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good news
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 / Vol. 46 No. 38
Read To Succeed Page 3
God’s Pharmacy Page 10 JUDGES: Promotions & Politics Page 3 50c
FEBRUARY 10, 2010
HAITI UPDATE The Tragedy Continues Page 4
Young, Gifted and Black!
In a box Governor?
Gov. David Paterson Lashes Back at Rumors: Insists leaving office early is out of the question ALBANY - New York Gov. David Paterson on Monday lashed back at what he called a “callous and sleazy” assault on his character in statehouse rumors and media reports that include accusations about womanizing and drug use, allegations he flatly denied. The Democratic governor told reporters that the media and New York politics have hit new lows, but that the situation won’t stop him from serving in office or seeking election to a full term in the fall. He cited as fabricated a Jan. 30 New York Post report that he was caught by state police in the mansion with a woman other than his wife. He said the room in which he was reportedly caught doesn’t PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BUFFALO, N.Y. PERMIT NO. 164
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Pretty little twins Savanah and London Smith are just four years old, but already their appreciation for music is being developed at the prestigious Muhammad School of Music where Henri L. Muhammad is founder and director. Muhammad School of Music is a Buffalo school that trains African-American and Latino youngsters in an art form with very few minorities – Classical Music. Musicians at the school recently performed a groundbreaking concert in Kleinhans Music Hall featuring the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra to celebrate the school’s 10th anniversary. Savanah and London, students at Angel Babies Day Care, are the granddaughters of Diane Turner.Beautiful!
even exist. And during a separate news conference Tuesday a defiant Gov. Paterson vowed today that he’d leave office early only if he’s hauled off “in a box.” “Let me let you know this: The only way I’m not going to be governor next year is at the ballot box, and the only way I’ll be leaving office before is in a box,” Paterson said “Actually, the more frustrated I get, the more I know I am going to be running” in November, he added. Paterson also said he has “not had any conversations about resigning because I don’t know why I would be resigning.” The rumors about Paterson’s personal conduct have been circulating in Albany — and sometimes appearing
BlackASoldier: The The Tea Party: Movement of in Bravery A Portrait Racial and Sacrifice Resentment? Page 5
New Orleans Elects 1st White Mayor in Over 30 Years Page 4
online and in newspaper reports — at a crucial moment in the governor’s career. His popularity has fallen precipitously, but he has vowed to run for re-election, even though many Democrats would prefer the state attorney general, Andrew Cuomo, to run in his place. In his interview with the press, Paterson would address most allegations only broadly but denied all sexual relationships and drug use that are among the accusations. He said he hasn’t been involved sexually with another woman since he and his wife separated more than
Knock, Knock, Who’s There? How to tell the difference between a Census Taker and a Con Artist Page 3
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SPEAK OUT!
Let The Challenger and WNY know what is on your mind. Send your e-mails to: editor@thechallengernews.com
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The Challenger
INSIDE ROCHESTER
Celebrating Black History Month Happy Black History Month. This is the time of year, I hear people complain about it being too cold, the month of February being too short, and that there is nothing to do in the Frederick Douglass City. Nothing could be further from the truth. Various churches in our city are hosting health screenings for AIDS, diabetes, Alzheimer's, your kidneys, high blood pressure and cholestrol. The Phyllis Wheatley Library, along with other libraries, features book readings by African American writers, films about President Baraka Obama and lectures on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman. Former Congressman Harold Ford visits the University of Rochester MARSHA 19th. The event is free. JONES on February Have you taken a tour of our Black radio station WDKX? Do you subscribe or pick up a copy of The Challenger? about... time magazine? The Minority Reporter? Do you even buy from black vendors? Patronize our Black bookstores? Have you visited the Malcolm X Resource Center? On TV, you can check out VH-1 and catch specials on the history of the 35-year old show Soul Train, learn something about the history of rap and catch celebrity profile. Our city has a lot of Black history. Austin Steward was Rochester's first Black businessman. Frederick Douglass was the first African-American to have a statue built in his honor; his birthday is Valentine's Day. Rochester was home to bandleader Cab Calloway. Poet Phillis Wheatley taught herself to read; she was the first American American to have her poetry published in the 1800s. Harriet Tubman's remains lie in Auburn, New York, about 45 minutes from our city. Dr. Juanita Pitts weas our first African American pediatrician. Charles Price was the city's first Black captain in the Rochester Police Department. Actor Taye "Scott" Diggs who appears on the show, The Practice is from Rochester. William Johnson, Jr. was our first Black mayor and served for 12 years. I can go on... Nationally, we elected our first African American President Barack Obama; a fact I'm still happy about that. The bottom line...if you haven't explored the contributions we as a people have made to America...maybe it's time you do. Talk to an elder, listen to Dr. David Anderson or The Black Storytellers, or dig out the information in a book, if we don't, we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes.
Black Heritage Month Activities
The City of Rochester is celebrating Black History Month with a few events. A food tasting will be held on Friday, February 19 at 5:30 p.m., in the City Atrium, 30 Church Street. The City will sponsor a Heritage Gospel Concert featuring Akoma and Voices of Thunder on Saturday, February 20, beginning at 6 p.m., at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 141 Adams Street. A Black Heritage Book Club will be held Sunday, February 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at St. John Fisher College's Haffey Hall, 690 East Avenue. Dr. Arlette Miller-Smith will lead a book discussion on Push, the novel by Sapphire. The culminating event is the Black Heritage Gala on Saturday, February 27, at 6 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Ballroom, 125 East Main Street. Tickets are $40.For more information, call 428-9857. Around Town: *February 11 to April 29th: MAAFA Celebration Committee TV Show, 9 p.m., RCTV Channel 15 *February 11-February 14: Sleeping Beauty at Robert F. Panara Theatre, 52 Lomb Memorial Drive. 7 p.m. show: February 11-13 and 2 p.m. February 14 *February 25:: Haiti Relief Benefit Concert, German House, 6 p.m. to midnight
Rochester Briefs *19th Ward Skating Party in partnership with NeighborWorks, Rochester and the U of RSaturday, February 13th from 2 pm to 4 pm at Genesee Valley Park Ice Rink Admission is FREE!Skate rental is $2.75 For questions, please call 328-6571. Children under 18 years must be accompanied by parent or guardian
*Harlem Gospel Choir: Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. Wadsworth Auditorium, State University College at Geneseo, College Drive, Geneseo. $16; $8 ages 12 and younger. (585) 245-5873 or
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Rochester Board of Education *Tuesday, February 16: Policy Committee Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Commissioner Jose Cruz chairs the Policy Committee, which also includes Commissioners Melisza Campos and Willa Powell. *Thursday, February 18:Finance Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Commissioner Willa Powell chairs the Committee,Thursday, February 25.
Donate blood to Upstate New York Transplant Services & save a life in WNY.
Community Blood Drives Saturday, February 13th 10am-4pm Broadway Market 999 Broadway Market, Buffalo 14212
Thursday, February 18th 4-8pm West Side Community Services 161 Vermont Street, Buffalo 14213
To schedule an appointment, please call 512-7940. Walk-Ins welcome!
UNYTS.org
No More
“I’m Bored!”
THE
AWAR D
Congratulations to Healthy Hero Debra Ross for her creation of a free weekly e-newsletter, devoted to informing parents about local activities that are fun, affordable, enriching and creative. Ross has created an invaluable resource for anyone responsible for keeping kids busy in an age-appropriate manner. KidsOutAndAbout.com covers activities, ideas and articles on everything from healthy eating to health tips and includes virtual tours of area playgrounds.
Greater Rochester Health Foundation recognizes individuals/groups who have gone above and beyond their normal duties to impact children’s nutrition and/or physical activity. Healthy Heroes are awarded $250 to be donated to the organization of their choice. The award is open to all residents of Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates counties.
To nominate a Healthy Hero visit
give peace a chance Page 2
FEBRUARY 10, 2010
The Challenger
Are a B r i e fs
READ TO SUCCEED! On a monthly basis, Read to Succeed, Buffalo (a local non-profit literacy coalition) hosts an adult and teen book club at the Buffalo and Erie County E. Delevan branch library. The adult book club, dubbed “The Urban Readers” and the teen book club, called “the Book Club, ” is facilitated by renowned storyteller/author Karima Amin. Books are selected each month by a different book club member. The selected books are purchased and donated by RTSB. Each member is allowed to keep the book for their personal library. On February 2, to kick off Black History Month, “the Urban Readers” and “the Book Club” invited local author/poet, Ntare Ali Gault, as their guest speaker for a “Read and Speak.” During the “Read and Speak” the members had the opportunity to listen and ask questions about Ntare’s book, “The Sun Will Rise: a Memoir of an Urban family.” This event was a major success! The book clubs welcome any new participants to join. The adult club meet on the first Tuesday of every month from 6-8 pm and the teen book club meets the first Thursday of every month from 6-8 p.m. as well. If anyone is interested in joining, call Tanisha DaCosta, Read to Succeed Library Project Coordinator at 716-896-4433.
