Challenger Community News October 21, 2021

Ike & BG’S

Opens Downtown, Announces Groundbreaking on East Side Page 5

October 21, 2021 | FREE | thechallengernews.com | Community News

WE PROUDLY ENDORSE!

Six extraordinary candidates on the November ballot include two running for City Court Judge - Attorney Joel Moore and Judge Phillip Dabney; two seeking re-election to the Erie County Legislature, 1st District Legislator Howard Johnson and 2nd District Legislator April Baskin; and two women destined to make history in their respective races, Kimberly Beaty for Erie County Sheriff and India Walton for Mayor, City of Buffalo. Although these gifted young political hopefuls are not on the same party line, they share a commitment to serving their community and are dedicated to making this a Better Buffalo for us All! We proudly endorse them and urge our readers to please join us in voting for these candidates. Early voting begins Oct. 23 thru Oct. 31. Election Day is November 2.

See you at the polls! Page 14

FROM THE CRACK “EPIDEMIC” TO OPIOID “CRISIS”: Legislator Baskin Announces Equity in Drug Addiction Services Page 8

India Walton

Judge Phillip Dabney

Attorney Joel Moore

Mayor, City of Buffalo

Buffalo City Court

City Court Judge

Howard Johnson

Kimberly Beaty

April Baskin

THE HARDER WE RUN: Investigative Post Reports on New Study Released on Poverty in Buffalo Page 13

1st District Erie County Legislator

2nd District Erie County Legislator

Erie County Sheriff

NEW LAW: Now Buffalo Citizens Have a Right to Know Why They Are Being Policed!

Page 3

EARLY VOTING Starts This Weekend Oct. 23- 31 Page 3

NATIONAL: International Tribunal to Address U.S. Human Rights Abuses Against Black, Brown and Indigenous Peoples Page 8

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

BILLS RECAPBY RADNEY & CHEEKS

Bills Lose a Hard-fought Game to Titans 34-31

T Historic New Black Opera Performance At The Met To Be Aired Live At Regal Cinema Henrietta Oct. 23 "Fire Shut Up In My Bones" is the first opera by a Black composer, Terence Blanchard staged at the Metropolitan Opera with an all Black cast. Both the choreographer and the author of the opera's libretto or text are also Black.

You can now see this historic Performance at the Met on Saturday, October 23 at 12:55 p.m. live in HD at the Regal Cinema in the Regal Eastview Mall, Henrietta. Tickets are $24 for adults and $18 for senior citizens and youth 18 and younger. All seating is reserved. You select your seat when you buy your ticket at https://www.tributemovies.com An encore showings( not live) will take place Wednesday, October 27 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Rochester City School District on Verge of Returning Police Presence in Schools

I

t was reported this week that the Rochester City School District is working towards establishing a return of police presence in the schools after removing them 18 months ago. Frequent fighting among students and an uptick of gang activity was cited as the reason.

Starting this week uniformed officers were stationed during bus arrival and dismissal at area high schools as what Superintendent Lesli Myers-Small called the start of "a highalert safety initiative."

School board members who successfully fought to remove police strongly protested the return of uniformed officers as a solution to the problem.

"You tell me a situation where police in the district actually prevented an act of violence," Beatriz LeBron said. "They didn’t prevent [expletive].

Board member Ricardo Adams said the district has done a poor job following through with the board’s initial pledge to add social workers and guidance counselors and train staff in the use of restorative practices. The goal was to avoid funneling students toward incarceration through the so-called school-to-prison pipeline.

"We're supposed to be proacSEE YOU AT tively engaging with students THE EVENTS! and we're not doing it," he said. "A lot of work was put into this, and we're panickKevin Gates Khaza Tour October 2, Main Street Ar- ing and possibly dismissing all that work. mory.Doors Open 7pm Tickets on Ticketmaster.com Boney James Solid tour, Kodak Center, Oct. 27 8 p.m.

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he Buffalo Bills always seem to play very entertaining games in primetime. The Bills and Titans combined for a Monday Night Football game record seven lead changes in the game. Yes, this game went back and forth with both teams making tough plays but the difference was All-Pro Tennessee Titan running back Derrick Henry who punished the Bills defense with a 76-yard TD run and many more runs totaling 20 carries for 143 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a real man weighing 250 pounds and has break away speed.

It was obvious Bills defense was wearing down by the batting ram runs of Henry throughout the game and the play action passing by Titans QB Ryan Tannerhill was successful for 34 points. I think Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott did not want to put his defense back on the field for overtime and decided to go for it on fourth and one at the Titans twoyard line. Let’s face it - the Bills defense could not stop the Titans offense for most of the second half. King Derrick Henry was the MVP of this game. If this was a playoff game then most likely the Bills would have kicked field goal to tie the game. The Titan’s secondary was depleted and focused on taking what the defense gave in order to move the ball down the field.

I have to give it to Bills QB Josh Allen, who wants to win badly and has heart of a lion. However Allen must continue to learn how to take what the defense is giving instead of going for it all with deep passes down field. Bills Safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer “We trust our coaches on putting us in position to win,” Poyer said. “We did not play well enough to win on defense. That was a great call by our HC Sean McDermott on trying to win the P L U S game.”

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

AREA BRIEFS -Early Elections Voting Information-

VOTE EARLY FOR THE CANDIDATE OF YOUR CHOICE OCTOBER 23 THRU OCTOBER 31 Erie County Board of Elections 2021 Early Voting begins Saturday, October 23 and continues thru Sunday, October 31.

Voters may vote at any of the following locations regardless of where they reside on Early Voting dates and times are as follows: Saturdays and Sundays Noon – 6 p.m. and Monday thru Friday Noon – 9 p.m.

Locations: •Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Ave. •St. Columba-Brigid Church, 75 Hickory St. •Matt Urban Center, 1081 Broadway •Gloria J. Parks Community Center, 3242 Main St. •Salvation Army West Side Community Center, 187 Grant St. •Northwest Buffalo Community Center, 155 Lawn Ave. •Tosh Collins Community Center, 35 Cazenovia St. •Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural site, 641 Delaware Ave. •N. Buffalo Community Center,203 Sanders Rd. •Hennepin Center, 24 Ludington St. •Board of Elections, 134 W. Eagle St. Voters may also hand deliver completed absentee ballots to election inspectors at all Early Voting locations. For more information or questions call (716)858-8891 or go to: elections.erie.gov GENERAL ELECTION DAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO VOTE ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2. YOU MUST GO TO YOUR DESIGNATED POLLING PLACE TO CAST YOUR BALLOT.

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez

Rep. Ocasio- Cortez

to Campaign Here for India Walton

U.S. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Congresswoman from the Bronx, will campaign here for Democratic nominee for mayor of Buffalo India Walton on Saturday Oct.23 from 11 a.m. - 12 noon at the Town Ballroom, 681 Main Street. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Democratic mayoral nominee India Walton will lead a rally to launch Buffalo’s early voting period which kicks off Saturday.

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez represents a new generation of progressive Democrats.

She’s a young Hispanic woman, a democratic socialist, a political phenomenon: part activist, part legislator with the star power as one of the nation’s most influential liberal voices in Congress.

Walton Welcomed LIFE Camp Founder Erica Ford and Peace Bus to Buffalo !

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ndia Walton welcomed LIFE Camp founder Erica Ford, the New York State Peace Coalition, and the Peace Bus to Buffalo this week for a workshop on their innovative violence prevention model for local elected leaders, clergy, community advocates, and more.

Based in Queens, LIFE Camp takes a multi-pronged approach to violence prevention including use of “credible messengers” to canvass high-violence neighborhoods and intervene in conflicts and de-escalate them also offer ongoing mentorship to those likeliest to shoot or get shot.They also provide wraparound therapeutic services and peaceful living strategies, including music therapy, yoga, healthy eating, and meditation services. “These evidence-based, data-driven approaches to public safety are exactly what Buffalo needs to get our out-of-control homicide rate down and ensure that our children wind up self-actualized, not incarcerated.” Said Walton.

NEW LAW Now Buffalo Citizens Have a Right to Know Why They Are Being Policed!

TheMinority Bar Association of Western New York (MBAWNY), together with the Urban Think Tank, the NAACP Buffalo Branch, Members of the Clergy, Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, National Lawyers Guild-Buffalo and others, held a press conference in front of City Hall last Thursday where they released the following statement: "The Minority Bar Association of WNY Criminal Justice Reform Task Force has worked with community stakeholders over the last year to provide impactful, common-sense recommendations for policing reforms. One of those reforms is the Right to Know Law, which has been enacted in New York City and Syracuse.

Taking inspiration from these versions, as well as the demands and gains of activists during last year's uprising, the MBAWNY Criminal Justice Reform Task Force drafted the first version of the Right to Know Law for Buffalo and provided extensive input regarding the final version.

The Right to Know Law that is now in effect is the most robust one in New York State. Now that the law has been passed by the Common Council and signed by Mayor Brown, the Buffalo City Code and Charter will be amended to require police to provide the public with notice of the reasons behind their encounters with the Buffalo Police Department (BPD), as well as information on how to file a complaint. This law will also require police to record most interactions with civilians, and will require them to obtain affirmative consent for searches in most situations. Overall, the law is also designed to increase transparency in police practices and restore trust between the BPD and the community. "

“Knowing when to stop, you can avoid any danger.”

-Tao Te Ching

THEBlackBLACK CODES codes were restric-

tive laws which effectively continued enslavement for African Americans by restricting their rights and exploiting their labor.. Though the Union victory had given some 4 million enslaved people their freedom, the question of freed blacks’ status in the postwar South was still very much unresolved.

Under the Black Codes, many states required Black people to sign yearly labor contracts; if they refused, they risked being arrested, fined and forced into unpaid labor.

