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SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 / Vol. 46 No. 38
Mizstreetz
50c
Buffalo’s talented young hip hop femcee is workin’ it out... Page 9
Inside Rochester:
Jazz For The Park! Page 2
MARCH 3, 2010
Local
Saving History
Historic Inner City Properties\ Placed on Endangered list of place to save. Page 4
International Analysis What About
Yemen?
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elebration! Mayor Byron W. Brown recently held a special celebration at City Hall in honor of Black History Month to recognize the many African-American men and women who have had a positive impact on the City of Buffalo. During the annual ceremony, awards were presented to residents in the following categories: Education: Dr. Marsha Jackson and Dr. Henry Taylor; Faith Community: Bishop Glenwood H. Young and Reverend James A. Lewis III; Media: Sheila Brown of WUFO and Ron Fleming of Fine Print News; Business: The EM Tea Cup and 2nd Cup and Richard Blanc; Block Clubs: Masten Block Club Coalition and Elizabeth Triggs; Community Service: Dolores Powell and the FATHERS organization; Arts: Bessie Patterson and Agnes Bain; Health: Catherine and Dr. Glen Lewis (LEWAC) and Dr. Underwood; Youth: LINKS and Thurman Thomas; Lifetime Achievement: Honorable Rose Sconiers and Willie Warren The program also featured a host of speakers and performers, including The African American Cultural Center’s Dance Troupe and Deana Hobbs who will lead us in “Lift Every Voice and Sing”.
ICON!
Retired Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve Receives Highest Honor at Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Gala
Honors bestowed upon social activist and retired Assemblyman Arthur O. Eve at the 39th Annual New York State Associa-
tion of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators gala were almost overshadowed by the media’s focus on political rivals who attended the event. But organizers say despite the frenzy, the celebratory spirit of the event prevailed. The highlight of the night was when Eve was presented with the Percy E. Sutton Empire State and Nation Builder Award the first ever awarded - at the fundraising dinner for his “extraordinary record of public service to the people of New York,” The dinner, held at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, was sold out. Profits collected from the 1,800 tickets sold will fund scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each for incoming college freshman. The lifetime achievement award given to Eve is named after the late Percy Sutton who was a prominent Black political and business leader. The Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, informally known as “the Caucus,” count Eve and Sutton among their founding members. Viewed by many as one of the most prolific state legislators in the nation in addressing the needs of children, and in providing educational opportunities, quality and accessible health care, and services for the poor and elderly, Arthur O. Eve co-founded The Buffalo Challenger in 1963 and was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1966. During his first term in 1967, Eve spearheaded programs that increased statewide access to higher education for minority and economically disadvantaged students, including the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) in 1967 and the Higher Educational Opportunity Program (HEOP) in 1970. More than 100,000 minority or disadvantaged students in New York State have been able to earn a college or graduate degree because of financial assistance programs that Eve initiated. In 2004, Governor George Pataki signed into law legislation renaming the programs the Arthur O. Eve Education Opportunity Program and the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program. During the 1971 Attica uprising, Eve was one of the original five observers requested by the prisoners to come to Attica and was one of two to first enter the prison yard to meet with inmates who were holding 43 hostages. In 1977, Eve became the first African American in New York State to win a Democratic mayoral primary. Voter turnout of nearly 80 percent in the African American community was the highest ever recorded in a local election in the Northeast and only surpassed nationwide by former Mayor Carl Stokes’ victory in 1967. In 1979, Arthur Eve was appointed Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly, at that time the highest position of any minority in the State’s elective governmental system. For years Eve served as Dean of the Western New York Delegation, a bi-partisan group of the area state legislators who, together, were effective advocates for Western New York. Eve attended West Virginia State University and received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the State University of New York in 2003. This past year, Canisius College bestowed upon Eve an honorary Doctor of Human Letters degree. Eve is married to Constance B. Eve, Professor Emeritus of English at Erie Community College and Founder and Chairwoman of Women for Human Rights and Dignity, Inc. They have five children – Arthur Jr., Leecia Roberta, Eric Vincent, Malcolm X, and Martin King – ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was previously a Deacon and is now a Father of Elim Christian Fellowship.
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INSIDE ROCHESTER Beyond the Weather Report: McCullough’s Show Changes Lives of Hearing Impaired Viewers Former Meterologist Richard McCullough can do more than tell today’s forecast to change your life. He’s changing the lives of thousands of individuals who are hard of hearing or hearing impaired. As the founder of MirusMedia and American Abilities Television Network (AATV), McCullough’s 30-minute television show -- which airs Sunday mornings on CW-16, from January to September, at 10:30 a.m.-- is doing just that. “Thirty million people in this country have some type of hearing loss. Deaf and hardof-hearing people are underserved,” he explains adding MARSHA his program JONES that is open captioned meaning there is always print on the screen. “Our program informs and educates people about the challenges and issues that hard-of-hearing people face. “On standard TV, you won’t hear about an architect who lost his/her hearing midway through their career. Not only do we tell these kinds of stories, but also where they can find help whether it’s from other organizations or individuals.” AATV offers opening captioning to such classic shows and movies as The Christmas Carol with Vincent Price and The Christmas Visitor. “Captioning television programming is expensive,” he continues. “You usually have to get a bank to underwrite it.” These days, McCullough adds, young people are at the greatest risk for hearing loss. “The Ipods many people use...the volume is up too loud.” McCullough notes that AATV was five years in the making. The show was created January 13, 2008. With his staff of seven full and part-time people, he has been able to do location shots and bring current and controversial conversations out into the mainstream. “When I left Channel 10, I asked myself what could I use my talent and creativity to do?,” noted the DC native. “I thought about it for a while and finally realized that I wanted to help and mentor others but in a non-traditional way. I wanted to effect change by using my talents.” Recently, RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) invited caustic comedienne Lisa Lampanelli to the campus. Tje deaf community wanted her univited because her routine include jokes about deaf people. Others thought she should come. “We just wanted to get the information out and continue the discussion.” The company received funding from the National Center for Deaf Research (via the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta), who was trying to uncover the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. “We have received great response from local and national viewers; we are trying to get the show syndicated. Doing this type of television has been a big change in my life. I’m happy that I’m contributing to this in a positive way. It’s brought hearing people into my life.” To reach McCullough, call 585-442-3728 or e-mail him at contact@ mirusmedia.net. To view the show, visit www.mirusmedia.net.
Artist Spotlight: Denise Logan Graphic illustration was not even a part of Denise Logan’s future career plans, while a student at Greece Arcadia High School. “I got kicked out of my high school’s art class,” laughs the Hampton University mass media graduate and artist with no formal training. “My teacher kicked me out of class because of my behavior in the class. I was trying to draw a portrait of a white person, but I wanted to be more connected with my African-American identity. So I tore up the drawing and started over again by drawing a portrait of a black person. The teacher sent me to the principal’s office because he saw me rip up my paper.” After graduation, Logan moved to Chicago and earned her doctorate degree. However, she had something pulling her towards an arts career. “I had a drafting/light table in my apartment from Rochester and I drew a pen and ink illustration of musician Buddy Guy. It was challenging, but also a relief. I placed a lot of pressure on myself. I sat there -plotting my course so to see how far I could go...I was just working it out.” The next hurdle to overcome: learning how to put a portfolio together. Doing internship stints at Channels 31 and 21. “I remember the newspaper had a position for a graphic artist and I applied for it. They asked to see my portfolio and I had no idea what they were talking about. The lady explained it was a copy of all my work professionally bound. I told her that I didn’t have one. She told me that they needed to see one. So I made a deal with a local print shop and agreed to work there free and in return they would let me have copies of all my printed work for Page 2
Aids Care To Share Information And Inspiration In Honor Of National Week Of Prayer For The Healing Of Aids
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis to Headline Jazz for the Park Benefit
AIDS Care’s Minority AIDS Initiative will bring messages of hope and awareness to the community in recognition of the National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS will take place March 7 – 13 and is a country-wide initiative intended to be a call to prayer for the eradication of HIV/AIDS through prayer, education, advocacy, and service. The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is an expansion of the successful Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, which was the first national mobilization campaign that specifically focused on HIV/AIDS. In all, 26 area churches are participating in this initiative, seven of which are hosting services which will include testimonials from individuals who are HIV positive, as well as representation from the University of Rochester Medical Center Victory Alliance (formerly known as the HIV Vaccine Trials Unit), The MOCHA Center, Tawa Pano, and the New York State Department of Health. In addition, representatives from AIDS Care and the New York State Department of Health will offer confidential HIV testing with results available in 20 minutes at participating churches during the services listed below. As part of this special series of events, services will be held at: • Elim Christian Fellowship at 417 Alexander Street 2 pm on March 7 • Antioch Missionary Baptist Church at 304 Joseph Ave. 7 pm on March 8 • First Church Divine at 233 Central Park at Noon on March 9 • Mt. Olivet Baptist Church at 141 Adams Street at 7 pm on March 10 • Grace United Methodist Church at 121 Driving Park Avenue at 6 pm on March 11 • Memorial AME Zion Church at 549 Clarissa Street at 6 pm on March 12 A special service to mark the end of this week will also be held at 6 pm on March 13 at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church at 250 Dr. Samuel McCree Way. It will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Richard Douglass and will feature keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Kenneth Q. James of Memorial AME Zion Church.
ilson Commencement Park is proud to announce a very, very special appearance by none other than the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis for the next installment of its ongoing Jazz for the Park benefit series on March 22 at 8:00 PM at the in Rochester. This concert is part of the Portrait in Seven Shades U.S. Tour. Portrait in Seven Shades is composed by jazz reedman and orchestra member Ted Nash, and is the orchestra’s first CD of original music in nearly four years. The world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will perform selections from the suite as well as a repertoire to include tunes by Count Basie, Mary Lou Williams and others. Ask anyone the world over to name the first jazz musician they can think of off the top of their head and they’ll probably answer “Wynton Marsalis.” His name has become virtually synonymous with jazz. He is the artform’s undisputed universal spokesperson and ambassador, as well as its pre-eminent curator. No other living figure – perhaps no other figure in history – has done as much to propel jazz into the public consciousness, boost its visibility, and arouse widespread interest. If it weren’t for Marsalis, jazz’s rebirth as popular music over the last twenty years might not have occurred. Likewise, on a parallel track, the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra has been served as the collective face of jazz since 1988. The world’s foremost big band institution, in addition to bandleader and artistic director Marsalis, the JLCO features fourteen of today’s finest soloists and ensemble players. The orchestra’s mission dovetails perfectly with Marsalis’s ongoing efforts to uncover jazz’s place at the core of our American identity. It is, in fact, arguably with the JLCO that Marsalis is best positioned to push jazz’s popularity to the next level. JLCO aims above all to bring people together for one simple purpose, and that is: “to have a profoundly good time.” In the words of Executive Director Adrian Ellis, “even people who think they don’t like jazz” enjoy the JLCO. We hope you will join us in celebrating this event and, of course, have a profoundly good time. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations at $35, $45 and $75. About Wilson Commencement Park Wilson Commencement Park is a not-for-profit organization based in Rochester, to provide comprehensive resources and services to low-income single-parent families so that they may develop assets to improve their family stability, increase their economic independence, and ultimately become viable agents of positive change in the community. Today, WCP combines a 50-unit townhouse facility and 18-unit apartment complex with childcare, self-sufficiency counseling, and other support services. Additionally, WCP now offers essential life-skills training to both children and adults via its Communiversity: Life Skills Academy program and also offers classes, workshops, and training to off-campus residents throughout the community.
