Challenger Community News Nov. 25 2015 by Challenger Community News

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NOVEMBER 25, 2015 • FREE

Keeping The Heat on SolarCity

PG. 12

ENTERTAINMENT

Community Rallies to Support GiGi’s Restaurant in Wake of Devastating Fire PG. 3 GENERATIONS

INSIDE ROCHESTER

Petty Miss Teen Buffalo Headed for Nationals

The Amazing Nina Simone

Documentary Dedicated to Buffalo’s Emile Latimer PG. 8

PG. 9

Profile: Visit Rochester’s Tim James PG. 2

We Wish Our Readers A Safe & Blessed Holiday Season!

INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • November 25, 2015

First Community Interfaith Institute Inc. Announces Upcoming Kwanzaa Appreciation Program

Profile:

Tim James

Visit Rochester’s Tim James

im James wants you to visit Rochester! The senior sales manager for Visit Rochester’s convention sales department, he specializes in religious meetings, family reunions, fraternal and sorority meetings, and military reunions. Tim has also worked extensively with various Prince Hall and Eastern Star Masonic organizations and a number of state, regional, and national organizations. James is a native Rochesterian with more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. He has excellent knowledge of the community and history of Rochester, and offers complete guidance and assistance to meeting planners. He is a member of RCMA (Religious Conference Management Association) and of CMCA (Christian Conventions and Meetings Association). James also attends a variety of tradeshows throughout the year featuring military and religious national organizations. He’ll be attending the Diversity Summit show in Atlanta in January 2016 that will feature a variety of national African American organizations. The National United Church Ushers and the National Supreme Council are upcoming conventions that James helped to bring to Rochester. Examples of other groups who have convened in Rochester include the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention, Omega Psi Phi, and multiple family reunions. James notes that Rochester offers a number of notable hotel chains such as Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, Radisson, and Holiday Inn. He touts Rochester as a family-friendly affordable city for meetings, conventions, and family reunions. For larger meetings, he points to the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center that can hosts groups up to 5000, and the Blue Cross Area that can accommodate over 12,000. Additionally, James mentions the treasure trove of historical significance Rochester has to offer pointing to the National Susan B. Anthony Museum and House, Underground Railroad tours and Frederick Douglass’ 25 years in Rochester, the grave sites of both Douglass and Anthony at Mt. Hope Cemetery, George Eastman Museum, and rides on the Erie Canal. Although not limited to younger generations, he includes The Strong National Museum of Play, and during the summer, Seabreeze Amusement Park. Visit Rochester is a not-for-profit organization under contract to Monroe County to act as the official tourism/meetings and convention promotion agency for Monroe County. In 2014, both leisure and meeting/convention visitors left an economic impact of over $1 billion in Monroe County. If you are interested in bringing a group to Rochester, you may contact Tim James at 585-279-8342, or email him at timj@ visitrochester.com He’ll be happy to be of service.

n December 1, 2015, at 5 PM, Minister Lawrance Lee Evans Sr., National Minister of First Community Interfaith Institute Inc., will announce at its First Fruits/ Kwanzaa Appreciation Program, the schedule of First Fruits/ Kwanzaa celebrations, events and activities. The announcement will be made at 219 Hamilton Street. The theme for this year is “Showcase of Talent.” First Fruits/Kwanzaa Appreciation Program is part of #GivingTuesday of the United Way’s “ROCtheday” 24 hour long online fundraiser and First Community Interfaith Institute Inc.’s annual Kwanzaa Appeal. In conjunction with “ROCtheday,” the Kwanzaa Appreciation Program will begin at 5:00 PM December 1 and ending at 12:00 AM the next day. The adult students of Minister Lawrance Lee Evans will give historical and cultural presentations by different artistic forms-poetry, songs, dance, and prose (recitation). Guests are invited to meet and see the students and obtain the schedule of First Fruits/Kwanzaa celebrations. People are encouraged to bring their own laptops, smartphones, and tablets to the Institute. Also, consultation with Minister Lawrance Lee Evans about after school programs, cultural folkways, case management, and parenting are available with Minister Lawrance Lee Evans on December 1, 2015.. First Community Interfaith Institute Inc. is a spiritual and cultural organization, plus a teaching church. The Institute is known for its Charles Riley Tutorial Program, cultural ac-

DID YOU KNOW? AroundTown *Film: “I’m Not A Racist Am I?” Friday, Nov. 27, The Baobab Cultural Center,, 728 University Ave. baobab.center@yahoo.com

*Black Business Marketplace, Sibley Building downtown, Sat. November. 28,

11AM – 6 PM.

*Frances Dances Presents “It’s Just Dance-Tastic,” A Community Dance Concert on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the School for the Arts Ensemble Theatre, 45 Prince St. @ University from 2 to 7 p.m. Performers include African Caribbean Dance Ensemble, *Black Friday Weekend Explosion 1: Friday, Nov. 27, featuring Enchantment, The Blue Notes, Intruders & The Deele; 8 p.m., Auditorium Theatre, 855 E. Main St. Rochester; Tickets $30; locations Ticket Master Outlets, MAD FLAVORS, 185 Lyell Ave., Audito*Black Friday Weekend Explosion 2: featuring Avant, David Hollister, H-Town & Noel Gourdin, Sat. Nov. 28, Auditorium Theatre, 885 E. Main St., Rochester; 8 p.m.; tickets $48.50 advance; locations Auditorium Theatre Box Office, Ticket Master Outlets, MAD Flavors, 185 Lyell Ave., Rochester.

The Friday after Thanksgiving was named Native American Heritage Day when President Barack Obama signed “The Native American Heritage Day Resolution 2009” into law (H.J. Res. 40) .

tivities and the development of leaders. A detailed schedule of its 32 day First Fruits/Kwanzaa events will be announced at the First Fruits/Kwanzaa Appreciation Program on December 1, 2015. FIRST FRUITS/KWANZAA APPRECIATION PROGRAM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2015 219 HAMILTON STREET 5:00 PM-12:00 AM Sponsored by First Community Interfaith Institute

Challenger Community News • November 25, 2015

AREA BRIEFS UMOJA Inc. to Host Annual Convening of The Elders UMOJA Inc. will host its annual Convening of the Elders on Saturday, Dec. 5 beginning with an 11 a.m. brunch buffet followed by Spoken Word from noon to 5 p.m. It all takes place at the Rafi Greene Center, Fillmore at Glenwood. Lunch is catered by UMOJA and the event is sponsored by the CAO. William Peoples will serve as host and Sam Radford, moderator. The following Elders will be acknowledged: Viola Hill 97, Clifford Bell 86, Kamu Ajamu 78, Karima Amin 68, Betty Grant 67, Charlie Fisher 61, Robert Lewis 91, Ted Kirkland 81, Imam Dawoud Adeyola 68, Baba Eng 67, L. Nathan Hare 65, Lorna Hill 64, Sarah Lewis 89 and Ron Bassham 80. The event is free with food for your mind, body and spirit. For more information call 892-3462.

The Berlin Conference To Colonize Africa Began in 1884

Historic Michigan Avenue Baptist Street Church Hit by Vandals Buffalo’s historic Michigan Street Baptist Church was hit by an act of senseless vandalism over the weekend and church leaders are working to get the damage fixed. Two signs commemorating the church’s role as a stop on the Underground Railroad were torn from the ground and damaged. “It’s a shock because we consider this holy ground,” Bishop Clarence Montgomery told Channel 7 News. Bishop Montgomery said he has no idea who could have done this. “Anybody that did this is not of God. That’s all I can say,” he said. He’s ruling out the homeless people who are frequently near Michigan Avenue. It will cost the church at least a thousand dollars just to replace the base on one of the signs. If you know anything about this act of vandalism call Buffalo the Police Department. The Michigan Street Baptist Church is one of Buffalo’s oldest houses of worship and served as a safe house for enslaved people of African descent who were attempting to escape to Canada and freedom throughout the mid-19th century. Visit Buffalo Niagara and Buffalo’s hospitality community has set up a GoFundMe to help the Michigan Street Baptist Church pay to fix the damage caused by vandals. The GoFundMe can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/MichiganStreet.

Parent Group Supports Dept. of Education Request for Approved Plan for Criteria Based Schools Parent Leaders recently voted overwhelmingly in support of the US. Dept. of Education Office of Civil rights request that the District delay application and enrollment into the 8 criteria based schools until they have an approved plan. Parents also voted to ask the Buffalo School District to implement Dr. Gary Orfield’s recommendations and not delay any further the implementation of an application and enrollment process fair to all students. It is clear that all of the current plans of Dr. Cash and the Buffalo Board of Education are contingent on the decision of the USDOE OCR. Whatever the OCR requires the District to do to come into compliance with the Law takes priority over all other plans, and must be done and must be paid for by the district, said the parents.

GIGI’S: Blondine Harvin (inset) expressed thanks and gratitude for community support after fire gutted the interior of her historic establishment,GiGi’s Restaurant on East Ferry and Jefferson Avenue.