The Tralf is Site for Upcoming Fundraiser For Haiti
On Friday, February 19, “The City of Good Neighbors” will come together at The Tralf, 622 Main Street from 6 – 10p.m. to support our families and loved ones in Haiti. Enjoy music from the Men in White Choir, D Mott & Sonny Camp, Brother Perry, The Chapel at CrossPoint, Delivered, Marshall Badger, Souls of Solomon, Allstar Band, Sons of Thunder, Evangelistic Temple Community Choir, Paragon, Favor, Kathy Bowman, Rosetta Swain, Reba Bush & Devine Favor, Brothers in Christ and more. Donate now to help survivors of the recent earthquake in Haiti. The worst natural disaster to strike the Western Hemisphere in the past century, estimates of the number of casualties are as high as 200,000, more than one million people were left homeless, and hundreds of thousands were injured. Please donate to help the relief and rebuilding effort. The fund raising effort is being sponsored b: The Tralf, Elder Jerry & Lady Vivian Snell, Sheila Brown & WUFO Radio, Greater Joy Baptist Church, American Red Cross, WMNY Radio, Wade Hawkins, and Solomon’s Temple Christian Ministry. Thanks to: City of Good Neighbors, Pastor Alan Dusel, Pastor George DuBois, Pastor James A. Lewis 111, Louise Bonner, Evangelist Anita Williams, Pastor Cleveland Howell, Lady Rev., Rev. Chambliss, Rev. Ronnie Benning, Bishop Bowman, Pat Ragin (Gospel Queen)
Stop The Violence Coalition to Host Annual Awards Banquet
TheStop The Violence Coalition (STVC) will host its 2nd Annual Awards Banquet Saturday, March 27 from 6 to 10p.m. at Harry’s Harbour Place & Grille, 2192 Niagara Street. The Coalition has earned a well-deserved reputation as the “Peacemakers of Buffalo” since it’s founding in July 2004. The community is invited to share in an evening of reflection and celebration of the organization’s accomplishments. This year’s theme, “Pressing On To Save A Generation,” speaks to those that make a sacrifice to respond to the needs of our youth by way of mentoring, resolving conflicts and guiding them on a path to make better decisions that ensure they have a brighter future. Youth will be honored from Stop The Violence Committee’s programmatic services, as well as leaders in the community that serve youth and make a significant impact in their lives. The keynote speaker will be Detra M. Trueheart, Founder of Young Miss Buffalo Pageant Scholarship Enrichment Program and President of Trueheart Speaks Enterprises. Also featured will be some of our talented local youth as musical guests. The program will also include baskets and silent auction, door prizes which will begin at 6 p.m., with dinner to follow at 7 p.m. Donations for this celebration are $50 per person or $500 per table. Gold, silver and bronze sponsorships are available. Deadline for tickets and ads is March 15, 2010. Call 882-7882 for more information. To place a journal ad call 444-1991.
VA Invites Community To “Salute Veterans” VA Western New York Healthcare System invites the public to participate in an open-house at the Buffalo site, 3495 Bailey Ave. on Feb. 12, at 1 p.m. during the National Salute to Veteran Patients. “The National Salute to Veteran Patients gives everyone a chance to let those who have given so much to our nation know that they are not forgotten,” said VA Medical Center Director William F. Feeley “We’ve invited local celebrities, elected officials, and other groups to visit during the week. We want people of all ages to bring Valentine’s Day cheer to our patients.” Individuals or groups wishing to participate in the medical center program should call the Voluntary Service office, 862-8672. FEBRUARY 10, 2010
Governor Paterson Appoints Justice Rose H. Sconiers to Fourth Judicial Department ALBANY, NY -- Governor David A. Paterson last week announced the appointment of Justice Rose H. Sconiers to the Appellate Division, Fourth Judicial Department. “I am proud to nominate such an accomplished and respected jurist to the Appellate Division,” Governor Paterson said. “Justice Sconiers’ experience and dedication on the bench will be a tremendous addition to the Appellate Division.” Justice Sconiers Justice Rose H. Sconiers has been a Supreme Court Justice, Eighth Judicial District since 1994. Previously she served as a Buffalo City Court Judge from 1988 to 1993. While serving as the assistant corporation counsel for the City of Buffalo from 1975 to 1987, she concurrently was the Executive Attorney of the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo from 1980 to 1987. She was in private practice briefly in 1975. Justice Sconiers has been active in professional organizations, including serving as President of the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York in 2003, and has been very active in supporting and leading programs for young people. In May 2009, Chief Judge Lippman designated Justice Sconiers as Chair of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission on Minorities. Justice Sconiers received her B.A. from Long Island University in 1969, and a law degree from SUNY at Buffalo School of Law in 1973. The annual salary for Justices of the Appellate Division is $144,000. This designation is not subject to Senate confirmation.
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a decade ago, an admission he made upon taking office 23 months ago. He also said he hasn’t used drugs since his early 20s. Paterson said the rumors have portrayed him as a fan of frequent partying, but he said that aside from fundraisers and official functions, he doesn’t go out much . “For the last couple of weeks I have been the subject of what, even by Albany standards, has been a spate of outrageous rumors about me,” Paterson said. He said the rumors had been stirred up by an as-yet unpublished New York Times investigation “that spawned a bunch of speculations that are so way out that it’s shocking,” he said. He said he now fears that all reporters are “stretching the bounds of journalism” in a race to get anyone to confirm a vicious rumor about him. “There is an accountability that should exist in the media,” Paterson said. “How do I get my reputation back? Because I don’t believe I have done anything to deserve this kind of bashing.” He said he doesn’t think he was targeted because he is New York’s first Black governor, but acknowledged that the allegations played to stereotypes about Black men.
Judge Ogden Seeks State Supreme Court Nomination Buffalo City Court Judge E. Jeannette Ogden is seeking nomination for 1 of 5 seats on the New York State Supreme Court ballot in the general election. In November of this year, voters in the 8th Judicial District will have the opportunity to elect 5 justices to the New York State Supreme Court. Justices Fahey and Dillon are seeking re-election to the Court. Justices Penny Wolfgang, Salvatore Martoche and Timothy Drury will reach mandatory retirement age and their 3 seats will become vacant and eligible for replacement in the November election. Political parties are required to select their candidates for State Supreme Court through the Judicial Convention process, rather than by direct primary election. The Judicial Convention is composed of delegates elected by voters of the same party in a September delegate primary. The party’s nomination of candidates is made at the Judicial Convention which takes place approximately 2 weeks after the September Primary election. Judge Ogden would bring a wealth of experience Judge Ogden to the Supreme Court. She has over 25 years of legal experience, 15 years of judicial experience and more than 30 years of community service. She was appointed to the Buffalo City Court in June of 1995 and twice elected thereafter in November 1995 and 2005. She was appointed Acting County Court Judge in 2001 and Acting Family Court Judge in 2003. She has handled thousands of cases since her appointment to the bench and gained a reputation of being a firm, but fair judge. An adjunct Instructor at the U.B. Law School, Judge Ogden has also taught courses in the Criminal Justice Department at Buffalo State College. She received degrees from both schools. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Ogden practiced civil and criminal law in the New York State Supreme Court. The 8th Judicial District is comprised of 8 counties in Western New York: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming Counties. In view of the size of the judicial district, the uncertainty of receiving a party nomination and the short period of time between the judicial convention and the general election, Judge Ogden is announcing her intention to engage in “friend-raising” to gain exposure to the electorate and in preparation for the election.
Knock Knock, Who’s There?
Better Business Bureau Warns Residents To Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data. The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice: ** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON’T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT
YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will NOT ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau. AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION. No Acorn worker should approach you saying s/he is with the Census Bureau. Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, postal mail, or in-person at home. However, the Census Bureau will NOT contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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The Challenger
WORLD NEWS ROUND-UP/ BY “AFRIKAN GEORGE”
New Orleans elects first White mayor since 1978
NEW ORLEANS - Mitch Landrieu was elected mayor of New Orleans on Saturday, the first time in over 30 years that voters of this majorityBlack city have chosen a White candidate. Landrieu, a Democrat and Louisiana’s lieutenant governor, won more than 50 percent of the vote, defeating a field of 10 other competitors and avoiding a run-off election. Democrat Troy Henry, a Black businessman, came in second. Landrieu, 49, the son of New Orleans’ last White mayor, Moon Landrieu, rode a wave of discontent over the slow pace of the city’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and rampant crime. Mitch Landrieu In his victory speech, Landrieu said his election showed that voters wanted a city that was “unified rather than divided.” About two-thirds of New Orleans’ population is Black and Landrieu was helped by his father’s legacy of desegregating the city. Moon Landrieu left office in 1978. The Landrieu family is a political force in Louisiana. Mitch Landrieu’s sister Mary is a U.S. senator. The mayoral election was overshadowed by Sunday’s Super Bowl in Miami, where the New Orleans Saints make their first championship game appearance against the Indianapolis Colts. Ray Nagin, the current mayor who can’t seek re-election due to term limits, was the public face of the city’s botched response to Katrina, which flooded 80 percent of New Orleans and killed 1,500 people. Some of its neighborhoods are still unfit for habitation due to flood damage, and its system of levees and flood walls -- protecting a city with large areas situated below sea level -- is vulnerable to a repeat of Katrina’s catastrophic flooding. Albert Arnold, 66, who lost his home in eastern New Orleans to Katrina, said Nagin’s performance on Katrina recovery and crime has been disappointing. “Crime is the biggest problem in the city, and it’s gotten a lot worse in the last four years,” Arnold said. However, this year’s election is less about race and more about “buyer’s remorse” from voters’ disappointment with Nagin, said Bernie Pinsonat, pollster and political strategist at Southern Media and Opinion Research. “You have a very unpopular mayor who’s a big disappointment to voters,” Pinsonat said.
Las Vegas Ranks Fourth in African American Homicides LAS VEGAS -- A new study ranks Nevada the fourth worst in homicides involving African Americans.
SC Politician’s Welfare Comments Called `Immoral’ COLUMBIA, S.C. –South Carolina’s lieutenant governor, Andre Bauer, a fiercely ambitious Republican with a reputation for reckless and immature behavior recently likened government assistance to the poor to feeding stray animals. At a town hall meeting recently Bauer, who is running for governor in his own right now that Sanford is term-limited, said: “My grandmother was not a highly educated woman, but she told me as a small child to quit feeding stray animals. You know why? Because they breed! You’re facilitating the problem if you give an animal or a person ample food supply. They will reproduce, especially ones that don’t think too much further than that.” South Carolina schools Superintendent Jim Rex, another Democratic candidate for governor, called Bauer’s comments “reprehensible” and said he should apologize. Bauer, 40, said later that he regrets his choice of words but that government should expect welfare recipients to try to better themselves. He wants to require them to take drug tests and attend parent-teacher conferences if they have children in school.