In late 1865, Mississippi and South Carolina enacted the first black codes. Mississippi’s law required Black people to have written evidence of employment for the coming year each January; if they left before the end of the contract, they would be forced to forfeit earlier wages and were subject to arrest.

Some states limited the type of property that Black people could own, while virtually all the former Confederate states passed strict vagrancy and labor contract laws, as well as so-called “anti-enticement” measures designed to punish anyone who offered higher wages to a Black laborer already under contract.

Forced labor, and apprenticeship laws forced many minors (either orphans or those whose parents were deemed unable to support them by a judge) into unpaid labor for white planters.

Passed by a political system in which Black people effectively had no voice, the black codes were enforced by allwhite police and state militia forces. (Source: History.com)

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

Research At Roswell Park Aims To Find Better Tools For Treating Triple-Negative Breast Cancer In Black, Hispanic/Latinx Women

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he rate of breast cancer in Black and Hispanic/Latinx women continues to be of concern to doctors, as Black women have the highest rate of death after being diagnosed with breast cancer of any ethnic or racial group.

Black women also face a higher risk of developing what’s known as triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease, and are more likely to die from it than white or Hispanic/ Latinx women.

A researcher at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is hoping to find a way to change that.

Song Yao, PhD, a molecular cancer epidemiologist and Professor of Oncology at Department of Cancer

Prevention and Control, has been researching whether immunotherapy, or using the body’s immune system to fight cancer, might help lead to better outcomes.

Earlier this year, he and Christine Ambrosone, Chair of Cancer Prevention and Control, and Senior Vice President of Population Services at Roswell Park, published a study indicating that Black women tend to not only have aggressive types of breast cancer but their cancers tend to harbor a higher number of “exhausted” T-cells, meaning their immune system has a harder time fighting the disease Their hypothesis on why this happens goes back to how immune systems evolved differently in dif-

ferent parts of the world, and how “in Africa, where there is a higher prevalence of infections, their immune system had to be more robust and pro-inflammatory in order to fight off the infection,” Dr. Yao says.

A more effective type of immunotherapy The more pro-inflammatory immunity and the exhausted T cell phenomenon in Black women may put them at higher risk of more aggressive breast cancer.

However, Dr. Yao thinks this immune response might have an unexpected benefit: A large team co-led by himself and Dr. Charles Kamen at University of Rochester, which also includes Dr. Ambrosone and Dr. Gary Morrow at UOR, now researching whether cancer immunotherapy might be more effective in Black patients than in their white counterparts.

“If our hypothesis is correct, Black women might have a better response to im-

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munotherapy,” offering them a chance to have a stronger weapon if diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.

“This new type of treatment might be used to reduce the gap for breast cancer mortality.

This is new research we’re just starting to work on. We are enrolling patients including women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, here at Roswell Park and through a national network

called NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP). We really hope this can provide some new direction to reduce the disNext Week: Conclusiion

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

HONORING THE LEGACY OF KARIAMU Ike & BG’s Restaurant Opens

By Gail Wells Downtown Location and Announces Groundbreaking on Buffalo’s Eastside This afternoon, supporters and elected officials gathered in downtown Buffalo for a ribbon-cutting and grand opening for Ike and BG's Restaurant's second location. Steven Butler, the restaurant's owner, was joined by Mayor Byron W. Brown, Legislator Howard Johnson, and Council President Darius Pridgen for the occasion. The restaurant's founders Ike and Betty Gray, also attended.

The new barbecue and soul food eatery is located at 56 Niagara Street near the corner of Franklin Street, only steps from Buffalo City Hall. Guests enjoyed music and food samples from the restaurant's downtown menu.

"I congratulate Steven Butler for not only carrying on the culinary traditions of his godparents, Ike and Betty Gray, who founded Ike & BG's on Genesee Street in 1998, but by now bringing their great BBQ and soul food menu to downtown Buffalo," Mayor Byron W. Brown said.

Ike and BG's Restaurant is a soul food staple on Buffalo's eastside. Before opening the downtown location, the restaurant's customers had to order from the takeout-only location at 1646 Genesee Street. There is an area for a few guests to dine inside at the second location, and if the weather permits, there is space outside. This location is more accessible to residents on Buffalo's west side and appeals to a downtown crowd interested in soul food options.

In addition, Ike and BG's Restaurant Downtown has new menu items it is eager to serve, like fried catfish dinners, fried lobster, and lobster mac and cheese.

"Ike and BG's is excited to have a presence in the heart of downtown Buffalo", said Butler. "There are plenty of great restaurants downtown, but there is only one Ike and BG's. We look forward to gaining some new customers. For years I have imagined how and where to expand. Buffalo is my home, and Genesee Street is Ike and Bg's neigh-

Ed. Note: Kariamu Welsh, pioneering dancer, choreographer, dance scholar, author, poet and Temple University professor, made her transition on October 12 at age 72. Gail Wells, one of the original members of the Black Dance Workshop /School of Movement founded by Kariamu, chronicles an important and culturally rich legacy of this celebrated icon’s Buffalo, roots.

B

RIBBON CUTTING: From left, restaurant employee, Council President Pridgen, Legislator Howard Johnson, Denise Wilson, Steven Butler, Mayor Brown, and another Ike & BG's employee. Street Legacy Photos by Darvin Adams

borhood. We intend to grow even more in Buffalo. After today we will be working attentively on Ike and BG's Restaurant's huge rebuild in our eastside neighborhood."

Following the ribbon-cutting, Butler announced that Ike and BG's Restaurant will break ground to build a multi-use development in April 2022. The new build will happen at the Genesee Street location on a total of eight vacant lots between Colorado and Montana Streets. Earlier this year, Buffalo's Common Council approved Ike and BG's $4 million plan for the total rebuild of the establishment on vacant lots that had been an eyesore in the neighborhood for years.

The new complex will include Ike and BG's Restaurant with a dining space, a banquet hall, three commercial retail units, 12 twobedroom apartments, and a parking lot. While this project is underway, Ike and BG's will only operate out of

the new downtown location.

Ike and BG's has served the 1st Legislative District for over 23 years, and its impact on the WNY community is far-reaching," said Erie County Legislator Howard Johnson. "Residents travel from all parts of Buffalo for this wonderful culinary experience. The new rebuild in 2022 will be a big win for the community. This is much needed in the district as there is a shortage of affordable housing and dine-in-style restaurants. This will add value to our community."

Ike and BG's Restaurant was founded in 1998 by Butler's godparents Issac "Ike" and Betty Gray. The two ran the business for years and hired their godson to work after school and on weekends when he was 14 years old. Butler acquired the Ike and BG's Restaurant in 2017. Since taking over, he has worked towards establishing ways to expand and improve its neighborhood along the way.

LEGACY: Steven (center) is pictured with his godfather and founder of Ike and BG's Restaurant, Ike Gray, and Betty Gray (BG) who recognized his culinary talent as a young teen. 2017, Steven acquired Ike and BG's Restaurant. Today the millennial grill-master is expanding his business to continue his family's legacy. Street Legacy Photos by Darvin Adams

uffalo has been long been known as a place where exceptional artists have gotten their start. Kariamu came from Brooklyn NY to attend the University of Buffalo as a member of the most diverse class of incoming freshmen students in its history. It was during the historic Black Arts movement in the late 1960’s that Dr. Welsh Asante honed the skills that eventually provided her success and recognition as an choreographer, accomplished dancer, dance historian and prolific poet and author.

As an undergraduate student majoring in English with a dance background. Kariamu started a student organization/troupe known as the Black Dance Workshop. After identifying a core of dancers, Kari began choreographing dances expressing the culture shift stimulated by the music of Nina Simone, the Last Poets and progressive choreographers like Alvin Ailey, Pearl Primus and Katherine Durham. Against the backdrop of intense interest in reclaiming African heritage, culture and history Kariamu opened up the School of Movement, Kariamu where she began developing her own unique style of movement, which she coined “Umfundalai”, a technique that combines its movement vocabulary from traditional African dance elements throughout the Diaspora with African-American derived rhythms.

In the fall of 1971, Kari opened up the Black Dance Workshop/School of Movement at 11East Utica which was purchased using investments from a core group of dancers (Glendora, Tina ,Frances, Gail, Yvonne, Kari).

It was a series of choreographic awards, administrative decisions and creative accomplishments lasting more than a decade that propelled Kariamu to national prominence as she recast the dance school into The Center of Positive Thought. It was at the Center where dance, theater and music icons such as Pearl Reynolds, Ed Smith, Spider Martin and Emile Latimore collaborated on artistic projects. Kari’s leadership, creative talents and vision became a launching pad for other artistic endeavors (Ujima Theatre) as she inspired countless artists.

Kariamu elevated dance to a level that remains unmatched. She will be missed but her influence will never be forgotten as we honor her legacy.

(A celebration of life will be held for Kariamu on Thursday, October 28 at noon at New Covenant Church, 7500 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119. The family is accepting condolences at 72104 Moseley, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27517)

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FAITH & FAMILY

Dorothy J. Collier Bible Study Join the Dorothy J. Collier Community Center for Bible Study every Thursday 12-1 PM IN PERSON at 118 East Utica. Masks are required. If you have questions call (716)882-0602. You can also join us on Zoom @DJCCCBUFFALO

Baptist Women's World Day of Prayer "A COURAGEOUS LIFE" is the theme for the Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer on Monday, November 1st at 5:00 P. M. in New Hope Baptist Church, 2090 Genesee St. Host Pastor is Rev. Herschel Chapman. All are welcome. Prayer is the key to unlocking doors and moving formidable mountains.