In The True Spirit of Giving:

Community Rallies to Support GiGi’s Restaurant in Wake of Devastating Fire

n Saturday morning just several hours after a devastating predawn fire gutted the interior of her long standing GiGi’s restaurant, owner Blondine Harvin sat heartbroken, surveying the scene at 257 East Ferry St. Initial reports placed the damage at around $150,000. She was unable to respond at the time to the question of whether or not she would rebuild, replying only that it was too soon to tell, and asking simply that the community continue to pray. “Just keep praying,” she said softly On Monday afternoon, it was evident that the prayers were working. Encouraged by the outpouring of community support in response to the tragedy – particularly the actions of Council President and Pastor Darius Pridgen who immediately sprang into action – a more optimistic Blondine, with her brother Rochester Davis at her side, sounded a lot more hopeful. “Yes we’re going to rebuild,” she said with confidence. It was too soon to of-

Volunteers man the True Bethel Food Truck outside of GiGi’s on Monday.

fer a timetable she said, and it would probably take some time, but Gigi’s would reopen. “Everybody has been so supportive,” she continued, thanking the community. “We have heard from a lot of good people …we have had a lot of good support.” It was Pridgen who immediately set up a GoFundMe page to help Gigi’s rebuild. In addition True Bethel Baptist will park its Bread of Heaven free food truck outside of Gigi’s on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays to not only provide free food to residents in the neighborhood, but to solicit donations

on those days. Rev. Pridgen has set a goal to raise $12,000 to help the 12 employees who have lost their jobs in the wake of the fire. On Monday volunteers from True Bethel including pastor Pridgen’s father, Earl Pridgen and several long time employees of GiGi’s were on hand at the food truck to help out and show their support as passers-by walked up and drove up, to make donations. George and Mattie Holt, owners of Mattie’s Restaurant, one of only a handful of Black-owned restaurants inthe city, displayed a heartContinued Page 5

frica’s colonization by other major powers of the world at the tail end of the 19th century spelled doom and division for the mighty continent. It wasn’t until 1950 that Africa would begin the tough process of gaining much of its independence from Western Europeans. On November 15, 1884 The Berlin Conference began the process of dividing Africa and its rich resources. Portugal called for the Berlin Conference, also known as the Congo or West African Conference, and tasked Germany’s first chancellor, Otto Von Bismarck, to organize the event which was held in Germany on November 15, 1884. Bismarck called on representatives from the following countries to lay out the new policy for colonization: Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, SwedenNorway (which was united until 1905), Turkey, and the United States. Henry Morton Stanley attended as a U.S. delegate. Of these fourteen nations, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Portugal were the major players in the conference, controlling most of colonial Africa at the time. Implied in the initial division of Africa was the idea that Africa did not belong to anyone, and so could be claimed. No Africans sat at the table. African states were not regarded as legitimate, legal entities. Africa is still coping with the consequenc-

LOCAL + NATIONAL + WORLD

H O W BL A C K W I L L F R ID AY BE?? ‘Justice or Else’ Boycott Starts Black Friday

ith the holiday season approaching and retailers speculating about their Black Friday shopping numbers, the time also draws near for the Nation of Islam’s “Justice or Else” boycott. Minister Farrakhan put the call out during the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March; a call for the Black community to withhold their holiday shopping dollars in the pursuit of justice. The purpose of the boycott is to pull national attention to the economic and social deprivations and injustices faced by African Americans. The call of Minister Farrakhan to boycott the Christmas buying season is gaining great nationwide support. The theme of the anniversary march in Washington was Justice or Else, with the “or else” involving the national economic boycott. Farrakhan noted he is calling for a boycott of Christmas and is asking for the withdrawal of economic support during the holiday season and for the rest of the year to not do business with those companies Black Americans have traditionally spent money on. “The world will take note of us when we take note of ourselves,” he said. During the civil rights movement, the boycott of the bus system in Montgomery, Ala., allowed Black riders to sit wherever they wanted. The economic withdraw of segregated businesses in Birmingham, Ala., brought the establishment to the negotiating table. In 2009 economic pressure against the advertisers of Glenn Beck’s television show ended his broadcasts. The movement does not include the boycott of Black-owned businesses and that should be a distinction, organizers, adding, “This is a worthy cause and our people should support it.” Defense attorney and activist Michael Coard said if a fraction of Black Americans follow Farrakhan’s lead on the boycott, it’s going to get the message across. “Whether most Black folks like or dislike Minister Farrakhan, they all must agree that he is the most uncompromising national Black leader since Malcolm X,” he said. “Unlike today’s other so-called national Black leaders, he is beholden to no political party or corporate donor. His call for a boycott of Christmas, which, by the way, is not a call for the boycott of Christianity — makes much more sense in the short- and long-terms than anything being called for by anyone else in the battle for racial justice. The 45 million Black folks in America have purchasing power of $1.2 trillion. If even just a fraction of us follow his lead and spend only at Black businesses during Christmas — in other words, if we actively pursue ‘silver rights’ — we’ll automatically and immediately get our civil rights.” (Excerpted from,The Philadelphia Tribune by Larry Miller )

President Obama: “We Are Not Afraid” KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia —President Barack Obama said Sunday it is important not to give terrorists like ISIS credibility that they are “doing something important.” Speaking at a news conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he attended a summit of regional leaders, Obama also reiterated his desire to see refugees from Syria and Iraq be allowed to enter the United States.

news briefs WHERE YOU WORK DON’T MATTER...Al Roker says a NYC taxi didn’t pick him up because he’s Black. The TV weather forecaster says a New York taxi driver discriminated against him, and he has filed a complaint. HANDS UP! HANDS DOWN! DONT SHOOT? HOW ABOUT 16 TIMES! A judge has ordered Chicago Police to release graphic video of a White officer shooting a 17-year old Black teen, Laquan McDonald 16 times - 13 of the 16 after he laid on the ground execution-style. The teen’s mom is worried the footage is so horrific it will start riots. A city lawyer even said the video was a factor in the unusual decision by the city to approve a $5 million payment to McDonald’s family before his relatives had even filed a lawsuit. On Tuesday the police officer, Jason Van Dyke, was charged with murder, a day before video of the shooting was scheduled to be released.

Challenger Community News • November 25, 2015

Thanksgiving to Some, National Day of Mourning to Others... By Matt Juul

hile families across the country indulge on their Thanksgiving Day feasts, hundreds will gather at Cole’s Hill in Plymouth on Thursday to commemorate a different tradition: the National Day of Mourning. The event, held annually on Thanksgiving, is meant to honor Native American ancestors who died due to the European invasion, and to expose the bloody history behind the November holiday. Now in its 46th year, the National Day of Mourning’s organizers hope to shine a light on modern issues facing Native Americans today, as well as to bring more awareness to the real, horrific story behind Thanksgiving. “I think there seems to be this myth in this country propagated about Thanksgiving that, ‘Oh, you know, the Pilgrims and the Indians all sat down to have a meal together and they were good friends and everybody lived happily ever after,” says Mahtowin Munro, co-leader of the United American Indians of New England, which organizes the annual event. “It’s really important for us to stand up and talk about what the reality was and to teach others about that reality.” Many Americans are familiar with the traditional story of Thanksgiving where, in 1621, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people came together to give thanks and share a meal. However, not many are aware of the events that led to the first official “Day of Thanksgiving.” As a holiday, Thanksgiving began in 1637 when it was proclaimed by Governor John Winthrop of the Massachusetts Bay Colony to celebrate the safe return of the men who had gone to fight against the Pequot in Mystic, Conn. The fighting led to the enslavement and massacre of over 700 men, women, and children from the New England-based tribe, a bloody precursor to what would be centuries of strife for native peoples in the U.S. (From Boston.com Staff )

THE 16.65- MILLIONDOLLAR-MAN: The D.C. government will pay $16.65 million to settle a federal lawsuit after a jury found that D.C. police framed an innocent man who served 27 years in prison for a rape and murder of a 21-year-old Georgetown University student in Rock Creek Park.The settlement in the civil rights case of Donald E. Gates, 64, will be the largest paid to an individual in the city’s history, District officials said. “I’m absolutely elated. The only thing I can do is thank the Lord,” said Gates, who lives in Knoxville, Tenn. “I’m hoping the message goes around the country: You can’t violate a Black man or Black woman’s civil rights, or no American citizen’s civil rights, anywhere. That’s what I hope.”

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Challenger Community News • November 25, 2015

COMMUNITY RALLIES TO SUPPORT GIGI’S continued felt show of unity when they extended their support in what ever way they could. -GIGI’s LegacyCouncil Member and True Bethel Baptist Pastor Pridgen said it best when he described Gigi’s as “more than a restaurant.” “It’s an institution,” he declared. Blondine, at 77 years young,

has dedicated well over 50 years of her life to keep the business open. In 2008 the restaurant underwent a $190,000 renovation as part of the Commercial Area Revitalization Effort (CARE) Program, administered by the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation. Gigi’s is considered a landmark of Buffalo’s East Side.