Update: Haiti Haiti Confirms Toll of Over 200,000
The Haitian government has now confirmed an earthquake death toll of over 200,000. Another 300,000 have been treated for injuries. The number of destroyed homes stands at 250,000, while some 30,000 businesses have been lost. Protests over a lack of aid continued Wednesday with a march on the mayor’s office in the neighborhood of Pétionville. Another 200 people rallied near the US embassy, calling for food and water. Meanwhile in the neighborhood of Cité Soleil, one resident said scores of people are still forced to sleep outside with no shelter.
One Million Earthquake Survivors Lack Food Aid
In Haiti, medical teams have launched a new campaign to vaccinate Haitian children, citing the potential for disease outbreaks for those crowded in makeshift camps around the capital. According to the Washington Post, US officials now report food aid has reached at least one million people— half the estimated number of people in need. The Toussaint Louverture Boulevard camp has taken in an estimated 12,000 people, but international food trucks haven’t stopped there once. At least 70,000 homeless families have received temporary shelter materials, but another 170,000 families haven’t received them. Daily protests against a lack of aid and recovery effort continued Tuesday when scores of Haitians gathered outside the police station in Port-au-Prince. One protester called on the Haitian government to deliver more assistance.
One Million Remain Homeless in Haiti
In Haiti some one million people remain homeless following the January 12 quake. International aid organizations have begun providing temporary housing supplies, but the aid is reaching just a fraction of the homeless population. Over the weekend, Doctors Without Borders handed out 1,800 tents. Last week, the United Nations said that more than 10,000 familysized tents had been distributed. The United Nations estimates that 460,000 people remain in makeshift camps throughout Port-au-Prince. Meanwhile, medical officials said clinics are still overrun with patients, and doctors are seeing an increase in infectious diseases.
US Missionaries Charged with Kidnapping Haitian Children
In Haiti, ten US missionaries have been charged with child kidnapping following their arrest for trying to leave the country with a busload of children. Some of the children reportedly had parents who survived the January 12 earthquake. The missionaries say they were only trying to rescue abandoned and traumatized children. Their attorney has faulted the group leader, who is said to have deliberately avoided seeking Haitian government permission. There has been speculation the missionaries will face trial in the United States because of the earthquake’s toll on the Haiti’s court system. US Ambassador Kenneth Merten said he’s in talks with the Haitian government on the case.
G7 Nations Pledge to Forgive Haiti’s Debt
Finance ministers from the G7 Industrialized Nations have pledged to forgive some $1.2 billion in debt owed by Haiti following last month’s devastating earthquake. Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty made the announcement during a two-day G7 meeting in the Canadian Arctic town of Iqaluit. Jim Flaherty, Canadian Finance Minister: “We are committed in the G7 to the forgiveness of debt. In fact, all bilateral debt has been forgiven by G7 countries vis-à-vis Haiti. The debt to multi-natural—multilateral institutions should be forgiven, and we’ll work with these institutions and other partners to make this happen as soon as possible. And we discussed the long-term reconstruction assistance that Haiti will need as it emerges from the current, urgent situation as a result of the earthquake.”
Clinton to Coordinate Haiti Relief for UN
The UN, meanwhile, has appointed former President Bill Clinton to coordinate international relief efforts in Haiti. As president, Clinton helped restore then-Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide after the first USbacked coup against Aristide. But Clinton was criticized for forcing Aristide to adopt neoliberal policies as a condition of his return. Since leaving the White House, Clinton has supported groups providing medical care to the Haitian poor, including Partners in Health. (By the Red-Eye Crew, Compiled with Dispatches from DemocracyNow.org )
Eve Named in Massive Money Laundering Investigation
Rapper-actress Eve is caught up in a huge U.S. Senate investigation into a multi-million dollar money laundering scheme involving her on-and-off again boyfriend Teodorin Nguema Obiang. According to ABC News, Senate investigators have spent the past three years tracking millions of foreign dollars flowing into the U.S. from the accounts of Obiang, the playboy son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea. Page 4
FEBRUARY 10, 2010
The Challenger AlterNet / By Rich Benjamin
White Racial Resentment Bubbles Under the Surface of the Tea Party Movement The simmering movement is the whitest phenomenon on the national scene, evident not just in its Caucasian numbers but in the bedrock beliefs stirring its anti-government contempt. Editor’s Note: Rich Benjamin’s commentary on the underlying “white grievance” currents in the Tea Party movement were buttressed Thursday by the statements of Republican Tom Tancredo, the opening speaker at the Tea Party convention. Tancredo told attendees that President Barack Obama was elected because “we do not have a civics, literacy test before people can vote in this country,” an allusion to how Southern states used literacy tests as part of an effort to deny suffrage to African American voters before the civil rights era.
The Tea Party movement, holding its first convention this weekend, is angling to be the most revolutionary force in American politics in name and in deed, since at least the 1960s counterculture. Only this time, the political insurgents command a party of Flour Power, not flower power. The simmering movement is the whitest phenomenon on the national scene, evident not just in the millions of Caucasians committed to its cause, but in the bedrock beliefs stirring its anti-government contempt. How fitting, therefore, that Sarah Palin keynote the movement’s first organized confab. Neglected in all the fevered conversation around the movement’s meteoric rise, and Palin’s selection, is any useful reflection on what the cause and this figurehead stand for: white racial resentment. Packed beneath her beehive is a spitfire brew of optimistic, yet aggrieved, whiteness. Palin embodies a bizarre, sometimes alluring, combination of triumph and complaint that many Caucasian Tea Partiers identify with through and through. Deciphering the racial codes on the movement’s ubiquitous placards does not require a doctorate in semiotics. One popular sign shows the president’s face and a caption: “Undocumented worker.” Another combines Obama’s image with this caption: “The Zoo Has an African Lion and the White House Has a Lyin’ African!” Aside from the festive, ad hominem attacks against President Obama, the Tea Party’s leaders and its rank-and-file rarely mention race in debate, instead tucking it just under the surface of “nonracial” issues like health care reform, public spending, immigration, and pointedly, taxes. Palin voices the right-wing drumbeat warning Americans that “government is on your back” and “you should keep your own money.” Alongside other avid Tea Party supporters like Tom Tancredo and Glenn Beck, Palin gins-up conservative whites’ existing resentment over race, carping over the “high taxes” for public services assumed to be wasted on “illegals” and minorities. Denouncing government assistance and free school lunches at a town hall meeting in late January, South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer, a Tea Party supporter, said: “My grandmother was not a highly educated woman, but she told me as a small child to quit feeding stray animals. You know why? Because they breed. You’re facilitating the problem if you give an animal or a person ample food supply. They will reproduce, especially ones that don’t think too much further than that.” At a Tea Party rally in Boone County, Kentucky (roughly 92 percent non-Hispanic white), Congressman Geoff Davis called cap-and-trade legislation “economic colonization of the hardworking states that produce the energy, the food, and the manufactured goods of the heartland, to take that and pay for social programs in the large coastal states.” In Tea Party-speak, “heartland” often means “white” -- what Palin calls “the real America” -- while “coastal state” means the urbanized communities that teem with racial minorities, doubling as “gateway states” for Latino immigrants. “Immigrants are 21 percent of the uninsured, but only 7 percent of the population. This means white folks on Medicare or headed there will see benefits curtailed, while new arrivals from the Third World, whence almost all immigrants come, get taxpayer-subsidized health insurance,” gripes Patrick Buchanan on his blog. “Any wonder why all those Tea Party and town-hall protests seem to be made up of angry white folks?” The Tea Party movement ventures a nasty turn from classic economic liberalism to white-hot anger. The bar-stool version of the Tea Party canard goes like this: Why should we, self-sufficient small-town whites, pay taxes to support all those welfare queens, food stamp cheats and Medicaid layabouts in the big cities and coastal states? The media’s version, parroted by Palin and other Fox talking heads, commiserates with Americans in the heartland, christened “the average taxpayer,” for unjustly having to subsidize ethnic enclaves that mooch off the national treasury. Well, not so fast. A disproportionately high share of our federal government’s tax income comes from racially diverse, immigrant-rich, urbanized states, including California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts; not from extremely homogeneous, conservative, anti-tax strongholds like Idaho, Montana, Utah, the Dakotas and Wyoming. All of this is not to say that any given rank-and-file member of the movement personally despises racial minorities. Rather, the Tea Party ethos is a direct descendant of the anti-tax segregationist politics that swept the South in the 1950s and ‘60s. Before the Tea Party’s debut, a whole generation of powerful southern Republicans propelled their careers through a conservative tax-cutting, privatizing, “free-enterprise” politics that remains wildly popular in America’s white outer suburbs and exurbs: Lee Atwater (GA), Newt Gingrich (GA), Dick FEBRUARY 10, 2010
EDITORIAL Armey (GA), Tom DeLay (TX), Karl Rove (AL, TX), and George W. Bush. These suburban and exurban Republicans intimately understood their constituents’ disdain for courtordered desegregation. They fueled the rising mania for “individual freedom,” “privatization,” “states’ rights” and social homogeneity that once defined their Southern home turf and now defines the Tea Party. To pernicious effect, white Tea Partiers cloak themselves in the anachronistic rights-based outlook fine-tuned by ‘60s-era women and minorities. What’s the d i ff e r e n c e between Sarah Palin and Al Sharpton? Lipstick. Pay closer attention: Palin is quite like the Baptist preacher from Harlem, only paler. Sharpton’s exurb-lovin’, carpoolin’, straighttalkin’ doppleganger has her hands tied fightin’ for an aggrieved “silent majority” -- or is it a vocal soonto-be racial minority? By 2050, non-Hispanic whites will be less than half the population. “Tea Party Nation is a user-driven group of likeminded people who desire our God given Individual Freedoms which were written out by the Founding Fathers,” according to the convention’s Web site. Tea Partiers will bend your ear about “freedom from government” or their “Hunters’ and Fishers’ Bill of Rights.” This whiteinflected rights-based outlook champions individual and neighborhood “freedoms,” withdrawn from the common nation, preoccupied by private interest, poised to behave according to private caprice. Tea Partiers contrive the right to live, make money, own property, zone neighborhoods, or protest taxes at will, without regard to the common good, a troublesome offshoot of rights-based agitprop. Race is the subtext of now-potent populist appeals to whites, who feel battered from a tsunami of economic and cultural change. The Tea Party counterculture is waging a proxy war over race during America’s rapidly shifting economy and demographic makeup. The Tea Party is sounding a siren call of aspiration and a primal scream of resentment -- a whoop to Flour Power.
