1010 www.HustleForHealth.com

2015

African Consciousness Workshop: 6-7:45 p.m., Merriweather Library; Jefferson @ Utica every Monday; public invited. Buffalo Board of Education Candidates Forum “No Child Left Behind” : 6-8 P.M., Delaine Waring Ame Church Fellowship Hll, 680 Swan St: Hosted By the Buffalo-Niagara Chapter of the National Action Network 4th Annual Jazz Vesper Concert: 4 p.m., St. Luke AME Zion Church, 314 E. Ferry; $15 and $10 students with ID; 8830961 for more info. Tuesday April 5 LAST HEAP OUTREACH OF THE SEASON: Tuesday April 5, Delavan Grider Community Center 877 Delavan Ave.,, hosted by Legislator Grant. Tribute to James Baldwin: 6:00-7:30 PM, Merriweather Library. Readings to be discussed: The American Dream and the American Negro by James Baldwin; Another Country by James Baldwin. Wednesday April 6 Mock Presidential Town Hall Meeting: Bernie Sanders v. Hillary Clinton, 5:30 – 7:45; Merriweather Library; Jefferson & Utica, hosted by Legislator Grant and We Are Women Warriors.

Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

“Readers Are Leaders!” Suggested Readings by Kenneth and Sharon Holley “I would like to make you love books more than your mama; I would like to bring their beauty right in front of your face. It is greater than any calling.” Egyptian Philosopher Duauf on his love of reading. e have recently read two books with the same theme. Both were written by African American men who served time in prison. Both men stated that they had never read a book until they were in jail. Neither came from families where there were books in the home and no family member showed an interest in reading except when it was required for school. We believe that our children must see books in the home and they must see an adult reading and enjoying reading. We urge mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts and uncles to pick up a book to read and give a book to a child. This one small action could change lives – yours and the child. There are many lists to choose from and we offer a few of our favorites. Also check the Coretta Scott King Award Books (aalbc.com/books/csk-award-winning-books ).

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Young Adults Cooper Sun by Sharon Draper. A story of the Underground Railroad going South. Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake. Learning to love who you are. X: A Novel by Ilyasah Shabazz. A Fictional account of Malcolm X written by his daughter. Shooter by Walter Dean Myers. A shooting at school raises fear. Crossover by Kwame Alexander. A basketball novel. Younger Children Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer by Carole Boston Weatherford. Minty by Alan Schroeder. Early life of Harriet Tubman Mama Mita by Donna Jo Napoli. Story of Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangara Mathai. Never Forgotten by Patricia McKissack. Rembering the Middle Passage. The Girl Who Buried Her Dreams in a Can by Dr. Tererai Trent. A True Story

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Challenger Community News • March 30, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Free. Fun. For their future!

RI C T ST

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If your child turns 3 or 4 by Dec. 1, enroll them in Rochester Pre-K today!*

I OL D

• Six-hour daily programs—classes start September 7 • Healthy breakfast and lunch • Language, social and self-help skills to be ready for school • Educational field trips • Indoor/outdoor play and naptime • Free monthly RTS bus passes for parents • Available at schools and community agencies across the city Apply by April 11 for the best choice of locations

262-8140 | www.rcsdk12.org/prek

*Every city 4-year-old is eligible for free Pre-K classes. Space for 3-year-olds is limited and restrictions apply.