Pictured (l-r) Volunteers True Bethel member Veronica Bell, Wilma Graham (81 years young, also a member of True Bethel for 13 years “and never missed a Sunday!” ) and long time GiGi’s employee Carol James worked inside the Food Truck Monday.

The soul food restaurant has been in business since 1960, and can be compared to Atlanta’s famous Paschal’s Restaurant, which has been called the official headquarters of the civil rights movement. Gigi’s, like Paschal’s, has over the years been the meeting place for politicians and community activists. A host of “famous” and notable people, too numerous to mention, have eaten there. During the ribbon cutting seven years ago to mark the newly renovated establishment, Daryl Harvin, Mrs. Harvin’s son, declared, “This is the community’s restaurant and it will continue to be the community’s restaurant.” That declaration still holds true. At press time officials were continuing their investigation into the cause of the fire. Donations can be made Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the True Bethel “Bread of Heaven” food truck in front of the restaurant or at the GoFundMe site on line. The page is titled Gigi’s Fire Help. “Trust me,” said Rev. Pridgen in announcing the fund raising effort, “ the lady will rise again!”

The Health Benefits of Favorite Holiday Spices

VA Celebrates Native American Heritage Month 2015

Nutmeg Nutmeg is useful for: •Insomnia (nutmeg can produce drowsiness so it should be taken when you have a chance to relax or sleep) •Anxiety •Calming muscle spasms •Nausea and vomiting •Indigestion •Diarrhea •Joint pain and gout •Lowering blood pressure •Male infertility and impotence •Improving concentration •Increasing circulation •Lowering cholesterol •Toothaches (nutmeg oil) Clove Cloves’well-known healing properties is its ability to relieve tooth and gum pain, but it has many benefits beyond that. These include: •Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties •Relief from respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis •Relief from muscle pains from injuries or arthritis and rheumatism •Eliminates intestinal parasites, fungi and bacteria •May encourage creativity and mental focus Ginger Ginger’s medicinal properties include: •Soothes nausea, motion sickness and other stomach upset •Relieves morning sickness •Anti-inflammatory properties •Eliminates intestinal gas •Relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract •Antioxidant properties •Relieves dizziness •Boosts the immune system •Protects against bacteria and fungi •Encourages bile flow •Promotes cardiovascular health

FULL MOON THOUGHT FOR NOVEMBER Most of us live with the feeling of not having enough: not enough time, not enough money, not enough love. Simultaneously, everything appears to be overwhelming - too many activities, too many worries, too many thoughts. No wonder that amid this tension, you can easily lose your bearing and courage and the focus for essentials. And then there are these wonderful moments, when peace and calmness reign and we are reminded of ourselves. Find these moments and linger … (The Full Moon for November Falls on Wednesday, November 25, followed by the next Full Moon Christmas Day December 25)

EAT TO LIVE!

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH: Pictured from top, (l-R) Yolanda Smith and Sheldon Sun Down; Middle photo (l-r) Jerry Bowman, Darvin Adams, Debbra Ransom, Veronica Johnson, Paul Kinsey and Kortnie Williams; Above with members of the Redrum Motocycle Club, Davin Smith Paul Kinsey and Sheldon Sun Down.

or the last six years Native American Pride has always emerged as the central theme in the VA’s celebration of Native American Heritage Month hosted annually by Paul Kinsey, a Native American veteran who has served as the agency’s Native American Program Manager. The November 13th event, which was no exception, covered the spectrum from patriotism and the need for an alternative holidays to Columbus Day, to healing and indigenous culture. Featured was an invaluable presentation by Yolanda Smith, a member of the Turtle Clan, Seneca Nation who shared her profound knowledge of the properties and uses of over a dozen plants and herbs used by Native Americans – and available to everyone - for natural healing. In addition she urged the eating of organic and fresh foods when possible as opposed to “dead foods” found in cans and boxes; the avoidance of white sugar which she called “a killer” that will “ruin your body”’; and advised cleaning out the system at least two to three times a year (especially at the start of each season) for optimum health. It was amazing to hear this knowledgeable young woman say that she was “still learning.” Seneca Nation performer Sheldon Sun Down delivered a culturally rich singing and drumming performance. He also acknowledged Yolanda’s presentation and noted that herbal medicine works “but the key to our medicine is to have faith in yourself.” Paul introduced members of the Redrum Nomads Native American Motorcycle Club who read their mission statement which included as part of their goal, to promote a positive outlook on motorcycle clubs and to spread positivity. The VA made presentations to Yolanda Smith and Sheldon Sundown. In his closing remarks Kinsey encouraged those in the audience to continue to support the yearly Native American Heritage Month celebration at the VA and to be mindful and respectful of one another and of all cultures. “Do something nice for someone,” he urged, “because the world is falling apart.”

FAITH & FAMILY

WOMEN IN BLUE PROGRAM The Missionary Society of Calvary CME Church, 1007 Ellicott Street, is inviting WOMEN AND MEN FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE to worship with us in Blue on Sunday, November 29, during our 10:30 AM Worship Service. Dr Mattie Rhodes, President of Delta Sigma Sorority is the keynote speaker. The wearing of the color blue in the Bible symbolizes dependability, trustworthiness, and security. “All it takes is one good Christian Woman and church is a good place to be. A strong family is one that puts Jesus first in all they do together. Bonnie Conerly will lead in celebrations of First Advent Sunday. Please bring postal stamps, new unopened snack-size nuts and dried fruit to be sent to our troops deployed in the Middle East through Operation Stars and Stripes of Marietta, GA. Sister Nellie B. King President and Reverend Larry Moor, Pastor

Challenger Community News • November 25, 2015

Reliving The Biblical Second Baptist Third Annual Holiday Bazaar Christian Story The Adult Choir of Calvary C.M.E. Church at 1007 Ellicott Street will presents Reliving The Biblical Christian Story featuring soloists, instrumentals, and more with narration on Friday December 11 at 6 p.m. Free will offering. Rev. Larry E. Moore is Pastor.

Just in time for the Holiday Season, the Second Baptist Church Women’s Ministry presents their 3rd annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday December 5th from noon to 4 p.m., at the AJ Phillips Fellowship Hall, 18 Church Street in Lackawanna. For more info call 716 578-1043.

FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • November 25, 2015

Rev. DuBois Celebrating 29 Years of Pastoring! On November 29, Pastor George W. DuBois of the Evangelistic Temple and Community Church Center will be celebrating 29 years of Pastoring. James L. Spencer, and Associate Minister will be the guest speaker at the R.I.S.E. service ( Religious Instruction on Sunday for Everyone) beginning at 9:30 a.m. For morning worship service starting at 10:30 a.m., Reverend CC Co Jr. will be our featured speaker. Both of our speakers are from Jordan Grove Baptist Church, which is Pastor DuBois former Church home. Immediately following morning service, a reception will be held in the Lewis W. Holley Fellowship Hall. The community is welcome to worship with us. We are located at 92 Hedley Place, between Jefferson Avenue and Meech Street. If you require additional information, feel free to call the Church office at 882-1432. We would like to take this opportunity to wish the community a safe and joyful Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday!

Thursday Night Bible Study at GROUP Ministries MAD DADS will present Tuesday Night Bible Study with Rev. Derren L. Young at GROUP Ministries, 1333 Jefferson Avenue every Tuesday from 6:30- 8 p.m. All are welcome. For more information call 563-1834.

Pastor DuBois

Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 6:00 pm Adams Mark Hotel Tickets Available At: & Event Center St. John Baptist Church 120 Church Street 184 Goodell Street Buﬀalo, New York 14202 Buﬀalo, New York 14204 Ticket Price: $50 Call: 852-4504

December 6, 2015, 10:00 am Guest Speaker: Pastor Jonathan R. Staples, First Shiloh Baptist Church And St. John’s Celebration Choir

ENTERTAINMENT

Challenger Community News • November 25, 2015

Review By Rayven Satterfield

“Stompin’ at the Savoy” :High Energy Production is a Tribute to the Heyday of Harlem Night Life

NAPPY HOUR!

Back By Popular Demand: The Amazing Nina Simone

Hair To Go Natural

Film Dedicated to Buffalo’s Emile Latimer

727 Main St. Saturday,

he Amazing Nina Simone, a documentary film conceived, written and directed by Jeff Lieberman, tells the legendary song stylists’ story through more than 50 interviews with fellow musicians, friends, and family members, among them her guitarist, the late renowned Buffalo percussionist Emile Latimer, and Simone collaborator. The film is dedicated to Latimer, who made his transition in 2013. THE AMAZING NINA SIMONE (2015) will be shown on Saturday, November 28 at 5PM at the Screening Room. Admission $8/$7. Nina was left out of Civil Rights history, erased by jazz critics, and forgotten by most Americans because no one knew how to categorize her greatness. Lieberman’s documentary reveals the real NINA SIMONE through intimate interviews with those who best knew the artistry and intentions of one of America’s true musical geniuses. With musical proclamations like ‘Mississippi Goddam’ and an iconic style, Nina Simone was both loved and feared throughout the 1960s for her outspoken vision of Black Freedom. Today, Nina is more popular eleven years after her death than ever before. President Barack Obama listed ‘Sinnerman’ in his top 5 favorite songs, and whether re-mixed, re-sampled or in its pure form, Nina’s music continues to empower people around the world with its unrelenting appeal for justice. With new insights into her musical journey from Classical Music and the segregated South, the worlds of Jazz and Civil Rights, through her erratic behavior and self-exile, Nina’s legacy is chartered all the way to the place where she found freedom. The Screening Room is located in the Northtown Plaza Business Center (formerly The Century Mall) within the Northtown Plaza . The building is not visible from Sheridan Drive, but actually faces N. Bailey behind KEY BANK Park on the N Bailey side of the building, and enter directly through our door, which has a Screening Room banner beside it. For More information : (716) 837-0376 or INFO@SCREENINGROOM.NET

November 28 4-7 p.m.