SPEAK OUT
Michigan Street Baptist Church: A community’s Pride, A City’s Shame Dear Editor: Last Friday (February 5th), I attended the annual Black History Day Celebration in the lobby of Old County Hall. The event was sponsored by County Clerk Kathy Hochul and the employees of the court system. The invited guest speaker was Bishop William Henderson, immediate past pastor of the Michigan Street Baptist Church and a decades long volunteer curator of the Nash House. Bishop Henderson gave a passionate and inspirational speech regarding the history of the church and its connection to the Underground and Fugitive Slave Movements. I won’t go into details about his speech; those who were not there will have to hear it at a later date. I am going to talk about Bishop Henderson’s heart-breaking plea for his community (our communtiy) to help to save the physical building of the Michigan Street Baptist Church for future generations. First off, he thanked Rev. Darius Pridgen and the True Bethel congregation for coming to the assistance of the church with a loan to ensure that the grant awarded from the state of New York would not be lost. The grant was a matching grant and the Michigan Street Church had fallen short in their efforts to raise their portion of the money themselves. May God forever bless Rev. Pridgen but what about the rest of us? What can we donate to save this most sacred reminder of our ancestors’ struggle to be free so many years ago? It should not fall on Bishop Henderson, the current pastor or even the congregation to singlehandedly save the church. That particular duty or obligation belongs to all of us. Bishop Henderson said that ,several years ago, the church had received funding from the city of Buffalo but before the money could be disbursed, the city reneged on the allocation. The city officials cited some concerns about a church receiving public funds. ( I guess those same city officials forgot about the Delaware Asbury Church and its owner, singer Ani Difranco receiving hundreds of thousands in public monies to renovate that property). Where is the fairness in all of this? The agrument can be made that the Michigan Street Church is an historic site and has been designated as such. But with that designation, it should qualify for city, state and federal funding. Now, this monetary allocation will not happen without an outcry loud and long, from the African American Community. Now, that is the overall objective; however, the church needs our help now. Every person who is reading this article needs to send a donation, a love offering; or whatever you wish to call it, to the church as soon as possibe. The check or money order should be sent to Bishop William Henderson, c/o Michigan Street Baptist Church, 511 Michigan Ave., Buffalo, New York 14204. Please send whatever you can afford to help keep the legacy of that church and the memories of our enslaved ancestors alive for us, our children and future generations of children. -Eva Doyle
Rich Benjamin is the author of Searching for Whitopia: An Improbable Journey to the Heart of White America.He is senior fellow at the nonpartisan think tank Demos and sits on the board of the Roosevelt Institution. His commentary is featured on NPR and Fox Radio, and in newspapers nationwide.
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“Spiritual Woman”
CD Release: Gospel recording artist Gloria Caver Robinson Gill will host a CD Release event of her new CD, “Spiritual Woman,” on Saturday, February 13 at 5 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Temple, 425 Goodyear Avenue where the Pastor are Elzie and Janice Fisher. Surprise guests will also be on hand. The public is invited to attend. Call 602-1310 or 844-8849. A love offering will be taken.
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Gay Chorus To Perform in African-American Church Feb. 20 For the first time in Western New York, the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus (BGMC) will perform in an African-American church. The concert, entitled “Love Unbound,” will be presented on Saturday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. at Unity Fellowship Church (UFC) at 1420 Main Street in Buffalo. Admission is free and general seating is unreserved. Patrons desiring reserved seats may call the pastor, Rev. Gerard Williams at 347-238- 9299. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit the mission of the church. Refreshments and an opportunity to meet the clergy and the chorus will follow the program. Rev. Williams and BGMC Artistic Director, Barbara Wagner, have collaborated for several months in the planning of this special event. Progressive clergy from Western New York will also be featured to speak on the bounty of God’s love, its expression in same-gendered couples, and in the preciousness of ethnic religious traditions embraced by persons of color. UFC stands alone as a church in the African-American tradition which accepts same-gender-loving congregants with full inclusion. The denomination began in Los Angeles in the 1980’s as an essentially gay African-American church, and Rev. Williams has been working locally under national directive to develop a congregation in Buffalo for the past year. Entering its tenth year, BGMC seeks to support African-Americans who have been unwelcomed or pressured by a don’t-ask-don’t-tell
Continued Page 7
The Year to Remember! You know you should do it, and this is the time. Prices will never be more affordable than right now to make burial arrangements for you and your family at Forest Lawn. Select from many burial options: • Estate • Mausoleum • Feature • Traditional • Cremation All it takes is about an hour to prevent inflation and gain peace of mind by preplanning your cemetery property needs.
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DIVA! Sienna Green-Baker, a Trinidad
Tobago born native and talented young makeup artist, will host the grand opening of her new studio, Diva House of Beauty, with a Valentines Day Happy Hour on February 12, at The Opus Lounge, 252 Delaware Ave. (directly below the studio location) from 5 to 10 p.m. “I believe that makeup should not feel like it’s a chore, but more so part of your everyday lifestyle. When applying makeup it is to enhance your already natural beauty,� says Sienna. To achieve this look Sienna has partnered with Youngevity as an independent consultant and incorporates, and retails, their all natural mineral base makeup as one of the product lines used at Diva House of Beauty. Sienna says she is committed to making every customer feel beautiful inside and out. Diva House of Beauty is located at 250 Delaware Ave. Suite 16. For more information go to www.divahouseofbeauty.net
Salsa Teacher Hosts Valentine’s Party to Benefit Haiti On Friday, February 12, local salsa instructor and professional salsera Sarah “Saritaâ€? Hooper will host “Salsa con Amorâ€? (Salsa Dancing with Love), Salsa for the Soul’s Valentine’s Party, from 8:30pm to12:30am at 2nd Cup Restaurant & CafĂŠ, 36 Broadway. Part of the proceeds from the event will benefit the work of Doctors Without Borders in Haiti. Salsa con Amor will kick off with a free beginners’ salsa lesson with Hooper at 8:30pm. Latin Jazz Project, a 6-piece Latin music ensemble, will be providing live music for the night. Attendees can enjoy performances from UB’s Latin American Student Association, Alma Nanichi Dance Group and Sean Charles Apparel. There will also be open dancing to Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Cha Cha Cha throughout the night. Visit www.facebook.com./salsaforthesoul or email salsaforthesoul@ gmail.com for more information.
GAY MENS CHORUS continued
atmosphere at their home churches. For the past three years, the chorus has designated $14,000 to be directed toward the following three goals: (1) To stand up and show support for gay and lesbian (same-gender-loving) African-Americans who endure the triple stresses of homophobia, racism, and social classism. (2) To stimulate BGMC into becoming more culturally sensitive to and collaborative with the African-American community and its organizations in Buffalo. (3) To achieve these ends by finding a presence in venues accessible to African-Americans. TO ADVERTISE CALL 897-0442
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*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. *An Evening with Chrisette Michele, Thursday, Feb. 18, The Tralf, 8 p.m. $30 presale/$33 day of show all Ticketmaster locations. *COMEDY: Mike Epps with special guest Bruce Bruce & Friends, Friday, Feb. 19, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, tickets at Shea’s Box Office, Doris Records, ticketmaser. com *Ashanti, Friday, Feb. 26, 9 p.m., Tickets $55 on line at www.ticketmaster.ca; Fallsview Casino Resort, Niagara Falls, Canada; www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com.
ON STAGE *Snopp Dogg, 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 21, The Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. Tickets $40 a box office & Tickets. com *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. *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.
It’s Happening at Buffalo East *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. Opening night admission / reception is $27.50. 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
The following events will be taking place at Buffalo East, 1412-10 Main St. (nearr E. Utica). Call 713-9340 for more information. *Feb. 14 - Open mic titled “Love and Change” hosted by Verneice Turner at 3pm, followed by Gospel Open Mic at 5pm, hosted by Carole Milhouse, with keyboardist, Kiko and drummer, Brother Chris. Admission: Goodwill donations *Feb. 19 to 21 - “Doug’s Place” part of BE “Theater Bites Series” featuring Alemdaedae and Harold L. White with C. J. Tyes. 6:30 pm. Admission: Goodwill donations *Feb 21- “Harriet Tubman Speaks” a 15 min. presentation by actress Catherine Y. Robinson 5:30 pm. Admission: Goodwill donations. (Majority of the donations goes to the artists performing.)
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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 881-3266
*Readings at the Screening Room, Northtown Business Center, 1313 Sheridan (Bailey entrance); $2; 7139340 for info.