Celebration of Life Community, Inc. will host a Community Canvassing Tuesday, March 2 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Breakfast Site, 506 Jay Street. Participants will visit homes in the area surrounding 506 Jay St. maps will be provided and we will canvass in teams. A printed invitation to the Celebration of Life’s Breakfast meeting on March 9th will be provided for distribution. If you are able to join in for this important event or for more information RSVP ASAP clc@colcinc.com Att: Canvassing
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Around Town: *March 22- EASTMAN KILBOURNE HALL -”Woman In Jazz” 12 noon Whitney Marchelle - piano vocal, with bassit *March 13 - THE SHRINE -ADAMA CLAYTON POWEL 133/135TH ST NYC LADY GOT CHOPS FESTIVAL WHITNEY MARCHELLE Vocalist Featuring Pianist Bertha Hope on Fender Rhodes.
them.” Her imagination and her graphics career started taking off. “Then the next portrait I did was of a saxophone player and then I decided to do a Jazz Quartet. Then I did Wynton Marsalis, but I never finished it. It sat on the my desk for six years and then I came home to Rochester when my mother became ill.” Logan took care of her mother and eventually had to hire additional help to address her mother’s needs. Even though she was putting her mom’s Continued Page 12 MARCH 3, 2010
The Challenger
Are a B r i e fs African Ameican Heritage Corridor Commission Meeting The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission, Inc. will hold its bimonthly meeting on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. The Commission was established by New York State statute in August, 2007 to develop a management plan for the corridor. The heritage corridor is located in the vicinity of Broadway, Elm, Eagle, Pine and Nash Streets in downtown Buffalo, and includes the J. Edward Nash House, the Michigan Street Baptist Church, and the Colored Musicians Club. The meeting will be chaired by Commission Chair, Karen Stanley Fleming.
Harriet Tubman Awards Ceremony to Honor Outstanding Citizens The 8th Anniversary Harriet Tubman Holiday Celebration Awards Ceremony will be held Wednesday, March 10, in the auditorium of the beautifully renovated Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts School, 450 Masten Ave. from 6 to 9 p.m. This family-oriented event is free and we are encouraging adult family members to bring the children. The program consists of performances by BAVPA Gospel Chorus, Daughters of Creative Sound and Ras Jomo African Drumming and Dancing. The Hon. Clifford Bell will serve as the Master of Ceremony.Buffetstyled refreshments will be provided in the school’s cafeteria after the awards have been presented. Harriet Tubman Lifetime Achievement awards will be presented to Hon. Arthur O. Eve,Sr., Judge Barbara Sims and Bishop William H. Henderson. Community Service awardees include: Willie L. Warren, Wanda Strong-Howard, Aaron Bartley, Karla Thomas, Shonnel Johnson, Gwen Neal, Darnell Jackson, Peggy Heath, Rod Watson, Vonetta T. Rhodes, Dorian Gaskin, Sabirah Muhammad, Solomon Myree, Maria R. Whyte, Eric Walker,Sharon Holley and Charlene Miller. The Harriet Tubman Holiday Celebration is sponsored by African American Cultural Center, Erie County Legislature, New York State Senator Antoine M. Thompson and the CAO. For additional information, please call Betty Jean Grant @ (716) 5367323.
Tuesdays 12 NOON - 1 P.M.
MARCH 3, 2010
Juneteenth Fundraiser
Two Historic Inner City Properties Added to ‘Seven to Save’ list of Endangered Places
“Breathe Your Ancestors Air” 169 East Ferry and Willert Park/A.D. Price Courts scheduled for March 7 On Sunday, March 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Buffalo Museum of Science and Juneteenth of Buffalo are teaming up to present their third “Breathe Your Ancestors Air” event, a celebration of community at the museum. Juneteenth of Buffalo encourages, organizes and promotes the collective participation of organizations which develop strong family ties and ethnic pride and support/ promote economic progress in the African American community. Fifty percent of the admission proceeds collected on March 7 will benefit Juneteenth Festival. The day will feature special activities and presentations from local organizations and artists, such as poets who will perform at 1 p.m. including Tysheka “Spoken” Long, Priscilla Hill, Lonnie Harrell and vonetta t Rhodes. Additional performers includeThe Colored Musicians Club at 2 p.m. and the Crusaders Drill Team at 3 p.m. Juneteenth children’s activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information Vendors will include the Locust Street Art Studio, the Juneteenth Festival Inc. and 50 Women with a Vision. General admission is required to participate: $8 adults, $6 child 2-17, $7 seniors (62+), $6 students (with ID), $6 military (with ID,) children under 2 and museum members are free. Admission also includes a visit through the museum’s current exhibit, Sesame Street Presents: The Body. For more information, please call 716.852.4562 or 716.896.5200 x343.
Urban League Call for College Scholarship Applications The 2010 Scholarship Program applications are due by March 15, 2010. The scholarship awards range from $250.00 on time awards to $4,000.00 multi-year awards. Applicants must be high school seniors or recent GED recipients, who plan to attend college in the Fall of 2010. Scholarship awards are given in consideration of financial need, academic achievement, character, and community participation. In 2009, 177 local students received scholarships. These scholarships were made possible through generous donations from individuals and organizations in our community. Individuals and businesses interested in providing scholarship support through the Buffalo Urban League should contact Karen Christie at kchristie@buffalourbanleague.org or 250-2421. Free financial aid, scholarship and college application workshops are being offered for students and parents on: Thursday February 25th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the EOC Building 6th Floor Auditorium at 465 Washington. Please call Linda Soluri at
ALBANY – The Preservation League of New York State has named two of Buffalo’s distinctive historic properties, 169 East Ferry and Willert Park/A.D. Price Courts, to the annual list of the Empire State’s most threatened historic resources, “Seven to Save. “These properties exemplify the potential for historic tax credits to revitalize neighborhoods and the struggle for equality in housing. 169 East Ferry Street The handsome three story building at 169 East Ferry Street has been a community anchor since its construction c. 1890. Built of brick and stone, it retains considerable architectural integrity on the exterior and in the interior commercial spaces, stairwells and layout of multiple residential units. Always a mixed use building, it is well known in the neighborhood as the home of Harris Hardware, the first hardware store in Buffalo owned by an African-American family and in continuous operation for 40 years. Today, owner Glenn Banks is locally regarded as a hardware and window repair specialist, serving his almost exclusively pedestrian clientele. Despite its sturdy construction, the building is suffering from deferred maintenance. Roof leaks have caused serious water damage to the apartments and exterior walls. The building is especially vulnerable to demolition as it has not been listed as a local landmark. It has been determined eligible for the State and National Registers of Historic Places but no nomination has been prepared. Landmark designation at the local, state and national levels would elevate the building’s significance, help make its rehabilitation a greater local priority, and open the doors to state and federal tax credit programs, making rehabilitation more feasible. Willert Park / A.D. Price Courts In 1938-1939, the U.S. Housing Authority constructed the Willert Park Courts specifically for AfricanAmericans, following the “separate but equal” public policy of the time, despite the fact that the neighborhood included African-Americans, Jews, and Italian-Americans. It was significantly smaller than public housing provided for other ethnic groups. By 1941, there was a waiting list of nearly a thousand eligible AfricanAmericans whose applications had been refused for available housing in other public projects around the city on the basis of their race. Owned and operated by the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, the property was managed by A.D. Price from its opening in 1939 until his death in 1968. For many years Mr. Price was the only African-American senior district manager for the local housing authority and the property was later renamed in his honor. Additional significance is found in the Courts’ association with the Federal Arts Project (FAP) which
This well-dressed crowd of children are posed before two apartments at Willert Park in 1946. In the first row at left are Pete Laughlin (second from left) and Joan Laughlin (third from left). The occasion may have been a birthday party.In 1939, the U.S. Housing Authority constructed the Willert Park Courts specifically for African-Americans, despite the fact that the neighborhood was made up of African-Americans, Jews, and Italian-Americans. When completed in 1939, the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority rejected applications from whites for one of the 172 apartments. By 1941, there was a waiting list of nearly a thousand eligible African-Americans whose applications had been refused for available housing in other public projects around the city on the basis of their race. (Inset) Willert Park/AD Price Courts today.
operated between 1935 and 1943 under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Impressive, allegorical bas relief plaques mounted on the buildings are the FAP projects of Robert Cronbach and Harold Ambellan. The designs, executed in tinted concrete, depict African-Americans and celebrate the themes of work and working class life. The complex is in danger of being demolished and replaced with new construction. Preservation Buffalo Niagara nominated both properties, and is seeking assistance from the Preservation League in identifying additional and alternative means to protect them. According to Terry Robinson, a Trustee of Preservation Buffalo Niagara and a resident of the city’s east side, “These designations are a validation of historic preservation and its role in revitalizing our community. The listing of Willert Park / A. D. Price Courts recognizes the great importance of Buffalo’s African American social and cultural history. Similarly, Harris Hardware’s building illustrates another significant asset and neighborhood. A better appreciation of these two neighborhoods will help to reverse the bulldozing, reverse the dynamic of disinvestment, and begin to build pride of place as well as recognition of the historical importance of the social and physical history of our community.” “Lots of people do not know the story of Willert Park, which was the heart and birthplace of Black political power in Buffalo in the old 5th Ward, now the Ellicott District,” said George Arthur, President of the Nash House and past President of the Common Council of Buffalo. “This place represents a lot of work by our people and our history in Buffalo. Sherman Walker, the first Black elected official, was very active in developing Willert Park; he ensured that the design and feeling repre-
sented the people. Mr. Sherman surveyed the people and developed the seven symbols used by the artists, translating their desires into bricks and mortar. It is important to keep this place -- protecting this site is the only right thing to do.” “The Preservation League of New York State has extended important recognition to two threatened neighborhood properties, buildings that sustained the connectivity and vibrancy of those local communities for decades,” said Catherine Schweitzer, Preservation Buffalo Niagara Chair. “In both cases, by revitalizing these properties to showcase their historic and architectural significance they can again add social and economic value to their neighborhoods. Harris Hardware, a small business owned by Glenn Banks and essential to this residential area at 169 East Ferry, retains its unique historic character. It is ideally located to build off the significant public investment on Jefferson Avenue, the new Performing Arts High School one block to the west, and the planned public-private investment for several buildings at Main and Ferry streets, hopefully adding even more value and increased density to an entrepreneurial zone on the east side of our city.”
Buffalo Gets High Marks for Drinking Water Mayor Brown has announced that the City of Buffalo has received high marks when it comes to the quality of its drinking water. In a report issued by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the quality of Buffalo’s drinking water ranked number 15 out of 100 cities with a population over 250,000. Buffalo also had the highest rank among cities in the state of New York.
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WORLD NEWS ROUND-UP
Uganda landslides kill 30; 100 Poll: Hated Ruling... A new Washington Post-ABC News missing poll finds that the vast majority of Americans are vehemently opposed
KAMPALA, Uganda – Landslides to a recent Supreme Court ruling in a mountainous region of Uganda that opens the door for corporations, killed more than 30 people overnight labor unions, and other organizations and left more than 100 others missing in the East African nation, a police to spend money directly from their general funds to influence campaigns. commander said Tuesday. The landslides occurred about 170 The poll’s findings show “remarkmiles (275 kilometers) east of the ably strong agreement” across the capital, Kampala, in the mountainous board, with roughly 80% of Ameriregion of Bududa. The area has long cans saying that they’re against the suffered from landslides but rarely has Court’s recent 5-4 decision. Even more remarkable may be that opposithe death toll been so high. Police and rescuers headed to the site tion by Republicans, Democrats, and early Tuesday, said Joel Aguma, a Independents were all near the same regional police commander. 80% opposition range. Specifically, Aguma said that more than 30 people 85% of Democrats, 81% of Indehad been killed in the landslides but pendents, and 76% of Republicans 10664_MIC_Challenger:ad 2/22/10opposed 8:15 it. AMIn short, Page “everyone 1 said the death toll could be even hates” higher. the ruling.