RSVP

883-2000

Emile (right) with writer/director Jeff Lieberman.

ou can watch the heyday of Harlem come to life before your eyes during the play “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” on stage now at the Paul Robeson Theatre. The sounds of jazz fills the air from the moment you walk through the doors until the actors take their final bow. “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” which is written by Ron Stacker Thompson and directed by Mary Craig, takes you back to the Harlem nightclubs during the 1930s and 1940s thanks to the talented cast which includes: Mary Craig as Sal; Anaya Naomi Williams as Chocolate Kiss; Chalma Warmley as Hal; Melinda Capeles Rowe as Rachel; Sandra Gilliam as Gloria; and Johnny Rowe playing the role of Vernon. In addition, Perris K. Forotson also plays the role of Chocolate Kiss and the production’s very own choreographer, Robin Barker plays the role of the Savoy Dancer. There were several design elements that stood out, specifically the lighting by David Stock, which helps to create a vibrant atmosphere throughout this production. During each scene, the audience has the opportunity to witness a change in the mood through the variation of colors. Upon entering the theatre, the first thing that you notice is the boldness of the word “Savoy” which is highlighted by a royal blue backlight. The lighting design also helps to identify who is speaking and how their character adds value to the storyline. The amount of talent on the stage will keep you on the edge of your seat. From soulful voices to swift tap dancing, the production has many shock factors from the beginning to end. The enthusiasm and thrill of the entertaining chocolate kisses was contagious. Hal brought us the savvy, smooth talking Harlem Renaissance man, charming the crowd with his moves and warmth. Rachel brought laughter with her sassy and dramatic attitude. Sal represented a powerful woman with a demanding presence who is not easily moved. Gloria brought spark to the play with her diva-like presence, while Vernon brought a sense of stability to the stage. Overall it was a joyful, exciting experience. I highly recommend the Buffalo community take the time out this holiday weekend to support this amazing cast and production. “Stompin’ at the Savoy” will cause you to leave your troubles at the door as you enter the era of the Cotton Club and Savoy Ballroom for an unforgettable, entertaining experience! The production is on stage now to December 6 at the Paul Robeson theatre located inside the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue. Curtain time is 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 4 pm. Sunday with an audience talk back. General admission is $25; and for seniors and students with ID, $22. Call 884-2013 for more information or go to www.aacbuffalo.org

Challenger Community News • November 25, 2015

GENERATIONS

Kickstarter Fundraising Event for The Blackness Project Film Set

Suggested Readings by Kenneth and Sharon Holley

Give The Gift of Heritage!

he Blackness Project is a featured length documentary film about culture and race from the perspectives of African American and other minorities. The film was inspired from conversations about the "Whiteness Project" which is a similar documentary discussing race and the perceived loss of white privilege by White Americans. The main purpose of The Blackness Project film is to bridge the gap between White and Black Americans with in depth interviews on race. As the film continues to undergo the editing process, its producers are planning a Kickstarter fundraising event on December 5 at the Daemen College Theater in the Tri-Main Center in Buffalo. Money raised from that event, project leaders say, will cover the cost of distributing the film. The Blackness Project’s executive producer is Peter Johnson. Directing the documentary is Korey Green, who has worked on nearly a half dozen short films and

Director Korey Green (left) and Producer Peter Johnson has won numerous awards for his work For more information on the film go to their website, Theblacknessproject.org

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With the holidays approaching, Think Heritage – Think Zawadi Books! We have a fine collections of books, cards, calendars, journals, bookmarks, pencils and buttons for you and for gift giving. 29 Years of Preparation: A Guide and Blueprint for Success by Sheila L. Brown. iUniverse, 2015 Black Hollywood Unchained Commentary on the State of Black Hollywood edited by Ishmael Reed Third World Press, 2015. Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor’s Reflection on Race and Medicine by Damon Tweedy, MD. Picador, 2015 An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. Beacon Press, 2015

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Buffalo Teen Tyra Baxtron, Will Compete in the 2015 Miss Teen National Compettion Buffalo teenager, Tyra Baxtron, is scheduled to compete in the upcoming 2015 Miss Teen USA National Competition in Orlando, Florida. Ms. Baxtron qualified for the national competition after having recently won the 2015 competitions in Buffalo and Syracuse. She is the reigning Miss Teen Buffalo and Miss Teen Western New York. Tyra is a student at Buffalo’s Middle Early College High School and enjoys soccer, soft ball and cheer leading. She loves spending time with her family and caring for her dog Beast. The 2015 Miss Teen USA National Competition will be held on December 9-14, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. Congratulations Tyra!

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Challenger Community News • November 25, 2015

Workforce Diversity Goals Need to be Increased and Legally Enforceable!

uffalo is on the move. Public and private sector investments are paying off as our economy continues to grow. A building boom is unfolding, creating job opportunities in the short term for the construction industry and long term for companies providing high paying jobs. This generation is witnessing historic rates of construction and economic development in our city. We have to ensure that opportunities are within reach for all those who seek it. My years as public servant and Buffalo resident makes me look at the issues and focus on solutions. With the building boom in Buffalo we need to understand the ways to help get people working at construction sites, and afterwards when employers move into the new buildings. The jobs in construction are just as important as the jobs provided by employers in various industries. Contracting is one part of the equation when Crystal Peoples looking at state-funded projects in Buffalo. STOKES Since 2002, New York State has taken a comprehensive look at government contracting and the utilization of MWBE’s (minority and women owned enterprises). A disparity study was implemented to and resulted in evidence of discrimination against MWBE’s in the private sector (subcontracting on government contracts). New York State utilized this disparity study to highlight the issue at hand and through policy and legislation, we are seeing the rewards of the NYS MWBE program. The next Disparity Study, due December 2016, will continue to monitor MWBE capacity but now also identify workforce

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diversity on state-funded projects. Currently MWBE goals are enforceable however the state is prohibited by federal law to establish workforce participation goals. Working with my colleagues in government, including the Governor’s office, we are seeking out ways to increase and have legally-enforceable workforce diversity goals on state projects. I am drafting legislation as we speak to introduce for January 2016’s legislative session to address this very issue. Project Labor Agreements are contracts between developers (general contractors) and the workforce (organized labor). In some cases developers aim and exceed goals of PLA’s. Harborcenter is an example of a privately funded project that exceeded workforce participation and MWBE utilization goals. If someone is interested in working at one of the many construction projects in the City of Buffalo I encourage you to apply, and if training is needed, the NYS Department of Labor and community-based organizations (Harvest House, PUSH Buffalo, Outsource Center etc.) can provide training assistance. I will continue to work closely with stakeholders in workforce development, economic development, organized labor, and the community. I was selected by Governor Cuomo to serve on the 2011 Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Team Task Force. I also served as the Chair of the Assembly’s MWBE Task Force and as the Chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. I now chair the Assembly Standing Committee on Governmental Operations which encompasses the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and currently serve as a member of the NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus.

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Where is the Outrage Over The Death Of 3-Year-Old Mayouna Smith? Dear Editor I am writing this because everybody seems to comment on the Bills, the Sabres, the politicians but no one writes about the murder of little 3 year old Mayouna Smith in the Allenhurst Apts., on January 17, 2014. There was a follow up letter written in the News on July 12 of this year describing the horrible Injuries suffered by this little girl. To date, not one person has been charged when there was only her mother, the mother’s boyfriend and an infant in their home. How in the name of the Heavenly Father can the D.A. let this go! Where is the justice for this child? I have a 3-year-old great grand daughter and if something even close to this happened to her I would be sitting on the District Attorney’s front steps to get an answer as to why this baby’s murderer is still free! How about some letters about this! -Jamie Harris

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We Wish Our Readers A Safe and Blessed Holiday!