Masks are required. Social distancing will be maintained. Any further information needed call Annie Swygert at 822-8240 or Bertha Johnson at 834-1172.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

Most Americans Who Go to Religious Services Say They Would Trust Their Clergy’s Advice on COVID-19 Vaccines WASHINGTON, D.C. – As houses of worship continue to reopen, most U.S. adults who regularly attend religious services voice confidence in their clergy to provide guidance on the coronavirus vaccines – and far more say they have heard their pastor, priest, rabbi or imam encourage people to get vaccinated than have heard their clergy raise doubts about COVID-19 vaccines. But a slim majority of regular worshippers say they have not heard their religious leaders say much about vaccinations either way, according to a new Pew Research Center survey conducted Sept. 20-26, 2021.

The survey finds that a growing share of Americans are now attending religious services in person.

Many U.S. congregants say they have heard the clergy or religious leaders at their house of worship weigh in on coronavirus vaccines. And among those who have heard from

their clergy on this issue, far more say their priest, pastor, rabbi, imam or other religious leader has encouraged people to get vaccinated (39% of all religious attenders) than say their clergy has discouraged getting the shots (5%).

Even among evangelical Protestants, who have tended to be relatively skeptical toward the vaccines, just 4% say their clergy have discouraged people from getting a vaccine. But more than half of U.S. congregants (54%) and nearly threequarters of evangelical churchgoers (73%) say their clergy have not said much about COVID-19 vaccinations either way.

Most members of the historically Black Protestant tradition, on the other hand, say their pastors have encouraged people to get a vaccine (64%).

We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the LORD. Trusting in His Holy Word.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

Grace United Church of Christ!

It’s Amazing -107 Yrs. Still Standing on the Promises of God! Please join us!!!

October 31st, 11:00a.

875 E. Delavan Ave. Pastor Larry Jackson

Metropolitan United Methodist Pasta Dinner Sale The Hospitality Committee of Metropolitan United Methodist, 657 Best Street, will sponsor a Pasta Dinner Sale on Saturday, October 23 . Dinners will be sold from 12 Noon until sold out at the church. Spaghetti & Meatballs - $10 and/or Cajun Chicken Pasta - $12. Homemade desserts will also be available for purchase. Please contact the church office at (716) 891-5652 for more information. Pastor Angela R. Stewart, Pastor.

"Pray for the world to be healed.

God is still on the throne and prayer does change things." -Cherokee Billie

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

Equity in Erie - Drug Addiction Services

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t the start of 2021, I launched my Equity in Erie initiative, which is developing equitable guidelines for the way we spend public dollars across our community.

Equity is the access to or distribution of resources to communities and individuals according to need, which differs from equality, which is the even distribution across a population.

It is my opinion that the path to becoming an economically thriving region depends on prioritizing and investing in community members who need the most help with obtaining quality housing in safe neighborhoods and jobs that pay a living wage. And that is why I am committed to ensuring that county spending on health, safety and to increase economic opportunities considers communities with the most need, before they are invested “evenly.”

The time for local governments to equitably invest in drug addiction services nationwide and begin to correct our past unjust approach is now. Which is why I am proud to announce that Erie County invested significant funds into drug addiction services in our county jails and local organizations this past week.

It is undeniable that drug addiction has been approached differently depending on the community involved. Both the crack “epidemic” and the opioid “crisis” hurt families across our nation. But while the approach to combating drug abuse in Black and Brown communities has been to criminalize them, those same officials used the lens of illness when it came to dealing with drug abuse in predominantly White communities. Put simply, whether you went to a treatment clinic or prison depended more on the color of your skin than the nature of your addiction, with little consideration for the social determinants that lead to drug abuse.

This week Erie County continued on our path toward equity as we received millions in funding to address our local opioid epidemic from New York State leaders. Likewise, members of my caucus, legislators Howard Johnson (District 1) and Lisa Chimera (District 3) finalized our expansion of drug addiction services in county jails. This coming Thursday, October 21, the Erie County Legislature will vote to provide funding for the creation of a comprehensive Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) program for individuals who are incarcerated in Erie County’s jails. The program will expand upon existing treatment by including the use of suboxone to blunt the physical impact of addiction by preventing cravings, and daily group sessions related to substance use and groups on recovery and relapse prevention. The Erie County Office of Mental Health will also work closely with detainees to connect them with resources and organizations upon release, with the goal of preventing a relapse into drug use.

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From left to right: NYS Attorney General Tish James ,Mayor Byron Brown, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Erie County Chairwoman April Baskin, Senator Tim Kennedy.

MAT has been at the top of my agenda for criminal justice reform in Erie County, since addictions are one of the chief reasons that lead individuals to become involved in the criminal justice system. And the lack of comprehensive treatment for those with addictions has resulted in needless deaths and injuries in recent decades.

The county legislature began working on implementing MAT at the end of 2019, and legislators Howard Johnson and Lisa Chimera took on the task of bringing the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Mental Health to the table to fully develop a plan. The Erie County Corrections Specialist Advisory Committee, led by Chair Miles Gresham, played a vital role by researching successful programs that have been put in place in other communities.

On Friday, New York State Attorney General Letitia James visited Buffalo as part of her HealNY tour with promising news. James announced that she will distribute up to $75 million to Western New York to assist organizations that focus on drug treatment and education. The money stems from a lawsuit that James initiated in 2019 against opioid manufacturers and distributors.

Local organizations, like those that are a part of our Erie County Opioid Task Force, will be able to continue their collaboration on frontline response. I’m also hopeful that additional funding will provide for the rebuilding of minority and lower income communities as they recover. I’m grateful for the zeal with which Attorney General James has pursued these historic settlements, and while much work may lie ahead, I’m confident that we will continue to curb the trend away from addiction in Buffalo and Western New York.

I count these simultaneous measures a huge victory toward “Equity in Erie”, and I thank NYS Attorney General Tish James, Save The Micheals of the World Inc., The Erie County Legislature Majority Caucus, and the Erie County Specialist Advisory Board for their monumental work to bring these two victories to our region.

While no amount of money will bring back the loved ones lost or heal the broken families left behind, the compensation secured by Attorney General James’ office and the new county jail MAT program will help those in Erie County who are still here and still struggling.

National

International Tribunal To Judge U.S. Human Rights Abuses Against Black, Brown and Indigenous Peoples From Oct. 22 to 25, the International Tribunal on U.S. Human Rights Abuses Against Black, Brown and Indigenous Peoples will convene, both in person at a Manhattan historic landmark and virtually via livestream.

It will be hosted by In the Spirit of Mandela, an unprecedented U.S. alliance of attorneys, academics, and organizers from the movements for Black lives, civil rights, Puerto Rican decolonization, immigrant rights, and Indigenous sovereignty/Earth protection.

“This proceeding will establish overwhelming evidence that this country and its settler colonial predecessors have committed genocide, as defined by the United Nations, against Black, Brown, and Indigenous Peoples for over 400 years,” said Jihad Mabdulmumit, spokesperson for the coordinating committee of the In the Spirit of Mandela Coalition.

Presiding will be an independent nine-member Panel of Jurists, some with international stature. The majority are women and are Global South-rooted from India, Eritrea, Haiti, France, the U.S. and elsewhere. They will then deliver their verdict to the U.N. The year 2021 marks the 70th anniversary of the campaign in which African-American human rights leaders Paul Robeson and William Patterson, with the support of eminent sociologist Dr. W.E.B. DuBois, presented the “We Charge Genocide” petition to the burgeoning U.N. headquarters in 1951. Then in 1964, Minister Malcolm X (El Hajj Malik el-Shabazz) formed the Organization of Afro-American Unity, in part to bring the case of U.S. human rights abuses to the attention of the U.N. Tribunal schedule: Friday-Sunday sessions: At the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, 3940 Broadway at W. 165th St, Washington Heights.

Live-streamed on www.tribunal2021.com and tinyurl. com/wtk5c2f3 Fri., Oct. 22: Cultural event, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

MILLION MAN MARCH ANNIVERSARY

Sat., Oct. 23: Tribunal, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 24: Tribunal, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Mon., Oct. 25, 12 noon: Press conference; verdict delivered in front of United Nations.

For more information: go to spiritofmandela.org/; www.tribunal2021.com/; facebook.com/Spirit-Of-Mandela and Register on tinyurl.com/SpiritofMandela

It’s been 26 years since nearly two million Black men showed up in the Nation’s Capital at the call of Minister Louis Farrakhan on Oct. 16, 1995. Despite opposition, a media whiteout and efforts to diminish this incredible event, the historic gathering still inspires action, commemoration and commitment to moving Black America forward.

-The Final Call

9

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

Ready! Set! Learn!

T

he title might imply that this is an article about school or about children. It is not.

This is an announcement for the next monthly meeting of PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO, INC. As always, we'll be meeting on the last Monday of the month, October 25, ready to share information that you will find useful. Our community gatherings are always open to the public

with an eye toward community education and empowerment.

W h i l e "Ready!

S e t !

Learn!" is a commercial initiative that relates to children's learning and growth, the very same might well be said as we take a look

at the lives of our returning citizens and their families.

While prison is meant to ensure care, custody, and control, a return to community should be a space that provides for rehabilitation, restoration, and redemption if necessary. While returning citizens, reformed offenders, may feel ready to move on with their lives upon release, getting set may pose issues that require an individual to learn new ways of living a new life.

Probation and Parole have rules and policies that require strict adherence. What

Blanc Photographie

The Community’s Portrait & Event Photographer.

716.319.8979 • Facebook: Blanc Photographie • Instagram: @blanc_photographie

does one do if the rules conflict with getting and/or keeping a job? What does one do if the rules interfere with continuing your education? How does one deal with rules that forbid living with a family member or friend of your choice?

Whether the period of incarceration was 10 years or 20, technology changes every day and must be learned to navigate this new life. Sadly, one thing changes slowly.

Society has a tendency to look at prisoners and their families and communities in a negative light, criminalizing and marginalizing them in ways that impede positive progress.