Obama Seeks Money, Efforts Officers Won’t Face Federal Charges to Curb Dropouts in Sean Bell Killing WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Monday addressed the nation’s school dropout epidemic, proposing $900 million to states and school districts that agree to drastically change or even shutter their worst performing schools. Obama’s move comes as many schools continue to struggle to get children to graduation, a profound problem in a rich, powerful nation. Only about 70 percent of entering high school freshmen go on to graduate. The problem affects blacks and Latinos at particularly high rates. Obama said the crisis hurts individual kids and the nation as a whole, shattering dreams and undermining an already poor economy.
You can still switch your Medicare Advantage plan, and start getting the RedShirt Treatment. †
SM
Citing insufficient evidence, federal authorities said Tuesday that they would not bring a civil rights case against the New York City police officers involved in the killing of Sean Bell, a 23-year-old black man who was shot by the police outside a strip club in Queens on his wedding day. The decision by the Justice Department came after prosecutors and federal agents reviewed the case, in which five police officers fired 50 shots into the Nissan Altima that Mr. Bell was driving. The car struck a detective in the leg and hit a police van just before the officers began firing their weapons. Mr. Bell was killed and two passengers, Trent Benefield and Joseph Guzman, were wounded. None of the men had guns, although the police officers apparently believed at least one did. In their review, officials from the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department, the United States attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York and the Federal Bureau of Investigation did not find enough evidence to prove that the officers had willfully acted to deny the men their constitutional rights, according to a statement from the Justice Department. Any disciplinary action now lies with the Police Department, whose critics saw the shooting as an indictment of police training and the department’s use of deadly force. The department can now pursue an administrative review of the case and the officers involved. Seven officers, including four of the five who shot at the car, have been internally charged with breaking departmental rules. Of the five who opened fire — Detectives Gescard F. Isnora, Michael Oliver, Marc Cooper and Paul Headley and Officer Michael Carey — all but Detective Headley remain on desk duty, with no gun and shield, said Paul J. Browne, the department’s chief spokesman. Lt. Gary Napoli, the supervising officer that night, is also on desk duty, he said, facing internal charges of failing to supervise the operation. Two other officers, Detective Robert Knapp and Sgt. Hugh McNeil of the Crime Scene Unit, were also charged internally, the detective with failing to thoroughly process the crime scene and the sergeant with failing to ensure that thorough processing was done. If internal charges are substantiated, some of the officers could be fired. Mr. Browne said that the police commissioner, Raymond W. Kelly, would
legal
Our Medicare Information Centers* are still open. From now through March 31, you can still switch your Medicare Advantage plan to Independent Health. Just stop by one of Independent Health’s conveniently located Medicare Information Centers to receive one-on-one assistance. We offer a variety of plans, including Medicare Advantage plans with and without prescription drug coverage (HMO, PPO and PFFS plans).
We offer sales seminars* in your neighborhood. Call us for locations and times. Information Center Hours: Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CHEEKTOWAGA/ DEPEW
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Valu Plaza (Across from Wegmans) 620 Dick Rd. at George Urban Blvd. Depew, NY 14043
Tops Plaza (Near Tim Hortons) 3223 Southwestern Blvd. Orchard Park, NY 14127
Youngmann Plaza (BJ’s Wholesale Plaza) 746 Young St. Tonawanda, NY 14150
Visit a Medicare Information Center or enroll over the phone. Call (716) 635-4900 or 1-800-958-4405. TDD users call 1-888-357-9167.
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (March 2–November 14) or Monday–Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (November 15– March 1). Or visit www.redshirttreatment.com
You Deserve the RedShirt Treatment. ®
Independent Health is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. *A sales representative will be present to assist with information and applications. For accommodations of persons with special needs at sales meetings, please call (716) 635-4900 or 1-800-958-4405. TDD users call 1-888-357-9167. †Limitations may apply; during this period, you cannot add or drop your prescription drug coverage. H3362_H3344_H9519_C1656 F&U ©2010 Independent Health Association, Inc. MIC Ad Page 4
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IO date of 03/3/10
6" x 10"
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS. Index No. 11966/09. STATE OF NEW YORK. SUPREME COURT. COUNTY OF ERIE. KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, -vs- THE HEIRS AT LARGE OF CONNIE M. SHARP, DECEASED, and all persons who are wives, grantees, mortgagees, lienors, heirs, devisees, distributees, successors in interest of such of them as may be dead, and their husbands and wives, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors of interest all of whom and whose names and places are unknown to Plaintiff; PRISCILLA SHARP, CONNELL SHARP, OLLIE F. SHARP AND TANYA D. HUNTER, AS HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF CONNIE M. SHARP, DECEASED; NEW YORK CENTRAL MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY A/S/O HARRY O. FLOWERS JR. AND STELLA FLOWERS; CITIMORTGAGE INC.; THE CITY OF BUFFALO; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants. Mortgaged Premises: 232 FLORIDA STREET, BUFFALO, N.Y. 14208. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that there is a deficiency in the sale proceeds, a deficiency judgment may be entered against you. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. ERIE County is designated as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the mortgaged premises. Dated: December 21, 2009. FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, Office and P.O. Address, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, N.Y. 14614, Telephone No. (585) 325-6202. (DISTRICT: SECTION: 89.82, BLOCK: 5, LOT: 43). NATURE AND OBJECT OF ACTION. The object of the above action is to foreclose a mortgage held by the Plaintiff recorded in the County of ERIE, State of New York on September 21, 2001, in Liber 12948 of Mortgages, at page 6946. TO THE DEFENDANT, except CONNIE M. SHARP, DECEASED, the plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. To the above named defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Hon. Russell P. Buscaglia, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of N.Y., dated February 2, 2010 and filed along with the supporting papers in the Erie County Clerk’s Office. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage. The premises is described as follows: Beginning at a point in the northerly line of Florida Street One Hundred Fifty (150) feet westerly from the westerly line of Pleasant Place, being a plot Thirty-One (31) feet by One Hundred Six (106) feet by Thirty-One (31) feet by One Hundred Six (106) feet. Premises known as 232 Florida Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14208. MARCH 3, 2010
The Challenger
HEALTH MATTERS
Why You Need More Vitamin D By Dr. Andrew Weil
I am raising my recommendation of 1,000 IU of vitamin D per day to 2,000 IU per day. Since 2005, when I raised it from 400 to 1,000 IU, clinical evidence has been accumulating to suggest that a higher dose is more appropriate to help maintain optimum health. We have known for many years that we need vitamin D to facilitate calcium absorption and promote bone mineralization. But newer research has shown that we also need it for protection against a number of serious diseases. In recent years, scientists have discovered that it may help to prevent several cancers, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, psoriasis, diabetes, psychosis, and respiratory infections including colds and flu. To focus particularly on cancer prevention, two recent meta-analyses (in which data from multiple studies is combined) conducted by the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California at San Diego and colleagues suggested that raising blood levels of vitamin D could prevent one-half of the cases of breast cancer and two-thirds of the cases of colorectal cancer in the U.S. Discussing the breast cancer analysis, study author Cedric Garland, Dr.P.H., stated that “The serum level associated with a 50 percent reduction in risk could be maintained by taking 2,000 international units of vitamin D3 daily plus, when the weather permits, spending 10 to 15 minutes a day in the sun.” A 50 percent reduction in breast cancer deaths would have saved the lives of more than 20,000 American women in 2009. As these meta-analyses suggest, vitamin D deficiency is widespread. Aside from breast cancer, it is quite likely that hundreds of thousands of cancers of various kinds worldwide might be prevented each year if we all were getting enough. We can get vitamin D through foods such as fortified milk and cereals as well as eggs, salmon, tuna and mackerel, but the amounts are not nearly sufficient to lift blood concentrations to optimal levels. Sun exposure is the best way to get it; ultraviolet rays trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Factors that decrease the body’s ability to make vitamin D include dark skin, heredity, obesity and certain medications, including some anti-seizure drugs (check with your pharmacist). Most significantly, sunscreen blocks vitamin D synthesis in the skin, and in northern latitudes (above that of Atlanta, Georgia) the sun is at too low an angle for half the year to provide sufficient UV radiation. Low levels of vitamin D in the population as a whole suggest that most people need to take a vitamin D supplement. This may be especially true for seniors, as the ability to synthesize vitamin D in the skin declines with age. Always take your vitamin D with a fat-containing meal to ensure absorption. Don’t be concerned that 2,000 IU will give you too much. With exposure to sunlight in the summer, the body can generate between 10,000 IU and 20,000 IU of vitamin D per hour with no ill effects. In addition, no adverse effects have been seen with supplemental vitamin D intakes up to 10,000 IU daily. If you decide to have your vitamin D levels tested, look for results in the normal range, from 30.0 to 74.0 nanograms of 25-hydroxy vitamin D per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood. If you are found to be deficient, your physician can advise you on the best way to raise your blood concentration into the normal range. Andrew Weil, M.D., is the founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and the editorial director of www.DrWeil.com. Become a fan on Facebook, follow Dr. Weil on Twitter, and check out Dr. Weil’s Daily Health Tips
“Stop Targeting Kids” Makes Television Debut
Parents, teachers, students and community leaders are invited to a community screening of the television special “Stop Targeting Kids,” a program which focuses on tactics used by the tobacco industry to target young people. The event will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 pm on Monday, March 8, at the Smith Theatre, 658 Main Street, Downtown Buffalo (next door to Shea’s Ticket Office). The event is free. Seating is limited. The educational programwill be broadcast on Channel 4 from 7 - 7:30 pm during the event. Following the broadcast, guests will be able to talk with community leaders. Buffalo Common Councilmember Demone Smith recently sponsored a resolution to create a tobacco retail license which would limit point-ofpurchase advertising in stores. “Children are being bombarded with tobacco advertising and messages in stores. A local tobacco retail licensing law would reduce such advertising and help protect our children from the powerful influence of the tobacco industry,” Councilmember Smith explained. For more information or a free DVD copy of “Stop Targeting Kids,” contact the Erie-Niagara Tobacco-Free Coalition at 716-845-4919. The Erie-Niagara Tobacco-Free Coalition, established in 1993 and located at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, is part of the New York State Tobacco Control Program. The Coalition is dedicated to reducing the risk of cancer, heart, lung and other tobacco-related diseases in Erie and Niagara Counties by decreasing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. Today, more than 30 health and service agencies are members of the Coalition.
MARCH 3, 2010
Maat E’s Mental Health Message: Compassion Compassion breeds humanity. No matter how much hatred and anger we feel towards another person there is a reflection of ourselves in what we direct towards someone else. The anger towards them is also anger at ourselves, perhaps for something we’ve unconsciously done or regret about our choice for the situation in the first place. Everybody wants love and consideration no matter who they are or what they have done. We want it for ourselves, when we make mistakes. Find compassion in yourself for you and all the people who have done you wrong. Compassion doesn’t mean you forgive and except the same things to happen again, it means you understand we are all human, make mistakes and can heal and move on. Having compassion does n’t predetermine any behavior or response. It simply opens the heart so we can move beyond our past hurts and regrets. Have compassion for someone today. Life, health & vitality! In Peace, Maat E.
eat to live!