Challenger Community News • November 25, 2015

It’s Time to Refuse the Tests

e have a problem. And have had this problem for some time. Politicians, Businessmen, news reporters and some educational leaders would have us believe that using standardized testing to hold children and schools accountable is fair, equitable, good educational pedagogy and sound psychometric practice. We’ve allowed our children to be victimized by high-stakes testing that label them as “failures,” “struggling,” or “persistently struggling” (the latest in a long list of discriminatory terms). I’ve written a number of columns about the standardized English Language Arts and Math tests that the State uses to determine “accountability” for students, schools and school districts. But the significance of these tests bears repeating as the focus of the new Receivership law is to impose receivership, aka the take-over of schools identified as “persistently struggling” or “struggling.” The legitimacy of instituting this system is tied to the standardized tests, which are aligned with the dubious Common Core Learning Standards. There are numerous reasons why we should question the validity of using these tests as a principal measure of our children’s capability and a determinant of the future of our schools. The tests 1) are not developmentally appropriate – reading levels are far above the grade level being tested 2) are Barbara Seals not diagnostic; they don’t provide information that helps the teacher target Nevergold individual student learning needs 3) are not differentiated by student need as almost all children take the same test, regardless of their cognitive ability or their English language proficiency; it’s a one size fits all approach 4) encourage teaching to the test at the expense of time for other subjects 5) demoralize and frustrate children. In addition test results are being used to grade schools and to evaluate educators, even though statistics experts dispute the validity of this methodology. In 2015 thousands of New York State parents were alarmed by these problems and refused to have their children take the tests. Their movement has ignited a resistance that sent a message, loud and clear about the harm that these tests are doing, especially to children. In fact over 220,000 students opted out of taking the tests this past Spring. Most of those parents were in suburban and rural schools, which are not targeted for State takeover. Yet, these parents are and should be concerned that the enormous precedent of the Receivership law will have a deleterious impact on all public schools throughout the State. However, New York State parents are not alone in opposing the subjection of students to senseless testing. This is a national movement, which is increasingly supported by professional educators; teachers, principals, superintendents, other educational professionals and Boards of Education. The Vermont State Board of Education recently issued a statement to caution parents about the overreliance on a standardized test in judging student achievement. In a November 4th letter, which was sent to all parents in the State, the Board said: “You have received, or will receive in the near future, a report of your child’s standardized “Smarter Balanced” test results from the Vermont Comprehensive Assessment Program. This report is provided in the national assessment consortium’s format. We are working on a friendlier and more appropriate presentation for next year. Tests are useful if used within the limits of their design, but they cannot provide you with a comprehensive picture by themselves. The State Board and Agency of Education support using a broad range of tools, measures and methods to help you and educators understand and improve your child’s learning. We call your attention to the box labeled “scale score and overall performance.” These levels give too simplistic and too negative a message to students and parents. The tests are at a very high level. In fact, no nation has ever achieved at such a level. Do not let the results wrongly discourage your child from pursuing his or her talents, ambitions, hopes or dreams. These tests are based on a narrow definition of “college and career ready.” In truth, there are many different careers and colleges, and there are just as many different definitions of essential skills. In fact, many (if not most) successful adults fail to score well on standardized tests. If your child’s scores show that they are not yet proficient, this does not mean that they are not doing well or will not do well in the future. We also recommend that you not place a great deal of emphasis on the “claims” or sub-scores. There are just not enough test items to give you reliable information. Essentially, these test scores best serve to show the progress that our schools are making, and to help teachers adapt their curriculum to fit the needs of their students. As a parent, encourage your child to reach as high as he or she can. Let her or him know that they are worthy and capable. Keep track of how well your child is doing over time and use that information to help your child grow as a learner. Meet with your child’s teachers so that they understand your child and so you can work as a team. We must give every student a thorough and comprehensive education, and provide the nurturing and support each child needs to grow into an effective, productive, and self-directed citizen. In turn, these young people must be the strong parents for the generations of Vermonters yet to come.” Kudos, Vermont State Board of Education for providing this enlightened statement about the place of standardized testing in children’s education. As my colleague, Dr. Harris-Tigg observed, a standardized test is not a measure of real life. We should ask the pertinent questions about the value of the current ELA and Math tests and how or if they are valid measures for all the children who are required to take them. Until those answers address how the tests benefit children, we should refuse the tests.

Challenger Community News P.O. BOX 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” - John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal.

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Joy and Pain for the Buffalo Five

or the five Black teens wrongfully arrested for the murder of John Crawford, an elderly White man in 1976, recent developments are bitter sweet. You’ll remember that one of the boys, Tyrone Woodruff, was terrorized into giving a false confession, which resulted in long prison sentences for John Walker, Darryn Gibson, and Darryl Boyd, while Floyd Martin was acquitted with the police department’s own evidence by then attorney James McCleod. You’ll remember the heartbreaking death of Darryn Gibson, just 8 months after release from 33 years of confinement. At this time, with heavy hearts, we want to commemorate the life of Floyd Martin, who passed away in early October of this year. Though Bro. Floyd was acquitted of the charges against him, he suffered greatly with guilt over the convictions of his friends. He was a sensitive soul, who, decades after the ordeal of the arrest and trial, recalled it as if it had happened the day before. “They put us in a cage…like dogs,” he said, his voice breaking with pain and disbelief. The cause of death is unknown, Sabirah but Floyd Martin was a young man in his fifties. It will be hard to shake the feeling that his departure has happened far too soon. MUHAMMAD We spoke with John Walker, who has been the premier spokesman for the group, leading the charge for exoneration and an end to lifetime parole for himself and Darryl Boyd. He offered a sober reflection: “When I realized that Floyd Martin had passed away, it made me start thinking: he wasn’t a person who used to be with my older brother, this is somebody that ran with me. It automatically made me start thinking about myself, and how much more life I have in me, because people in my same age group are dying off. And then it caused me to think about my own health conditions. Am I gonna end up dying on lifetime parole for something I had nothing to do with? What kind of legacy will I leave behind my name? It keeps hitting me that I’m gonna leave here as a convicted murderer and it’s really not a good feeling.” John stayed on this train of thought a while longer, wondering about the fates of Timothy Drury, the former prosecutor, and Judge McCleod, the former defense attorney, both of whom know that the men are innocent. “What if one of them dies?” he wondered. “They’re older than me.” Then, his heart called him back to thoughts of his friend. “I feel like I’ve lost a real friend,” he said. I remember us meeting each other when we were 16 years old. He came to my mother’s house, and he was going to the store with one of my younger sisters. From then on, we were all right. He was an entertainer. He always made you laugh.” As expected, thoughts of Darryn Gibson were not far off. John grieves for the cloud of conviction still hovering over the memory of his friend. Always mindful of the desire to clear Darryn’s name, he’s tormented by the inability to get the case reviewed, “not because I didn’t try my hardest, but because of those who are standing in front of me, stopping me. I’ve attended funerals for two of us now, and it makes me think that JOHN WALKER AND HIS SON. there may be two more.” Noting his understandable melancholy we ask: “John, have you given up?” “No,” he retorts, with strength. “I can’t.” “They won’t allow me to give up. Soon I’ve gotta go to parole. Anytime I’m facing that, it makes me want to fight – so I know – for the rest of my life I’ll be fighting. I might not be able to physically go out and do the things I’ve been doing, but I’ll never stop fighting. There’s no way I could. I can’t wake up in the morning, realizing that I’m on lifetime parole for something I didn’t do, and not fight. It’s always in my heart and mind to fight this every chance I get.” Though John continues to seek out opportunities for true freedom, he muses over what could have and should have been done during this long saga. He’s grateful to Judge McCleod, who has proclaimed to the hills that the men are innocent, but agonizes over the futility of that integrity in a system that is devoid of it. He takes umbrage at the retirement celebration for Judge Rose Sconiers, who, with the stroke of a pen, ended his chances for appeal through the courts, saying that there was nothing legal or factual to be re-considered in the case. He reflects with more sobriety on the black elected officials who raised his hopes with promises of support and belief in his innocence, but never translated those words into action. But on the heels of this most recent and devastating loss of Floyd Martin comes a ray of hope for John Walker and Darryl Boyd. The Buffalo Local Action Committee has never stopped fighting with these brothers, and by God’s grace, has worked long enough and hard enough to gain the notice of some in powerful positions who can and will use their authority to right this grievous wrong. One of those is the Governor of the state. We are now in pursuit of a pardon for John and Darryl that will release them from parole. It would allow them to continue their push for exoneration – for all of the men – without the punitive backlash from those in power who don’t want their misdeeds exposed. We thank the community of supporters who have responded continually to the call to stand with the Buffalo Five. For these beloved of ours, you have been the wind beneath their wings. Keep them lifted in prayer now, in hopes that we’ll be shedding more tears – of joy.