You are invited to join us for the next monthly meeting of PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO, INC. on Monday, October 25, 7:00-9:00pm, at the Rafi Green C.A.O. Masten Resource Center, 1423 Fillmore Avenue @ Glenwood. Our featured speakers, returning citizens, will share their stories.

You must come masked. For more information: Karima Amin, karimatells@yahoo. com BaBa Eng: g.babacng@ yahoo.com (www.prp2.org)

Puerto Rican Political Prisoner To Speak Here Oscar Lopez Rivera, considered “the Nelson Mandela of the Americas,” is the longest held Puerto Rican political prisoner in the history of Puerto Rico’s struggle for independence . He will speak in Buffalo Oscar Rivera on Thursday, October 21 from 6-8 p.m. at the El Batey Puerto Rican Center ,289 Dewitt Street.

10

Entertainment

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

'She Went Out Strong': Dorothy Steel, Who Made Her Feature Film Debut in Black Panther, Dies at 95 Actress was working on the film's sequel at the time of her death

Rick James “Super Freak” Makes Rolling Stones “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” List

Award-Winning Documentary on the Life of Buffalo’s Mamie Kirkland One of Buffalo’s Oldest Citizens Garnered a Wealth of Community Support at This Years Buffalo International Film Festival.

Writer/Director and Buffalo native Tarabu Betserai Kirkland (pictured in the blue suit above) recently screened his documentary film “100 Years From Mississippi” and held a postshow in-person talkback at the Buffalo International Film Festival, Sunday October 10th at the North Park Theatre.

Some 400 people attended! In a time of great social divisions, the documentary film gives us the simple wisdom of an ordinary woman’s extraordinary life. Like many of the six million African Americans who left the Deep South, Mamie’s story is a testament to the courage and hope of her generation.Congratulations Tarabu!

Buffalo’s own Rick James has been named to the Rolling Stones coveted “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list.

James was nearly done with his 1981 LP, Street Songs, when one day in the studio, he started noodling around on the bass and singing random lines like “She’s a very kinky girl.” He didn’t give it a second thought, until a bandmate told him to keep going. “Made it up on the spot,” James recalled in his memoir, Glow.

“It just kinda grew out of me.”

He called in the Temptations to help him sing the harmonies. “It’s not as funky as my usual stuff,” he told them.

“But maybe that’ll mean White people will dance to it.”

It also meant the biggest hit of his career, a Grammy winner for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, and a huge payday when MC Hammer sampled it for "U Can’t Touch This".

Dorothy Steel demonstrated that it’s never too late to follow a dream. Born in 1926, she was 88 years old when she landed her first acting role, launching a career that would soon lead to her feature film debut as an elder of the Merchant Tribe in 2018's Black Panther.

Steel was reprising her character for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever when Marvel Studios reportedly flew her from the Atlantabased production to be with family in her birthplace of Detroit. She died at her home Friday morning at age 95, her agent, Cindy Butler of iSubmit Talent confirmed to People magazine, noting that Steel had predicted the sequel would be her “last role.” A cause of death was not given.

R. Kelly's Album Sales, Streams on the Rise After His Conviction

According to Rolling Stone the music of singer R. Kelly has seen drastic growth in both album sales and streams in the weeks after he was convicted of federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges in New York.

VOTE NOVEMBER 2

11

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

The 2021 WUFO Health and Wealth Two Day Event at Klienhan's a Resounding Success!

Day one of the Expo consisted of an interactive live show experience with the radio stations syndicated hosts doing their shows in front of an audience. Everything started with De De In The Morning, then Sasha The Diva from 12p-3p and they finished the day strong with Chubb Rock and his co-host De De Parker who had the crowd entertained and energized from 4p-7pm. During the shows there were prizes given away such as an overnight hotel stay sponsored by Christian Business Directory, tickets to the Bills vs Miami game sponsored by DeDe in the morning and four Club seats to see the Bills take on Carolina sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and so many other prizes! Health professionals were on hand, providing Covid 19 vaccine information and vaccines. Roswell and R.E.A.C.H. were the title sponsors and provided critical health information to the attendees throughout the day from their booths and they were also guests on WUFO's live broadcasts. Day two was a concert featuring headliner Pastor Donnie McClurkin; the voice that captured the hearts of everyone on the hit tv show The Voice- Michelle Brooks-Thompson; the WUFO Radio Choir; Dr. D, Tracey Lee, Jermaine Hardsoul and Tygressa Jones. The after party at Je Ne Sais Quoi was hosted by Ray Daniels featured more performances including rising star Captivated C and Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame vocalist Marsha McWilson. To see footage of both days, go to facebook.com/power965wny. -Submitted by Dewitt Lee

612 Northland Avenue Buffalo, New York October 16, 2021–January 16, 2022

HEY BUFFALO, YOU’RE INVITED!

OCTOBER 28 | 6:00 PM | SHEA’S BUFFALO

YOU’RE INVITED! 43North Finals returns as entrepreneurs from around the world come together to battle live on stage for a cut of $5 million!

The event is FREE and open to EVERYONE! Whether you're a passionate Buffalonian, a job seeker, a student, an entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a good high-stakes competition, this show is for YOU! TICKETS ARE FREE BUT SEATING IS LIMITED, SO GET THEM NOW AT 43NORTH.ORG

#ITSHAPPENINGHERE

Generations

12

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

Buffalo Teen Receives National -True Community BuildingUpcoming Halloween Party for Grant for Racial Healing Youth is Latest Event Hosted by Local teen, 13-yearold Destini Houston, has Box Avenue Block Club received the America’s Promise Alliance “Power of Youth” grant. Destini’s project Youth Voice 716 is the creation of a video discussing racial healing from a teen's point of view to be shared on social media platforms.

The Power of Youth Challenge builds on the optimism Destini Houston and activism of young people to launch sustainable change.

Putting young people in the position to lead through service is a critical element to sparking change on a national (and international) level. With a generous grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, more than 230 mini-grants have been given directly to young people for youth-led service projects in their communities. Through these projects, young people have made a meaningful impact in communities across the country.

LEGAL NOTICE

RFP

PUBLIC NOTICE OF ADOPTION USER AND UTILIZATION CHARGES ERIE COUNTY SEWER DISTRICT NOS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 8 Erie County Sewer District (ECSD) Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 held a Public Hearing on their proposed user charge rates on September 22, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. local time in the Conference Room of the Department of Environment and Planning, 95 Franklin Street – Room 1004, Buffalo, NY 14202. At that time, the following information was considered: Charges for ratepayers in ECSD Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 are based on a combination of unit/usage, parcel, assessed valuation, and footage charges.

The system of user charges for high strength wastes or system usage/flow was adopted for the first time in 1981 in order to meet Federal mandates for user charges and to apportion the cost of sewerage service to the ratepayers. In 2022, the following rates will apply:

(1) Based on Carbonaceous BOD Data (2) Based on total phosphate (3) Based on Water Usage, see below (4) Properties located within a County Sewer District which in 2022 have septage disposed of by a wastehauler at a County Sewer District facility may apply to the District Office (call (716) 858-6990 for information) for a partial rebate of the wastehauler charges paid, up to one half of the actual District sewer taxes paid.

(5) Disposal in ECSD No. 3 is only at the Southtowns Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Non-residential users discharging below the base levels of normal strength sewage (i.e., BOD5 = 250 mg/l, suspended solids = 250 mg/l, phosphorous = 5 mg/l), will only be subject to a user charge for flow. All users in ECSD Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 will be subject to a flat usage charge as shown in the table above (4th row). Non-residential users in ECSD Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 exceeding 91,250 gallons per year will be subject to an additional flow charge for that amount greater than 91,250 gallons. The rate for this additional flow is shown in the 5th row of the table above. For Erie County Sewer District Nos. 6 & 8 all users are charged based on flow. (Water use is used in lieu of sewage flow unless the property owner(s) can substantiate actual sewage volume).

Property owners will have thirty (30) days from the date of publication of the notice of adoption to appeal this schedule of rates and charges to the Erie County Legislature. Appeals should be sent to the Erie County Legislature, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, Attention: Clerk of the Legislature.

The aforesaid schedule of charges will be collected annually with the regular County Sewer (Special) District charges. User charges are due and payable on the same date and time as the general County taxes. Late payment penalties will be assessed in the same manner as the penalties for late payment of the general County taxes.

EFFECTIVE DATE - January 1, 2022 Joseph Fiegl, P.E., BCEE Erie County Sewer Agency Dated: October 11, 2021 Date published: October 19, 2021

The Box Avenue Block Club is hosting a Halloween party Saturday, Oct. 23 for kids at the CAO Rafi Green Center on Fillmore from 12-3pm. The group has collected some costumes to give to the youth who may not have one and there will be a large amount of children's clothes to give away. There will also be a BBQ, candy and some pumpkins have even been donated!

After a few years of dormancy, the younger generation of neighbors on Box Avenue worked to re-establish the Box Ave Block Club, after realizing that the elders just couldn't do it anymore ,the group has been holding meetings, knocking on doors and holding block clean-ups. The block club was even awarded a "Let's Do This" award from the City of Buffalo for its clean-up efforts. Some of our activities have included hosting a block party on September 4 and 5 with a DJ, ponies, petting animals, free food and book bags for every kid on the block who needed one.

The club even worked to plant a community garden across 5 vacant lots and painted several porches... with the help of the Bengals "Dare to Care Day" on September 25.

The Box Avenue block Club is a story of true community building and they are hoping to inspire others to do the same thing on their block!

Join YPOP Class of 2022 Apply by Nov 7, 2021 bfloparks.org/ypop

Can You Hear Me Now Open Mic is Back !

Can you hear me now , the free open mic and coffee house is back every Monday until December 10 from 6-9pm at Gloria Parks Community Center 3242 Main Street.

The platform is for ages 12-21year old youth and provides a safe space for young creatives to showcase their talent like singing, dancing and spoken word and to take their talents to the next level.