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Spring Revival Friendship Missionary Baptist Church will host its Spring Revival March 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. nightly at the church, 402 Clinton Street. The theme is “Empowering Women for God’s Work in 2010 and t he guest speaker is Pastor L. Jean Young of Youngs Tabernacle. Sis. Sandra Hall is chairperson and Rev. Daris Dixon-Clark is host pastor. For ore information call 847-1020.
Prayer and Blessing of Toys for Haitian Children Over 40,000 Haitians Have Come to Jesus Since Quake A reported 40,127 Haitians have made professions of faith in Jesus Christ since the Jan. 12 earthquake hit the impoverished nation, according to pastors and the director of missions of the Confraternite Missionaire Baptiste d’Haiti (CMBH). “Haiti is ripe for a spiritual movement from God,” said Craig Culbreth, director of the Florida Baptist Convention Partnership Missions Department, which coordinates the work of the CMBH, upon his Feb. 22 return from Port-au-Prince. “For me it was a New Testament expression of what it looks like when the Spirit of God shows up,” Culbreth said. “I have never seen anything like it.” The CMBH is the Florida Baptist Convention-funded partnership of nearly 900 Haitian Baptist churches serving across Haiti. Through this partnership the Florida Convention employs seven indigenous missionaries in six regions in the nation. Since the earthquake the CMBH pastors have distributed 51 tons of rice proving 437,750 servings to Haitians in both Port-au-Prince and outlying areas where refugees have fled. Additional feedings are expected.
WORSHIP THIS WEEK
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Metropolitan United Methodist Church (657 Best Street, Buffalo) has undertaken an outreach to bring smiles to the faces of the children of Haiti. Toy collection is already underway at Metropolitan. Bring your toys to Metropolitan Tuesdays through Fridays between the hours of 10:00AM and 2:00PM, and Sundays 9:00AM to 12Noon. The last day for toy collection is March 7th. You are invited to join us on Sunday, March 7th at 2 p.m. in a service of prayer and blessing over the toys before we pack them for shipping. The toys will be transported to the Port of New Jersey and shipped to Haiti toward the end of March. Pass the word along to your family, friends, and co-workers. Please be as generous as you can. The shipper for our toys is the 911Fund (www.911fund.org). Thank you for your heart for the children of Haiti. Please call Pastor JT Blake for more information: 716-553-2439
“Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endurdeth forever.”Psalm 107:1
Calvary Baptist to Host Church Leadership Institute The Seventh Annual Calvary Baptist Church Leadership Institute will be held on March 23-25 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The theme is “The Heavenly Vision and The Message of the Church” (Scriptures: Proverbs 6:16-19, Micha 6:8, Ephesians 5:16-21.) There is no fee and all are welcome to attend the following Nashville certified class: Gospel of John Phase III; Old Testament-Phase I; History of National Baptist Convention Phase III and Christian Character-Phase III. There will be a Youth Seminar offered on Tuesday and Wednesday night. Reverend Kenny Simmons will be holding a seminar to address relevant issues and concerns. Registration is open to the public, but seats are limited. A light meal will be provided all three nights. For further information contact Dean L. Conrad or Mrs. Watkins at Calvary Baptist Church at 895-3642.
A
nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death. Martin Luther King, Jr., 1967
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World of Beauty
Celebrating the Life of Maxine An Burton Maxine Ann Burton was a native of Buffalo. Born April 17, 1955, she passed away on November 1, 2009. Maxine received her education at School No. 31. When the integration of schools started our district was one of the ones chosen. We went from School No. 31 to Southside Junior HS then onto South Park High School. THELKA MCCALL Maxine met and started dating a guy named Oscar Burton. They fell in love and married. From this union a son (Tony) was born. Oscar joined the military and was shipped overseas for a year. Maxine returned home and found employment at Leader Drug Store on the corner of Jefferson Avenue and East Ferry St. I remember stopping at the drug store and was surprised to see her there. We had lunch every day she worked. I remember giving her a going away party, when she and her husband were relocating to San Diego, California. This time we stayed in touch. A year and a few months ago Maxine’s mother crossed over. Maxine and her mother had the same birthday. Maxine had never been sick and was diagnosed with a terminal illness and she went home to glory one year and a few days after her mother. I’m going to miss you my sister, and best friend. She is at peace now. Any correspondence can be sent to her brother Herman Johnson, 125 Mills St., Buffalo, NY 14212.
MARCH 3, 2010
Celebration of Life for New Fund to Impact Lives of Our Youth Kicks Off With An Elease Gloria Boyd Evening Reception Featuring New York Metropolitan Opera A Celebration of Life for Elease Gloria Boyd was held on Saturday, February 27 at Elim Christian Fellows h i p , Bishop T. Anthony Bronner, officiating. Mrs. Boyd, affectionately known as “Granny,” was the mother of Pastor Arthur H. Boyd, pastor of 2nd Chance Ministries. Reared in a strong Christian home, she graduated from Hutchinson Central High School. She worked as a teacher’s assistant at Lafayette High School for many years. In 1987 she became one of the founding members of the Free Spirit Missionary Baptist Church under the late Elijah J. Echols, Sr. She remained a faithful member for 65 years. In 1999 she joined with her son, Rev. Arthur H. Boyd at 2nd Chance Ministries. She and her husband Hubert Arthur Boyd had six children. He preceded her in death. On February 20 her gentle soul bounded the Christian train to Glory. She will always be remembered, greatly loved and missed. To God be the Glory!
MARCH 3, 2010
Soprano Angela Brown
The Cultures of Giving Legacy Initiative (CGLI), a new fund to help make an impact I n the lives of youth, invites everyone to join in building endowment to support and create positive change in the lives of young people living in low-income communities of color. Renowned opera star Angela Brown will help The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo launch the Cultures of Giving Legacy Initiative on Thursday, March 4 at Kleinhans Music Hall with a reception and performance from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $100. A VIP Reception for $200 will be held from 5:306:30 p.m. Individual sponsorships ar $500 and includes two VIP tickets and your name listed as an individual sponsor. Money generated from the endowment will be used to support initiatives that provide youth with access to people, places and experiences. For more information please call the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo at (716) 852-2857.
Terrence Amir McKelvey, CRPS®, CRPC®, CSNA Financial Advisor (716) 849-2007 http://fa.ml.com/terrence.mckelvey Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured
Are Not Bank Guaranteed
May Lose Value
MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, member Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. © 2010 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
BUS_CARD
4” x 2” January 2010
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The Challenger
Whitney Houston Tour has Fans Asking for Refunds
There have been multiple reports in the past week calling Whitney Houston’s overseas tour performances a complete disaster and that she’s been asked to postpone some dates due to her “fragile condition.” The latest complaints come from Australian fans, who apparently watched as the diva flubbed her way through a concert in Brisbane on Monday night. Pop eater is reporting that the 46-year-old “took a break after just two songs, brought her brother onstage to hit her high notes and slurped from a water bottle through a closing performance of ‘I Will Always Love You.’” One concertgoer told the press outside: “She couldn’t entertain a dead rat.” Monday’s performance at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre was the first of several Australian stops on Houston’s “Nothing But Love” comeback tour. On Tuesday (Feb. 23), concert promoter Andrew McManus defended the singer against the many ticket purchasers calling for a refund. “It was not a train wreck,” McManus told Agence France-Presse of Houston’s performance. “She was hitting most of the notes; yes, her throat was a little croaky. Her health is fine, but she’s also not 22 years of age anymore.” According to concert reviews cited by the AFP, Houston also appeared disoriented during the show, relied heavily upon backup singers and struggled to remember the names of her band members. “This show was like watching a slow and painful death of a living legend,” a Courier-Mail reader wrote in. Watch for yourself below. Last week, a rep for Whitney Houston denied rumors that the “Million Dollar Bill” singer is in ill health following poor performances in Japan. But her spokesperson called the article “rubbish” and “ridiculous.” In fact, she has added three more dates to her upcoming U.K. leg, which kicks off in Manchester in April.
ON STAGE
*Thursday Night Comedy: The New Golden Nugget, 2046 Fillmore Ave. 8 p.m.; tickets $15. Open Mic & Jam Session every Friday and Saturday New Musician’s Big “6” Club, 600 East North @ Fox; 896-6660. *Buffalo Blues Festival 2010, Bobby Bland, Clarence Carter, Marvn Sease, Bobby Rush, Floyd Taylor, Blackfoot, Shirley Brown, Saturday, March 20, Shea’s; tickets at Shea’s Box Office, Doris Records, Ticketmaster outlets. *Chi Lites, March 5, 8 p.m.; Tickets
start at $30; Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel; Tickets on sale at box office and all Ticketmaster locations; Ticketmaster.com *The Temptations, 8:30 p.m.April 15, Avalon Theatre, Niagara Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada), tickets $25 and up; box office, Ticketmaster 888-8368118. *MADEA’S BIG HAPPY FAMILY, Starring Tyler Perry, HSBC Arena, Tuesday, April 27, 730 pm; Tickets on sale now at HSBC Arena Box office; all tickets.com locations including Tops Markets, Doris Records or charge by phone @ 1-888-223-6000.
*Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye on stage February 12- March 7, Paul Robeson Theatre at the African American Cultural Center at 350 Masten Avenue. Tickets on sale now at the PRT box office and online at www.africancultural. org. General admission is $23.50, $19.50 for seniors and students with I.D., and $13.50 for children ages 3 through 12. Group rates available. Curtain time is 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. For reservations and more information call 716-884-2013 or email prtaacc@yahoo.com *Pattie LaBelle, Friday, March 5, 9 p.m., tickets $45 online at www. ticketmaster.ca; Fallsview Casino Resort, Niagara Falls, Canada, www. fallsviewcasinoresort.com EXHIBIT *Permanent Exhibit at the Langston Hughes Institute, 35 High Street, includes “Black Woman as Warrior” exterior murals by renowned artist William Cooper and “The Whole Story.” For more information call 881-326
Every Sunday @ 9 pm
WBFO 88.7 FM
*Readings at the Screening Room, Northtown Business Center, 1313 Sheridan (Bailey entrance); $2; 7139340 for info.
*The Jazz Example with Larry Owens on drums; Greg Piontek on bass; Trigger Gaston on Piano, Bilal Abdullah on Sax; featuring vocalist Lady Lita;9PM,Each Friday at The Anchor Bar. *BELLE, on stage at Ujima Theatre’s TheaterLoft, 545 Elmwood Avenue, March 5-28, Thurs., Fri, Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 6 p.m.; tickets $25 general, $20 seniors, $15 students; Reservations call 883-0380; group rates 883-4232. ujimacoinc@mac.com • www. ujimatheatre.org Purchase tickets online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/96672 On Stage Listings are Free.
Write: The Challenger, On Stage, 1337 Jefferson Ave., Bflo., NY 14208; or email:
editor@thechallengernews.com
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MARCH 3, 2010
The Challenger
Mizstreetz
Buffalo’s talented young hip hop femcee is workin’ it out..