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Challenger Community News • November 25, 2015

Keeping The Heat on SolarCity

Although the SolarCity plant is meeting its reduced minority workforce goal of 15 percent, to date it’s largely through the hiring of workers from other minority groups – not African Americans By Charlotte Keith Investigative Post

iversity hiring goals set for the construction of the SolarCity plant in South Buffalo have not translated into a lot of jobs for African-American workers. While African Americans make up an increasing share of the project’s workforce, they accounted for only 5.7 percent of those on the job for the quarter ending this September. That’s in a city that’s almost 40 percent African-American and a county with a workforce that’s 11 percent Black, according to the state Department of Labor. The project is nevertheless meeting its minority workforce goal of 15 percent, largely through the hiring of workers from other minority groups – in particular, Native Americans. The proportion of African Americans on the SolarCity construction site does not sit well with some community leaders and elected officials. “It’s not right to see these numbers and only have small totals for African Americans,” said Charley Fisher III, chairman of the Contract Compliance Review Committee, an organization recently formed to advocate for more diversity on local construction projects. “The African-American community in Buffalo is close to 40 percent. Here it sounds like African Americans aren’t even 40 percent of the minority workforce.” Paul Brown, president of the Buffalo Building and Construction Trades Council, said the relatively low proportion of

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African-American workers at Riverbend was due to the makeup of the trades that have been working there so far, in particular Operating Engineers and Ironworkers – unions in which Black workers have not traditionally been well-represented. That explanation doesn’t sit well with Fisher, who is also president of B.U.I.L.D of Buffalo. (Inset) Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant and Charley Fisher III. “There is not a fair representation of African Americans and other minorities in the trade unions, period,” he said. Minorities made up 11 percent of the local construction early work at the site, said LPCiminelli spokesperson Kevin unions in 2012, according to a census conducted by LPCiminelli Schuler. “On the earliest contracts, it was a small crew doing siteas part of the Buffalo schools reconstruction project; that census work related to soil-testing and exploratory excavation,” he does not provide a more detailed breakdown by racial group. said. “For a good four to six months, that was all that was hapLow Proportion of Black Workers Two numbers put the employment of Black construction pening. The project only really kicked into gear in December.” Progress towards workforce goals is tracked by counting workers at SolarCity into perspective. While they make up an increasing share of the workforce, the hours worked by each individual, based on certified payroll. Empire State Development, the agency they accounted for only 5.7 percent of those tasked with overseeing the project, also reon the job from July through September, the contractors to document, on a quartermost recent period for which numbers have f you said that quires ly basis, the racial makeup of their workforce been compiled. you’re meeting during that period. As a result, African Americans made up less records offer a headcount and prothe goals on minor- videThose than half of the share of the minority worka breakdown of the participation of difforce at SolarCity. Of the roughly 200 minority ity participation and ferent minority groups, but do not take into workers on site over the summer, 42 percent it’s a Buffalo project, account hours worked. Using these records, were Native American, 38 percent AfricanPost previously reported that American, 18 percent Hispanic and 2 percent people expect to see Investigative minorities made up 6 percent of the construcAsian. This despite the fact that African Amera larger number of tion workforce from the start of work in May icans are by far the largest minority group in 2014 through March 2015, based on the most African Americans.” both the City of Buffalo and Erie County. up-to-date figures Empire State Development “Government can create opportunities for -Erie County Legislator would release. State officials refused to projob creation and workforce participation, but vide more up-to-date records until the end of Betty Jean Grant cannot mandate results, especially by ethnic or October. racial composition,” an Empire State DevelopLPCiminelli officials subsequently proment spokesman said. “That would be estabvided a detailed, updated breakdown of the workforce, taking lishing quotas, which have been ruled unconstitutional.” So, while the minority hiring goal is being met overall, some just a week to share figures that Empire State Development community leaders and elected officials say the project’s work- took about three months to release. Differences across contracts force should better reflect the makeup of the city. Of the 16 contracts with more than 500 hours worked – the “If you said that you’re meeting the goals on minority participation and it’s a Buffalo project, people expect to see a larger point at which Stephanie Pennington, LPCiminelli’s director number of African Americans,” said Erie County Legislator of compliance, said she expects the goals to be met – 10 are meeting the 15 percent goal and six are not. Of those six, three Betty Jean Grant. She said the low African-American workforce participation were contracts performed early on in the project. Compliance with diversity goals is calculated as an average figure is “unacceptable.” Mayor Byron Brown, once the project is complete, so falling short in one month, or who last month defended on one contract, doesn’t matter as long as the goals are met t’s not right to see hiring practices at Solar- overall. The updated numbers, however, have not mollified those on the grounds the these numbers and City project was meeting its who argue that the project should have retained the 25 percent only have small totals overall 15 percent minor- minority hiring goal agreed on when the city sold the Riversite to the state. Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office subsequentfor African Americans” ity hiring goal, did not bend respond to an interview ly announced the goal in two press releases. The goal was later lowered to 15 percent in an agreement - Charley Fisher III request. Paul Brown, of the between the local construction unions and developer LPCimiBuilding Trades Council, nelli. Empire State Development said in a statement that the 25 said he expects more African Americans on the job for the dura- percent goal was simply “aspirational.” The change drew fierce criticism from African-American tion of the project as other trades start work on the site. “It should increase tremendously, because you know there’s leaders, who in October rallied in protest of the SolarCity work different trades on there now, there’s a lot of plumbers, electri- site and have staged a series of community meetings since . Fisher and Grant created a group to advocate for greater dicians,” he said. versity in construction jobs and to hold contractors accountable Slow Start, Site Cleanup The project is now exceeding its minority hiring goal, with for diversity goals. “There’s billions for Buffalo – but for whom?” Fisher said. minorities working 16 percent of hours through the end of Au“It can’t be just for a small circle of connected people. It’s got gust. That comes after a slow start: minorities had worked only 8 to be fair.” percent of the hours worked on the project during the first eight months of work, through the end of December 2014. But, as Investigative Post is a nonprofit investigative reporting cenmore contractors started work, the share of hours worked by mi- ter focused on issues of importance to Buffalo and Western norities gradually increased, reaching 15 percent for the project New York. You can find its work at InvestigativePost.org, and through its partners, including WGRZ, The Public, WBFO and to date in May this year and holding steady since. One reason for the initial lag in diversity was the nature of the Capital Pressroom.

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Challenger Community News • November 25, 2015

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LEGAL NOTICE Public Hearing ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Not-for-Proit Corporation Law Section 1411(d)(3), the Erie County Legislature will conduct a Public Hearing at 9:00 AM on the 8th day of December, in the Chambers of the Erie County Legislature, 4th Floor, Old County Hall, 92 Franklin Street, in the City of Buffalo, NY to hear public comment concerning the proposed transfer by Erie County of 4111 River Road, Tonawanda, New York, identified as tax map parcel 64.08-1-5 (the “Land”) (parcel information can be found on www.erie.gov/ecrpts) to the Buffalo and Erie County Industrial Land Development Corporation (the ”ILDC”). The contemplated transfer of the Land is intended to allow ILDC, with the support of the Erie County Industrial Development Agency, to assist with the redevelopment of the Land. Dated: Buffalo, New York November 19, 2015 By:Karen M. McCarthy, Clerk Erie County Legislature Research Assistant for local downtown office. Must have experience using Microsoft Excel and college degree. FT. EOE. Send resumes by 12/31/15 tokomani@viaeval.com / Fax: 716362-0712. For more info: www. ViaEvaluation.com

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Proposals Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority – legal ad - RFQ Document Management Services The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) requests proposals from companies (profit or non-profit) or individuals to provide Professional Services as Document Manager to assist the BMHA in special projects. Qualified candidates should have excellent skills in information management, file retrieval, distribution and tracking, Microsoft Office and electronic communication. Familiarity with HUD regulations and forms is preferable. The individual or company selected will be an independent contractor and not an employee of the BMHA. This professional services contract is for a period of two (2) years with the option to renew for two (2) additional year(s) if necessary. Proposals will be received at the BMHA Administrative Offices at 300 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 until 3:00 p.m. (ET), Thursday, December 10, 2015. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the RFQ, please contact Larry Sherlick, at lsherlick@ bmhahousing.com. IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE advertising@thechallengernews. com

EMPLOYMENT Gloria J. Parks Senior Program Director Oversees senior program activities and outreach efforts at Gloria J. Parks Community Center; Required: Bachelors’ degree; good computer and writing skills; driver’s license; $10.00/hr. part-time to start mid-December; Please send cover letter and resume to Michael Tritto at m.tritto@ udcda.org or fax to 832-5099. MUSICIAN WANTED The New Hope Baptist Church in Niagara Falls, New York is looking for a qualified pianist/ organist to play for a medium size congregation. Must be a person of faith and have a commitment to building the music program. Salary-Negotiable. Knowledge of praise, gospel and traditional music helpful and is able to work with a youth choir. If interested, please contact Deacon Michael Williamson at 716622-2189 or Deacon Patrick Jones at 716-990-3676.

PASTOR VACANCY Resumes are being accepted. PLEASE SEND TO: Antioch Baptist Church Attention: Deacon James Thomas 1327 Fillmore Avenue Buffalo, New York 14211 Email: antioch1327@verizon

Research Assistant for local downtown office. Must have experience using Microsoft Excel and college degree. FT. EOE. Send resumes by 12/31/15 tokomani@viaeval. com / Fax: 716-362-0712. For more info: www.ViaEvaluation.com

Assistant or Associate Professor

The Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Assistant or Associate Professor of paper conservation. 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.