There is training, workshops and open mic each week as well as delicious food. There will also be special Saturday arts workshops from 1:00 – 3:30pm.

For more info contact Mike Tritto at Gloria Parks 716 832-5085. Can you hear me now is presented by DReal McCoy Ent., and Real Talk Inc.

13

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

Report: Conditions Worsen for Blacks in Buffalo A number of indicators - including health, housing, income and education - show little improvement, and in some cases, decline in the city's East Side over the past 30 years.

I

By Mark Scheer Investigative Post

n 1990, researchers at the University at Buffalo examined what it was like to be Black and living in Buffalo. They found large numbers of African Americans were out of work, living in poverty, lacked a college degree and were renters rather than homeowners.

The report predicted that the “downward trend” for the city’s Black population.

More than 30 years later, a follow-up study released this week found the “portrait of Black Buffalo remains unchanged.”

On the city’s predominantly Black East Side, researchers found the problems are actually getting worse.

“We have to do something different and, if we don’t, 31 years from now it will be the same way,” said Dr. Henry Taylor Jr., the study’s lead researcher and director of UB’s Center for Urban Studies.

Part of the problem: City leaders, including Mayor Byron Brown, failed to follow the original report’s recommendations for addressing problems facing Buffalo’s Black residents.

Instead, Taylor said they promoted economic development in certain areas while “marginalizing and under-developing” Black neighborhoods.

“They have not tackled the fundamental problems facing Black and Brown people, and that’s serious,” Taylor said.

Historic Stagnation The original study, titled “African Americans and the Rise of Buffalo’s Post-Industrial City, 1940 to Present,” painted a bleak picture three decades ago.

At the time, the study concluded that 18 percent of Black residents were unemployed, and 38 percent lived below the poverty line. In 1990, African American households earned an average of $39,350 per year. There were more Black residents without a high school diploma than with a college degree, too. Only 33 percent of Black residents in Buffalo owned their home, and most were concentrated in East Side neighborhoods.

The follow-up study, released Friday, used the 1990 report as a reference point to measure progress over the past three decades.

It focused on employment, income, housing, and neighborhood conditions and relied on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, including statistics from the five-year assessment known as the American Community Survey.

The new report, entitled “The Harder We Run, The State of Black Buffalo in 1990 and The Present,” found: •Unemployment in the Black community remains in the double-digits, 11 percent.

•35 percent of African American residents live below the poverty line.

•Average household income for Black residents increased only slightly, to $42,000.

•Homeownership among African American residents dropped to 32 percent.

•High school dropouts still outnumber college graduates.

•Most in the Black community are still renters and they pay higher rates to live in housing, which is often substandard.

•African American residents live in poor health conditions, and many die prematurely because of it.

“Everything has changed, but everything has remained the same,” the study notes over and over again Root Problems The latest study identified seven “root problems,” which include: Segregation. Researchers found communities in Buffalo and Erie County remain segregated and they argue that the segregation “traps” African American residents in “low-value, marginalized and underdeveloped neighborhoods” that become “sites of predatory inclusion, public sector underdevelopment, profiteering and exploitation.”

•Limited educational attainment. The study found a significant number of Black residents, more than 30 percent, go to college but never obtain a degree.

•Structural joblessness. Researchers found many Black residents are “locked” in the low-wage sector and struggle to find full-time work.

•Low wages. According to the study, Buffalo’s labor market consists of high- and low-wage sectors, African Americans - largely due to their lower levels of academic achievement - tend to have lower-wage jobs.

•Underdevelopment of neighborhoods. Researchers found a myriad of problems on the East Side, including substandard rental housing, rent gouging, high incidences of housing demolition, poor sidewalks and “unkept residential vacant lots” that are depressing housing values.

•Gentrification. The study suggests Black residents living in the Main Street zone designated by city planners as an “educational corridor” are in danger of being displaced by developments involving Canisius College, Sisters Hospital, and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

•Poor health. Researchers noted that African Americans often have “preventable diseases, make unjustifiably forced upon unhealthy life choices and often die prematurely.” Sixty percent of Black residents are likely to suffer premature death. African Americans in Erie County have had higher rates of heart disease, stroke and asthma than do Whites. Diabetes is a particular problem.

East Side Woes Researchers suggest the city’s planning and development strategy “marginalized” the East Side.

Between 2006 and 2016, the Brown administration invested $179 million on the East Side. Onethird of the money went for demolitions — more than any other activity.

The researchers criticized Brown for failing to collaborate with East Side residents or engage in “thoughtful neighborhood planning” and chided his ad- ministration for failing to “consistently make strategic investments” in those communities.

“The transformation of the East Side into the zone of demolition and land banking without — and I stress without — planning and development, created havoc on the East Side,” Taylor said.

What needs to be done?

The 1990 report recommended establishing job training programs, providing financial help to low-income homeowners, and promoting the development of business districts. The blueprint also called for new strategies to address social problems.

The new report calls for greater focus on ending “racial residential segregation” that researchers say serves as the “linchpin” in the system of Black inequality. It also calls for strengthening enforcement of fair housing laws and developing a more aggressive strategy to retain African American college students and encourage them to obtain degrees.

The bulk of the study’s recommendations focus on ways to improve conditions on the East Side, with researchers calling for the city to declare the East Side a “Neighborhood, Social and Economic Development Zone” and to establish a committee consisting of residents, homeowners and business owners.

“Our hope is that a core of leaders in Buffalo will pick this study up and take the lead in fighting to redevelop the East Side,” Taylor said. “I want to stress that you can’t do it without the close partnership with the City of Buffalo. It will not happen.”

SUPPORT Investigative Post’s reporting, including extensive reporting on the mayor’s race, can be found at investigativepost.org and on WGRZ TV and WBFO FM.

14

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

WE PROUDLY ENDORSE...

INDIA WALTON MAYOR, CITY OF BUFFALO

W

e are proud to endorse India Walton once again for Mayor of the City of Buffalo.

Over the past several months – in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, this young Black mother of four has proven to be true to her campaign slogan : Real. Resilient. Ready!

India Walton is accomplished in her own right. She is a Registered Nurse; has served as a union rep; been a leader in the fight to reform our criminal justice system and founding Director of the Fruit Belt CommunityLand Trust. Since announcing she has received a host of impressive endorsements.

Her opponent’s campaign against her has been marked by arrogance. lies, fearmongering and disrespect.

The winner of the Democratic Primary and the endorsed Democratic candidate, India is intelligent and fearless; compassionate yet firm in her beliefs.

The Black vote will play a pivotal role in this race. We have nothing to lose by voting in new leadership.

If victorious, India Walton is going into city hall with an unprecedented Eastside Agenda. A first for the City of Buffalo!

As a community, we are in desperate need of change, Please Join us in voting India Walton into the history books as the first woman and first black woman - to serve as Mayor of the City of Buffalo!

KIMBERLY L. BEATY ERIE COUNTY SHERIFF

K

imberly L. Beaty, the highest ranked officer in the race for Sheriff of Erie county, is also the most qualified and experienced for the job, and it is an honor to once again endorse her in the general election.

The winner of the Democratic Primary, and the endorsed Democratic candidate, she too is poised to

make history . If victorious, she will be the first Black and first woman to serve as Erie County Sheriff.

Beaty has over three decades of policing and professional experience coupled with a genuine desire to change the department’s culture of death and mistrust left in the wake of the disastrous reign of departing Sheriff Timothy Howard. Over 30 people have died from abuse, neglect or mistreatment as well as suicide in Howard’s holding center since he took office.

In her own words Kim Beaty is running to restore trust between law enforcement and the communities they are sworn to protect.”

Her credentials are impeccable She has vowed not to “look the other way” when abuse, neglect and unprofessional behavior occurs.

She will bring more diversity to the department.

A vote for Kimberly L. Beaty is a vote for decency. A vote for real change. We urge the community to vote for Kimberly Beaty for Sheriff . With your support she can win!

HOWARD JOHNSON 1stDISTRICT ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATOR

W

hen Howard Johnson was sworn in as the 1st District Erie County Legislator in 2019 he had little or no political experience..But he is proof that experience is not a prerequisite for making a good leader. Legislator Johnson currently chairs the Public Safety, Economic Development, and Minority and Women-Owned Business Committees. A veteran of the US Army National Guard he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Buffalo State College. Most recently, he served as a management consultant for the Erie County Division of Budget and Management.

We are impressed with Howard’s visibility in the community and his concern for his constituents. According to his platform, he is committed to expanding economic op-

portunities for all residents

of his district, and feels that the renaissance taking place in Buffalo and Erie County should benefit everyone.

We encourage residents to show their support for Mr. Johnson and vote for him on election day!

APRIL BASKIN DISTRICT 2 ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATOR

A

pril M.N. Baskin is a rising political star.

She recently revealed that prior to being elected in 2017, she had no political experience going into the Legislature except for voting.

While still in her first term she made history when she was elected chairwoman of the Erie County Legislature, making her the youngest to serve as Legislature chair.

Democratic Majority Leader April Baskin, has emerged one of the hardest working lawmakers on that body.

She has been described as being “conscious of the systemic challenges many women, people of color, and impoverished communities experience … and is especially committed to serving under-serviced populations.”

Her record as a legislator is impressive and her career potential unmatched. Ms. Baskin, a working mother of two, is a great example of the kind of progressive, visionary leadership needed today.

It’s no wonder she is running unopposed.

But she is on the ballot!

And we urge our readers to show your support and cast your vote fort April M.N. Baskin in the upcoming election!

JUDGE PHILLIP DABNEY BUFFALO CITY COURT

P

hillip Dabney was sworn in as a Buffalo City Court Judge last December 31 after being appointed to the position by Mayor Brown. He is currently running to retain his seat.