E
ven from a young age Michelle Elizabeth Gant, also known as Miz Streetz, has been writing and performing. Raised on the East Side of Buffalo, she turned to music as an outlet. The talented young hip hop artist has a long standing interest in things musical and artistic. In high school she excelled in academics as well as athletics and was president of her student body in her senior year. A strong musical influence of Mi Streetz is her father, who worked with Rick James, and often brought her to recording sessions. This early exposure has gave depth to Miz Streetz when he worked as an on—air personality at WBLK. In January 2004 she started Deuce Deuce Entertainment. Under this label she has performed and given numerous events for the community. She currently has a documentary series that serves as a teaching tool for all aspiring artists like herself. Miz Streetz hosts and broadcasts the weekly s how “Amateur TV” every Friday and Saturday on Time Warner Channel 20 (“Any Professional Was Once an Amateur” ). The show highlights her personal struggle as an underground hip hop artist trying to climb the ladder and charts to success. Along the bumpy road she encounters celebrities who offer some advice and tips to becoming a professional in the music industry. In 2009 she wrote a theme song for Against All Odds clothing store. He voice is also heard on as many as five days a week on 93.7 WBLK for creating intros for radio personalities. Incorporated into Amateur TV is Mizstreetz real life adventures of being an upcoming artist while juggling work, school, family, bills and a music career independently. She works and attends ECC where she currently holds down at a 3.7 GPA. Majoring in secondary education, she says she would like to teach high school students if her dream of becoming a hip hp artist is not realized. And while she’s trying to get a major network to pick up her TV series, she just released Amateur TV DVD Season 1. Consisting of five episodes from season one, each provides a combination of music, humor, hard work and tools that can serve as an inspiration for striving artists. Miz Streetz says she just wants to make music. She also wants to serve as a role model for teenage girls and young women, and give back to her community. Hats off to this strong and positive young artist! States Michelle, “Music is my talent. How I use it is my gift back to God!”
MARCH 3, 2010
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EDITORIAL The Challenger
Why Were Negroes Fighting During Black History Month Anyway?
Al Sharpton, Tavis Smiley Fighting and Arguing on the Radio About Barack Obama and a Black Agenda Is Post-Obama America By Dr. Boyce Watkins
(Note: An impassioned debate ignited last Tuesday morning over America’s Black agenda, with two of the nation’s most visible Black political commentators on opposite sides of the table. In a commentary on “The Tom Joyner Morning Show,” Tavis Smiley, host of “Tavis Smiley” on PBS, announced plans for a discussion in Chicago on March 20 entitled “We Count: The Black Agenda is the American Agenda.” As part of his comments, he opined that “a chorus of Black leaders have started singing a new song,” saying that the president doesn’t need a Black agenda. The media host listed some of the most noted political and academic leaders as invited guests, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, Harvard law professor Charles Ogletree, author and scholar Michael Eric Dyson, professor Cornel West, California Rep. Barbara Lee and Dorothy Height of the National Council Negro Women. The Rev. Al Sharpton called in to “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” and took issue with several of Tavis Smiley’s comments.)
As I sat recently and listened to the argument between Tavis Smiley and Rev. Al Sharpton, I was sad. Both Tavis and Rev. Al have made tremendous contributions to the Black community, and it seems that the “Great Obama Divide” has plagued our ability to move forward with a concerted agenda. No one knows what the future holds or which ideas are going to work, so everyone believes that their approach to leveraging the opportunity that comes with a Black president is the one that will work the best. Our Black Leadership Boat is in uncharted waters, and every leader has an oar pointed in their own direction. Smiley and company seem to feel that President Obama isn’t engaging in enough blatant effort to prove to the world that he is committed to supporting Black folks. He argues that Obama’s efforts to reach across the isle often lead to him stretching his political legs across a pool of disgusting racism in order to establish connection with those who hate his people. Smiley is correct in that our needs are usually put on the back burner, and that black people are suffering more than nearly anyone else during this economic crisis. Sharpton feels that Obama has the capacity to show compassion toward the Black community and that he is attempting to do that. His meetings with Obama have at least bore rhetorical fruit, with the president agreeing to follow-ups in the future to discuss the needs of African Americans. This communicates, at the very least, that our president is open to genuine Black advocacy. The problem, however, is that there are some who are reluctant to challenge Obama the way they would if he were a White man. Whether we hold our politicians accountable should be more readily reflected by the institutions they represent, rather than the color of their skin. What is also true, however, is that both Smiley and Sharpton are holding Obama accountable. The difference is that Smiley is forced to attack from the outside in, and Sharpton is fighting from the inside out, leading to serious conflicts of interest. Honestly, I am not sure if there is anything that President Obama could do that would not make Tavis Smiley dislike him. But either way, the rift between Sharpton and Smiley is an introduction to the post-Obama America, where being Black no longer means being on the same page. It means that the man (Smiley) who once referred to Bill Clinton as the first Black president cannot look a real black president in the eye and give him the benefit of the doubt. It means that Al Sharpton and other civil rights leaders are forced to do the dirty work on racial equality because our Black president has been terrorized into political silence on issues of race. The post-Obama America is one where the heterogeneity of the Black community becomes more prominent and undeniable. Being a Black Democrat now has a number of possible meanings, not just one. While I hope that Smiley and Sharpton overcome their problems, I don’t think they ever will. Sure, the public may get a chance to see them reconcile, but there are some divides that simply can’t be bridged. Sharpton’s greatest incentive is to protect his relationship with the White House to enhance his ability to be effective. Smiley, who has been exiled by Obama (but not Hillary Clinton), has every incentive to undermine the president’s vast support within the African American community (which is not going to work). The Great Obama Divide is with us and won’t go away anytime soon. Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition.
U.S. Coming Apart at the Seams? By Cynthia McKinney Part III Conclusion
Leaving the acceptable political order puts us in the crosshairs of those whose position and power come from it. And because the United States today is a rudderless, leaderless, divided society coming apart at the seams, now is the time more than ever that we need to employ what public schools in this country stopped supplying long ago: critical thinking about where we want to stand as a community of nations and where we in the United States want to stand as a country. And this brings me to the real winners in the midst of this socio-economic collapse. Most people spend so much time looking at the losers in such a scenario, and we must care about the innocent victims that pay the ultimate price in the grand political power plays of our day. But, we must not neglect taking the time to study who it is that is actually sneaking off with the stolen merchandise. There are real winners and they are the ones whom George Bush called his base: that is, the haves and the have mores. President Obama has hastened approximately 23.7 trillion of our hardearned dollars to them. Therefore, the real purpose of our political activity must be to thwart the wholesale theft of a nation under the guise of “Hope,” “Change,” and “Yes we Can.” That is the only purpose our political activities must now be geared toward. It means then, that, those of us who have stepped outside of the “acceptable” political paradigm must be willing to break bread with one another and find common ground on which we can operate. My experience has been that such interactions only enhance future opportunities for positive political interactions. A careful read of the COINTELPRO papers will reveal that the biggest fear inside the government was that the interests of those who pulled the strings would get totally engulfed and swallowed up by Black people and White people coming together during that time, of the civil rights movement and beyond, and successfully pressing for a full justice agenda that encompassed both domestic AND foreign policies. If they were afraid of that then, I guarantee you they are still afraid of it, now. Secondly, the leadership of this new movement cannot be the leadership that is responsible for the death of the truth, justice, and peace movements inside the United States. Going to the same people who caused the problem by abandoning their publicly-stated convictions is not going to get us closer to the truth or peace. This means that we might have to thin our ranks, but we will at least know that those deep in the trenches with us are not sleeping with the enemy. Finally, we need a voting bloc that places peace and the budget priorities of peace and people’s needs above any other special interest. This voting bloc will not support any candidate running for office from The War Party. Because it should be crystal clear to everyone who cares about peace that we can’t get from here to where we want to be by doing what those who are responsible for this mess want us to do. We’ve got to do something different in order to take our country back and make our country better. The fact is that unless we are willing to step outside of the box of political conformity, we will continue to get what we’ve always gotten. Now, finally for the record, let me say that I left Congress, not because I wanted to, but because the special interests and the War Party wanted me out.What could I have possibly done to raise their ire?
Well, for the twelve years that I
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SPEAK OUT
Fathers, Fathers Where Are You? Deara Editor: In one of my weekly 100 Mighty Men Ministry meetings I said to the members, “I wonder if there were fathers in the homes of these young murdered victims, would it have made a difference in the decision of the killer?” For myself, I know it would have made a difference. Several days later I was looking through some of my old Challengers and I came across an article entitled “Fatherlessness” by Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, dated July 11, 2001. It became so clear to me that nine years later, it is almost 85 percent African American children who still have fathers MIA (missing in action) We still have these types of fathers: Sperm donors, no show, ice cream, step-fathers and daddies, I’m sorry to say but this is the truth, we have too many sperm donors. As Mr. Jawanza stated ,the No show daddies promise they will pick up the child for the day but never show. When this happens the mothers have to watch their child crying in front of the window waiting for their father to arrive. Ice cream daddies show and just spoil their child/children, taking them to amusement parks and buying ice cream. After the child returns home the mother has to make the child do chores, homework and eat a healthy meal. The child looks or views his mother as the bad guy who is not fun. I do not understand why the step dad who stayed paying bills and providing food on the table is called “Step,” says Dr. Jawanza, and the sperm donor is called father. Fathers when you leave your child/ren your presence and influence are missed. When your presence is not with your family, it plays a tremendous roll in your child’s education, drug use, poverty, alcohol consumption, emotional problems, aggression, uncooperative, peer pressure, teen pregnancy, incarceration and they too become deadbeat dads as yourself. The 100 Mighty Men Ministry salutes all fathers who stayed with their children and we encourage fathers who did not stay, to step up to the plate and become the father your child really needs. Edward Wiley President 100 Mighty Men Ministry
ASCAC to Host 27th Annual Ancient Kemetic (Egyptian) Studies Conference In the spirit of our Ancestors, our Pan-African global family and the yet unborn, I extend a warm invitation for you to join us for the 27th Annual Ancient Kemetic (Egyptian) Studies Conference March 4– 7 at Benedict College, 1600 Harden Street, Columbia, S.C. In this decisive decade, our 2010 theme, “Renewing the Speeches of Those Who Heard: Intergenerational Exchanges, Good Speech, and Intellectual Warfare for the African Mind” acknowledges our need to look back to the liberatory thought, speech and practices of our ancestors and then build on and expand these accomplishments while recruiting and mentoring our youth to carry our struggle to higher levels of achievement. Our theme also reflects the words of our founding president, Dr. Jacob H. Carruthers who said, The rebuilding of our families, the rescue of our ancestors, the repair of our broken lives are demands that must be met by each of us. This is not just merely a job for the historians or the artists, but for all of us whatever our vocation or a vocation may be. We are convinced that through intergenerational exchanges this conference will ignite, encourage and direct the energy of the participants throughout the African world community to build and create. We will also be engaged in activities where we will read, in Medew Netcher, the divine messages from our ancestors’ royal tombs and temples while making greater commitments to work to renew and
rebuild ourselves and our civilization.