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FEBRUARY 10, 2010
The Challenger
Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye Opens Feb 12 At The Paul Robeson Theatre Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye opens Friday, February 12 at the Paul Robeson Theatre at the African American Cultural Center at 350 Masten Avenue. Adapted by Lydia R. Diamond, the stage play is based on Nobel Laureate Morrison’s haunting first novel, The Bluest Eye. The story follows 11-year-old Pecola Breedlove through, whose coming of age in Loraine, Ohio in the early 1940s is defined by fervent prayers for her eyes to turn blue. The narrative takes place over four seasons of her life, told by her girlhood friend Claudia MacTeer and Claudia’s older sister Frieda. “There are strong parallels between Morrison’s heart-wrenching story of Pecola, published in 1970, and the current Oscar-nominated movie Precious. We are very pleased this Black History Month to present this theatrical piece that addresses issues of racial image and identity from our history that continue to affect us in the present,” PRT Artistic Director Paulette D. Harris said. The play, which runs through March 7, is co-directed by Harris and Ibn Shabazz, a former PRT resident stage manager whose credits include The Meeting at PRT (1991) and productions of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Hen Party at Spelman College. Also an accomContinued Page 11
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HEALTH MATTERS
God’s Pharmacy : Eat to Live The popular email “God’s Pharmacy” presents a list of twelve items detailing certain fruits and vegetables. The unique content of the email is how the nutrient enriched body parts and functions correlate with the appearance of the foods providing those nutrients. 1. A sliced Carrot resembles the human eye including the pupil, iris, and radiating lines. Science indicates that carrots help protect the vision, especially night vision. 2. A Tomato has up to four chambers and is commonly red. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and helps prevent heart disease, prostate cancer, breast cancer and more. Tomato juice can also reduce the tendency toward blood clotting. 3. Grapes hang in a cluster that resembles the shape of the heart. The stronger the color of the grape is, the higher the concentration of phytonutrients. Grapes prevent heart disease and reduce platelet clumping and harmful blood clots. 4. Walnuts resemble the brain, mimicking the wrinkles and folds of the neocortex.Research suggests that walnuts may reduce the risk or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. The high concentration of omega-3 fats in walnuts promotes healthy brain function. 5. Kidney Beans, true to their name are kidney shaped. They provide nutrients that are helpful to the human kidneys. Kidney beans contain molybdenum, which helps sulfite oxidase to form and is responsible for detoxifying sulfites. Animal research has shown that chronic renal failure has been associated with oxidative stress. 6. Celery has a bone like appearance and is rich in silicon and Vitamin K, which are needed for healthy joints and bones You Are What You Eat 7. Avocados were used by the Aztecs as a sex stimulant and the Aztec name for avocado was ahuacatl, meaning “testicle” History of Avocados. An extract of avocado impedes the growth of both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. 8. Figs have a rich history and often been referred to as a sexual food, this is partly symbolic due to the appearance of the fruit. Figs are loaded with seeds and when halved, many note a resemblance to female genitalia. The Hindu name for fig is anjeer and research has shown that anjeer is helpful for sexual weakness Ficus carica - medicinal plants. Figs have also been mentioned as a source helpful for male fertility and motility. 9. Oranges, Grapefruits and other Citrus fruits have been compared to the appearance of female mammary glands. These fruits contain nutrients that are helpful in the fight against breast cancer. 10. SlicedOnions resemble skin cells and contain quercetin. Studies have shown when treated with a combination of quercetin and ultrasound at 20 kHz for 1-minute duration, skin and prostate cancers show a 90% mortality within 48 hours with no visible mortality of normal cells. Quercetin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 11. Sweet Potatoes resemble the pancreas and have a low glycemic index count, which is beneficial for diabetics. 12. Olives resemble ovaries and may help reduce hot flashes in women going through menopause. Research indicates that Olive Oil may reduce ovarian cancer by 30%.
Women’s Seminar To Focus On Making A Splash In Highly Competitive Job Market For the first time thousands of women across the nation are searching for work amid sobering competition as a result of the economic meltdown. On Saturday, February 27, BSMART Coaching and Events of Excellence, Management, LLC will co-present A New Year! A New You!, a high tea and seminar designed for women to help provide a competitive advantage in today’s job market. The program will take place at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, 641 Delaware Avenue, from 1 to 3 p.m. When the interview process is narrowed down to six candidates for one employment opportunity, a strong personal brand can clearly distinguish applicants from other candidates. A dynamic group of professional presenters will share expertise and tips on career development, financial planning, personal image development, personal fitness and corporate meeting planning. Program activities also include fun, creative exercises to promote networking with other professionals. “Whether you’re a recent graduate, seeking work, recently promoted, a new business owner or at the mid-career level looking for the next challenge,” says Melonya Johnson, president of BSMART Coaching, “this high powered gathering will provide valuable solutions to help you reach your career goals.” Cost is $25.00. To register for the event go to www.bsmartcoaching. com or for more information contact Melonya Johnson at 716.874.1918 or e-mail at melonya@bsmartcoach. com About B BSMART Coaching Melonya Johnson is president and CEO of BSMART Coaching which offers services in leadership
Twenty-One Each moment is fragile and fleeting. The moment of the past cannot be kept, however beautiful. The moment of the present cannot be held, however enjoyable. The moment of the future cannot be caught, however desirable. But the mind is desperate to fix the river in place: Possessed by ideas of the past, preoccupied with images of the future, it overlooks the plain truth of the moment. The one who can dissolve her mind will suddenly discover the Tao at her feet, and clarity at hand. -Hua Hu Ching Page 10
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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
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A new look, feel and delivery of medical care.
A Gift of Life Benefit for Lorraine Vance Burt Above & Beyond Event Planners, LLC is hosting a kidney transplant benefit on Sunday, February 14, from 6 to 10 p,m, for Lorraine Vance Burt at Metropolitan Entertainment Complex, 1670 Main Street. Lorraine is mother of three, a grandmother to eight, a sister to six, an aunt to over 50, a friend to many and a survivor. She has battled diabetes for 10 years. And although her diabetes is under control her kidneys are failing. Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure. Even when diabetes is controlled, the disease can lead to Chronic Kidney Disease and kidney failure. She was told her best option would be a kidney transplant preferably from a living donor; unfortunately no donor could be found. Her daughter, sons, and other family members were tested and none of them were a match. Lorraine was placed on the local kidney donor list, but was removed from the active donor list because she was such a difficult match. They told her to wait another year and continue on dialysis. Dialysis is treatment option, but not a long term one. The survival rate of a patient on dialysis is five to six years; and less for people with diabetes. Lorraine has been on dialysis for over two years; and she is diabetic. They can’t afford to wait. To find the help they need, they went to Washington, DC for a second opinion. Although, her daughter is still not a match for her mother because she has type O blood she has the chance to be a match for many others. So she agreed to donate one of her kidneys to a stranger and in exchange someone will donate a kidney to her mother. Lorraine (Vance) Burt is fighting for the opportunity to see her grandchildren grow-up. The community is urged to support this event to make it a success. Gift baskets, food items, beverages, certificates, etc. are being accepted. All tax deductible financial contributions can be made payable to: Lorraine Burt Kidney Transplant Benefit c/o Above & Beyond Event Planners, LLC 867 Jefferson Avenue, Suite B, Buffalo, New York 14204
development, executive and career coaching. While BSMART is positioned to work with individuals and companies; its specialty focuses on women’s development. Research is underway to uncover the correlation between increased revenues and a company’s inclusion of qualified women in senior level management. About Events of Excellence Management, LLC Barbara Kaczmarek and Andrea Merrill are the co-founders and event specialists for Events of Excellence
Sheehan Health Network Your patient-centered medical home.
THE COMMUNITY IS INVITED TO A GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION Friday, February 19, 2010; 3:00 - 6:00 pm 425 Michigan Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14203
• Prizes • Refreshments • Free Seasonal and H1N1 Shots • Guided Tours of the New Family Care Clinic
A variety of primary and specialty care services at one location. Call our Family Care Clinic at 716-848-2202 for an appointment. Medicaid and all insurance plans accepted. FEBRUARY 10, 2010
The Challenger
Special Thanks To The City Of Buffalo Words can’t explain the Joy I felt for the homegoing of my mom Marie Davis. I’d like to thank God for giving me the strength to accept her death. I cried for an hour the night she died, but as the word says “Joy comes in the Morning.” There’s nothing like being grounded in the Lord at a time like this. Only God could allow the peace we have with the loss of our mother. There are too many supporters to even try to name them all, but I can’t help but to thank the City of Buffalo from friends, community, and spiritual leaders to political leaders that came out on a Friday afternoon to give us the support and show love to our family. God was definitely in the house. It was awesome –Bishop Anthony T. BronDarnel JACKSON ner open up the doors of the Lords House on their off day ( he also baptized my mom at Calvary Baptist Church on Genesee St.). He gave a wonderful eulogy, best I’ve heard. Thanks to the wonderful staff who prepared the meal for our family. Everything was excellent. Pastor Staples from my home church First Shiloh Baptist Church came to our family’s aid to pray at my mother’s bed side with our family. I will never forget the love he showed us, also for the wonderful word he gave at the funeral.Thanks Pastor Staples from the bottom of our hearts. Rev. Darius Pridgen came to our family memorial dinner the day my mom passed and prayed for our family and friends. He was out of town for the funeral but was definitely there in spirit. Thanks Rev Pridgen for all your love and support Thanks to all of the following: Council Pres. David Francyzk who delivered a wonderful speech to the community and our family; to City Court Judge Jennette Odgen who took off from a busy schedule to come and show her love; City Court Judge McLeod who has showed his Love for our family; County Legislator Betty Grant and her husband George (Betty has always been there for me I will always be grateful ); Congress Women Louise Slaughter who came from Washington to meet with me a couple of months ago to give me the support I needed to do some wonderful things in the community, wasn’t able to make the funeral but sent a heart warming letter of support; Assembly Women Jane Corwin, who I met at a forum given by her and Jack Quinn a few months ago, who promised to support my efforts on the eastside and has continue to support our organization; A special thanks to Kendra from Senator Gillibrand office for taking time from your busy schedule to represent the Senator in showing support. Special thanks also to Rev Cushing from Epiphany United church who has been of my main supporters for over 15 years and has remained there for me and my family whenever we needed him, I can’t thank him and his lovely wife Jennifer enough, along with his church family who have supported me and the eastside of Buffalo, one who understands me when no one else does and has shown me more love than I could imagine. My wife Dee Dee, my family and I love you for your unconditional love And Last but not lease Mr. Jim Turner who has been there for our efforts and has contributed so many blessing and contacts. I will never be able to repay you Jim for all your good deeds, but like you have always told me God gets the Glory not you. That has always stuck in my heart and mind. You showed me what a real Christian is made of. You along with Rev. Cushing have shown me what its like to be able to let go and let God. If I left anyone out, please know that I Love you all. Special thanks my Dad, my mother-in-law Ms. Jessie Hughes, my sister Cookie and friends, my niece Tai, my sister-n-law Rochelle who is always there for me (love you Shelle) and Malika Henry and especially my wife DeeDee who has shown me what a wife is suppose to be for her husband. I love you more and more each day. This is what Love and Support is all about. If we support each other with love and respect there’s nothing we can’t accomplish. This year is the year for real change. Lets put our differences aside. We all say we love Buffalo and we all love the Lord, then let us do what would Jesus would do in times like these. Please Buffalo support the Challenger Newspaper. And thanks Alnisa for keeping it truthful and real. Hope you bought a Challenger this week! Call 897-0442 to get your subscription delivered to your home. Remember Real People do Real Things .. “Our history did not begin in chains. It will not end in chains.”