Dabney who grew up in Buffalo, holds a degree from Canisius College and received his Juris Doctor from the Uni-

versity at Buffalo Law School.

His 15-years of legal experience is extensive and impressive "I have a commitment to the community because I am from the community, I have a commitment to this community because I am a product of this community," Dabney said at his swearing in.

A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, he has been rated “Superior” by the Minority Bar Association of WNY .

We feel Judge Dabney will continue to be an asset on the bench and deserves to be retained. We proudly endorse him and urge our readers to vote for him in the upcoming election!

ATTORNEY JOEL MORE CITY COURT JUDGE

W

hen Attorney Joel Moore failed to make the ballot in the June Democratic Primary a lot of people in the community were disappointed. Well known and respected, Moore was born and raised on the city’s East Side.

Moore is running because he is keenly aware of the need for more Black male judges on the bench in today’s world.

He would be fair, sensitive and impartial, as he states : “A bad decision on your worst day doesn’t define who you are.”

He holds a Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University; an MBA from Case Western Reserve University; and a BS in Chemical Engineering from Howard University.

He has over 11 years of legal practice including criminal law, educational law, arbitration, wills and trusts, and municipal law.

Moore currently serves as an Associate Court Attorney in Erie County Surrogate. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

We believe Attorney Moore will make an excellent judge, as he has the gift of discernment and possesses the right temperament in order to make wise and just decisions. We are proud and honored to endorse Attorney Joel Moore for City Court Judge and urge our readers to vote for him!

Condition Critical: BPS Parents Choose Solutions Over Drama

I

t’s that time again. Time for haters, hecklers and even wellmeaning onlookers to ready yet another exasperated gasp of an admittedly regular refrain: Why can’t Buffalo Schools keep a superintendent? The answer isn’t hard. The constant in the seeming chaos is this: Parents of Buffalo Public School children insist that our children, like all others, deserve the leadership in the school district that secures for them a quality education and the promising life chances that such an education would provide. We insist.

The disrespectful and childish response of Superintendent Kriner Cash to a request to secure parent faciltators in the schools during the board’s September 22nd meeting was embarrassingly disgraceful. Triggered by the use of the term “lackadaisical” by board member Sharon Belton-Cottman, he asked: “What are we, two weeks in? We’re not even at the end of September yet!”

Like she said. Lackadaisical. Ms. Belton-Cottman pointed out that it was known SABIRAH since June that the facilitators would need MUHAMMAD to be in place. DPCC (District Parent Coordinating Council) president Wendy Mistretta points out that the district has had a year and a half to coordinate the placements. Perhaps Dr. Cash, who, in response to the criticisms of the Urban Think Tank, later slandered them as having a “rudimentary understanding of education”… needs the word defined. It means lacking in enthusiasm and determination, listless, carelessly lazy. Coincidentally, We The Parents coordinator Sam Radford’s Facebook page has recycled an anniversary piece: of a meeting with Dr. Cash held October 15, 2017, where he committed to bringing Civil Rights expert Gary Orfield back to Buffalo to discuss and explore school reforms. Wendy Mistretta has piped in: “Four years ago! It never happened. Instead, we’re stuck doing the same things and seeing the same results.”

Yeah… like she said.

Fortunately, many years and many superintendents before Dr. Cash, BPS parents came to a critical conclusion: that “our children are our responsibility.” To the extreme irritation of many a superintendent, Buffalo parents keep networking, organizing, researching the law as it relates to parent participation in the administration of the schools, and taking steps, legal if necessary, to hold the district accountable. But in addition to the struggles with school system in the grip of hostile outside occupiers, and the steady stream of opportunistic collaborators known as superintendents, BPS parents now have to contend with the serious destabilization of the Covid outbreak that threatens to derail decades of progress. While the district is reporting a 76% graduation rate, the state is reporting a 25% academic preparedness rate.

At the time of this writing, parents have already organized crisis interventions for 3 of the most pressing issues facing children and parents in this post-shut down return to school buildings.

In response to perpetually late and many times non-existent bus service, parents have settled on section 156.3 of NYS education law that provides funding for the district to contract with those parents who are able – to transport their children to and from school, thus removing a significant number from crowded buses and lessening the number of scheduled routes.

On a related concern, parents are adamant about the need for a bus aide on every bus. The bus driver, who is focused on driving, should always have an assistant to maintain safe and orderly transport. Horrific incidents of physical and sexual abuse have ocurred on bus rides that could have been prevented with adult supervision.

Next, parents want the option to continue at home learning, Continued Page 15

VOICES

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

2021 CITY OF BUFFALO MAYORAL RACE-ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE

POLICE REFORM-DIVERSITY "NO MAGIC WAND" -Joan L. Simmons

"Diversifying police departments isn't a magic wand," says David Sklansky, a criminal justice professor at Sanford Law School. "But there is no magic wand in police reform. Diversifying departments should never be the sum total of our police reform agenda, but it should remain an important part."

"Adding black people to a police force is a good start, but there is a deeper issue," Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, said in an emailed statement to AXIOS. "We need to evaluate the culture of police departments. We need to look at the conduct of problematic police officers, and we need to ensure that training police officers entails de-escalation tactics," says Johnson" (2) Nationally, over 15% of law enforcement is black-a bigger share than the United States population, but there is no hard evidence that improving diversity alone leads to fewer deadly interactions between individuals of color and the police. For any candidate seeking public office or is presently holding a public office that has or will have jurisdiction over the police department, who says otherwise is out of touch with reality. To even suggest that diversifying our police department without changing their paramilitary and yes, the much too often racist culture and "us vs them" mentality, is comparable to telling an individual who is a compulsive over eater and 100 pounds overweight that they can lose weight without changing their life style! The change in culture must begin from the "top". It must start before officers' shoe leather or rubber soles hit the street or behind the wheel of police vehicle.

"We err when we just focus on individual police officers, individual people," Jenifer Cobbina, an associate professor of criminal justice at Michigan State University, told CBS News. "The reality is we are talking about a system, a culture of policing that permits aggressive policing of black and brown people."

I do not believe that there is any question that "policing" especially in city/urban communities of color evokes a wide range of emotions, fear being prominent among them.

That fear is born out of police brutality past and present. I

believe every resident in the city of Buffalo should be able to live in a safe, healthy environment, free from fear and the possibility of being treated unjustly. The lack of trust in police officers is the culmination of centuries of being the subject of their brutality. That is real folks, not the figment of anyone's' imagination. I by no means am suggesting that all of Buffalo police officers fall into the category I have described, but there are a sufficient number to make policing in our black and brown communities unsafe and dangerous for both them and its residents. What perplexes me is why all of our honest, hardworking police officers who truly care about the city of Buffalo and the safety and well-being of all of its residents are so resistant to any police reform policies that would ensure and promote better relationships within all communities specifically, the 2 of 2 black and brown communities? Policies whose objective is to promote and provide for safe environments for both? Why is it that they seem to circle their wagons when an officer abuses his/ her position, tainting the entire department?

There is no question that the subject of police brutality is an emotional, volatile and very serious matter. To witness any candidate for public office or a present public office holder use "fear" and police officers to exploit the already fragile relationship between the police and our communities of color , for personal gain, is repugnant and offensive to me. To take a course of action that will only serve to further aid in the already strained relationship between Buffalo police officers and the black and brown communities and aid in and support the "us vs them" mentality, in my opinion, speaks to an individual lacking in integrity and compassion. Common decency and a sincere desire to heal not harm should dictate that there are just some issues that should not be the subject of hyperbole and political rhetoric used purely for the purpose of "winning at all costs" without any regard for the consequences.

I believe all of the residents of the City of Buffalo deserve better.

BPS Continued which would decrease classroom density and allow for those who thrive with home instruction to do so.

All of these proposed interventions have been referred to select school board members as formal resolutions, to be presented to the entire body of representatives at their October 21st meeting. With hope these reasonable requests will be granted and executed immediately, given the urgent need.

It gets better. On Saturday, October 16, We The Parents Coordinator Sam Radford hosted University of Buffalo Education Specialist Yuldonna Middleton as a guest on the radio program.

She brought exciting news of a more long-term solution to restore the current BPS employment system to an education system: an accelerated program for new teachers being offered at UB. Student teachers enrolled in the 15-month Teacher Residency Program can shave 2-3 years off of the usual training process, receive an $18,000 stipend for living expenses, and assistance with placement in a position upon graduation. The program is designed to address the critical need for quality teachers – fast. Ms. Middleton also brought news of research showing a 30% increase in student graduation rates when just one Black teacher is present in a school building. We already knew that our children need to witness capable, successful expression of themselves. If this program is for you, or someone you know, you can reach Ms. Middleton at yuldonna@buffalo.edu. , or (716) 645-3420.

15

Be Sure to Check Out The Back of the Ballot When You Go to Vote By Kat Massey Rod Watson's recent commentary in The Buffalo News, titled "For real reform, check out back of the ballot on Nov. 2" essentially provided a public service announcement.

On voting days, he stated that ballot proposals often get little attention, since the main focus is on the candidates running for offices. However, he reminded that the "structural underpinnings of democracy [i.e. foundation] will be decided via proposals . . . ."

There will be five proposals on the November 2 ballot. He highlights three of them "will directly impact the process of democracy."

• Proposal 3 - would eliminate the requirement that a person be registered at least 10 days before an election in order to vote.

(Getting rid of the provision would increase turnout and allow New York to join other states that have implemented same-day voter registration.)

• Proposal 4 - would [permanently] authorize no-excuse absentee ballot voting.

• Proposal 1 (partial information): It would freeze the size of the State Senate at the current number of 63 -- require the state to count all residents, including non-citizens -- for purposes of apportionment [i.e., division and distribution of Representatives among the states]. And, it would mandate that prisoners be counted at their last place of residency for redistricting instead of the prison's location.