To continue our focus on African Centered Education, ASCAC is working in tandem with other institutions in the forefront of this Movement. Some of these independent organizations will be present at the conference. Moreover, to observe this educational enterprise in progress, we are offering a preconference African-centered historical tour of the great city of Columbia. In short, we believe that the expertise gained by the participants at this conference will be used to broaden our scope, bringing us closer to the full realization of our goal to “build for eternity” in every corner of the nation and world. For more information call (678) 489-2423 or (803) 237-3086 or go to http://www.ascac.org Shem-em-Hotep [May you go in peace] Nzinga Ratibisha Heru, International President The Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations The Meaning of The above image/logo, part of the Challenger flag, corresponds to one of the 81 chapters in Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching. This particular tetragram corresponds to number 27, defined as “The Skillful Exchange of Information.” (From R.L Wing’s book, The Tao of Power.) “The truth, always the truth--at all costs”
“What is planted cannot be uprooted.What is well embraced cannot slip away.” I CHING
Published by Challenger Communityy News Corporation P.O. Box 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 Phone: 716.464.3738 Email: advertising@thechallengernews.com
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MARCH 3, 2010
The Challenger
In response to Governor Patterson’s Decision to Step Down… I was hoping that Gov. Patterson would keep his word and go all the way. But I’m not surprised that he decided to step down after all the negative news articles and the lack of support from all of our so called civil and political and spiritual leaders. It was hard to fight standing alone. I can relate. That move by Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Denise O’Donnell was a political move also, to either prepare to run for attorney general or land a spot on Cuomo’s ticket. Those people know how to play the game or change the rules in the middle of the game. As we all know, New York, being one of the most racist states in America, we must understand that those folks will do anything in their power to not elect a Black man to be governor. You see what happen when H. Carl McCall ran years ago. Cuomo ran against him and we lost to Pataki. If Governor Paterson would not have stepped down we would have faced experiencing the same thing. Early in Darnell JACKSON the game I felt th at President Obama was wrong to do what he did to Governor Paterson in terms of suggesting that he not run, but let the truth be told. The president is experiencing the same problems Governor Paterson is facing here in New York. Was he asked to step down or will he resign after his term is up? It’s time we fight together and not allow this type of politricks to keep targeting Blacks every time we reach a point where we are at the top of what ever seat. When are our Black leaders or so called leaders going to get real? When is the NAACP and the Black clergy going to stop playing politricks and stand for what’s best for our city and state and quit looking out for themselves? In order to make a difference we have to support one another for real. How many black leaders have come out to support Judge Ogden and Judge McLeod? Compare that to how many of our Black leaders come out to support Cuomo when he announces his campaign. I believe that his political colleagues in Albany failed to help Governor Paterson make difficult decisions so he could look bad and lose his support so that he couldn’t run for re-election. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out. When they saw he wasn’t going to step down they let the dogs out. Unfounded news articles, not working to help him with the difficult budget, blaming him for other people’s personal problems and believe me they would have came up with much, much more over the next year. Lets see how many churches are visited by the same people who orchestrated the legal lynching of governor Paterson? Lets see how many Blacks bring them into our neighborhood to fool Black folks and make false promises. Watch how the same Black leaders from all levels come out from behind their rocks to support the replacement of Governor Paterson. I wouldn’t even be surprised if President Obama comes out for this race also. We know the Republicans are going to run a good race. Its going to be exciting to see these folks fight against each other. I wonder what would happen if the Black community protested the governor’s race by not voting to show them how we feel about how they did one of ours. Oh yeah, I must be from another planet to even think of something like that. But on the real side, it’s a great idea. What would happen if the Black and Hispanic community voted Republican to show the Democratic Party we are tired of all the games being played when it comes to our people could they win with out our support? Would that send a loud and clear message? Maybe some of our folks will start to see reality for what it really is, if we don’t stand for Something we are going to keep falling for anything. I’m asking the Black and Hispanic community to watch and see how this plays out before they decide to vote or endorse anyone. Lets put the pressure on whoever runs, to make sure our community gets some respect and some funds to rebuild and put our community to work. Who’s going to take a stand against the unions that refuse to hire Blacks and Hispanic to work where they live to make a real wage to support their families and help put a dent in homicides. Who is going to stop allowing all of the drugs and guns flood our community and let some jobs come in, putting some of our own people to work and feed their families and stop depending on welfare. Who’s going to stop putting money into the same old programs that don’t work but keep funding them for political payback for not standing up or speaking out. How long are we going to allow this type of modern genocide to continue? When are we going to look out for our own, hold people accountable and demand justice for all not just a chosen few who would sell their mother for a few pieces of silver & gold? At the end of the day you see what you get. Parts of our community looks like Iraq. There have been over 2000 youth killed in the streets of Buffalo, almost as many killed in the war. And as if the high unemployment rate and our dubious distinction as being the third 3rd poorest in the nation were not enough, and now just made the top 10 for most miserable cities. I could go on and on because it’s a lot to be told but of course we don’t like ‘Dear Governor Patterson, keep doing what you’re doing. Hard decisions have to be made. If they don’t want to help you, do what you have to do to save New York at the end of the day those people who targeted you will see, what goes around comes around. So till the end of your term do what you can and show the nation from the top down that you do care about New York and you did the best you could with what you had to work with. God bless you brother you fought a good fight, it’s not about who wins it’s about who endures until the end. I’m praying for you and your wife, God isn’t through with you yet, he has bigger plans so keep the faith –hope to see or meet you soon-peace & love’ Keeping it real… (Read psalms 91. Did you order your subscription?) MARCH 3, 2010
EDITORIAL
Something about Yemen s the current uproar over Yemen a case of a U.S. administration overreacting and stumbling into yet another quagmire? By Conn Hallinan “The instability in Yemen is a threat to regional stability and even global stability” — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. “Yemen is a regional and global threat” —British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. “Yemen could be the ground of America’s next overseas war if Washington does not take preemptive action to root out al-Qaeda there” —U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman
Y
emen—a country slightly smaller than France with a population of 22 million—perches on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. It is the poorest country in the region, with one of the most explosive birthrates in the world. Unemployment hovers above 40 percent and projections are that its oil—which makes up 70 percent of its GDP—will run out in 2017, as will water for the capital, Sana, in 2015. It is a bit of a patchwork nation. It was formerly two countries—North Yemen and the Democratic People’s Republic of Yemen (south), which merged in 1990 and fought a nasty civil war in 1994. The current government of President Ali Abdullah Saleh is corrupt, despotic, and presently fighting a two-front war against northern Shiites, called “Houthis,” and separatist-minded southerners. Based in the north, Saleh’s government has limited influence outside of the capital. Whoever runs the place, according to The Independent’s Middle East reporter Patrick Cockburn, has to contend with “tribal confederations, tribes, clans, and powerful families. Almost everybody has a gun, usually at least an AK-47 assault rifle, but tribesmen often own heavier armament.” To make things even more complex, Yemen’s northern neighbor, Saudi Arabia, has sent troops and warplanes to back up Saleh. According to Reuters, “The conflict in Yemen’s northern mountains has killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands.” Aid groups put the number of refugees at 150,000. The Saleh government and the Saudis claim the Shiia uprising is being directed by Iran— there is no evidence to back up the charge— thus escalating a local civil war to a regional face off between Riyadh and Teheran. And this is a place that Hillary, Gordon and Joe think we need to intervene? In a sense, of course, the U.S. is already in Yemen, and was so even before the attempted bombing Christmas Day of a Northwest Airlines flight by a young Nigerian. For most Americans, Yemen first appeared on their radar screens when the USS Cole was attacked in the port of Aden by alQaeda in 1990, killing 17 sailors. It reappeared this past November when a U.S. Army officer linked to a Muslim cleric in Yemen killed 13 people at Fort Hood, Colorado. The Christmas Day attacker said he was trained by al-Qaeda, and the group took credit for the failed operation. But U.S. involvement in Yemen goes back almost 40 years. In 1979, the Carter Administration blew a minor border incident between north and south Yemen into a full-blown East- West crisis, accusing the Soviets of aggression. The White House dispatched an aircraft carrier and several warships to the Arabian Sea, and sent tanks, armored personal carriers and
warplanes to the North Yemen government. The tension between the two Yemens was hardly accidental. According to UPI, the CIA funneled $4 million a year to Jordan’s King Hussein to help brew up a civil war between the conservative North and the wealthier and socialist south. The merger between the two countries never quite took. Southern Yemenis complain that the north plunders its oil and wealth and discriminates against southerners. Demonstrations and general strikes by the Southern Movement demanding independence have increased over the past year. The Saleh government has generally responded with clubs, tear gas and guns. When Yemen refused to back the 1991 Gulf War to expel Iraq from Kuwait, the U.S. cancelled $70 million in foreign aid to Sana and supported a decision by Saudi Arabia to expel 850,000 Yemeni workers. Both moves had a catastrophic impact on the Yemeni economy that played a major role in initiating the current instability gripping the country. In 2002 the Bush administration used armed drones to assassinate several Yemenis it accused of being alQaeda members. The New York Times reported that the Obama administration launched a cruise missile attack Dec. 17 at suspected al-Qaeda members that, according to Agence France Presse, killed 49 civilians, including 23 children and 17 women. The attack has sparked widespread anger throughout Yemen that al-Qaeda organizers have heavily exploited. So is the current uproar over Yemen a case of a U.S. administration overreacting and stumbling into yet another quagmire in the Middle East? Or is this talk about a “global danger” just a smokescreen to allow the Americans to prop up the increasingly isolated and unpopular regime in Saudi Arabia? Maybe both, but at least one respected analyst suggests that the game in play is considerably larger than the Arabian Peninsula and may have more to do with the control of the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea than with hunting down al-Qaeda in the Yemeni wilderness. The Asia Times’ M.K. Bhadrakumar, a career Indian diplomat who served in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Pakistan, and Turkey, argues that the current U.S. concern with Yemen is actually about the strategic port of Aden. “Control of Aden and the Malacca Straits will put the U.S. in an unassailable position in the ‘great game’ of the Indian Ocean,” he writes. Aden controls the strait of Bab elMandab, the entrance to the Red Sea though which passes 3.5 million barrels of oil a day. The Malacca Straits, between the southern Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra, is one of the key passages that link the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Bhadrakumar says the Indian Ocean and the Malacca Straits are “literally the jugular veins of the Chinese economy.” Indeed, a quarter of the world’s sea-borne trade passes through the area, including 80 percent of China’s oil and gas. In 2005 the Bush Administration pressed India to counter the rise of China by joining an alliance with South Korea, Japan, and Australia. As a quid pro quo for coming aboard, Washington agreed to sell uranium to India, in spite of New Delhi’s refusal to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Agreement. Only countries that sign the Treaty can purchase uranium in the international market. The Bush administration also agreed to sell India the latest in military technology. The Obama administration
has continued the same policies. China and India have indeed beefed up their naval forces in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea. Beijing is also developing a “string of pearls”— ports that will run from East Africa to Southeast Asia. India has just established a formal naval presence in Oman at the entrance to the strategic Persian Gulf. According to Bhadrakumar, the growing U.S. rapprochement with Myanmar and Sri Lanka is aimed at checkmating China’s influence in both nations, and cutting off efforts by Beijing to reduce its reliance on ocean-borne energy transportation by constructing land-based pipelines. China just opened such a pipeline to Central Asia. “The U.S. , on the contrary, is determined that China remain vulnerable to the choke points between Indonesia and Malaysia,” writes the former Indian diplomat. Checkmating China would also explain some of the pressure that the Obama administration is exerting on Pakistan. “The U.S. is unhappy with China’s efforts to reach the warm waters of the Persian Gulf through the Central Asian region and Pakistan. Slowly but steadily, Washington is tightening the noose around the neck of the Pakistani elites—civilian and military—and forcing them to make a strategic choice between the U.S. and China,” writes Bhadrakumar. This would help explain the increasing tension between China and India over a Himalayan border region that has sparked a military buildup in Chinese-occupied Tibet and India’s Arunachai Pradesh state. Former Indian Air Marshall Fali Homi told the Hindustan Times that China was now a bigger threat than Pakistan, and former Indian National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra predicts an India-China war within five years. “Energy security” has been at the heart of U.S. foreign policy for decades. The 1980’s “Carter Doctrine” made it explicit that the U.S. would use military if its energy supplies were ever threatened. Whether the administration was Republican or Democratic made little difference when it came to controlling gas and oil supplies, and the greatest concentration of U.S. military forces is in the Middle East, where 60 percent of the world’s energy supplies lie. Except for using Special Forces and supplying weapons, it is unlikely that the U.S. will intervene in a major way in Yemen. But through military aid it can exert a good deal of influence over the Sana government, including extracting basing rights. The White House has elevated the 200 or so “al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula” members in Yemen into what the President calls a “serious problem,” and there are dark hints that the country is on its way to becoming a “failed state,” the green light for a more robust intervention. However, as Jon Alterman, Middle East Director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, argues, “The problems in Yemen are not fundamentally problems that military operations can solve.” But then the “problems” of Yemen may be simply a prelude for a much wider and potentially dangerous strategy focused on China. “The U.S. cannot give up on its global dominance without putting up a real fight,” says Bhadrakumar. “And the reality of all such momentous struggles is that they cannot be fought piecemeal. You cannot fight China without occupying Yemen.” -- Conn Hallinan can be reached at: ringoanne@sbcglobal.net Page 11
The Challenger
Celebrating Women Veterans VA Western New York Healthcare System is celebrating Women’s History Month with events during the month of March. A special outreach event will take place for Women Veterans at the Buffalo VA, 3495 Bailey Avenue in the Veteran’s Service Center located on the 1st floor, Wednesday, March 3 from 2 to
3 p.m. Counselors will be on hand to assist with VA health care eligibility, women’s health care and other Veterans benefits. Veterans should bring their discharge papers and 2009 financial information. Tours of the Women’s Wellness Primary Care Center will be offered.