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”
I CHING
Published by Challenger Communityy News Corporation P.O. Box 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 Phone: 716.464.3738 Email: advertising@thechallengernews.com
Published Every Wednesday
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“We wish to plead our own cause. too long have others spoken for us.” -John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal, 1827 America’s First Black Newspaper
We respectfully submit that the opinions expressed on the editorial pages of this newspaper are not necessairly those of Challenger Community News Corporation or its advertisers.
FEBRUARY 10, 2010
2010 Black History Month Events Honor Our Past February 12 *The Second Annual Western New York African American Arts Celebration, Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, Opening Reception 7 p.m. There will be a Soul Food and African potluck dinner. For more information contact the NACC office at: 282-7530 February 13 Along This Way: Storytelling In The African Tradition ( 20th Year Celebration) Featuring We All Storytellers – Karima Amin & Sharon Holley, Percussionist – Eddie Sowande Nicholson, Vocalist – Joyce Carolyn, 2 p.m. Frank E. Merriweather Library 1324 Jefferson Avenue. Free Admission.
February 14 *A film featuring the life of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, will be shown. The theme of the program will be, “To the Minister, With Love.” Scenes in the film will show little known facts about Minister Farrakhan. This program will also be in observance of the upcoming Saviors’ Day Convention in February. Merriweather Library from 2 – 4 p.m. For more information call Eva Doyle at 8476010 or send an email message to ewriter52@aol.com. *“For Love of liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots” WNED-TV. February 15 *“For Love of liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots WNED-TV.
Holley with the cooperation of Tradition Keepers:Black Storytellers of Western New York and the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library will host a community African American Read-In on Sunday, February 28 from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. The community is invited to attend the Read-In at the MerriweatherLibrary and to bring a
passage to read or share written by an African American author. Maximum reading/speaking time is 3 minutes. If you are interested in participating, contact Sharon or Kenneth Holley at 886-1399 or send e-mail to jordanholley@aol.com. Or contact Mrs. Bush at the Merriweather Library at 883-4418. The program is free and open to the all.
THE BLUEST EYE continued from page 9 plished actor and playwright, Shabazz studied under the mentorship of Saul Elkin and Ed Smith while attending the University at Buffalo. His new play, Insidious, will premiere in July 2010 at the Road Less Traveled Theatre in Buffalo. The cast includes both PRT veterans and newcomers, with Ebony Pace as Pecola and Ciandre M. Taylor as Frieda. Other cast members are Annette Christian (Mrs. Breedlove), Germaine Robinson (Claudia), Debbi Davis (Mama), Ashley Dolson (Maureen), John Vines (Soaphead Church) and Marcus Thompson Jr. (Cholly). ’The Bluest Eye’ is about the dumping of toxic racial and socioeconomic inferiority carcinogens into our community and society at large. These carcinogenic agents, from the well-intentioned ‘Dick and Jane’ elementary school primer to not-so-subtle disdainful looks and outright aggression, all lead to a cancerous internalized self-loathing that manifests in a little Black girl longing for ‘the bluest eyes’ to make her pretty,” Shabazz said. In recognition of Black History Month 2010, the PRT will host a free screening of 1934 movie movie Imitation of Life with Claudette Colbert, Louise Beavers and Fredi Washington – whose theme is similar to both the novel The Bluest Eye and the movie Precious) – on Thursday, February 24 at 7 p.m. at the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue. Harris and Shabazz will host an audience talkback entitled “Peola, Pecola and Precious” immediately following the 4 p.m. performance on Sunday, February 28. In recognition of Black History Month, we want to give people the opportunity to dialogue about powerful subliminal messages that may still be relevant today,” Harris said. Tickets for Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye are on sale now at the Paul Robeson Theatre box office. Opening night admission is $27.50, which includes a “Meet the Cast” reception after the performance: 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 are available. Curtain time is 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Thursday February 18 *THOMPSON HOSTS BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION: NYS Senator Antoine M. Thompson will host a celebration in honor of Black History Month on Thursday, February 18 at the Doris Jones Family Resource Center at 3001 Ninth Street, Niagara Falls from 7 to 8:30 P.M. The event consists of an evening of music, poetry, storytelling and more. February 21 *Celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Eye On History column. It will include a tribute to the late scholar and historian, Dr. Asa Hilliard with a film called “Return to the Source.” 2 - 4 p.m. at the Merriweather library. Free and open to the public. For more information call Eva Doyle at 847-6010 or send an email message to ewriter52@aol.com. February 26 *8th Annual Conference on African and African American History and Diversity, McKinley High School.
“What is planted cannot be uprooted.What is well embraced cannot slip away.”
Our news deadline is at 5 pm on the Friday prior to Wednesday publication. Deadline for ads that require in-house design is 5pm Wednesday.Elecronically transmitted ads, Friday @ 5 p.m. Deadline for classified ads is Thursday at 5 p.m. Deadline for cameraready/or electronically transmitted ads Friday at 5 pm.
EDITORIAL
February 27 *8th Annual Conference on African and African American History and Diversity, McKinley High School February 28 *AFRICAN AMERICAN READ-IN: Kenneth and Sharon Page 11
The Challenger
Archangel 8 Chess Academy on The Move A new enrichment program where Archangel 8 Chess Academy chess club students learn to play, strategies and tactics. The club is directed by Michael A. Mc Duffie, a certified chess coach with the US Chess Federation. The Archangel 8 Chess Academy teaches and trains urban and surburban players to become better at chess or become a tournament player. Chess players range from kindergarten students to adults. This is hopefully the beginning of reestablishing the Buffalo City Chess League for scholastic chess players. There will be four players out of 10 who will be playing in the Barack Obama Presidents Day Grand Prix Chess Tournament, Saturday, Feb 13, hosted by Garnell W Whitfield Jr of the Buffalo Fire Department and the Archangel 8 Chess Academy. The tournament will be held at the Main Place Mall, Upper Level, 390 Main Street. For more information please email to arcangel8chess@ yahoo.com. The scholastic section is open to all chess players in grades K - 12th. The following players (pictured above) were in attendance where the guest speaker, Dr. James J. Paul, a tournament player with the US Chess Federation, introduced chess tactics and opening principles to William Green Jr. 12th grade and 10th graders James Hampton, Joshua Hampton and Maynard Vanever. The Chess club meets every Monday and Tuesday from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. each week. Chess tactics books, tactical software, digital chess clocks and scorepads are on the teams wishlist to help train the players to their full potential. The East High Chess Team will also play against teams from The Enterprise Charter School and Bishop Timon teams. Michael A. Mc Duffie the founder of the Archangel 8 Chess Academy was honored at the Garnell W Whitfield Jr Grand Prix Tournament in December as the “Chess Educator of the Year 2009” by Dr. Mark Mieth, a Regional Director from Empire State Chess. Mc Duffie was also honored by the Buffalo Chapter of the NAACP by President Frank Mesiah with the Daniel Acker Community Service Award for the establishment of the Urban Knights Chess Club which meets every Wednesday at the Frank E Merriweather Branch library. For more information, please email to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com or media calls only to 716-639-7702.