Mr. Watson's article included, the president of the League of Women Voters of Buffalo/Niagara statement, "Too many voters forfeit their right to be heard [due to] never even turning over the ballot to find the proposals on the back."

Freeze above Point! Raise your hands! How many didn't know or forgot the (fairly recent) scannable ballots may contain proposals on the back?? My hand is raised.

(Previously, Proposals -- with the descriptions -- were prominently mounted in Voting Booths near the voting levers.)

BOARD OF ELECTIONS -- a suggestion: Post the Proposals and the instruction for voters to enter Proposal choices on the back of the Ballot -- on the inside of each cardboard divider -- at the tables where voters complete the ballots.

Demonizing and Disavowing the Legitimate Winner of the Mayoral Primary Jay S. Jacobs, the State Chair of the New York State Democratic Party just equated India Walton to former KKK Czar and Grand Wizard, David Dukes, when he was explaining why he had not endorsed the winner and Democratic nominee of a party he oversees.

Mr. Jacobs spent no time in endorsing Gov. Kathy Hochul for the Democratic Primary next June, even before next year's campaign season begins. But he has not endorsed Buffalo mayoral candidate, India Walton, winner of this year's June Democratic Primary. I guess Mr. Jacobs is channeling Byron Brown in demonizing and disavowing the legitimate winner of the June Primary for Mayor of Buffalo.

India Walton being put in the same conversation when talking about a racist, white supremacist, the KKK and then think it is ok, shows the level of insensitivity that a few men in power, in NYS, have for women, especially Black women, when they aspire to run for elected offices in this male- dominated political arena.

It is mind boggling to me to see the huge amount of lies, fear mongering and slander India Walton and her campaign have had to endure from a candidate who lost the June Primary fair and square. The fact that this year's mayoral campaign will rank as the most vicious as well as the most expensive is indeed sad for a city still struggling with racism and sexism and that has yet to deal with its extremely high poverty levels and gun violence problems.

Betty Jean Grant of Women for Walton is founder of We Are Women Warriors.

16

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

EMPLOYMENT Peer Support Specialist

Provide support to individuals with lived mental Health experiences and assist in obtaining their goals. HS diploma & 4 yrs related work exp.req. Cover letter and resume to WNYIL, Inc. 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

NY Connects Independent Living Outreach Specialist

Help connect aging or disabled individuals and their Families to support groups and streamline access to Public benefits and application assistance. Asso. degree and human services exp. req. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc 3108 Main St Buffalo, NY, 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Adult Behavioral Health HCBS & CORE Coordinator

Supervise, develop and enhance the HCBS & CORE services.

4 yrs exp in behavioral health and 3 yrs of supervisory exp.

Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

CDPAS Payroll Specialist & Coordinator Backup Responsible for maintenance of call-in system data, Time sheet reconciliation & input to the call-in system. HS diploma & 6 mos exp in clerical setting req.

Resume & Cover Letter to WNYIL, Inc 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Medicaid Facilitated Enroller

Educate & enroll individuals who are aged Legally blind or disabled to address needs For health insurance. Asso deg & 3 yrs exp req Cover letter & resume required to WNYIL, Inc 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

NEW VIEW ALLIANCE SETS JOB FAIR HIRING EVENT New View Alliance in collaboration with partner organizations Gateway Longview and New Directions Youth and Family Services will hold a twoday Job Fair Hiring EventThursday, October 21, from 1 – 6 pm 6395 Old Niagara Road, Lockport, and Friday October 22, 12 pm – 5 pm at Gateway-Longview, 6350 Main Street, Williamsville.

Visit: gateway-longview. org and fosteringgood.org for employment applications

Dean, School of Professions Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Dean, School of Professions.

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 Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Professor.

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.

Cleaning Vacancies Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Cleaner.

The Custodial Department at SUNY Buffalo State seeks individuals to fill various vacancies. Pay rate is $14.45 per hour.

Required Qualifications: The Custodial Department at SUNY Buffalo State seeks individuals to fill various vacancies. Pay rate is $14.45 per hour. Medical, dental, eye glass, and prescription benefits; fulltime, overtime available, steady schedule and NYS retirement system. Prior experience preferred. Working knowledge of cleaning/disinfection products, ability to follow verbal and written directions, must be able to stand for long periods of time, perform medium to heavy manual labor, use cleaning equipment and supplies, and climb ladders.

Applicants are encouraged to apply via our on-line recruitment process. Applications can be submitted at: http://jobs.buffalostate.edu/postings/2492 NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED, you must apply at the website above to be considered.

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

LEGAL NOTICE PROBATE CITATION File No. 2020-2913 SURROGATE'S COURT - ERIE COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: Any and all persons who are, or who claim to be heirs at law, next of kin, distributees of the decedent named below, If any such there be, all of whom and all of whose names, ages, places of residence and post office addresses are unknown to the Petitioner(s) and cannot after due diligence used be ascertained and HON. LETITIA JAMES - Attorney General of the State of New York.

A petition having been duly filed by Richard E Stanton and Jennifer G Flannery, Erie Co Pub Admin, who is domiciled at 415 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 and 200 Delaware Avenue, Suite 1200, Buffalo, NY 14202, respectively.

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate's Court, Erie County, at 92 Franklin Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, New York on November 9, 2021, at 9:30 o’clock in the fore noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Ronald D Garneau aka Ronald Garneau, lately domiciled at 40 College Street, Buffalo, New York, admitting to probate a Will dated May 7, 2020, (a Codicil dated____) a copy of which it is attached, as the Will of Ronald D Garneau, deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that Letters Testamentary to Richard E Stanton and Jennifer G Flannery, Erie Co Pub Admin Letters of Trusteeship to ___________ Letters of Administration c.t.a. to ____________

LLC'S

Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company AP Health and Wellness LLC. Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: 08/02/2021.

Office of the LLC: 128 Tomcyn Dr. Williamsville,NY 14221. Erie County.

The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 128 Tomcyn Dr. Williamsville,NY 14221. Purpose of LLC:Any lawful purpose.

Sept 16, 23, 30 Oct 7,14,21

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company

DLP Consulting WNY LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 7/29/21. Office location: Erie County.

SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1339 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14208. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Sept 16, 23, 30 Oct 7,14,21 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company A&T Growth Enterprise LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on August 22, 2021. Office location Erie County.

SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 64 Shellridge Dr. East Amherst, NY 14051. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Sept 16, 23, 30 Oct 7,14,21

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company BJ&SM HAULING LLC ART. OF ORG filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 8/3/2021 Office: Erie County SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent ***SEE ATTACHED NOTICE TO upon whom process against it CITED PARTY(1)*** may be served A copy of process (State any further relief requested) should be mailed to the LLC at: 25 Dated, Attested and Sealed October Kaufman Ave., Buffalo, NY 14225.

4, 2021 Purpose:any any lawful purpose.

Hon. ACEA M. MOSEY(Surrogate) Sept 30 Oct 7,14,21,28 Nov.4 Kathleen A. Downing (Chief Clerk) Notice of Formation of a Domestic Catherine E Nagel Limited Liability Company (Attorney for Petitioner) H & G United Holdings LLC. Date of Nuchereno & Nagel PLLC, filing of Articles of Organization with 6438 West Quaker Street, Orchard the NY Department of State: FebruPark, NY 14127 ary 17, 2016. Office of LLC: Erie (Address of Attorney) County: Street Address of Principal Telephone Number: (716)667-2503 Office is 2518 Bailey Avenue, BufAttorney Email Address: cnagel@nu- falo, New York 14215. The NYS Secretary of State has been designated cherenonagel.com as the agent upon whom process (1) If this citation is published, the "at- may be served. The address to which tached notice" documents will not be process shall be mailed is Trazell L published with the citation.

Harris, 2518 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215. Purpose of LLC: Any lawOct. 14,21,28 Nov. 4 ful purpose.

Sept 16, 23, 30 Oct 7,14,21

LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Assessment Rolls for 2021 (2022 Levy) have been completed for Erie County Sewer District Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 and will be on file in the Office of the Division of Sewerage Management, Department of Environment & Planning, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY l4202, and open for public inspection during business hours on and after the first of October, 2021.

The County Legislature will hold a Public Hearing on the Assessment Rolls at 4:00 p.m., local time, on November 4, 2021, in the Chambers of the Erie County Legislature, 92 Franklin Street, 4th Floor, Buffalo, New York, to hear all persons interested in the subject, including any objections concerning the same.

DATED: October 18, 2021

Buffalo, New York Robert M. Graber CLERK Erie County Legislature

Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company XYZ Company, LLC Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept of State: November 28, 2008 Office of the LLC: Erie The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served.NYSS may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: 123 Main Street, City Purpose of LLC: Any lawful purpose permitted for LLCs under NY Limited Liability Company Act. Sept 16, 23, 30 Oct 7,14,21 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Alive Christian Bookstore and Center, LLC. Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Department of State: May 12, 2021. Office of LLC: Erie County: Street Address of Principal Office is 2275 Fillmore Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14214. The NYS Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. The address to which process shall be mailed is Gordon W. Sweat, 2275 Fillmore Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214. Purpose of LLC: Any lawful purpose .

Sept 16, 23, 30 Oct 7,14,21

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Saint Don Ye' LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 8/31/21. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 66 Montana Ave, Buffalo, NY 14211.

Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Sept 16, 23, 30 Oct 7,14,21 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Behar Doula Services, LLC’s Arts of Org were filed by the NY Dep’t of State on 8/26/21. Its office location is Erie County. Its purpose is any lawful purpose. NY’s Sec’y of State is designated as agent upon whom process may be served. The Sec’y shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 86 Sharon Pkwy, Lackawanna, NY 14218 Sept 16, 23, 30 Oct 7,14,21 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company SUNROOM SALA LLC. Filed with the SSNY on 11/02/2020. Office of the Legalinc Corporate Services Inc.1967 Wehrle Drive, Suite 1 #086 Buffalo NY 14221, Erie Coun-ty. The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 215 East 99th street #418, New York, NY 10029. Purpose of LLC: Any lawful purpose. No specific duration attached to LLC. Sept 16, 23, 30 Oct 7,14,21 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Nubian Resilience by Makeda, LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/20/21. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 11 East Utica, Suite 3, Buffalo, NY 14209. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Sept 30, Oct 7,14,21,28 Nov. 4 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Buddy's Steak & More LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 7/19/21. Office location: Erie County.

SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 55 Durham Ave, Buffalo, NY 14215. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Sept 16, 23, 30 Oct 7,14,21 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Notice of Formation of a Limited Liability Company Reflections In Print, LLC filled with SSNY November 23, 2020. Office: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process it may be served. Copy of process shall be mailed to: LLC 585 East Ferry Street, Buffalo, NY 14211.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Sept 23, 30 Oct 7,14,21,28

Canine Fitness Unleashed LLC. Filed Arts of Org. with SSNY 08/27/2021 .

Office: Erie Co. SSNY designated as agent for process and shall mail to 475 Niagara St. Buffalo NY 14201.

Any Lawful purpose.

Oct 14,21,28 Nov. 4 11,18

Looking for Employment Visit Our Jobs Page Online thechallengernews.com

17

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

Change Lives, Starting With Your Own

“If you’re interested in being part of a great team with opportunities to grow and you care about what you do, please consider applying for one of our open positions.”

— Kevin Beckman, Managing Director of Clinic Operations

Spectrum Health is hiring for clinical and administrative positions across our agency. We offer competitive salaries, an industry-leading benefit package, and the opportunity to make a difference.

Apply today at shswny.org/careers

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Community Clean Up Day Open Buffalo will host a weekend of environmental activities starting on Friday, October 22 with a community clean up at its headquarters located at 1327 Jefferson at 5 p.m.

Volunteers will clean from E. Utica to E. Ferry St. On Saturday, October 23, participants will learn about the history of environmental contamination in WNY, causes of climate change and solutions to help save the planet.

To volunteer for the community clean up or more info on environmental training contact Open Buffalo at info@openbuffalo.org.

Looking for Employment Opportunities in WNY Visit Our Jobs Page Online www.thechallengernews.com/ jobs BUFFALO BILLS

continued from pg 2 one of the best edge rushers in the game. The Bills are in good shape going 4 – 2 into their bye week. Bills offensive Coordinator must find a way to get explosive running back Matt Breida on the field and Jake Kumerow more touches in the second half of the season. Hopefully the hand injury to tight end Dawson Knox will not keep him out of the lineup too long. It’s a shame because his hands were finally working right by making quality catches and playing his best ball as a Buffalo Bill.

Follow me on FACEBOOK, Instragram, TWITTER: georgeradney@georgeradman, LIVE STREAMING: Pro Talk Plus the Winners Edge, RADIO: Pro Talk Plus, Every Saturday morning 7 am – 8 am on WLGZ 105.5 FM The Beat of Rochester, What’s Going on The Experience, every Sunday morning 8 am – 9 am on WHTK Fox Sports 1280am Rochester, NY

Emergency Manager Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Emergency Manager.

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.

Come Grow With Us!

HR Specialist HR Assistant Assistant Director (Asst. Principal) Principal Community Crisis Specialist Housing Case Manager Housing Intake Specialist (part-time) Housing Outreach Specialist Case Manager (Emergency Services) Maintenance Associate Nutrition Associate Teacher IV, III, II Teacher (Youth Services) Youth Services Counselor (part-time) Case Worker (Youth Services) Activity Monitor (Youth Services/part-time) Program Coordinator (Youth Services) Program Secretary Senior Program Activity Monitor (part-time) Family Partner Home Visitor For full job descriptions, please visit our website www.caowny.org and apply now.

18

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

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989-970-990-080-800515-996-390-196-102581-752-319-408-378352-126-189-444-886514- 332-522-112-432421-423-154-039-524

Fire Prevention Week The theme of Fire Prevention Week in the City of Buffalo is "Learn the Sounds of Safety.” Buffalo Fire House Open House continues on: Saturday, October 23, Engine 36 860 Hertel Avenue 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM 376 Virginia & Elmwood 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Engine 4 939 Abbott Road & Hollywood 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Engine 23 3226 Bailey Avenue 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Buffalo, go to www.buffalony.gov or call (716) 851-5333 extension 752.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED MODIFICATION TO AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS At the direction of Erie County Legislative Chair, April N.M. Baskin, Notice is hereby given that a virtual public hearing will be held by the Legislature of the County of Erie, on the 9th of November 2021 at 6:00 PM via Zoom, to consider the following requests for the inclusion of predominantly viable agricultural lands within existing agricultural districts that have been submitted in accordance with sec. 303-b of NYS Agricultural and Markets Law. 2 parcels in the Town of Alden totaling 24.13 acres 2 parcels in the Town of Amherst totaling 15.66 acres 2 parcels in the Town of Aurora totaling 77.7 acres 1 parcel in the Town of Boston totaling 26.61 acres 2 parcels in the Town of Brant totaling 41.4 acres 1 parcel in the Town of Colden totaling 12.89 acres 8 parcels in the Town of Eden totaling 80.87 acres 2 parcels in the Town of Elma totaling 21 acres 3 parcels in the Town of Evans totaling 39.39 acres 1 parcel in the Town of Grand Island totaling 5.36 acres 6 parcels in the Town of Orchard Park totaling 171.4 acres 13 parcels in the Town of Sardinia totaling 61.2 acres 1 parcel in the Village of Farnham totaling 5.9 acres 4 parcels in the Village of Springville totaling 196.1 acres The hearing shall consider the requests and recommendations of the County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB). All applications submitted and the Erie County AFPB report to the Legislature on recommended parcel inclusions are available at: erie.gov/afpbreport Questions may be directed to Sarah Gatti, Senior Planner at sarah.gatti@ erie.gov.

Meeting number: 982 7607 7570 Join by phone: 1-646-558-8656 Dated: Buffalo, New York, October 28 2021

BY ORDER OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF THE COUNTY OF ERIE, NEW YORK

By Robert M. Graber Clerk, Erie County Legislature

JOBS

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Madam Ozlla's Predictions 140-143-133-392-320-965-843 5037-2156-3034-1342

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

THURS. OCT. 21

MON. OCT. 25

THURS. OCT. 28

SAT. OCT. 30

SAT. OCT 30.

PUERTO RICAN POLITICAL PRISONER TO SPEAK HERE: Oscar Lopez Rivera, will speak from 6-8 p.m. at the El Batey Puerto Rican Center ,289 Dewitt Street.

Hustle for Health Urban Line Dance Fitness with at Gloria Parks Community Center 3242 Main St, Buffalo. 12pm - 1pm. FREE for ages 55+ Visit Hustlefor Health.com to RSVP

SAT. OCT. 23

PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO Monthly Meeting, 7-9 p.m. Rafi Green Center, 1423 Fillmore. (See page 9).

Independent Health "Good for the Neighborhood" Event, free health screenings fresh fruit and more, 5 to 6:30 pm Doris Jones Family Resource Center 3001 9th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14305

Saturday Academy for Kids, 10 am-1pm, breakfast & lunch served; free & open to community Charles R. Drew Science Magnet, 1 MLK Park; Call Ms. Daun @ (716) 339-1421 for info.

Or dnicholas@sayyesbuffalo.org

“Spookless” Family Skate, Canalside Skating Rink, 130 Main St. 5-9 p.m. Bus leaves Elim Christian Fellowship 5:30 for skaters needing a ride; sponsored by WAVE, Power 96.5 WUFP, Cananlside, 716 Rollers, Girls 2 Women, Girls of Grace

Independent Health "Good for the Neighborhood" Event, free health screenings fresh fruit and more, 10 am to 12 pm Westminster Charter School, 24 Westminster Ave, Community Kids Halloween Party, 12 noon- 3 p.m. CAO Rafi Green Center, 1423 Fillmore, hosted by Box Ave Block Club; free!

Imam Sabu Adeyola

U.S. Air Force 1964 - 1970 Vietnam Era Veteran Was stationed in Giebelstadt,Germany Air Traffic Controller Assigned to 602nd Aircraft control & Warning Squadron.

Honorablly discharged with several military medals and decorations

U.S. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez campaign/rally for Democratic nominee for mayor India Walton, 11 a.m.-12 noon, Town Ballroom 681 Main St. UMOJA PERSONS OF THE YEAR, L. Nathan Hare and.

Vonetta Rhodes-Osi to be honored, 683 Northland Ave. (Northland Workforce building), 5-9 p.m. Tickets $25 @ (716)332-3773.

HAPPY HOUR WITH INDIA WALTON, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Princessa’s Studio & Art Gallery, 1271 Hertel Ave .Adult beverages, hosted

by Friends of India Walton.

Suggested donation levels $50, $75, $100.

WED. OCT. 27 Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing at Gloria Parks Community Center 3242 Main St., Buffalo.

11am- 12pm. FREE for ages 55+ 716 832-1010 x 211 to RSVP Inependent Health "Good for the Neighborhood" Event, free health screenings and more, 4-6 pm Packard Court Community Center, 4300 Pine Ave, Niagara Falls.

FRI. OCT. 29 “Fight For Good” Documentary, Community Health Center of Buffalo, 6 p.m. Niagara U. Dunleavy Hall Rm. 127 Free. KTHOMAS@CHCB.NETSAT.

African Consciousness Workshop

Every Monday 4-6pm, Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. “Where we learn About Our Glorious Past & Present African Family.” (716)400-8644 or kmtfllix@gmailcom

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •October 21,2021

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