bidS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for BMHA Job 10-06-CF, Various Roofing Work at Holling Homes, Kenfield Homes, Ferry Grider Apartments, Schwab Terrace, Kowal Apartments and Kelly Gardens. The Prebid Conference will be held on Tuesday, March 16. 2010 at 10:00 AM, local time with all potential bidders assembled at the Capital Improvements & Development Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204; the project walk-through may be held/scheduled after the meeting. Sealed bids will be received until 3:00 PM local time, on Friday, March 26, 2010 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time. All bid forms must be filled out and returned. Sets of contract documents may only be obtained at the Capital Improvements Office at 320 Perry Street, with a deposit of $100 per set. Only certified company checks, Bank checks or money orders made payable to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will be accepted. This deposit is refundable upon return of complete sets of documents within 14 calendar days after the bid opening. Failure to comply with this time limit will constitute forfeiture of the deposit. The BMHA reserves the right to reject any bid, which fails to conform to the essential terms, required by the contract documents and to reject any and/or all bids submitted. Dated: March 1, 2010
PROPOSALS
On Thursday, March 4 from noon – 4 p.m., VA Western New York Healthcare System will participate in the Women’s History Month Kick Off event with an information table at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square. Facts about Women Veterans: *There are 65,116 Women Veterans in New York State * In 2009, women made up 14 percent of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans. Women Veterans are encouraged to enroll and utilize VA health services which include comprehensive primary care, high-quality preventive
and clinical care in a private environment, with sensitivity to genderspecific needs, with state-of-the-art health care equipment and technology. For more information contact VA’s Women Veterans
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411 continued needs first, a comment made by her mom upset her so much that Logan found her way back to her art. “When you create something, your creating from your mind. Your vision of your product is always your first love. However that vision may be clouded if you are commissioned and now have to adjust your piece to budget restrictions. It diverts your original concept.” Logan, who usually works during the afternoon and evening hours, is building her website. Her illustrations have included such artists as John Scofield, BB King, Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter, and Billie Holiday. “My art during that time became my way to manage my stress,” she adds. Currently, her work is on display at The French Quarter Cafe and The Iron Cafe on State Street. For more information, you can call her at 585663-0104 or e-mail her at invisiondl@ sbcglobal.net.
REQUEST FOR
bids Board of Education Buffalo, New York Division of Purchase 716-816-3585 **Sealed proposals will be received in Room 816 City Hall On: Friday, March 12, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. local time for BID # 09-10-071 BID for TENNANT T3 20 INCH SCRUBBER WITH ec-H2O Specifications and bid forms are available in Room 816 City Hall; and on website www.buffaloschools.org/PurchaseDept.cfm Jennifer LoTempio Purchasing Agent INVITATION TO BID The NFTA is soliciting construction
bids for Project No. 12NA0902, NFIA – Airside Pavement Maintenance 2010, Bid No. E-448, on March 23, 2010. www.nftaengineering.com
ADVERTISING PAYS! CALL (716) 897-0442 * FAX (716) 897-3307 EMAIL:
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NOTICE Notice is hereby given pursuant to Article 24 (Freshwater Wetlands Act) of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law and the Freshwater Wetlands Mapping and Classification Regulations (6 NYCRR Part 664) that NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) proposes to amend Erie County Freshwater Wetland Map 8 of 31originally filed in1986. The wetland amendment would consist of adding Wetland LA-18 as a Class 2 wetland to the maps. A map showing the proposed revision is available at the Town of Lancaster and Erie County clerks’ offices, as well as at the NYSDEC Region 9 Office, Buffalo, NY. Written comments on the accuracy of the proposed change to the map may be mailed to the person listed below through April 2, 2010. Pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 664, once the announcement of a proposed amendment has been made, no activity subject to regulation under the Freshwater Wetlands Act may be initiated without a permit from NYSDEC within the area that is the subject of the proposal (including the regulated 100foot adjacent area) until the Commissioner has either amended the map or denied the amendment. Contact: Chuck Rosenburg, Region 9 Office, 270 Michigan Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14203, 716-851-7010 (phone), 716851-7005 (fax), email: r9dep@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Proposals Request for Proposal Comprehensive Auditing Services The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) is requesting sealed proposals from qualified, licensed and responsible firms interested in providing comprehensive external audit services in accordance with the requirements of the BMHA, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). The Request for Proposal may be obtained from the BMHA office located at 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 by contacting Vincent W. Barrile, (716) 855-7580 ext. 233 or by e-mail at vbarrile@bmha.ci.buffalo.ny.us. Sealed proposals will be received until 3:00 PM, local time, on April 6, 2010, at the above address. Proposals received after this time will not be accepted. The contract for comprehensive auditing services will be awarded to a single professional firm. The BMHA reserves the right to waive irregularities and to reject any or all of the proposals that are submitted. The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively solicits the same conduct from all firms interested in this opportunity.
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MARCH 3, 2010
The Challenger
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Retail Office Space Available @ 700 sq. ft. will build beauty salon/ barber shop, 1300 Jefferson. Retail incubator. 743-7344
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MARCH 3, 2010
Accountant
WNED seeks an Accountant responsible for financial planning, budgeting, cost control and reporting related to production. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, and 5 years experience, preferably including cost accounting. Highly developed skills in verbal and written communications, planning and budgeting. See wned.org for more details. Cover letter and resume to: WNED, H.R. Dept., P.O. Box 1263, Buffalo, NY. WNED is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to excellence through diversity.
Administrative Assistant
WNED seeks a Part-Time Administrative Assistant to provide support to the Executive Vice President/COO, the Vice President/ CFO, and the Director of Human Resources. Performs high level administrative assistant tasks as well as various administrative support functions. College degree preferred; three years executive and/or Human Resources Assistant experience preferred. See wned.org for more details. Cover letter and resume to: WNED, H.R. Dept., P.O. Box 1263, Buffalo, NY. WNED is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to excellence through diversity. Help Wanted: Multi Family Building Specialist, Temp. High school diploma, experience in construction/ trades, 2 – 5 years experience in HVAC, familiar with building codes and OSHA requirements, possess proficiency in building energy auditing with at least 2 years experience. Responsibilities: Assist with pre and post testing for energy efficiency of eligible multi unit buildings, calculate heat loss and energy consumption, write specs on heating and hot water appliances. Please send resume and 2 references by March 12, 2010, to S. Shears, Executive Director, Niagara Community Action Program, Inc., 1521 Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14305. EOE Maintenance: F/t position, Must have basic skills in electrical, plumbing, drywall and painting. Must have own tools and dependable transportation, Please apply at 233 East Eagle St. Site Office Buffalo, NY 14204. E.O.E. Consumer Coordinator Coordinate consumer requirements for self-directed program that provides personal care attendants to Medicaid recipients. Resume to WNYIL, Inc., 3108 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214. EOE Independent Living Specialist 12-18 month duration. Works with individuals with disabilities to teach independent living skills. Resume to WNYIL, Inc., 3108 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214. EOE Peer Advocate Specialist Assist consumers with psychiatric disabilities to transition to independent living. Candidate must have a prior mental health diagnosis; Resume to WNYIL, Inc., 3108 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214. EOE Transition Specialist The candidate will work with institutionalized consumers to assist them in transitioning to independent living. Resumes to ILNC, 746 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14301. EOE.
Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position:
Social Worker I
F/T Social Worker position responsible for conducting the assessment of client’s residential needs within the community/housing setting. Acts as an advocate for clients with landlords, housing agencies, & contractors, etc. & maintain current awareness & working relationship with community resources available to support client needs. Assumes responsibility for professional development through participation in agency training, planning, & when appropriate; attend workshops & continuing education classes. Ideal candidate should demonstrate leadership in the recruitment, development, assignment of volunteers in order to increase their capacity to participate & possess a Bachelors or Master’s degree in Social Work or related field. Must have a valid NYS Driver’s license. Interested & qualified candidates may forward resume & cover letter with Job # 201014 to: Catholic Charities, 741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: HR. EOE/M/F
EMPLOYMENT
Kids Capital Childcare Center Inc. 1657 Kensington Ave. Suit 400 HIRING FOR TEACHERS Associates Degree or 12 credit hours in early childhood required. Contact Miss Jones at: (Phone) 716-833-5215; (Fax) * 716-833-5218 * (Email) kidscapitalbuffalo@yahoo.com Positions Available Immediately.
Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position:
MST Therapist
Seeking individuals for Erie County to provide community based treatment to families with youth with delinquent behaviors. Service is delivered according to a specific model that is evidenced based. Ideal candidate will possess an MSW, MA/MS in related fields, or BA with equivalent field related experience. Reliable transportation and willingness to work non-traditional hours required. Bilingual (Spanish/English) speaking are encouraged to apply. Interested & qualified candidates may forward resume & cover letter with Job # 201008 to: Catholic Charities, 741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: HR. EOE/M/F
State University of New York ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Announcement of Professional Vacancy February26,2010 COORDINATOR OF NURSING (AAECC) NURSING DEPARTMENT FULL-TIME/TEMPORARY JOB GROUP XII SALARY $ 50,820
#150-01-02-2010
DESCRIPTION: The work involves assistance to the Professor/Department Head in the planning, coordinating and supervising of varied administrative activities at the departmental level of the college. Under the supervision of the Professor/Department Head, assists with all administrative and academic functions within the Nursing Department. Exercises supervision over lower level personnel. Does related duties as required. REQUIREMENTS: Thorough knowledge of general education, nursing practice and nursing education; ability to plan develop and implement academic standards and programs under supervision; ability to coordinate and supervise the activities of others such as faculty and staff; good knowledge of the organizational needs of the College; ability to work well with others; Sound professional judgment; Tact; Must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from a regionally accredited , registered four (4) year college or University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, (Master’s Degree in Nursing preferred) and three (3) years of teaching experience, two (2) years of which must have been in a responsible educational, administrative or supervisory capacity. Send cover letter referencing Job #150-01-CH, resume, ECC Application, unofficial transcripts by: March 27, 2010
(Official transcripts required prior to employment) Human Resources Representative 716-851-1840 Mail to: HUMAN RESOURCES ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 4041 SOUTHWESTERN BOULEVARD ORCHARD PARK, NY 14127-2199
For immediate access to ECC Application go to: www.ecc.edu, Go to jobs at ECC, click on job postings, click on application.