EOC Offers Free Tax Preparation Services The University at Buffalo-Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) will provide free tax preparation services to taxpayers with an annual income below $49,000. Free tax preparation services are available at EOC, 465 Washington Street, Downtown Buffalo, Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; additional hours are available by appointment. Participants are required to bring: Proof of Identification, a Social Security Card for the taxpayer and each dependent; Date of Birth for each dependent, W-2 and 1099 forms; last year’s federal and state tax returns; bank routing and account numbers, if direct deposit is desired. For more information contact Mr. Luke, at EOC, 849-6727, ext.197. Page 12
BIDS PROJECT: BUFFALO PUBLIC SCHOOLS: BPS #305 McKinley High School Bids: Sealed bids will be received at the office of LPCiminelli, Inc., 2421 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214 at 2:00 PM, on March 29, 2010 for the contracts listed below. Pre-Bid Meeting: A pre-bid meeting will be held at BPS #305 McKinley High School on March 9, 2010 at 3:00 PM, located at 1500 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14207. All bidders are urged to attend. Site Tours & Information Sessions: Tours of BPS #305 will be available immediately following the Pre Bid Meeting. Contracts: The Project will be constructed using a multiple subcontract format. The following subcontracts will be bid at this time:
bids ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive separate sealed bids for the following contract work: JOB NUMBER CONTRACT NAME BMHA Job #10-03-CF-GC (General Construction), for Various Improvements at Commodore Perry Extension (Rowhouses) & BMHA Job #10-03-CF-A (Abatement) for Various Improvements at Commodore Perry Extension (Rowhouses) DATE/TIME OF PREBID MEETING Tuesday, February 16, 2010 At 10:00 A.M. DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS (OPENING) Friday, February 26, 2010 at 3:00 P.M. Prebid Conferences will be held as stated above 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. Separate Sealed bids for each above mentioned BMHA Job will be received until the time stated above 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 open and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time. Sets of contact documents may only be obtained at the Capital Improvements Office t 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 items required by the contract documents and to reject and and/or all bids submitted. Dated: February 1, 2010 COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS CAYUGA CREEK RD/WILLIAM ST CULVERT REHABILITATION, CHEEKTOWAGA, NY, PROJECT BR165-1-09 BID DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $ 14,000.00 GEORGE URBAN BLVD CULVERT REHABILITATION, CHEEKTOWAGA, NY, PROJECT BR316-2-09 BID DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $ 5,000.00 RAPIDS ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT, CLARENCE, NY, PROJECT BR43-1-09 BID DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $ 30,000.00 SENECA CREEK ROAD CULVERT REPLACEMENT, WEST SENECA, NY, PROJECT BR325-1-09 BID DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $ 11,600.00 The Department of Public Works, Division of Highways, is seeking sealed bids for various bridge and culvert replacement or rehabilitation projects. Sealed proposals will be received at the DPW-Division of Highways Main Conference Room 1404, 95 Franklin Street, 14th floor, Buffalo, NY at 10:00 a.m., February 25, 2010. Bid deposit is required for each project bid. Plans will be available for purchase at $100./set per project from February 11, 2010 through bid date. Pre-let meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 18, 2010 10:00 a.m. at the DPWDivision of Main Conference Room 1419, 95 Franklin Street, 14th floor, Buffalo, NY. Bid submittal details are on the Erie County website at: www.erie.gov/bidproposals.asp
Contract 100 Asbestos Abatement/Demo Contract 101 General Construction Contract 205 Structural Steel ** Contract 102 Masonry Contract 103 Roofing Contract 104 Windows * Contract 105 Drywall/Acoustical Contract 106 Painting Contract 107 Plumbing Contract 108 HVAC Contract 109 Electrical Contract 916 Electrical/Data (DWT) (Alternate to Contract 109 Electrical) ** “Bidders on Contract 102 Masonry, 105 Drywall/Acoustical, Contract 108 HVAC MUST BE a Certified Woman Owned Business Enterprise or a Certified Minority Owned Business Enterprise as defined in Specification Section 00900 Development and Diversification Plan for Workforce and Business, Section II Business Development and Diversification Rules”. The following Contracts will be bid at a later date:
Contract 901F – Building Systems Contract 906 – Flooring Contract 920 – Security (DWT)
Coordination between Contracts 100, 101, 205, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109 and Contracts 901F, 906 and 920 will be required. Workforce and Business Diversification: It is the policy of the Program Provider to provide equal opportunity for all qualified individuals and businesses, to prohibit discrimination, and to promote full realization of equal opportunity through positive continuing programs. Refer to Section 00900 of this Project Manual, Development and Diversification Plan for Workforce and Business. Definitions: The Owner shall be defined as the City of Buffalo City School District as Agent for the Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA), Buffalo N.Y. and the Joint School Construction Board. The Owner has retained the services of LPCiminelli, Inc. as Program Packaging and Development Services Provider herein after referred to as the Program Provider. The Architect for BPS #305 shall be defined as Cannon Design. Opening of Bids: The proposals will be privately opened. Consideration of Bids: The Program Provider reserves the right to waive any informalities in the bid proposals, to reject any or all bids, or to issue any contract which it deems to be in the best interest of the Project. Bidding Documents: The Bidding Documents may be obtained starting on Friday, February 24, 2009, through Reprocraft located at 282 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202, upon the deposit of $100 per set, by check made payable to LPCiminelli, Inc. Bid deposit will be refunded to bidders returning the Bidding Documents in good condition within 30 days of the Bid Date. To obtain Bidding Documents contact Reprocraft at (716) 847-6262. Bidding Documents may be examined at the following locations: LPCiminelli, Inc. – 2421 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214 Buffalo Board of Education Plant Services Department – Room 406 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202 Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY, 2660 William Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14227 Reed Construction Data, On-Line Viewing Site Only: www.reedconstructiondata.com Builders Exchange, Inc., 180 Linden Oaks, Suite 100, Rochester, NY 146252837 Southern Tier Builders Association, 65 East Main St, Falconer, NY 14733 The Outsource Center, 1649 Fillmore Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14211 Other locations where contractors and subcontractors normally view plans. Plan Holders List: An updated Plan Holders List may be obtained by accessing LPCiminelli’s website at www.lpciminelli.com. The list is updated on a daily basis and can be found under “Bidding” and the school name. Request For Information: Request for information regarding BPS #305 Bid Documents shall be submitted in writing to the attention of Mr. Carl York at LPCiminelli’s Main Office for PS #305, Fax: (716) 854-6655 or email: cyork@ lpciminelli.com.
END OF SECTION 00100 FEBRUARY 10, 2010
The Challenger
CLASSIFIED
employment Special Event Coordinator
(Part-Time)Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, college degree, 3 years special event /fundraising event planning exp. Planning & follow-through for Olmsted Gala (July); BFLO Jazz Festival (July); Golf Tournament (August); Party for the Parks (September) and Fall Fest (October). Proficient in Word, Excel, Publisher & Outlook. Resumes, cover letter, salary req. by Feb. 20, 2010 Olmsted Parks Conservancy Attention: Special Events 84 Parkside Avenue Buffalo, N. Y. 14214 Email: jdudek@buffaloolmstedparks.org Fax: 716-835 -1300 www.buffaloolmstedparks.org EOO 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 MSA, MA/MS in related fields, or BA with equiv field related experience. Reliable transportation & willingness to work nontraditional hrs required. Bilingual (Spanish/English) speaking are encouraged to apply.
Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position:
Administrative Assistant for Human Services Agency: Send resume to ILNC, 746 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14301-1941.EOE
F/T Assistant Director to provide overall clinical leadership and coordination of Clinical & Aging Services behavioral health outpatient services. Assists the Department Director and unit supervisors with setting goals and standards, providing for the training and development needs of staff. Candidate must be licensed QHP with Masters Degree or Doctorate and a minimum of five (5) yrs professional experience in a supervisory or senior management capacity in a behavioral setting. Strong communication and teaching skills with outstanding clinical assessment and treatment skills.
Counselor, Part Time: Niagara County Community College is seeking a part-time counselor in student services to work in the College’s Wellness Center. Please see web site www.niagaracc.suny.edu for information, qualifications, and application instructions. NCCC is a SUNY AA/EOE Institution.
Assistant Director
Interested & qualified candidates may forward resume & cover letter with Job # 201009 to: Catholic Charities, 741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: HR. EOE/M/F
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 Tuesdays 12 NOON - 1 P.M.
Propossals NOTICE OF INVITATION TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES Proposals are requested by the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, Division of Sewerage Management (DEP/DSM) for the Erie County/Erie County Sewer District No. 3 Sanitary Sewer System Improvements South Buffalo (Hillview Avenue) Pumping Station Replacement. In accordance with Local Law No. 6, proposals are hereby invited for the subject project. Proposals are to be submitted in the exact format of submittal available from Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, Room 1034, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202, Telephone (716) 858-8383. Proposals will be due March 11, 2010. A Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held at the same address above in Room 1004 at 10:00 A.M., on February 18, 2010 for the purpose of discussing the project with interested respondents. The DEP/DSM emphasizes that declining to respond at any step of the procurement process prior to selection will not hinder firms from being solicited for future jobs. To obtain a copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP) or review documents related to this invitation, please call the above number, write to the above address or e-mail senkers@erie.gov. This invitation does not commit Erie County Sewer District No. 3, Erie County, or its Department of Environment and Planning to accept any priced proposal, nor does it obligate Erie County for any costs associated with preparing or submitting proposals. BY: FEBRUARY 10, 2010
Michael J. Quinn, P.E. Deputy Commissioner Erie County Department of Environment & Planning Division of Sewerage Management
Culinary Arts (Baking and Pastry Instructor): Niagara County Community College is seeking applications for part-time instructors to teach baking and pastry and/or other culinary art courses. Please see web site www.niagaracc/suny. edu for information, qualifications, and application instructions. NCCC is a SUNY AA/EOE Institution. Nurse: Niagara County Community College is seeking a part-time college nurse for the college’s health services. Please see web site www. niagaracc.suny.edu for information, qualifications, and application instructions. NCCC is a SUNY AA/ EOE Institution. Computer Support-Daemen College is seeking a part time PC support person. 20 hours per week. Flexible schedule requires daytime availability. No weekends. Responsibilities include assisting the IT Manager in providing end user support which also includes basic IT support for the college. This includes the installation, configuration, upgrade/troubleshooting of computer hardware and software including Microsoft Windows/Office, web browsers and antivirus software. Must be able to lift general computer equipment including desktop computers, monitors and printers.AA degree required. Review of applicants begins immediately and continues until position if filled.For consideration submit letter of interest, resume and contact information for three professional references to Personnel Director, Daemen College, 4380 Main St., Amherst, NY 14226.E-mailed applications to personnel@daemen. edu preferred. Daemen College is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, women and candidates who will contribute to and support the cultural fluency and diversity of our campus.