Assistant Professor Assistant or Associate Professor

The Psychology Department at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks The Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State, State University of New York, candidates for the position of Assistant Professor in one of two areas: Cognitive seeks candidates for the position of Assistant or Associate Professor. Neuroscience/Clinical Neuropsychology or Applied Psychology with a specialization in Required either ChildQualifications: or Adolescent Development or Industrial/Organizational Psychology. For Assistant Professor: For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu. A terminal degree in art conservation or related discipline; a demonstrated progressive experience in the conservation of paper-based materials; evidence of a high degree of proficiency and skill in the performance of a variety of conservation treatments on a wide range of works on paper; evidence of initiating a scholarly agenda (publishing or speaking on professional conservation issues); well-developed communication skills; evidence of ability to work cooperatively and collegially within an interdisciplinary work environment. Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences. For Associate Professor: A terminal degree in art conservation or related discipline; a demonstrated progressive experience in the conservation of paper-based materials; evidence of a high degree of proficiency and skill in the performance of a variety of conservation treatments on a wide range of works on paper; a record ofProfessor publishing in peer reviewed conservation Assistant journals and presenting papers at conferences; a record of service to the profession; The Psychology Department at Buffalo State, University of cooperatively New York, seeks Assist in all aspects of the Women’s Tennis program assigned by the Women’s Tennis well-developed communication skills; evidenceState ofasability to work and candidates for the position of Assistant Professor in one of two areas: Cognitive collegially within an interdisciplinary work environment. Head Coach. Develop a competitive Division I Women’s Tennis Team. Responsible for: Neuroscience/Clinical Neuropsychology or Applied Psychology with a specialization Preferred Qualifications: inrecruitment either Child Adolescent Development orplanning Industrial/ Psychology. andorretention of student-athletes, andOrganizational executing practices for all Evidence ofQualifications: ability, interest in and commitment to teaching, especially at the graduate Required aspects of the women’s tennis program, fundraising, and community and alumni level; Knowledge and a experience with historical and/oraremodern papermaking Candidates must have Ph.D. in Psychology. Candidates expected to have a relations. Oversee the academic progress ofandthe women’s tennis student-athletes. techniques; Knowledge and education experience with the conservation of rare books, commitment to undergraduate research and to the development of an active research collections program in and/or their area of interest.Advanced Candidates mustorberesearch preparedin and library/archival photographs; studies the qualified to teach courses in complete theirthearea of interest and departmental core courses, conservation of cultural heritage, technical artprocess history material Please application at:of art on paper, including history and systems, and senior seminar. science of research paper, ormethods, a closelystatistics, related area of paper conservation. https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=58450 Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates with a record of prior college teaching experience applicants may of apply onlineone atThe https://jobs.buffalostate.edu. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree. Minimum year of successful experience serves as a and anQualified established program research. Psychology Department undergraduates exclusively, withDivision 600+ majors 11 full-time faculty and has a strong graduate assistant in a college I athleticandprogram. Demonstrable experience in track record of student involvement in individualized experiences and we seek candidates sportshare teamthis travel, budgeting, and scheduling required. Knowledge of NCAA and the Midwho commitment.

Women’s Tennis Assistant Coach

American Conference policies and rules.

Qualified applicants may apply online at https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience.

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

UB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer/recruiter. 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 • November 25, 2015

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

SUN 11/15

MON 11/16

TUES 11/17

WED 11/18 THURS 11/19 FRI 11/20 SAT 11/21

RADNEY’S SPORTS UPDATE Bills Lose To Patriots 20 – 13

he Bills had early success running the ball against the Patriots defensive front. The Patriots were up 3 – 0 at end of first quarter. The Bills should have run ball more in the MID-462 MID-679 MID-957 MID-894 MID-390 MID-057 MID-673 second quarter. They can chalk this loss up to making too many 3-WAY EVE-778 mistakes and poor play of the offensive line in pass protection. EVE-176 EVE-486 EVE-047 EVE-073 EVE-983 EVE-010 Bills QB Tyrod Taylor had a terrible game of not being able to get ball to open receivers in the first half. Greg Roman is a horrible play caller. With 3rd and one he went for a power sweep, MID- 5806 MID -1304 MID - 4113 MID-7808 MID -0941 MID-9025 MID-4941 but his team had been running in between the tackles all night EVE9022 EVE9690 EVE 6680 EVE-5274 EVE6955 EVE5991 EVE-1468 WIN 4 with success. He needs to be fired at end of the season and the Bills need to look for a creative play caller like Pep Hamilton for next season. The Patriots played a slightly above average game with the 4-14-19-24-38 5-12-13-20-22 14-20-21-28-36 7-17-31-35-39 7-11-17-19-32 17-18-22-26-29 17-19-27-28-32 Bills defense being on point for most of TAKE 5 the night. Bills defensive coordinator Den nis Thurman dialed up the right defensive schemes for the game. Bills defensive 3-30-31-35-37-52#22 22-25-34-40-45-46#56 tackle Corbin Bryant : “Our whole goal LOTTO was to put pressure on Brady, we know what they like and what they don’t like. We cut down on the penalties and were in the game until the very end. Unfortunately we lost. We have to look at things we did HOT TIPS well and correct the mistakes.” Bills running back and special teams By GEORGE player Boobie Dixon : ”We have gotten RADNEY better since our first meeting. It’s not that Challenger Hits big of a loss or a huge loss. We had the urgency tonight and every game from here on out is a playoff type Midday game for us with very little room for errors. We are still a work 057-ZR, Billy Bye Bye, # Book (bx) in progress and the best is yet to come. Our special teams are 547-491-165-990-256-035-068-475-176-970-370-198-513improving and hopefully we can break one real soon for a TD.” 390-Quick $$, Luckie Duckie (Straight) 522-809-507-647-350-760-919-513-891-558-047-060-307The Bills could have stolen this game, but little mistakes and a 957-Scorpio & Aquarius (bx) 491-507-912-107-047-311-567-239-865-791-085-473-165fumble on punt return proved costly. I think Rex Ryan should have taken Tyrod Taylor out early in the fourth quarter due to 789-247-567-543-136-705-892-965-135-799-510-460 Evening his collarbone or shoulder was not right. His throws were off for “Its In The Stars” most of the night and you could tell something was bothering Billy Bye Bye Sez: him. Bills Head Coach Rex Ryan did his team a disservice by Aquarius -496-235-165-579 983-Capricorn (bx) 570-153-268-393-738-118 not looking with his own two eyes and seeing Tyrod was unable Pisces - 056-362-237-694 073-#Book (Straight), ZR (bx) 1447-1645-4444-6888 to perform at the high level we are accustom to, mainly because Cancer 482-372-895-718 “Believe in miracles but 047-ZR (Straight) of a possible injury. He should have made the bold move to Aries - 561-236-164-469 don’t depend on them” 486-Hot Tips & Luckie Duckie (bx) bring EJ Manuel into the game and focus on the deep ball beTaurus -258-231-026-695 cause Bills receivers were beating their man most of the night. 176-ZR (Straight) Gemini-495-257-694-508 EJ’s specialty is the long ball and it was quite apparent that NOVEMBER MONTHLY VIBES Leo-345-213-157-201 Tyrod could not throw an accurate deep ball in that game. Those Virgo 385-291-431-170 289-163-654-890-243 type of coaching decisions separates the average coaches from LUCKIE DUCKIE Libra -247-723-179-501 the playoff and super bowl winning coaches. The Bills need to THANKSGIVING HITS Scorpio - 453-253-571-597 202 335 -2015-4444 replace Special Teams Coach Danny Crossman’s unit, which 260-352-064-296 Sagittarius - 389-701-234-924 134-431-143 continually has gone backwards with its performance on the Capricorn:893-275-342-506 648*123*104 field. They have not scored a touchdown on a punt or kickoff return this season. Coach Crossman has been the man nothing 980-422-809 quick money $$$$ THE NUMBER BOOK has happened for in regards to scoring opportunities. The Bills 981-989-970-990-080189-809-444 800-515-996 did score on a fumble return last week against the NY Jets, but 390-196-102-581-752886-980-422 other than that not too much to write home about. 319-408-378-352-126 Bills linebacker Nigel Bradham: “In the end we lost. It 322-522-355 189-444-886-514 doesn’t matter how well we played, we didn’t play well enough 322-522-412-432-421800-592-390 423 to win the game. It’s just one of those things, gotta play good 394-833-924 enough to win.” 127-909-418 Bills running back LeSean McCoy said on the missed touch3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year 2014 down pass in the end zone: “I didn’t even know he was there. If 927-313-466 it touched my hand, I got to catch it. It’s as simple as that.” On 124-550-525 12/03/2014 Evening 3-9-2 Tyrod Taylor, “In the game you take hits, it’s a physical game. I 12/03/2014 Midday 1-8-2 583-269-508 don’t know how serious it is. I mean he threw a bomb from the 12/02/2014 Evening 4-6-8 same shoulder, so I don’t think it is that serious.” 12/02/2014 Midday 8-8-8 I disagree McCoy, it was serious enough that EJ Manuel should Grandma’s NOVEMBER Picks 12/01/2014 Evening 4-8-3 have finished the game. I could see from the press box that his 793-56312/01/2014 Midday 4-9-0 throws were hanging up in the air way too long, allowing Pa11/30/2014 Evening 1-0-1 triots defenders time to catch up and knock the ball down. Bills Powerful New Energy Shift for Chinese New Year of the Sheep, Lucky 11/30/2014 Midday 5-1-3 receivers were pretty much wide open for most of the game, Number “8.” This year marks 4017 Years of Celebration. 11/29/2014 Evening 8-9-3 unfortunately Tyrod could not get them the ball and there was “Watch your temper!” 11/29/2014 Midday 1-2-4 too much relying on the running game in key parts of the game. 11/28/2014 Evening 5-6-4 Especially on third and one where a bootleg by Tyrod would Best Triple for Month of NOVEMBER 666 11/28/2014 Midday 9-6-0 have done the trick in order to keep moving the chains. Oh well Doubles - 556-911-255-677 11/27/2014 Evening 9-4-1 it’s history now and on to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday 11/27/2014 Midday 1-5-1 for a make or break game. It’s really a playoff game with the WEEK DAY HITS! 11/26/2014 Evening 4-2-0 winner getting into position to make the playoffs. I see Bills 11/26/2014 Midday 7-5-5 mon 852-tues 987-wed 726 defense causing Alex Smith into enough errors for a Bills 14 – 11/25/2014 Evening 7-9-3 13 win at Arrowhead Stadium. thurs 931-fri 794-sat 015 11/25/2014 Midday 0-0-3