Erie Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, members of minority groups, persons with disabilities, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.
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EVENING 829-Slick Willie & Number Bk (bx) 681-Ma Ruth (bx) 201-Lucky Duckie (bx) 214-Lucky Duckie & quick MOney (bx) 910-Number Book & Ma Ruth (Straight)
On-Going Events WEEKLY MEETINGS
*Stop The Violence Coalition Meeting: 5:30 p.m. 742 Delaware Ave. 882-7882. Fridays. *Buffalo Local Action Committee Meeting (BLAC): 6:30 p.m. Pratt Willert Center, 422 Pratt St. Thursdays *TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly): 6 p.m.; Edward Saunders Community Center, 2777 Bailey Ave.; 834-6095. Mondays *African Consciousness Workshop: 6-8 p.m.; Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. Mondays *The Israel of God Bible Study Class: 6 p.m.; 372 Feugeron Ave.; 897-2270. Wednesdays *Health and Healing Circles: 3:30-5 p.m.; CAO, 70 Harvard Pl.; 903-3290, Wednesdays *Moot Senior Center “Best Breakfast in Town”: 9-10:30 a.m. 292 High St., Wednesdays *Men and Women Support Groups: 5:30-7 p.m.; 1333 Jefferson Avenue; hosted by Group Ministries, Inc. Thursdays *Alcoholics Anonymous First Step Group: 8-9 p.m.; Memorial Medical Center Auditorium, 621 10th St. Niagara Falls. Fridays *Narcotics Anonymous: 5-7 p.m.; Memorial Medical Center Auditorium, 621 10t St. Sundays *Senior Bridge Club/Poker Club: 1-4 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021.
ENTERTAINMENT
*The Café at Masten & Eaton Presents “Friday Evening Jazz”: 8 p.m.; 230 Masten Avenue; 883-2311. Fridays *Swinging Sundays: 8:00 p.m.-12 p.m.; Colored Musicians Club, 145 Broadway; 855-9383. *“Classic Soul Mixer”: 7-10 p.m.; Pandora’s Restaurant & Bar, 2261 Fillmore Ave. Fridays. *Dinner & Live Jazz at Hot Stuff Southern Cafe, 829 Main St., Niagara Falls; featuring Diana M. Reeves Fridays 6-9 p.m. and “Gumbo, Grits & Gospel on Sundays 2-6 p.m.; (716)282-7883.
DINNERS
*Muhammad Study Group Lunches & Dinners: 579 Jefferson Ave. (corner of Jefferson & Frost); $10; 436-1460. Saturdays. *St. John’s Lodge #16 Free and Accepted Masons Charity Fish Dinner Fundraiser: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 17 Kingsley Street; $7; 885-5009 or 200-9129. Fridays
MARCH 3, 2010
CALENDAR OF EVENTS WEDNESDAY MARCH 3
THURSDAY MARCH 4
SUNDAY MARCH 7
Celebrating Women Veterans: Buffalo VA, 3495 Bailey Ave., 2-3 p.m.
Enterprise Charter School Board if Trustees Open Meeting: 8 a.m. 275 Oak Street.
“Breath Your Ancestor’s Air”: A Juneteenth Celebration of Community, Science Museum, 1020 Humboldt Pkwy., 10a.m. – 4 p.m. featuring Colored Musicians Club, Crusaders Drill Team, poets, children’s activities Locust Street Art, 50 Women With a Vision, Mary B. Talbert Club and more; 852-44562 or 896-5200.
THURSDAY MARCH 4 Zumba Fitness Class: 5:30-6:30, The 2nd Cup, 36 Broadway, 864-4592.
An Evening Reception Featuring New York Metropolitan Opera Soprano Angela Brown: 6-8 p.m., Kleinhans Music Hall; $100; Event to launch new fund, Cultures of Giving Legacy initiative, to help our youth.852-2857.
MONDAY MARCH 8
Celebrating Women Veterans: Women’s History Month Kick Off, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square; noon – 4 p.m.
Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission Meeting: 1 p.m., Frank Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson; 1 p.m.; open to the public.
SATURDAY MARCH 6
THURSDAY MARCH 11
HAITI RELIEF BENEFIT CONCERT & PARTY: Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. 10 p.m., tickets @ Doris Records, town Ballroom Box Office, www.tickets.com.
Zumba Fitness Class: 5:30-6:30, The 2nd Cup, 36 Broadway, 864-4592.
Believe for Buffalo After Party: 7 p.m., Forbes Theater, 512 Mai St. Zumba Fitness Class: 9-10 a.m., Delavan Library, 1187 E. Delavan; 864-4592.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 10 Harriet Tubman Awards Ceremony: 6-9 p.m., Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts School, 450 Masten Ave; free. 536-7323. Board of Education Meeting: 5:30 p.m., 801 City Hall.
BPS Elementary Lotteries Scheduled For March 15th – 19th Public Invited To Attend
On-Going Events DANCE
Dance Lessons with Smooth Steppers: Urban Line Dance, smooth style Ballroom, Steppin’ and Swing; CRUCIAL Center, 230 Moselle St., Saturdays at noon; Tuesdays at 6 p.m. $3; 633-7813. *Line Dancing With Pearl Harris: 6-7 p.m. Pratt Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt St. donation $2. Wednesdays *Community Dance and African Drumming Classes: African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue, 3 p.m. Saturdays and 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; $15 monthly; visit www.africancultural.org more information *Line Dancing Lessons, First Shiloh Baptist Church, 15 Pine St., 6:30 p.m. Fridays. 847-6555. Free. *Line Dance Lessons: 10 a.m.-Noon; Martha Mitchell Center, 175 Oakmont St.; 444-2046 or 833-1038, Tuesdays Wednesdays *Line Dance by George Patterson: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 896-7021, Mondays & Thursdays. *June-Teenth Afrikan Family Time Drum Dance and Song: 6-8:30 p.m.; GatewayLongview Family Resource Center, 347 Ferry Street. Fridays * Argentine Tango Every Monday with Travis Widrick 7 - 10 p.m. 1st hour beginners lesson,The Gallery @ Chow Chocolat, 731 Main St. *Salsa Night Every Wednesday with Calvin and Fanny 7 - 10 p.m .1st hour beginners lesson The Gallery @ Chow Chocolat 731 Main St. *Latin Night 1st/3rd Friday with Chun Poh, Salsa, Merengue, ChaCha, Bachata 8 p.m.- midnight, Chow Chocolat 731 Main St.
During the week of March 15th, the Buffalo Public School District will hold lotteries to fill vacant seats in the elementary grades for the 20102011 school term. All applications submitted to the Central Registration Center prior to the School Choice application deadline date (December 4, 2009) are eligible to participate in the lotteries. The lotteries, which are open to the public, will be held 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m. daily at the Central Registration Center located at 33 Ash Street (between Sycamore and Broadway Street). Parents/guardians of children born in 2006 may still submit a School Choice application for the pre-kindergarten grade level. These late applications may be considered for placement at those schools having vacancies after all lotteries have been held.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 1 Public Meeting: Board Of The Westminster Community Charter School, 3 p.m., M&T Bank, One M&T Plaza Downtown, 19th Floor. SATURDAY MARCH 13 Zumba Fitness Class: 9-10 a.m., Delavan Library, 1187 E. Delavan; 864-4592.
Urban Queens Chess Club Launched
The Urban Queens Chess Club will host Beginner classes during the month of March. The Urban Queens Chess Club teaches females of all ages to learn and play the game of chess. This program is the brainchild of Garnell W Whitfield Jr., Buffalo Fire Commissioner and Michael A. Mc Duffie, Archangel 8 Chess Academy founder. Classes will be held every Wednesday, March 4, March 11, March 18 and March 25 from 6 until 7:45 p.m., at the Frank Merriweather Jr. Branch Library located at East Utica and Jefferson Avenue. Chess sets, chess boards and instructions provided by the Archangel 8 Chess Academy.Students should register with reply to arcangel8chess@ yahoo.com with full name, email and telephone number.
POETRY
*Open Mic Poetry: 6:30-9 p.m.; EM Tea Coffee Cup Café, 80 Oakgrove St.
YOUTH
*Girl Scouts of America: 5-8 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 8967021. Wednesdays
EXERCISE
*Senior Fitness Class: 9:45-10:45 a.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021; Wednesdays *Exercise for Health: 9:30-10:30; Edward A. Saunders Center, 2777 Bailey Avenue; 332-4381 Thursdays *Open Gym: 5-8 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021. Fridays *Tae-Kwan-do: 6-8 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021. Mondays & Fridays *Senior Fitness Class: 9:45-10:30 a.m.: Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021. Mondays
RADIO/TV PROGRAMMING
*Sen. Antoine Thompson Radio Show, Thursdays 1-2 p.m.; WUFO Radio 1080AM. *Pro-Ject Access To A-Free-Ka Radio Show: 3-6 p.m. 1080 AM WUFO; hosted by Ras Jomo; call in 837-111,, Mondays. *Khametic Ascendants Buffalo: 9 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. (nite); Buffalo Channel 20 Video showings; live speakers. Wednesdays *My Time To Be Blessed! Channel 20, Cable TV, Evangelist Gloria Caver-Robinson Gill; Mondays and Fridays 2 to 2:28 p.m. Sundays. *Umoja Presents: 10:30 p.m.; Channel 20. *Jazz Favorites: 9-10 p.m. WBFO Radio 88.7 AM with host/producer Macy Favor and guest. *What’s Happening Buffalo and WNY: 8:30 a.m. MYTV Buffalo; host Esther Smothers.Sundays. *WHLD 1270 AM Real Distinguished Speakers Series: 3-4 p.m.; hosted by Marc L. Fuller, with guest speaker. Saturdays. *Affordable Homes Presents “Mo’ Money “Mo’ Money: 8-8:30 p.m.; WHLD 1270 AM Radio Ministry. Saturdays. MARCH 3, 2010
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GRAND CELEBRATION! GRAND OPENING! Pictured above are photos from Miss Barbara’s School of Dance Grand Opening Celebration Feb. 14. The beautiful new studio is located n the Delavan Station Plaza, Main at Delavan. Registration for kids and adults is ongoing! Call 834.1644. Congratulations!
Start Early! Start Strong! KING CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL Celebrating a decade of education excellence!
2000
2010
10 YEARS
KING CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL
“Top 10 School”
- Business First Magazine, 2009
Students At or Above Grade Level
95% Math 79% ELA 90% Science
Accepting Applications Free and open to all Buffalo residents. Serving grades K – 5
Apply Online or Call Today!
www.kccs.org (716) 891-7912 938 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14211 MARCH 3, 2010
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