Board of Education Buffalo, New York Division of Purchase 716-816-3585 **Sealed proposals will be received in Room 816 City Hall On: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. local time for BID # 09-10-065 BID for EDUCATIONAL MUNIPULATIVES Specifications and bid forms are available in Room 816 City Hall; and on website www.buffaloschools.org/PurchaeDept.cfm Jennifer LoTempio Purchasing Agent
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Seeks to fill the following position: AIRCRAFT RESCUE FIREFIGHTING OFFICERS Job Number 005-10-N Duties: Under the direction of the Chief, Aircraft Fire and Rescue, perform firefighting and related tasks; respond to all emergency requests within BNIA ARAF jurisdiction; conduct training sessions as directed. Maintain and clean Fire Department buildings and grounds. Operate and maintain all department vehicles. Respond to structure fires, aircraft incident, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous material incidents, miscellaneous rescue requests, and emergency medical requests. Operate ARF dispatch and other airport communications systems; maintain presence in the airport terminal. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent. Firefighter 1 & 2 Certification preferred. Must possess and maintain valid New York State Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record. Must possess and maintain valid NYS Emergency Medical Technician Certification, or be able to obtain such within 6 months of employment. Basic computer skills preferred including the ability to use MS Word and Excel to prepare reports and complete routine tasks. To be eligible for appointment to this position candidates will be required to complete the following: criminal background check, drug/alcohol screening, interview(s), medical examination, written exam, physical agility test, and safety assessment survey. Interested persons should visit www.nfta.com to view complete job description. To apply: Send NFTA employment application with resume and cover letter specifying the job number 005-10-N to: NFTA Human Resources 181 Ellicott Street Buffalo, NY 14203 Application Deadline: March 1, 2010 The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Genesee Community College (State University of New York) has the following anticipated openings for the Fall 2010:
Director of Veterinary Technology Program: Credentialed Veterinary Technician (AMVA accredited program) with Masters Degree required. Licensed veterinarian (DVM) is preferred. Three years experience in a veterinarian practice as a certified Veterinary Technician or a DVM that includes one year supervisory experience required. Teaching experience and curriculum development is preferred. Director of Polysomnographic Technology Program: Registered Polysomnographic Technologist and Masters Degree required, preferably in a related field. Three years broad clinical experience as a practicing Polysomnographic Technologist and one year supervisory experience required. Teaching experience and curriculum development is preferred. Ideal candidates will possess a passion for teaching and learning, a sense of humor, a positive attitude and a willingness to embrace technology. They will strive to create and maintain personal connections with students and the college community. (S)he must be a friendly, enthusiastic team player with a strong work ethic who contributes to Genesee’s supportive community, dedicated to effective innovative strategies for student success. For more details and to apply on line visit www.genesee.edu/about/ employment/. Applications accepted through March 15, 2010. Please include a cover letter, resume and contact information for four references. GCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering diversity in its faculty, staff, and student body, and strongly encourages applications from the entire spectrum of a diverse community.
2 BEDROOMS
For Rent: Upper apt. 2 bedroom, $400 plus utilities, area- Kensington Ave. near Burgard High School. Call Tina (716)563-2185. 2 & 3 BEDROOMS
EAST SIDE APARTMENTS AVAILABLE *Two and Three Bedroom Apartments starting at $395 plus security. Apartments Section 8 Ready. Call 836-8686.
1 & 2 BEDROOMS
1490 ESTATES
SENIOR CITIZEN APARTMENTS
Accepting Applications for: Spacious 1 Bedroom Apartments for anyone 62 or Older Appliances, Carpeting includes Off-Street Parking, Free Heat & Hot Water. Rents based on Income. For Information Call 881-6654.
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SUN 1/31
NUMBERS
WIN 4
MON 2/1
MID-358 EVE-816
TUES 2/2
MID-835 EVE-509
WED 2/3
MID-397 EVE-772
THURS 2/4
MID-996 EVE-590
TAKE 5 LOTTO HOT TIPS
3-5-7-18-38
4-5-17-19-26 12-14-29-31-36 8-10-11-29-38
MID-831 EVE-780
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900-123
3-5-10-21-32 1-15-25-29-32 6-11-25-31-38
23-24-43-44-55-5#51 Extra #8
202-000 615-514
189-666
ZAKIYYAH’S RUNDOWN 285-917-406-084-430-067-743-219-894-104269-101-704-242-715-964-683-165-728-178641-218-344-909-753-302-422-934-396-017914-042-706-868-253-983-832-242-436-817 BUFFALO BETTY Aquarius-236-438-943-318 * Pisces-404-107-105-429 Aries-469-418-165-538 *Taurus-566-206-359-528 Gemini-146-328-516-419 *Cancer-569-304-123-829 Leo-678-517-046-435 *Virgo-569-506-257-539 * Libra-139-719-059-427 * Scorpio-102-408-213-439 Sagittarius-428-324-859-839*Capricorn-105-607-327-549
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THE VAULT WIN-4
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FEBRUARY VIBRATIONS 891-145-549-096-326-437-228252-202-333 Bee’s Best Pics! 731-395-307-870-475-782-701-594 MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH!
300-000-666-648-711-910-816-123 grandma’s pics 235-409-776-123-509-776
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CHALLENGER HITS
981-989-970-990-080-800 390-196-102-581-752-319408-378-352-126
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SAT 2/6
FRI 2/5
MID-7837 M ID- 4134 MID- 5175 MID-2004 MID- 5269 MID- 8763 MID-3482 EVE-2034 EVE-5995 EVE-0754 EVE-1812 EVE- 9712 EVE-0383 EVE-4658
MID-668 EVE-435
NEW YORK NUMBERS
quick money $$$$ 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-525 583-269-508
MIDDAY 835-Quick Money (bx) 397-GrandMa’s Pi(bx) *831-Number Book (Straight)*
EVENING
816-Ma Ruth (Straight)* 590-Libra (bx) 780-Number Book ((bx) 956-Virgo (bx) 9712 (bx (Feb.4) 9127 (bx-Feb.7)
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
COMPUTER
*EOC Open Computer Lab: 4-8 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021.Wednesdays
FEBRUARY 10, 2010
Balloom Steppin’ West Coast Swing Classes Ballroom Steppin’, West Coast Swing and hot new line dance will be taught February 20, 27 and March 6 at CRUCIAL Center, Moselle and Urban. Call (716) 200-9702 for more information.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13
Talbert Mall Frederick Douglass Tower Valentine’s Party & Dance: 550 Genesee St., 7 p.m. - midnight; $20; (716) 583-1780 for tickets and info. SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14 Miss Barbara’s School of Dance Grand Opening: 4-6 p.m., 1832 Main street. (See ad page. 16) MONDAY FEBRUARY 15 Soulful Discussions Book Club Meeting: 7 p.m., African Cultural Center, 350 Masten Ave. Free and open to all. 884-2013; See Page 3
Tuesdays 12 NOON - 1 P.M.
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 *Tango/Jazz with Orquesta Equinox and Tango maestro Travis Widrick, 2nd Cup, 36 Broadway St., 840-0048, 7 p.m. 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.
ASCAC to Host 27th Annual Conference
The Association for the Study of Classical Civilization (ASCAC) will host its 27th Annual Ancient Kemetic (Egyptian) Studies Conference, March 4-7, 2010 at Benedict College 1600 Harden Street Colombia, S.C. 29204. The theme, “Renewing the Speeches of Those Who Heard: Intergenerational Exchange, Good Speech and Intellectual Warfare for the African Mind”, reflects the words of the organization’s founding president, Dr. Jacob H. Carruthers who said “The rebuilding of our family, 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 advocation maybe.” Baba Jake and a number of our ASCAC elders have made their transition to the ancestor world. As elders it is our mandate to pass on our life experiences to our children through ancestors. All of us are definitely involve in Intellectual warfare for our African Mind. This ASCAC Conference will, “without compromise” ,engage and prompt us to elevated levels of understanding of our mission to recreate a new world with the reascension of an African worldview where the wisdom of our ancestors is heard and constructed for the betterment of ourselves, our next generation, and the whole of humanitarian for all of eternity. For more information contact conference chairperson: Mr. Jerome Boykin (803)237-3086 or Bro. Modell Gault(716)896-1430 or modellgault@yahoo.com
POETRY
*Open Mic Poetry: 6:30-9 p.m.; EM Tea Coffee Cup Café, 80 Oakgrove St.
YOUTH
*EOC Making College Connections: 4-8 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021. Wednesdays *Girl Scouts of America: 5-8 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 8967021. Wednesdays
EXERCISE
10
*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. Ssturdays. FEBRUARY 3, 2010
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FROM THE HEART: Students from Miss Barbara’s School of Dance entertained a cheering crowd at the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Heart Ball on February 6. Dancers Mercedez Roper, Chelsea Prophet, Jada Barnes and Candace Barnes wore Yellow Brick Road inspired costumes and showed off their moves to “Ease On Down the Road,” while Angelica Jones played the role of Dorothy and wowed the crowd with her exciting blend of ballet and modern dance. The girls also served as official greeters at the event and provided a special welcome to everyone coming through the door. Miss Barbara’s School of Dance has served young people for over 40 years. The school’s grand opening celebration and open house will take place Sunday, Feb. 14 from 4-6 p.m. at their new studio located at 1832 Main St. in the Delavan Station Plaza. 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 FEBRUARY 10, 2010
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