815

996

003

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR)

648

514

867 140

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Challenger Community News • November 25, 2015

Wednesday November 25

“ATHLETIC GREATS GATHERING”: 8 p.m. New Humboldt Inn; free.

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

Dorie Miller Rifle and Pistol Club Inc. Meeting: 5:30 p.m., Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. (716) 7710138 or www.maxi7.com Line Dance Fitness For Seniors: Hustle For Health at the Gloria J Parks Center, 3242 Main St. 11am - 12pm age 50+ FREE. 832 -1010 www.HustleForHealth.com Khametic Ascendants: 9-10 a.m. & 12:30 a.m. (after midnight), Channel 20.

Saturday November 28 Book Signing for Gwen Collier: Author of “The Bipolar Church,” 4-6 p.m., EM Tea Coffee Cup Café, 80 Oakgrove; RSVP. 884-1444 Monday November 30 Prisoners Are People Too Meeting: Pratt Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt Street 7 – 9pm; screening of “Breaking Down the Box.”

Breaking Down the Box

t its monthly meeting on November 30, PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO, INC. will consider “breaking down the box,” not to be confused with the campaign to “ban the box.” Banning the box is about ensuring that people with criminal convictions have a fair chance to work. To date, 19 states and over 100 cities (including Buffalo) and counties have taken steps to remove barriers to employment for qualified workers with records. Breaking down the box is about dismantling solitary confinement, a form of imprisonment that isolates a prisoner from any meaningful human contact. While it has been cited as a measure of protection for a prisoner, it is a form of punishment that has far-reaching ramifications. Men, women, and children, who are subjected KARIMA to this form of punishment, experience a form AMIN of psychological torture that can be abusive to mind, body, and spirit. When a prisoner is relegated to isolated confinement, aka solitary confinement, this person is confined to what is commonly known as the box, the hole, the bing, the shu (special housing unit or secure housing unit), [pronounced “shoe”], or lockdown. Generally speaking, this means that a person will spend 22 to 24 hours a day in segregation, in what is typically a 6’ by 9’ cell. One or two hours may be used for showering or exercise. Time in the box may be one day or several decades. In the past, PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO, INC. has devoted several programs to increasing our understanding of solitary confinement and what we can do to fight against this practice. Most recently, in January of 2014, CAIC (the NY Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement) came to Buffalo and conducted two workshops to share information about this form of extreme isolation, in our state prisons and local jails, and the campaign against it. Although it has been proven that solitary confinement is a damaging practice, New York utilizes this mode of punishment at rates well above the national average. On Monday, November 30 at the Pratt Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt Street in Buffalo, at 7 – 9pm we will gather for a screening of “Breaking Down the Box,” a documentary film about solitary confinement, produced by NRCAT (the National Religious Campaign Against Torture). Relative to this topic, in the past we have screened “Solitary Confinement: Torture in Your Backyard” (also a NRCAT film) and “Herman’s House,” a film about Herman Wallace, a political prisoner who died in 2013 after 41 years in solitary confinement. Join us for our last meeting of 2015. The Circle of Supporters for Reformed Offenders and Friends of BaBa Eng are the sponsors of this program. For further information, contact Karima Amin, 716-834-8438 or karima@prisonersarepeopletoo.org or BaBa Eng, g.babaeng@yahoo.com.

Monday November 30 Afrikan Consciousness Workshop: 6-7:45 p.m., Merriweather Library Jefferson @ E. Utica; every Monday; public invited. Tuesday December 1 Dorie Miller Rifle and Pistol Club Inc. Monthly Educational Forum: 7 p.m., 499 Franklin St., “Refuse to be a Victim, NRA Certified Course” (716)771-0138 or www.maxi7.com

Attention East High School Class Of 1966!

Committee members are needed to help plan activities for the Summer of 2016 to celebrate our 50th YEAR REUNION! Please contact: Moe Brown 716.220.0427 call/ text; Kathy (Albert) Franklin 716.812.4469 call/text; or kvfa98@gmail.com or Ora (Taylor) Hamm 716.835.478. Also call if you’d like to be updated as events are scheduled.

Wednesday December 2 Line Dance Fitness For Seniors: Hustle For Health at the Gloria J Parks Center, 3242 Main St. 11am - 12pm age 50+ FREE. 832 -1010 www. HustleForHealth.com

INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULBS CANNOT BE RECYCLED.

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. Friday December 4 Canalside Annual Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. For vendor opportunities (716) 574-1537. Saturday December 5 UMOJA Inc. Annual Convening of the Elders: 11 a.m. Brunch Buffet, Noon – 5 p.m. Spoken Word, Rafi Green Center, Fillmore @ Glenwood; 892-3462. Free. The Blackness Project Kickstarter Fundraising Event: Daemen College Theater in the Tri-Main Center in Buffalo. For more information on film website, Theblacknessproject.org SonNic Shop & Dine Christmas Extravaganza: 4-9 p.m. American Legion Hall, 8643 Buffalo Ave., N.F. $8 advance, $10 @ door; children 3 and under free; 4-12 $6 940— 5278 or 998-6984 for tickets and info.

Put them in the blue tote.

CAN IT BE RECYCLED? Call 311 or visit BuffaloRecycles.org to learn more. MAYOR BYRON W. BROWN

CoB_Challenger.indd 17

7/20/15 2:53 PM

BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS WE LIGHT UP THE NIGHT SKY IN AN ANNUAL TRADITION OF OFFERING HOPE

FOR ALL THOSE TOUCHED BY CANCER

TREE OF HOPE LIGHTING

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 4:30-6:30 PM

Sunday December 6 Friendship Baptist Church Tea: 402 Clinton Street, 4p.m. Theme: “What God Has for Me is for Me”; First Lady Kim Jackson speaker.An afternoon of Fellowship, Light food and Words of Inspiration, Rev. Edward Jackson, Jr., Pastor; For information (716)847-1020 You will be Blessed! See You At The EVENTS!

ROSWELL PARK CANCER INSTITUTE

KAMINSKI PARK & GARDENS ELM & CARLTON STREETS • BUFFALO, NY

Please RSVP by Monday, December 7

at RoswellPark.org/TreeofHope or call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724)

Challenger Community News â&#x20AC;˘ November 25, 2015

Hurry! Offer ends Nov. 30.

TRIBUTE TO A ROSE... Pictured are images from the gala retirement celebration in honor of the Honorable State Supreme

Court Justice Rose Sconiers on October 24 at the Hyatt Regency. It was a well deserved tribute indeed! Congratulations! PHOTOS PRINCESS PHOTOGRAPHY

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General: Not all phones or features available on all service plans. Certain restrictions apply. Coverage and services not available everywhere. Rates, services, coverage, and features subject to change. Phone selection and availability may vary by store. Screen images are simulated and are subject to change. MetroPCS features and services for personal use only. Service may be slowed, suspended, terminated, or restricted for misuse, abnormal use, interference with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users, or significant roaming. See store or metropcs.com for details, coverage maps, available phones, restrictions and Terms and Conditions of Service (including arbitration provision). MetroPCS related brands, product names, company names, trademarks, service marks, and other intellectual property are the exclusive properties of T-Mobile USA, Inc. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks, service marks, and other intellectual property are the properties of their respective owners. Copyright ÂŠ2015 T-Mobile USA, Inc.

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